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On Wednesday 25 May, Southern Regional College hosted the Celebration of Success Awards at Armagh City Hotel. This event aims to recognise the excellence of their further education and work-based learning students. Family, friends, students and staff all came together to help celebrate the students’ achievements.
Awards were presented to students who excelled academically within their faculty, achieved success through extracurricular activities and those who have worked hard and went the extra mile in terms of fundraising or demonstrating inclusivity. It was great to see a diverse range of individuals from all subject areas being presented with awards.
SRC’s Curriculum Director, Keith Kilpatrick, hosted this year’s event and speeches were given by our Head of Facilities as well as Matthew McKeown, a former Higher Level Apprenticeship student in Digital Marketing who shared his inspirational story and outlined how SRC has been a catalyst to his successful career. The event also included SRC performing arts students providing entertainment through song and dance.
An SRC Spokesperson said "Congratulations to all students both runners up and winners. It was great to see a diverse range of talent and skills recognised at Southern Regional College. Each and every one of you should be extremely proud of your achievements."
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After consultation with stakeholders in the Kilkeel Harbour area, Southern Regional College (SRC) has developed the Harbour Skills & Jobs project which aims to promote lifelong learning, growth, and job-based recovery in Kilkeel area. SRC has been very fortunate to have gained funding from SEAFLAG to run this project and deliver a new innovating job funding programme in the Kilkeel area.
The South East Area Fishers Local Action Group (SEAFLAG), launched in 2018 and was awarded £2.3m to deliver community-led local development in the Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavoige. The SEAFLAG Development Strategy has been developed to help sustain Northern Ireland fishing communities, invest in skills, create jobs, and enhance the environment.
SEAFLAG has been established to provide support for the sustainable development of the fisheries area. SEAFLAG seeks to address the social and economic issues in the fishing dependent communities through the development of community and private sector capacity to initiate deliver and manage sustainable projects.
This project will run in in partnership with Clanrye Training Group and collaborate with local businesses, Jobs and Benefits and other stakeholders. The motive behind this project is to address the gap in skills across many industries and attract local people to consider a change in career or possibly kickstart their career journey!
The project will consist of a 12-week paid training and placement programme for 16 lucky individuals in areas such as Business, ICT, Marine Engine & Engineering, Food Technology, Graphic Design and much more!!
One week one, individuals will attend SRC to receive the underpinning knowledge and skills to better equip them for their workplace and in doing so will gain an accredited training course.
SRC and Clanrye Group will work with each employer throughout the 12-week programme to ensure students are gaining invaluable skills and knowledge that are necessary to progress them into possible employment. Students may be afforded the opportunity to secure full time employment after the programme is completed.
If you are interested in the project or would like to find our more, please contact the following individuals:
Jim Cunningham
T: 07711981732
E: cunninghamj@src.ac.uk Or
Lesley Hamilton
T: 07841 102846
E: hamiltonl@src.ac.uk
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Staff and pupils of St Malachy’s Primary School, Carnagat had a double celebration today, 13 June, when they were the recipients of two prestigious awards.
During the awards ceremony the school choir performed and pupils showcased many other initiatives the school has undertaken to promote self- esteem and managing feelings including Roots of Empathy, the Bolster ‘Friends for Life’ programme, ’The Little Sunflower’ programme and ‘Build to Express.’ The event ended with a wonderful rendition of Reach for the Stars, something these pupils will certainly do.
Guests from the Education Authority and Barnardo's were joined by Mickey Brady, MP and Liz Kimmins, MLA.
The Marjorie Boxall Quality Mark award for excellence in Nurture Provision was presented to the Nurture unit known as ‘The Happy Hub’ by Sean Irving (EA) Regional Manager for Nurture.
The SEL Worldwide Model School award, presented for exceptional delivery of the PATHS® Programme for Schools (NI Version) was presented by Mairead Ewart (Programme Manager Barnardo’s) and Mrs Martina Luiten (Programme co-ordinator Barnardo’s.)
The event marked the closing of a three day celebration of Nurture which included a whole school big breakfast, a cake sale and bake off, and a pre-loved book and toy sale.
School Principal Miss Mary Creegan commented that ‘since its formation The Happy Hub has catered for 44 pupils and has benefited many more of our older pupils who attended key stage 2 Nurture clubs. The PATHs programme has greatly enhanced our efforts in becoming a Nurturing school. There have been many measurable improvements in our pupils in terms of behaviour and greater confidence and self-esteem. All staff have embraced the language and principles of Nurture and the Happy hub has become the core of our entire school community.
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No less than six first-class honours and seven 2:1 classifications have been conferred on Students studying on the BA (Hons) Degree in English and History at Southern Regional College’s, Newry campus.
This is an outstanding accomplishment for the students who have come from different educational backgrounds prior to starting the degree programme at the College. To mark their achievement and celebrate their success, the College hosted a ‘Course Carnival’ on Thursday 26th May at the College’s Graduate Restaurant in Newry. The carnival saw attendance from SRC staff, both past and present, alongside students, their families, and friends. The graduands were invited to speak to others about their experience on the degree programme and there were lots of fun activities including quizzes, poetry, a book swap, and light refreshments.
The graduands will be officially conferred with their degrees at the College’s Higher Education Graduation Ceremony on 2 September and many hope to continue their educational journey by applying to Masters programmes within Northern Ireland and around the globe. Others hope to move into lecturing roles and other new employment opportunities.
Speaking at the event Dr Liz Finnigan, Course Director for the BA (Hons) English & History said “The final gradings conferred provide a reflection on the hard work, determination and effort that our students put into achieving their final marks. It’s a remarkable achievement for each individual student and I wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”
The BA (Hons) English & History is taught at SRC and validated by Liverpool John Moores University. It allows students to undertake higher level study in a range of disciplines across English Literature and History as well as helping them acquire the related intellectual, professional, and transferable skills needed to secure employment or progress to Masters level study and onwards. Students are given the opportunity to engage in several enrichment activities including involvement in the delivery of an international academic conference and contributing to academic research projects.
To find out more information on this course please visit the Southern Regional College website www.src.ac.uk or call the College on 0300 123 1223.
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A great fun day was had by all at yesterday's St Malachy's Primary School, Newry Sports Day held at the wonderful new facility of Thomas Davis GAC, Corrinshego.
Pupils, Teachers and Classroom Assistants all joined in the fun from 11am with some fierce competetive streaks displayed from quite a few of the pupils while proud parents looked on.
Between the Sack Race, the Egg and Spoon Race, running, pucking out, tennis, football and many other events there was no shortage of activity with everyone involved.
There was also plenty of snacks and refreshments on offer with a stall from the TEN Foundation selling schoolbags and other items.
Despite some showers of rain on the day it was the start of a great wind-down for all to the summer holidays in just a few weeks time.
Make sure you check out our photographs from the day below and if you want to order either a full resolution digital copy or a print feel free to use the shopping cart facility! Contat us on web@newry.ie if you have any difficulties
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Young people on the Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agencies, Work4Uplus2 programme (funded by the BIG lottery Community Fund) recently attended a graduation and activity day in Formula Karting at Greenbank in Newry to celebrate their many achievements throughout the year.
Pauline Coghlan, Work4Uplus2 programme manager, said: “We are very proud of the young people’s achievements this year, as they have experienced two years of disruption and isolations due to the COVID pandemic!
Those who could attend the event received their portfolios containing details of their achievements, with many of the young people gaining qualifications in ICT Level 1, Emergency First Aid, Food Hygiene in catering, The Hour of Code and many others.
We had six awards presented to young people for Full Attendance, and three special awards for those most improved since starting on Work4UPlus2
Everyone involved in the programme is very proud of the young people’s achievements and wish them every success with their future”.
The Work4UPlus2 programme encompasses a series of activities, funded by the Big Lottery, to help young people who need extra support and training to overcome the barriers that stop them getting into education, employment or training, or make it difficult to stay in them.
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Our Lady's Grammar School in Newry is one of ten schools in NI to participate in a new collaborative initiative which aims to empower future female leaders in education, was launched last night at an event in Danske Bank’s Belfast headquarters attended by schools, business people and local leaders.
The SistersIN Leadership Programme has been developed specifically to help sixth form girls build their confidence and broaden their career perspectives. Delivered over eight months, the programme includes bespoke leadership skills training, an in-school leadership project where pupils are able to gain real-life experience, and mentoring from leading females in business and society.
The programme has been developed by the charity SistersIN in partnership with foundation partners Danske Bank, the Education Authority and The James Kane Foundation, and collaboration partner, Women in Business.
The first phase kicks off in September through 10 schools across Northern Ireland, with ambitions to expand the programme to other schools in the future.
Speaking at the launch, Peter Dobbin, Principal of Assumption Grammar School Ballynahinch and Director of SistersIN called on businesses to get behind the initiative. He said:
“The SistersIN journey has the potential to transform the lives of young females by reaching them before they even start their careers - but to achieve this we need to work in partnership with businesses who can help us deliver and scale the programme. We’re looking for businesses who can provide mentors, job shadowing opportunities or funding support.
“It is our hope that, by bringing together some of the most influential people in industry, in education and in life in Northern Ireland, we can create and offer a unique experience to over 400 highly talented and ambitious girls who we have identified as potential future leaders.
“I’d like to welcome the Education Authority, Danske Bank and The James Kane Foundation as our Foundation Partners, and greatly appreciate their support.”
Dame Brenda King, Attorney General for Northern Ireland and Assumption Grammar alumnus, was the guest speaker at the launch event. She said:
“Building confidence and skills in our next generation of women as early as possible is key to developing our future female leaders. Working with real life local role models, the SistersIN initiative will demonstrate the wealth of options open to young women, providing them with the networks and practical skills to achieve their fullest potential. I strongly believe in the power of education to provide opportunity and transform lives and am hugely excited to see the programme expand to provide a bright future for all the participants.”
Aisling Press, Managing Director of Personal Banking at Danske Bank and Assumption Grammar alumnus added “I’m inspired by the vision and ambition of SistersIN to make a real difference in showing our girls that anything is possible and to play our part in enabling a greater representation of women into senior roles across diverse businesses and boards.
“I really believe SistersIN has the potential to scale and bring focus to leadership development, empowerment and belief as part of the education pathway and enable young women to thrive in their future careers. A key component is connecting the girls with business leaders to provide mentorship and build their network in the business community.”
So, we strongly encourage more local businesses to get involved and sign up to mentor the pupils to help them reach their full potential.”
The ten schools participating in 2022-23 are Our Lady’s Grammar School, Ashfield Girls High School, Assumption Grammar School, Glenlola Collegiate, St Cecilia’s College, St Genevieve’s High School, St Ronan’s College, Strathearn School, Thornhill College and Victoria College.
For more information contact the schools or visit www.sisters-IN.org
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Saint Malachy’s Primary School Carnagat enjoyed a Nurturing week earlier this month.
Pupils and staff where treated to a Big Breakfast on the morning of June 9th followed by a pre-loved toy/book sale and a cake and bun sale on June 10th.
KS2 Children were able to participate in a bake off with the winners receiving a voucher for the Quays Newry.
The staff and pupils would like to thank all the local business who supported the events: Downey’s Butchers, Patrick Murphy & sons Butchers, William Baird’s Butchers, Feeley’s Fish and Chip Shop Carlingford, Spar Barcroft, Fiveways, Corn Dolly, The Shelbourne, The Sunray, Dunnes Stores, Supervalu Dublin Road, Supervalu Hill Street, The Velveteen Rabbit, Boyds Store Dundalk and Gavin Malone.
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In June Southern Regional College hosted the Education Authority’s inaugural conference for Area Learning Community Coordinators (ALCS) at their Armagh Campus. The Area Learning Communities (ALCs) are an essential part of the infrastructure for post-primary education in Northern Ireland and play a paramount role in supporting schools by providing mechanisms which allow them to plan the curriculum that will be offered.
Averil Morrow, Interim Assistant Director at the Education Authority, opened the event with an introduction which emphasised the importance of the ALCs within the education system.
Brian Doran, Principal and CEO of Southern Regional College, welcomed representatives from the Department of Education, Department for the Economy, Education Training Inspectorate, and further education colleagues and industry representatives to the College.
The conference's focus was centred around supporting careers with representatives such as Dr Catherine O'Mullan, Chair of the Northern Ireland Further Education Sector Curriculum Directors' Working Group, who spoke about wide ranging opportunities available for 14 – 19-year-olds within Further Education.
Dr Deirdre Hughes, founder of Deirdre Mary Hughes (DMH) Associates, spoke about the outcomes of the 14-19 research, led by her organisation, and commissioned by the Department for the Economy which took a deep delve into careers service provision in NI. This research focused on transforming careers support for young people and adults in Northern Ireland. Dr Hughes gave an overview of the policies and practices that are currently in place within Northern Ireland.
Andrew Cattle from Cascaid, a careers education program, discussed Xello, a new and exciting careers software package for schools, aimed to equip students with knowledge, skills, and planning capabilities to navigate their future. Shane Martin, a chartered psychologist also spoke about the impact of the life restrictions in recent years and the psychology of renewal.
The aim of this event was to highlight research findings to enhance careers delivery for the young people of Northern Ireland.
Keith Kilpatrick, Director of Curriculum at SRC spearheaded the event and said “This conference is a fantastic opportunity to meet with the Area Learning Community Coordinators and reinforce the importance of their role in enabling greater choice and flexibility for our young people across the Southern Region. We will continue to enhance our strong partnerships across the Area Learning Communities and ensure that the FE Sector continues to develop innovative and creative approaches to collaborative working”.
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