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Road Safe NI, Newry Mourne and Down Committee are delighted with the response to their recent Road Safety Poster Competition aimed at Primary 5 children.
The competition is one of a number of road safety campaigns the charity run annually, aimed at this vulnerable road user group throughout the year and the project was supported by Newry Mourne & Down Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSP’s) who helped Road Safe NI local committee volunteers judge the posters for their council district.
Road Safe NI Newry, Mourne & Down Committee Volunteer Tricia O’Neill commented that “Children and young people are a high-risk group on the roads and throughout lockdown, more families and children have been using the roads for exercise, therefore the aim of the competition was to educate children on road safety by encouraging them to think of key road safety messages and develop these through art and creativity. We would like to thank our local PCSP for their continued support of our local road safety projects”.
There were two categories to choose from, hand drawn category & digital category and the judges were so impressed by the high standard of the entries, they found it difficult to choose the top four winners for their district.
Congratulations to the four winners selected for the Newry Mourne & Down Council District; Paraic McGenity, Georgia McGinn, Eibhlin McKeown and Emily McMinn.
The winning posters from the local competition were then entered into Road Safe NI’s regional poster competition along with other district competition winners across Northern Ireland and posters were chosen by regional competition sponsors Drivetech (from the AA) and winners received a Regional prize. Congratulations to Paraic McGenity who won joint 1st place in the Northern Ireland regional competition and has received a £100 Amazon gift voucher prize.
Posters entered into the competition will be utilised by the charity and partner organisations to promote Road Safety throughout the year through social media platforms and other projects.
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Engineering student Daniel Forde, has been awarded the inaugural title of ‘Overall SRC Student of the Year’ at the recent SRC Student Recognition Awards. This award was generously sponsored by awarding body ‘OCN Northern Ireland’.
Daniel, from Portadown, has just completed the second year of a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at the College’s Newry campus. At the College’s annual Student Recognition Awards, which had to be held online this year due to restrictions on gatherings, Daniel received the Special Achievement Award within the Faculty of Building Technology & Engineering. All faculty award winners were then considered, to decide who would be crowned Overall SRC Student of the Year. Daniel was chosen as the very worthy winner by the College’s senior curriculum staff.
During his time at SRC, Daniel has proven to be a hard-working, conscientious student. His lecturers report that while at times he may have found the course challenging, he displayed a continual determination to achieve. His attendance at both online and on campus teaching sessions was excellent, and he coped extremely well in what has been a challenging year for all our students. His lecturers remarked that Daniel always actively participated in class and demonstrated significant maturity in verifying his understanding and seeking clarification. Throughout his two years at SRC, Daniel has formed a close group of likeminded students who work to support and encourage each other. This demonstrates his wisdom and synergy in learning.
The overall student of the year title was sponsored by OCN Northern Ireland and Daniel received his prize of a HP 14" Chromebook and accessories.
On receiving his award Daniel commented: “I am delighted to be awarded the first ever SRC Overall Student of the Year award. This has been achieved through hard work and dedication to my course and with the help of SRC staff. I would like to thank SRC for the excellent teaching and support that I have received over the past 2 years and also thank OCN Northern Ireland for their generous sponsorship of this award. This laptop will be extremely useful to me as I progress to study a higher education course”.
Daniel has already been active in his future career development and has sought out employers to facilitate his progression onto the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronic Engineering at SRC in September 2021. We have no doubt that Daniel will continue to use and develop his skillset and continue to achieve.
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Students find out their A Level and AS Level results today although like last year it has been very different with no exams held and results decided via teacher assessments.
Congratulating the students Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has acknowledged the exceptional circumstances in which they have been awarded.
The percentage of students receiving the highest grades continued to increase, with 50.8% of A Level entries awarded the highest grades of A*- A, a 7.5 percentage point increase on previous outcomes. The percentage of students achieving grades A* to E was similar to 2020: with over 99% of students being awarded these grades.
Minister McIlveen said: “I wish to congratulate all the young people who have received their A Level results today. These outcomes reflect the assessments made by the people who know you best, your teachers.
“I appreciate the past few months have been particularly challenging but our young people have demonstrated a determination not to let this pandemic put their lives on hold. Today, they have been awarded qualifications which reflect their hard work and will enable them to move forward confidently with their future plans.
“Teachers and school leaders had a very difficult job to do and I want to express my appreciation for their hard work and commitment to their students in challenging circumstances.”
Following the cancellation of exams in January, the Department and the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) worked with school leaders, trade unions, employing authorities and the Education and Training Inspectorate to put in place alternative awarding arrangements.
To support schools and colleges in Northern Ireland, CCEA provided extensive guidance and training and external quality assurance ensured grades were determined appropriately.
Concluding the Minister said: “All of our young people have shown incredible resilience throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. I am confident that this year’s alternative awarding arrangements were the best available in the circumstances. I hope that young people will now move forward confidently to their next step in education, employment or training.”
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Three local graduates are off to study in the USA this month after being accepted for the Study USA programme.
Ciara Jones from Newry, Áine Cunningham from Kilkeel and Daniel Murray from Rostrevor will be among 61 students from across Northern Ireland on the Study USA programme, which enables students to study business or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) subjects for a year in American colleges, across 28 States, helping to develop their career prospects when they return to Northern Ireland.
The British Council, which is the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, manages Study USA on behalf of the Department for the Economy – and since its formation in 1994, the initiative has sent over 2000 students from Northern Ireland to all four corners of the United States.
Ciara (21), from Newry, is a previous pupil at St. Paul’s High School Bessbrook and has recently graduated from Ulster University. She will spend her year in the US at Bellarmine University, Kentucky.
Speaking ahead of her departure, she said: “I decided to participate in the Study USA programme not just solely for the amazing travel opportunity but to step out of my comfort zone and expand my skills set. This once in a lifetime opportunity will provide me with valuable international experience and allow me to become a more unique candidate for future employers. I believe Study USA will help me develop as a whole; I will gain independence and become more adaptable while also gaining knowledge in new subjects.
“I am currently still considering my options for when I return from America - I might seek a legal professional role or complete a masters.”
Meanwhile, Áine (21), is from Kilkeel and an ex-pupil at St Louis Grammar School. A graduate of Queen’s University in Law and Politics, she is off to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana.
She said: “I applied for Study USA as I’ve always felt a longing to go out and explore the world and have always been drawn to the US, as it is a melting pot of culture.
“I’m nervous about making new friends as I am naturally quite a shy and reserved person until I feel comfortable around people – however, I’m so excited to be able to push myself out of my comfort zone, develop my confidence and share my craic! “
Fellow 21-year-old Daniel Murray is from Rostrevor and a former pupil of St. Colman's College, Newry. A Law graduate from Queen’s, he is heading to Saint Martin's University in Washington.
He said: “I wanted to take part in the programme to study under a new discipline, increase my employability, have a new experience, and develop my interpersonal skills. This will make me more qualified, with business experience to compliment my Law degree. My hope to make good connections in America and come back as a better version of myself.”
The Study USA programme was postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but with current conditions, it has been decided that the programme can proceed this academic year.
Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland, said: “This has been a challenging year for our students, and we are delighted that they will be able to take part in the programme this coming academic year. They will join a growing alumni of students to act as ambassadors for Northern Ireland and our institutions, developing important long-term links and connections between the two countries. Through international mobility programmes like Study USA, students are able to enhance their employability skills and also obtain greater intercultural understanding, helping to prepare them for work in a global economy. We wish this year’s students every success, and trust that new connections and friendships will be developed in the year ahead.”
Study USA continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching. To find out more about their work in Northern Ireland visit NIRELAND.BRITISHCOUNCIL.ORG or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
Applications for Study USA 2022/23 will open in late Autumn.
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Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School, Newry Principal Mr Sean Sloan has congratulated all their leavers following the A Level results of 2021. 97% of the students achieved Grades from A* to C!
Virtually every boy achieved his first choice university place which is an incredible achievement.
The Principal was also delighted with the Lower Sixth performance in their AS examinations and he paid tribute first and foremost to the students on the results of their hard work and endeavours.
Sloan also thanked parents, families and the whole school staff for the dedication and support to the students to allow them to fulfil their potential in these very challenging times.
Students who achieved3 or 4 A*/A grades at A level included: Conor Boyle, Conlin Bradley, Conor Burns, Callum Byrne, Kyle Byrne, Caolan Coffey, Sean Conlon, Joseph Connolly, Padraig Corrigan, Pierce Daly, Gary Dinsmore, Michael Fairgrieve, Francis Farrell, Daniel Fearon, Sean Fitzgerald, Rory Foster, Ronan Galloghly, Eoin Geoghegan, Caolan Gormley, Eoin Hughes, Tiernan Kearns, Micheal Kelly, Hareth Khan, Daniel King, Hugh Larkin, Aidan Lavery, Odhran Markey, Luke McAleenan, Bryan McAvoy, Patrick Mc Carthy, Joseph McEvoy, Odhran Mc Givern, John Mc Govern, Keith Mc Grath, Tomas Mc Kay, Orin Mc Keown, Finnin Mc Loughlin, Aaron Melody, Ryan Mulgrew, Odhran Murdock, Odhran O’Kane Aaron O’Neill, Jakub Palis, Ethan Patterson, Cillian Quinn, Eoin Reel, James Russell, Dean Shevlin, Jack Shields, Callum Small, John Taylor, Shane Thornton, Cormac Toal, Roan Toner, Caolan Whitmarsh.
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Fifth year students at the Abbey Christian Brothers’ Grammar School, Newry are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results yesterday, 12 August.
A delighted Headmaster, Mr Sean Sloan, congratulated all the students who received their GCSE results after five year’s hard work in the Abbey.
100% of the year group succeeded in gaining seven or more passes at GCSE, with 98% achieving passes in 9 or more subjects. and an incredible 49 students achieved 9A*/A grades or above, with two students achieving an incredible 11 and 12A*!
The Principal paid tribute to his hard working staff, both teaching and support staff and thanked them for all their efforts and dedication to the welfare of their students. He also acknowledged the strong school-parental links that helped the boys to achieve their best in these very challenging times.
Students that achieved at least 9 or more A*/A grades in their GCSE examinations included: Ronan Burns, Sean Burns, Niall Gallagher, Ronan Carragher, Michael Hearty, Patrick Larkin, Patrick Mackin, Luke McKeveney, Eoin Murtagh, Harry O’Hare, David Ruddy, Peter Sands, Sean Taheny, Ciaran Tiernan, Eoin Tohill, Shareth Vadiyala, Odhran Bradley, Adam Bull, Eoin Cassidy, Cormac Cassidy, Thomas Colhoun, Aodhan Donnelly, Pearce Hanratty, Lorcan Keane, David Kehoe, Aodh MacMurchaidh, Matthew McAleavey, Cathal McEvoy, Harry McGreevy, Setanta McPolin, Ethan Quigley, Paul Trimby, Tiernan Brecknell, Eamonn Donnelly, Francis Duffy, Aaron Foy, Gio Fallone, Desmond Gallagher, Odhran Graham, Pierce Harris, Tiernan Hurley, Christopher Kearney, Mark McArdle, Thomas McCrink, Philip McGovern, Miah Luman, Caolan O’Hare, Jamie Powell and Ethan Saunders.
Assembly Member Justin McNulty congratulated local students who have received their exam results.The Newry & Armagh MLA has said, ‘I want to offer my congratulations to all students who have received exam results this week. Waiting on results can be an incredibly stressful experience, particularly in recent times because of the huge changes in the way exams have been conducted and education has been delivered’
‘For students who have got the results they wanted and are now progressing to the next step in their educational journey, I wish them every success. Equally, I think it is important for young people to remember that exam results do not define you, so what may seem like a major setback right now might actually lead you onto a big opportunity on down the line.
‘However your results turned out – stay positive and keep moving forward.’
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Economy Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a new Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at Southern Regional College (SRC), with 12 training places.
The College, in conjunction with the Department for the Economy are offering an opportunity for individuals to receive industry standard welding training that will provide them with the skills to take up potential welding roles with companies in Newry, Portadown and the surrounding area participating in the Academy.
This recruitment is for 12 individuals for one of three Academies planned over the remainder of this financial year and follows on quickly from a similar Collaborative Welding Academy in June and July.
Welcoming the Academy, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “I am pleased to announce this collaborative Assured Skills Welding Academy at Southern Regional College.
“With welding skills in such high demand, businesses in the local engineering and fabrication sectors are continually seeking new people with these specialist skills. This collaborative approach at Southern Regional College will enable participants to gain valuable skills and, on successful completion, to receive a Level 2 City & Guilds welding qualification which will give them a great opportunity to pursue a rewarding career.
“With no previous experience in welding required and £155 per week training allowance provided to participants on the Academy, I urge anyone who is interested to apply.”
The pre-employment Academy consists of a seven week intensive training course during which participants will study a Level 2 City and Guilds Award in MIG Welding Skills. Following completion of the training, participants will be guaranteed an interview to take up a welding position at one of the participating companies.
Brian Doran, Principal and CEO of Southern Regional College, said: “SRC is delighted to be working in partnership with DfE to offer this fantastic opportunity for people to learn the skills they need to start a rewarding career in welding. We are pleased to partner with five local manufacturing/engineering businesses who will provide real-world training consolidation and experience to participants on this upcoming Academy, with the guarantee of a job interview for those who complete the course.”
Subject to any COVID regulations or restrictions in place at the time, the Academies will be delivered over seven weeks as follows:
This opportunity is not open to anyone currently employed within the manufacturing and engineering sector and all applicants must be at least 18 years old by Monday 4 October 2021 and currently eligible to work in the UK.
Applications are welcome from those who meet the criteria irrespective of religious belief, political opinion, age, sexual orientation, disability, race, marital status, gender, whether or not they have dependents and women returning to the workforce. For more information and details on how to apply visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/assured-skills
The online application form must be completed by 12.00 noon on Friday 3 September 2021.
For further information please email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk
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The anxious time for many A Level and BTEC students waiting on results across the Armagh, Down and Newry areas has now passed and if you still haven’t secured a place on a higher education course, it is still not too late!
Southern Regional College (SRC), NI’s largest further and higher education college outside of Belfast, continues to offer anyone free, impartial, confidential and tailored careers advice should you still not have secured your place on a higher education course.
Frank McCourt, Careers Manager at SRC said, “The SRC’s Careers Service is very keen to help guide any client through those vital next steps after students have received their A Level and BTEC results. Our team offers professional, impartial careers advice and guidance and is available to prospective SRC students and parents, as well as everyone living in the local community.”
He goes on to say; “We would be delighted to help students look at their post-18 options and are thinking of coming to Southern Regional College. With campuses located in Armagh, Banbridge, Lurgan, Newry and Portadown, we are ideally located throughout the area enabling you to potentially access a higher education course right on your doorstep without having to incur the ‘living away from home costs’ which many students have to bear.”
Southern Regional College has places still available on a wide variety of higher education courses - so, it’s not too late and you can still apply directly to SRC!
To apply, you can access the most update list of higher education courses with places still available on our website via this link: WWW.SRC.AC.UK
When you have accessed this list, simply click on the course link which you are interested in and this will take you to the relevant course page on our website – make your application by hitting the 'Apply Now' button under the course title on the top section of the page. Once you have submitted your application, we will be in touch to offer you a place on your chosen course.
If you need any advice or support, please contact any member of our Course Hotline Team on Tel: 028 3025 9614 who would be delighted to help guide you to securing your place on a university level course.
Frank concluded, “At SRC, we understand that choosing the next step on your learning journey can be a daunting and anxious time for young people who may not be aware of all the courses and learning opportunities available to them. It is important to remember that there are always options available to you and we are keen to ensure that you make informed choices. Our careers advisors can help guide you through this journey to help you see for yourself what options are available to you.”
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Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons, recently launched Skill Up, a new initiative to deliver free training places, in an investment of up to £23million.
Supported by the Northern Ireland Office, Skill Up will fully fund the local further education colleges and universities to deliver approximately 15,000 training places in over 250 subject areas for qualifications ranging from Level 2 up to Level 7.
Launching Skill Up the Minister said: “I am very pleased to announce Skill Up. With support from the Northern Ireland Office, my Department will fully fund around 15,000 training places across the local FE colleges and universities over the next three years, representing an investment of up to £23million. Up to 7,000 places will be available in the first year.
“Since May 2020 my Department has funded more than 7,000 training places for people whose careers were affected by the pandemic. These courses were fully taken up and helped many people to upskill and reskill to boost their career prospects and employability. Skill Up will build on that success, with courses even more accessible – if you meet the entry criteria, you can apply.
The Minister added: “Investing in skills is a key facet of the economic recovery, post-pandemic. Skill Up will invest in courses that are directly linked to priority areas for future economic growth, meaning people can equip themselves with the skills they need for jobs in new and emerging sectors, in line with my Department’s 10X Economic Vision and Skills Strategy.”
Northern Ireland Secretary, Brandon Lewis, said: “I am delighted to announce the three-year programme, Skill Up – The Flexible Skills Fund. This programme, made possible through a £15m investment from the UK Government, with up to £8m contributed from the Department for the Economy, again shows the UK Government's commitment to supporting and protecting the interests of people and businesses in Northern Ireland, and levelling-up across the United Kingdom.
“Such investment will boost the skills of the people of Northern Ireland and reduce the skills imbalance in key growth areas such as Digital, Green Technologies, Life and Health Sciences, Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering and Health and Social Care.
“It will also support a range of educational opportunities from entry level to master’s qualifications, at no cost to the individual. This will be particularly welcomed by those whose employment was impacted by Covid-19 and who, thanks to UK Government ambitions, will have the opportunity to gain new skills leading to better employment opportunities.
“This significant announcement is part of the wider £400million New Deal for Northern Ireland fund that will foster economic growth and build a stable and prosperous future for Northern Ireland.”
Tracy Rice, Head of Business Engagement at SRC commented “We welcome the Skill Up investment and the opportunities it will provide for people to upskill and reskill at SRC. This support will help many people to take steps to improve their skills and employability and ultimately contribute to the recovery of the Northern Ireland economy.” She continued “Courses are free and are available in a diverse range of areas such as Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, Childcare, Computing, Digital Marketing, Green Technologies, Health and Social Care, Leadership and Management, Life and Health Science and Graduate Programmes. Applications for a number of the courses are now open and can be accessed on the SRC website on www.src.ac.uk/tm-courses/flexible-skills-fund.”
For further information, contact SRC’s Business Support team today on 028 3839 7778 or email betterbusiness@src.ac.uk
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