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Beaming smiles filled the halls as Sacred Heart Grammar students received their GCSE results. As a joyous occasion, is serves as testament to the collective efforts of the school community.
Mr Shane Comer, Principal of Sacred Heart, said "I would like to recognise the dedication of our incredible staff and the support of parents and guardians helping these young people achieve these results.
"Most importantly, we celebrate the hard work and determination of our students. Your achievements are a source of immense pride for us, and it has been a privilege to witness your growth and success.
"As you move forward, we wish all our students the very best in their future endeavours.
"Whether you choose to continue your studies with us or elsewhere, or embark on your professional journeys, we are confident that you will excel in whatever path you choose. Congratulations to each and every one of you!’
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With GCSE results now out, students may be wondering what their next steps should be. Students can continue to A-level, or consider alternative qualifications, such as Level 3 Advanced Technical Awards and Extended Diplomas on offer at Southern Regional College. Students on these programmes achieved outstanding results on Thursday 15th August 2024, with many securing spots at top universities to progress their career plans.
Advanced Technical Awards and Extended Diplomas at Level 3 are equivalent to three A-levels and offer students the opportunity to study a subject matter in depth. Subject choices at the College are vast with eighteen subjects to choose from including Applied Science, Construction and the Built Environment, Forensic and Criminal Investigation and Uniformed Public and Protective Services. These programmes ensure students have a high standard of knowledge and practical skills, allowing them to progress to degree programmes or employment.
The College had 338 students awaiting results for Advanced Technical Awards or Extended Diplomas this year, with 78 students receiving triple Distinctions, the equivalent to three A grades at A-levels and a further 8 students receiving triple Distinction*, the equivalent to three A* grades.
Students from the Newry campuses with fantastic results include Niamh Byrne from Mayobridge who studied the Applied Science Advanced Technical Award. Niamh is progressing to study Paramedic Science at Edinburgh University this September.
Jack Dougan from Banbridge who studied the Advanced Technical Award in Engineering has secured his place on the Mechanical Engineering degree at Ulster University. Fellow Engineering student Joshua Danks from Kilkeel is returning to SRC to study the Engineering (Mechatronics) Higher Level Apprenticeship having accepted an opportunity to work with Collins Aerospace during his apprenticeship. Likewise, Noah Bennett from Rathfriland who studied the Construction and the Built Environment Advanced Technical Award is returning to study the Construction (Digital Construction Management) Higher Level Apprenticeship following an apprenticeship job offer from Herron Contractors.
Health and Social Care continues to be a popular course of study with many students on this Advanced Technical Award achieving the highest grades. This includes Tamlyn Calvert from Bessbrook, Megan Heslip from Annalong and Paris Mooney from Mayobridge.
During their Art & Design Extended Diploma course, students Alice Totkova from Warrenpoint and Tommy Campbell from Markethill studied a range of art mediums. This included fine art, illustration, photography, textiles, printmaking and animation. Having now completed the Art & Design Extended Diploma, both Alice and Tommy are returning to SRC to undertake the Art & Design Foundation Diploma. Afterwards, both intend on applying for university to specialise in their preferred art medium.
Sport and Exercise student Matthew Morris from Kilkeel is delighted to be progressing onto a Health Physiology course at Ulster University this September.
Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented:
“The exceptional results achieved by this year’s level 3 Advanced Technical Award and Extended Diploma students is a testament to their own hard work and dedication and the exceptional teaching and learning provided by our dedicated faculty staff.
SRC is committed to offering alternative pathways for students to progress and excel. Traditional academic study does not suit every learner and the College offer a range of routes to success. When students engage with subjects they are passionate about, they inevitably thrive and succeed. Advanced Technical Awards and Extended Diplomas provide this valuable opportunity.
We are thrilled with the achievements of all our students, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming our new students in September.”
Students interested in studying at Southern Regional College’s, should visit the College’s website (www.src.ac.uk) for a full listing of courses post GCSE. Applications are accepted online.
Those interested can also contact the admissions team on 0300 123 1223 or email admissions@src.ac.uk.
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Economy Minister Conor Murphy is calling on all who are interested to apply for the latest Assured Skills Collaborative Welding Academy at Southern Regional College (SRC).
SRC is collaborating with six local companies in Newry and the surrounding area to offer 12 people the opportunity to receive industry standard welding skills. The companies include BM Steel, Newry; O’Hare Steel, Newry; Exact Group, Newry; SFM Engineering, Keady; Alternative Heat, Banbridge and Dawson Manufacturing & Engineering, Craigavon.
Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, this Assured Skills Academy will see successful applicants receive six weeks’ intensive training at SRC’s dedicated training facility in Portadown where they will study City & Guilds Level 2 MIG Welding Qualification. Applicants require no experience or qualifications.
Participants who successfully complete the full training course will be guaranteed a job interview.
Encouraging all who are interested to apply, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: “With no experience required, this Academy is an excellent opportunity for those who are just starting out on their career journey. It is also an opportunity for those who wish to retrain or return to the workforce.
“The engineering sector is hugely important to our local economy. People with welding skills are in high demand in our engineering and manufacturing sector, as demonstrated by the number of local companies supporting this Assured Skills Academy with Southern Regional College.
“With the opportunity to receive industry standard welding training that will provide the skills to take up potential welding roles with companies in Newry and the surrounding area, I urge all who are interested to apply.”
Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College Lee Campbell spoke of the opportunities this programme offers: “We are delighted to announce this fully funded Assured Skills Academy in collaboration with the Department for the Economy and local industry.
“This comprehensive and intensive six-week MIG welding programme offers participants industry recognised certification and a direct pathway to employment. By bridging the skills gap and enhancing employability, we're not just training welders – we're igniting careers and fuelling our local economy.
“This programme exemplifies our commitment to providing relevant, hands-on education that meets the evolving needs of both our students and local industry. Together, we're forging a stronger, more skilled workforce for a brighter economic future.”
Participants will receive a weekly training allowance of £175 for the duration of the Academy, as well as help with travel and childcare costs.
All applications must be at least 18 years old by Monday 14 October 2024 and eligible to work in the UK at the time of application. By applying for a place on this pre-employment training programme applicants are committing to pursuing a job opportunity with one of the employers supporting the Academy.
Further information on the Welding Academy and how to apply can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk
The online application form must be completed by 12 noon on Friday 13 September 2024.
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One hundred and sixty seven graduates who studied a higher education qualification at Southern Regional College, gathered in the Armagh City Hotel on Friday 30 August 2024 to be officially conferred with their hard earned qualifications. An additional 400 guests, comprising of SRC’s governing body and staff and graduate’s family and friends were also in attendance to witness the fantastic achievement of the class of 2024.
Special guests of honour at graduation were Economy Minister Mr Conor Murphy and guest speaker Miss Rebecca McKinney.
Minister Murphy provided the official welcome to all in attendance at this high profile ceremony saying:
“I was delighted to attend the higher education graduation ceremony for higher education learners at Southern Regional College.
“A thriving higher education sector, with access available through our further education colleges, is critical for a strong, regionally balanced economy which supports people into good jobs or further study.
“I congratulate everyone graduating and wish them every success for the future.”
Rebecca McKinney, well-known Cool FM breakfast presenter swopped the radio mic for the event mic to provide graduates with some valued advice as they embark on their careers saying:
“Learn how to fail. This might sound like a strange place to start, but I feel this is one of the most important things a person can go through. No one succeeds all the time, despite what you may see on TikTok or Instagram. We can learn something invaluable from every failure if we look for it. Reframe your failures as an opportunity for growth and you’ll go far.”
Rebecca continued with “Direction is more important than speed. We live in a world where everything is instant – fame, food, dating. We are constantly told that faster is better, burn out is normal and being busy to breaking point is the only way to succeed. I disagree. The goal is to arrive at the right place, even if it takes longer than expected.
“Congratulations all on your incredible achievements!”
Qualifications conferred included degrees, level 7 post graduate qualifications, foundation degrees and higher level diplomas and certificates. Those studying higher education at SRC are hugely committed to their studies with graduates travelling to SRC from as far afield as Ballycastle, Crumlin, Omagh and the Republic of Ireland alongside the huge numbers attending SRC living in the southern region.
Many of those graduating have already secured employment or are going onto even higher study, either at the College, or further afield.
Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College spoke of her pride at the students’ achievements.
“It is with immense pride that I congratulate today’s graduates as they take one of life’s pivotal steps. I offer my warmest congratulations on their academic successes – the culmination of many years of dedication and hard work.
"Through significant effort and fortitude, our graduates have all achieved something remarkable and today we have had the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on those achievements.
"Learning is a lifelong journey and I urge our graduates to never stop seeking knowledge, embracing new challenges or striving to understand something new.
"I wish each and every one of the SRC graduates good fortune in their future endeavours. "
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Eight special awards were presented to students at Southern Regional College’s 2024 Graduation ceremony last week.
The presentations were made by guest speakers Economy Minister Conor Murphy and Cool FM presenter Rebecca McKinney and awards included seven faculty awards, for full-time and part-time courses across SRC’s four faculties and the all-important Outstanding Classmate Award, an award where students nominated a well deserving peer.
Winning the 2024 Outstanding Classmate Award was Michelle McParland from Belleeks. Michelle received several nominations, testament to her worthiness for the award. Michelle consistently dedicated herself to the role of class representative for the BA (Hons) English and History degree, ensuring that all class needs were heard. Michelle also provided steadfast support to her peers, especially during times of stress or overwhelm.
Students winning awards from the Faculty of Computing, Design and Academic Studies were Caolan McQuaid and Jailson Embalo. Caolan graduated from the Creative Media Production – Film Higher National Diploma having achieved distinctions across all units. Caolan excelled himself during his studies, always being a willing learner and engaging with project based learning projects in the College’s Design Centre. Testament to his willingness to participate in projects, Caolan has since gained employment in film production with Big Mountain Productions.
Jailson Embalo from Portadown graduated with the Foundation Degree in Science in Computing. Jailson studied this course through the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme where he undertook work based learning with his employer Almac Group four days a week, with one day spent in College learning theory. This approach to learning enabled Jailson to have a work/life balance whilst gaining a qualification. On his nomination for the part-time student award, Jailson’s tutor noted, “Jailson is very approachable, knowledgeable and always keen to get involved. A truly remarkable, consistent student who has genuinely excelled at everything over the last three years.”
Students from the Health and Social Care Faculty recognised by their lecturers include Elisha Hall and Linzie Haire.
Elisha who studied the Ulster University Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care completed a placement working with individuals with additional needs, delivering a service plan to advance the needs of these individuals. Not content with this, Elisha additionally developed a mindfulness programme, again for individuals with additional needs, which proved to be a hit amongst participants.
Linzie Haire proudly graduated with a BA (Hons) English & History degree from Liverpool John Moores University. Throughout her academic journey Linzie distinguished herself with her academic prowess, insatiable curiosity and enthusiasm for acquiring knowledge in areas beyond taught materials, making her a fantastic student to teach due to her thirst for knowledge.
As a mature student, Linzie’s story is particularly inspiring. She returned to education through an Access Diploma in Adult Learning. These Diploma’s provide a broad education experience and offers a route to Higher Education. Her success demonstrates that it is never too late to pursue one’s academic dreams.
Students within the Faculty of Professional Services scooping up awards include full-time student Julie Bicker from the Level 5 Foundation Degree in Sport and Exercise and part-time BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise student Jack-Daniel Magill. Both achieved spectacular marks for their studies, working exceptionally hard. For Jack-Daniel what is more impressive is achieving his first-class honours whilst holding down a full-time job, a difficult task requiring skills in multi-tasking and prioritisation. Noteworthy is Jack-Daniel's final dissertation covering the influence of family’s socioeconomic status on sporting participation.
In the final faculty, Building, Technology and Engineering the noteworthy winner was Banbridge graduate Michael McKey. Michael previously successfully completed the Foundation Degree in Mechatronics before progressing to the Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. Michael undertook the Bachelors Degree as part of the Higher Level Apprenticeship programme, working as a Higher Level Apprentice with Collins Aerospace.
Lee Campbell, Interim Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College spoke of her pride at the students’ achievements.
“It is with immense pride that I congratulate today’s graduates as they take one of life’s pivotal steps. I offer my warmest congratulations on their academic successes – the culmination of many years of dedication and hard work.
"Through significant effort and fortitude, our graduates have all achieved something remarkable and today we have had the opportunity to celebrate and reflect on those achievements. Learning is a lifelong journey and I urge our graduates to never stop seeking knowledge, embracing new challenges or striving to understand something new."
Mr Campbell concluded "I wish each and every one of the SRC graduates good fortune in their future endeavours."
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CFA @ NCAD is delighted to partner with Creative Spark in neighbouring Dundalk to launch a brand new ‘Professional Diploma in Digital Making’ - a hands-on programme introducing learners from all backgrounds to a range of digital fabrication processes. This diploma is the first of its kind and will be accredited by NCAD and co-delivered by Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab in Dundalk.
On this fast-paced 1-year programme participants will learn to design and utilise foundational digital fabrication tools. It will enable learners to harness the opportunities opened up by digital, technological and ecological fabrication.
The Diploma will commence in November 2024 and will be taught through a hybrid format with some lectures delivered online, and in person sessions taking place in the Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab in Dundalk. It will be delivered by academic staff and technologists who are leading practitioners and researchers in their specialist fields.
Sarah Glennie, Director of NCAD said “The Professional Diploma is centred on contemporary creative practice and discourse. In today's digital era, the importance of understanding, interrogating, and mastering our tools cannot be overstated. These tools are not just external entities but pivotal instruments that shape our thoughts, aspirations, and interactions. This programme seeks to instil an attitude of proactive engagement and curiosity, equipping participants with the mindset needed for innovative digital making which is so important to the next generation of NCAD learners and meeting the rapidly evolving needs of Ireland's creative industries”.
Sarah Daly, Executive Director, Creative Spark commented “Our Creative Spark Enterprise FabLab was launched last year and is a state-of-the-art technical prototyping and fabrication space that offers a large fully equipped lab for learners interested in digital fabrication. Participants on this programme will conceptualise, design and fabricate their own tools for research that will be employed in their own creative practices and processes. We are delighted to be collaborating with CFA and NCAD to accredit this valuable future-skills qualification for artists, designers, makers, researchers and creative practitioners”.
Louise Allen, Director of Creative Future Academy, noted at the launch: “The Diploma in Digital Making is one of many new and exciting short courses coming on stream in the Autumn from CFA. The partnership with Creative Spark is very welcome, it demonstrates how Higher Education providers can work together with industry and enable access to a wider range of creatives and business professionals interested in extending their digital-making skills. The state-of-the-art Fab-Lab facilities at Creative Spark in Dundalk, together with prototyping and fabrication equipment at the William Walsh studio in NCAD, will provide unparalleled access to laser, 3D-print, CNC milling, casting, and electronics technologies. The diploma is led by industry and academic experts and is sure to develop Ireland's digital capabilities of the future”.
For more information visit: www.creativefuturesacademy.ie
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The Governing Body of Southern Regional College has appointed Mrs Lee Campbell as its new Principal and Chief Executive.
Mrs Campbell has been a member of the Colleges Executive Team since November 2021 playing a key role in the strategic direction and financial management of the College, as Director of Finance and Planning, and latterly as Interim Principal and Chief Executive since February 2024.
Mrs Campbell has made a significant contribution to the College’s business planning processes meeting current and emerging economic demands for upskilling and reskilling individuals, alongside maintaining and improving governance and financial controls since joining the College in 2021.
Mrs Campbell, a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland brings significant leadership and management experience in executive and non-executive roles in both private and public sector bodies.
Mrs Campbell, as the first female in the role, is committed to adopting a collaborative and outward-looking approach in her role as Principal and Chief Executive. Mrs Campbell, added:
“It is a privilege to take on the leadership of Southern Regional College as the Principal and Chief Executive. The College plays a key role in providing high quality education, training and development opportunities which are vital to build futures for our people and communities and support the implementation of the Minister for the Economy’s Economic Vision.”
“As Principal and Chief Executive I look forward to working in collaboration with the Governing Body, staff, industry and other key stakeholders to lead the college into the next stage of its growth and development. Ensuring the College’s full potential is realised through the delivery of a curriculum that is relevant to today’s students and employers.”
Southern Regional College is one of the largest education providers in the Southern Region, with state-of-the-art campuses located in Armagh, Banbridge, Lurgan, Newry and Portadown. The College operates across the two council areas of Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon, and Newry, Mourne & Down in the southern part of NI.
The College enrols approximately 20,000 students annually and with over 900 members of staff.
Dr Thomas Moore, Chairman of the Governing Body at Southern Regional College commented “On behalf of the governing body of Southern Regional College, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs. Lee Campbell as Principal and Chief Executive Officer, following a comprehensive and competitive external selection process.
Together with the Governing Body, we extend our warmest congratulations to Mrs. Campbell as she assumes this role. We look forward to working closely with Mrs Campbell to ensure the continued success of the College”.
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Past Southern Regional College carpentry and joinery student Isaac Bingham has brought home a Medallion for Excellence in Cabinet Making at the prestigious WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition. Isaac was one of five talented students from Northern Ireland who made up Team UK at this year’s international WorldSkills competition held in Lyon, France. WorldSkills, often referred to as the ‘Skills Olympics’, saw over 1,500 young professionals from 69 countries compete in 62 different skills over four intense days, with more than 250,000 spectators in attendance.
Competing against 22 skilled tradespersons within the Cabinet Making competition, Isaac’s highly commended status was announced in WorldSkills Lyon’s closing ceremony on Sunday 15th September 2024, in the OL Arena in Lyon.
Isaac’s journey to France began with a gold medal at the 2022 WorldSkills UK national competition. This early success earned Isaac a place on team UK and the opportunity to compete at EuroSkills Gdańsk 2023, where he narrowly missed out on a Medallion by three marks.
Determined to succeed in this year’s international competition, Isaac made the brave move to relocate to England for 6 months to be close to Team UK mentors, trainers and industry experts. This significant relocation enabled Isaac to immerse himself in training six days a week while juggling a 40 hour a week job with English employer Monkeywood.
Isaac spent the past week in Lyon, setting up his workstation on the Monday before commencing competition the next day. During the near weeklong competition, Isaac faced mini deadlines throughout, testing his practical, planning and scheduling skills. This required focus and resolve to maintain composure throughout the intense pressure of competition.
Linsday Bronte, Organisational Development Manager at Southern Regional College flew to Lyon to support Isaac at the WorldSkills competition, alongside Gary Mackin, the College’s Head of Faculty for Building, Engineering and Technology.
Lindsay commented “Receiving a Medallion for Excellence is an amazing achievement for Isaac who was competing against twenty-one other Cabinet makers from as far afield as Costa Rica and China. It is so deserved for Isaac to get the recognition he deserves after months of hard work and preparation. All at SRC are extremely proud of Isaac’s determination, resolve and success.”
Speaking on Isaac’s success, Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College further commented “Isaac’s success at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is testament to the dedication and hard work he has displayed. Isaac has shown exceptional commitment to this competition and his profession. Isaac should be immensely proud of his achievements as we are. We wish him all the best in his future career”.
WorldSkills Lyon 2024 took place from 10 -15 September. The next WorldSkills Competition will take in 2026 in Shanghai, China. The next national UK competition will take place in Manchester between 19-22 November 2024.
WorldSkills UK, is a four-nation partnership between education, industry and the UK government. From participating in international WorldSkills competitions, WorldSkills UK embeds world-class training standards across the UK. Pearson, the world’s lifelong learning company is the official partner of Team UK for WorldSkills Lyon 2024.
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Our Lady's Grammar School in Newry have selected their ‘SistersIN’ Leadership Programme cohorts for 2024.
Our Lady's is only local school involved in the programme which aims to foster girls’ leadership capacity and confidence amongst its Sixth Form students. The SistersIN female leadership project is committed to empowering young women through advancing gender equity, inclusiveness and youth development.
The programme offers education and training as well as opportunities to engage in leadership initiatives and build aspiration through exposure so that young women can reach their full potential.
The SistersIN Leadership Programme was an idea born out of Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch under the leadership of Peter Dobbin, Principal, in 2018. The initial programme pilot in 2019 proved to be so successful that it inspired the foundation of a charity to help broaden the impact and reach of the programme to more schools and pupils.
The programme mission is to enable, empower and develop female pupils in Education to become the leaders of tomorrow; to help them discover their full potential & open new possibilities for their professional journeys by building leadership capability and confidence.
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