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Students from Southern Regional College A-Level Government and Politics class attended Stormont last month to engage in healthy debates with 11 schools from across Northern Ireland on “Who is to blame for the slow progress in the peace process?” The debate has proved timely, with the Northern Ireland Assembly passing a motion calling on the voting age for young people in Northern Ireland to be lowered to 16 years. This is encouraging for future generations of young people, who are seeking to be engaged in politics.
The ten students were divided into groups and encouraged to debate views from both sides of the political agenda. During each debate, viewpoints were challenged to demonstrate how bias can easily form arguments and the importance of evidence to support views and counter arguments.
SRC student Kassie Blanton received the opportunity to grill politicians Matthew O’Toole (SDLP) and Robbie Butler (UUP) and did not shy away from the opportunity, making the most of this chance to engage directly with political figures.
The purpose of Friday’s debate and follow up questions to politicians, was participation in Good Relations Week, while also building and enhancing the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of all students who took part. After this healthy debate students were invited to tour the Stormont building which included a visit to the Assembly Chamber.
Friday’s debate and questioning was organised by the UK charity Parallel Histories. Parallel Histories offers students new ways to study the history of conflict, history which is often still contested, controversial and relevant.
Emily Boyd, Lecturer of A-Level Religious Studies and Government and Politics at Southern Regional College commented:
“Taking part in the Parallel Histories Conference was a great experience for our students as they debated topics against peers from other schools. This experience provided students with additional skills in preparing and presenting coherent arguments to support their views”
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Students at Southern Regional College’s (SRC) Newry campus engaged in “We Stand Together – Anti Hate Training” on Thursday 3 October. Training was provided by Victim Support NI and the Police and Community Safety Partnership, with PSNI’s community policing officers from Newry City also speaking to students.
Michael Avila from Victim Support NI commented “Victim Support NI and its Hate Crime Advocacy Service were delighted to provide its #WeStandTogether campaign training to various SRC campuses. The subject of hate crime has become tumultuous in NI recently and we want to make sure that students are well prepared, knowledgeable and resilient to hate related issues if and when they emerge.”
Training focused on defining hate crime, understanding the different protected characteristics of hate crime, trauma and its impact on victims, how to report hate crime and being an 'active bystander'.
Speaking on training provided to students, SRC’s Student Governor James Hutchinson said "I am proud to announce that the College Student Union has partnered with Victim Support NI to deliver their important ‘We Stand Together’ hate crime awareness training across all our campuses. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.
“Hate crime, in any form, has no place in our College or society. By bringing this training to all students, we aim to educate and empower our students to recognise, challenge, and stand against hate in all its manifestations. Victim Support NI’s expertise will provide vital tools to not only raise awareness but also to support those affected.”
Training has been rolled out across SRC’s campuses.
James further added “Our goal is to create a campus community where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of background, identity, or beliefs. Together, we can take meaningful steps towards eliminating hate crime and ensuring a culture of respect and solidarity.”
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Last Thursday 3 October, members of the public, Southern Regional College (SRC) staff and students took to the recording studio in SRC’s Armagh campus to rehearse, record and sing their hearts out to the Oasis single “She’s Electric”, as a fundraiser for the charity Aspire NI.
The event saw staff and students from SRC’s Music Department put out a call on social media for members of the public to come together for one night and create an impromptu chorus crew choir, welcoming both signers and karaoke wannabes alike.
A preview of the single and accompanying video is expected to be released on social media in the coming weeks leading up to Christmas, with the full single being available to purchase, raising vital funds for Aspire NI’s work here in the local area.
Aspire NI works with children and young people in Northern Ireland to support educational attainment where there is low family income or poverty. The Northern Ireland Audit Office reported in March 2024 around a fifth of Northern Irish children live in relative poverty. This has a significant impact on the health, education and economic outcomes of children and young people.
Leading the choir was musician and composer Rachael Power. Rachel has written music for multiple youth choirs and spent the summer in the United States leading choirs at summer camps. The College was delighted to have Rachel’s expertise in leading the chorus crew on Thursday night.
The College’s Music Department has been working with Aspire NI since 2016, with music students playing, singing and recording a Christmas track each year. This year is the first year the Christmas single has been opened up for the public to join.
Over the past three years, the Music Department has raised a total of £2,000 for Aspire NI and is hoping to continue fundraising these vital funds for the charity with this year’s single. The College has developed close links with Aspire NI, with SRC students partnering with Aspire’s young people for educational programmes.
Amy Carson, Music & Performing Arts Production Coordinator at Southern Regional College commented “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Aspire NI once again! It’s always an amazing opportunity when we can get our students involved with the work that Aspire do. Also, a big thank you to Rachael Power for coming down and making us into wonderful choral singers!
We can’t wait for everyone to check out the video when it is released – keep an eye out on socials.”
A special thanks goes out to students who recorded music for the track and those who were studio engineers for the evening. This includes Aaron Beattie (drums), Jos Lennon (bass), Niall Wilson (piano), Joel Clarke (lead guitar), Saran O’Machail (acoustic guitar), James Aulds (rhythm guitar), Ben Cambell (studio engineer) and Eoin Campbell (studio engineer).
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is hosting their annual Primary 7 Cross Country races at Kilbroney Forest Park in Rostrevor this Tuesday 15 October 2024 from 10:30am to 11:30am. Spectators are welcome to come along and cheer on their children and schools.
500 children from 36 Primary Schools will come together to battle it out to see who will be the fastest to cross the finish line and which schools will be ranked the highest in this prestigious competition.
This is a gentle cross-country race aimed at introducing children to outdoor running and children will be encouraged to try to keep pace and push their limits, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Kilbroney Forest Park. It is hoped that through this event children will embrace the outdoors and cross country running, improving their overall fitness and health, and that they will develop a lifelong habit of staying active.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Events like the Be Active P.7 School's Cross-Country Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate community, fitness, fun, and determination. Whether you're running or cheering from the sidelines, this cross-country event encourages a healthy, active lifestyle for our young people. We would love to see you there!"
Councillor Pete Byrne will be there to present trophies to the first three children who cross the line. There will be a good opportunity for every child to win a medal for their school as teams will also be awarded places.
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The first recipients of the new PLAYR-FIT Elite Athlete Scholarship come from Our Lady's Grammar School in Newry.
PLAYR-FIT has developed a strong partnership with the school and students Niamh McConville and Lucy Connell have been selected for the Scholarships.
The scholarship program is available to two pupils in each school. As part of the scholarship program PLAYR-FIT sets up a fund that financially helps the pupils with the extra costs of being an elite athlete such as receiving the very best S&C, nutrition, physiotherapy and gym guidance and also allows them to focus on their studies.
Niamh is a Dual player playing Gaelic Football and Camogie for Club, County and School. Niamh's club team is Clonduff and she represents her county in both codes, Down LGFA and Down Camogie. Niamh has had many achievements such as receiving the Future Star Award presented by Queen's University Belfast and most recently winning a Down Senior Camogie title with Clonduff Camogie.
Lucy has been involved in a number of sports from a young age such as, Swimming, Gymnastics and Gaelic Football to name a few. Lucy’s Gaelic club team currently is Annaclone and she also represents her County, Down LGFA. Lucy was captain of the school netball team 22/23 winning the Central Florist Perpetual Cup for Best Senior Netballer. Lucy was also part of the team that won the LGFA Ulster intermediate Championship in 2024
PLAYR-FIT is designed by players for players and so we understand what it takes for athletes to reach the very top. Their Elite Athlete Scholarship is one of the many benefits of being a PLAYR-FIT customer. If your school is interested in getting involved in this scholarship program you can inquire by emailing sales@playr-fit.com
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St Patrick's PS Crossmaglen emerged as winners in both the Boys Team and Girls Team sections at last week's highly anticipated annual Be Active P7 School’s Cross Country event.
Pupils from a total of 37 schools across the district gathered at Kilbroney Forest Park in Rostrevor for the event with an energetic musical warm-up, creating an electric atmosphere alongside a giant inflatable finish line.
Despite the damp and windy weather conditions, spirits were high as the children ran 1,100m within the lower meadow of the forest park.
The event kicked off with the girls' race, where 256 participants started at a swift pace, undeterred by the weather. Next, 266 boys took to the course, competing fiercely in their race, eagerly awaiting the team and individual results.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne attended on the day and was on hand to present the medals and trophies to the top finishers.
Councillor Pete Byrne said, "I am absolutely delighted to see over 500 children from across the district take part in this year’s annual Be Active P.7 Cross Country event. The level of enthusiasm and determination displayed by these young athletes is truly inspiring. Events like this not only promote physical activity and healthy competition, but they also bring our community together. It’s a fantastic achievement for everyone involved, and great to see this event go from strength to strength.”
Girls' Individual Results
First place: Teagan Moxham from St. Patrick’s PS, Ballynahinch
Second place: Meabh Conlon from St. Patrick’s PS, Crossmaglen
Third place: Elena Doran from Carrick PS, Burren
Girls' Team Results
First place: St. Patrick’s PS, Crossmaglen
Second place: Carrick PS, Burren
Third place: St. Colman’s PS, Saval
Boys' Individual Results
First Place: Harry McVeigh from Bunscoil na Bheanna Boirche, Castlewellan
Second Place: Rossa McAleenan from Bunscoil na Bheanna Boirche, Castlewellan
Third Place: Mark Canavan from Holy Family PS, Teconnaught
Boys' Team Results
First place: St. Patrick’s PS, Crossmaglen
Second place: Kilkeel PS, Kilkeel
Third place: Carrick PS, Burren
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This month sixteen students from Southern Regional College (SRC) are venturing to Manchester to take part in the WorldSkills UK national finals from 19th – 22nd November. Amongst the sixteen students making up the team from SRC, are eight local students from Newry and surrounding areas, who all study at SRC’s Newry campus. These students will be demonstrating their many learned skills with hopes of bringing home bronze, silver or gold medals.
Competition areas students are competing in include automation, automotive refinishing, culinary arts, electrical installation, health & social care, restaurant services, industry 4.0, laboratory technician and mechatronics.
The Students
Neil King from Warrenpoint who is competing within the mechatronics category at this year’s finals. Neil is no stranger to WorldSkills UK competition, having won silver in last year's automation category with teammate Sean Treanor from Monaghan. Neil and Sean are pairing up once more to take on five more teams within the mechatronics category. Both are currently studying the Level 6 Engineering (BEng) Hons degree at SRC’s Newry campus through the higher level apprenticeship route and working within Norbrook Laboratories.
Clara Rose Cooney from Kilkeel who is one of eight finalists within the health and social care practitioner category. Clara Rose, a level 3 Health and Social Care Advanced Technical Award Extended Diploma student at SRC’s Newry campus, first became interested in studying health and social care when she began caring for her granda who was living with pulmonary fibrous. This has inspired Clara Rose to make a positive difference to the lives of those who require services within the health & social care sector.
Automation teammates Eve Hillen from Hilltown and Ethan Park from Rathfriland who are currently studying the Engineering Advanced Technical Award level 3 Extended Diploma. The teammates have made it through to the final six teams within the automation category. On making it to the finals Eve commented: “I feel proud of what we have accomplished so far by making it to the finals and am really excited for the next stage.”
Phelim McArdle from Newry. Phelim is competing within the restaurant services category. Phelim has completed the level 1 Hospitality and Catering Certificate at SRC in association with Clanrye. Tricia O’Neill, programme coordinator at Clanrye gave this advice to Phelim in advance of the competition: “Be yourself, trust yourself and do what you do best.”
Caolan McCartan from Camlough. Caolan is competing alongside teammate Patrick Sheerin in the Industry 4.0 category. The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 is the concept of revolutionising modern factories using a range of new and emerging technologies. Caolan currently works as a Quality Engineer at Collins Aerospace. The role involves ensuring products coming off the end of the production line meet quality controls and customer requirements. Caolan’s manager, Eoin McCavera at Collins Aerospace had this advice for Caolan going into the WorldSkills UK finals “Enjoy this exciting opportunity and embrace this learning and development opportunity.”
Jason McVerry from Belleeks, Newry. Jason is returning to the WorldSkills UK finals to compete once more in the Mechatronics category, having won a bronze medal in the prior year competition with his teammate. Jason is excited to once more be a finalist within the competition and is eager to improve on last year’s results and score highly and be considered for Team UK’s WorldSkills Squad for the Shanghai competition.
Southern Regional College has been hugely successful at WorldSkills UK in recent years, being named the top performing College in the UK, in both the 2023 and 2024 national finals. Hope remains high for students participating in this year’s finals.
Following the WorldSkills UK finals, students who have exceeded scoring requirements may be invited to join Squad UK and participate in the EuroSkills and WorldSkills competition series.
Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: “I am incredibly proud of our exceptional students who will be representing Southern Regional College and Northern Ireland at the upcoming WorldSkills UK finals. These remarkable individuals have showcased their unwavering dedication, remarkable talent, and relentless pursuit of excellence. I wish them every success in this prestigious competition, and I am confident that they will not only make our College proud but also inspire others with their remarkable achievements”.
WorldSkills UK is a four-nation partnership between the education sector, industry and the UK government to build a ‘skills economy’ by embedding world-class training standards to drive investment, jobs and economic growth.
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Schoolboy Lubo Mulkerns from St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook was this year’s winner of the local final of the Springboard FutureChef Competition, held at Southern Regional College’s (SRC) Newry campus on Wednesday 13th November.
Lubo now moves forward to the regional final of FutureChef, held in Belfast Met early next year; the penultimate stage in the battle to become one of 12 national finalists. The national final will be held at Westminster Kingsway College in London next March.
To compete within the local finals, competitors had to design, prepare and cook a main course for two people, within a cooking time of just one hour. Participants were challenged to create a cost-effective meal with an advisory budget of £5 to be spent on ingredients for both portions.
With his budget, Lubo created the winning dish of Chicken Roulade with Walnut Stuffing & Redcurrant Jus, Butternut Squash Risotto & Seasonal Vegetables. Lubo will now be paired with a local chef, who will mentor him ahead of the regional finals, early next year.
Judging the local final was Geoff Baird, Executive Development Chef for Henderson Foodservice.
The FutureChef competition is an opportunity for secondary school students aged between 11 and 16 to showcase their culinary talents, receive feedback from industry experts, and grow their confidence. The competition is a school-based programme across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland that supports the development of key life skills whist inspiring young people to pursue an exciting career within the hospitality sector.
Jillian Audis, Operations Manager Hospitality & Tourism at Southern Regional College commented: “Congratulations to Lubo as he moves forward to the regional finals of FutureChef. Lubo’s creation, a delectable Chicken Roulade with Walnut Stuffing & Redcurrant Jus, accompanied by a creamy Butternut Squash Risotto and a medley Seasonal Vegetables, was a mouthwatering dish and worthy winner of the local finals. We eagerly anticipate following his journey through the rest of the competition.”
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Southern Regional College students have completed four intense days of competition at the 2024 WorldSkills UK National Finals in Manchester and Greater Manchester. The students showcased their talent and skills and earned 10 medals and secured a remarkable second place on the WorldSkills UK leaderboard in the process.
Lee Campbell, Principal & CEO of Southern Regional College commented: "Congratulations to all students who won medals at the 2024 WorldSkills UK National Finals, and to those who reached the final stage of the national competition. This event is about more than just medals; it's about determination, learning, and growth. These results reflect the tremendous effort students have put into their preparing for the finals, with the support of lecturers and employers during pre-competition training. Both medal winners and finalists should be immensely proud of their achievements."
Winning a gold medal in the Industry 4.0 category was Caolan McCartan, a current Engineering (Technical Design & Manufacture) foundation degree student. Caolan competed in the Industry 4.0 category alongside recent BEng Engineering SRC graduate Patrick Sheerin from Portadown.
Caolan currently works as a Quality Engineer at Collins Aerospace. Caolan has had a long-term interest in engineering, due to what he says is his “fascination with analysing and solving problems.” For Caolan, “engineering was the perfect career choice due to its ever-evolving field and wide range of branches to specialise in.”
In the mechatronics category, Newry student Jason McVerry alongside teammate John Doherty won a silver medal, improving upon their bronze medal position in the 2023 national finals. Jason currently works within Redrock Machinery as a Design Engineer. This involves designing parts and assembling agricultural machines and the production of technical drawings for fabricators.
Also competing in the mechatronics category, were Neil King from Warrenpoint and Sean Treanor from Monaghan. Neil and Sean faced tough competition, as three of the six finalist teams were made up of SRC students. While Neil and Sean finished outside the medal table in this 2024 competition, there is the opportunity for this duo to return to the 2025 competition activity.
SRC lecturer Sean MacDiarmada commented: “In the fields of automation and mechatronics, Sean and Neil are talented, skilled and insightful. They are also motivated to push current boundaries and innovate. I am sure they will excel and do themselves proud.”
Other Newry students competing on the national stage were Clara Rose Cooney in the Health & Social Care category, Phelim McArdle in Restaurant Services and teammates Ethan Park from Rathfriland and Eve Hillen from Hilltown in Automation. Out of thousands of entries these students made it through to the final stage of competition.
Finalists and medallists were celebrated at a closing ceremony in Manchester on Friday 22 November. The WorldSkills UK National Finals showcases the best of the UK’s young talent. Designed by industry experts, the competition series develops personal and professional skills through the advancement of technical and employability skills, through competition-based learning.
Southern Regional College students have excelled in recent years at WorldSkills UK. This year has seen a continued dominance in the areas of mechatronics, laboratory technician, electrical installation, automotive refinishing and culinary arts, with students securing medals in these areas, in consecutive years.
The 2024 WorldSkills National Finals took place from Tuesday 19 November to Friday 22 November across eight venues in Manchester and Greater Manchester. The next National Finals will occur between 25-28 November 2025 across venues in South Wales. Competition activity for the 2025 cycle will commence in March 2025.
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