Write a comment
Education Minister Paul Givan and Ireland's Education and Youth Minister Hildegarde Naughton have officially announced the North-South Shared Island Teachers' Research Exchange platform, an innovative initiative designed to strengthen evidence-informed teaching and connect educators across both jurisdictions on the island.
T-REX is a digital professional learning community that connects educators, including teachers, researchers and other education professionals, across the island. The platform supports teachers to access research, share ideas and examples of best practice, helping to bridge the gap between educational research and classroom practice.
Education Minister Paul Givan said: "This is an exciting time for education in Northern Ireland as we see real momentum through the TransformED NI strategy. The T-REX platform represents a further significant investment in high-quality professional learning. It enables teachers to refine their practice, share what works and ultimately contributes to our shared goal of building a world-class education system. Research shows that evidence-informed teaching strategies significantly improve pupil outcomes, especially for those facing barriers to education. T-REX helps teachers translate research into practical classroom strategies, ensuring that every pupil benefits from high-quality teaching."
Minister Hildegarde Naughton said: "Today marks an important step forward in cross-border educational cooperation. The T-REX platform will empower teachers to engage with cutting-edge research, ensuring that evidence-based strategies are effectively implemented in classrooms across the island. By breaking down barriers between research and practice, we can better address educational disadvantage and improve outcomes for all students. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to excellence in education and the transformative power of collaboration. I look forward to seeing the positive impact T-REX will have on teachers and learners, North and South."
The platform provides a space for educators to critically reflect on educational research together with other stakeholders, practical summaries of research findings to make evidence easier to apply in classrooms, and a professionally curated platform for collaboration and connection between education professionals with groups focussed on topics such as educational disadvantage, wellbeing and school leadership. It also offers professional learning resources including short courses and webinars, as well as a platform for teachers to publish reflections, action research and school self-evaluation reports.
The service is free for teachers and educational researchers to access. By creating a space for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, T-REX empowers teachers to refine their practice, stay up to date with the latest research and build strong professional networks.
A new professional development programme, 'T-REX Digital Badge: Using Evidence to Address Educational Disadvantage', is available to educators in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The first successful cohort completed in 2025 and this course will run again from late January 2026. The programme was developed in partnership with Stranmillis University College, Belfast.
The project is part of a programme of cooperation between the Department of Education in Northern Ireland and the Department of Education and Youth on educational underachievement, supported through the Irish Government's Shared Island Fund. It is overseen by a Project Board with representatives from the two Education Departments and is delivered by Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, with support from Stranmillis University College, Belfast.
Check out the platform at www.t-rex.ie
Write a comment
More than 1,100 students from nine post-primary schools across Crossmaglen, Kilkeel, Warrenpoint and Newry recently attended a large-scale careers fair held at Newry Leisure Centre.
Hosted by the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership in partnership with the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community, the careers fair supported young people as they consider future education, training and employment pathways. Labour Market Partnerships are funded by the Department for Communities and create targeted employment action plans for council areas, allowing for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work.
With 50 exhibitors in attendance on 20 January from a wide range of sectors, students were provided with direct access to employers, further and higher education providers, and training organisations. Attendees had the opportunity to explore apprenticeships, university and college courses, and local employment opportunities, while also gaining valuable insight into the skills and qualifications needed for the modern labour market.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Phillip Campbell, welcomed the strong turnout at the event. "Following on from last year's successful careers fair, it is extremely encouraging to see such a high level of engagement from young people who are keen to learn more about the wide range of opportunities available to them," he said. "This careers fair demonstrates the importance of bringing education providers, employers and support organisations together in one space to help students make informed decisions about their next steps. The partnership with the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community has added real value to this year's event and the positive feedback from students, teachers and exhibitors speaks for itself."
Aidan McGivern, Principal of St Mark's High School, Warrenpoint and Chairperson of the Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community, highlighted the impact of the collaboration. "Newry and Mourne Area Learning Community was delighted to work once again with the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership to deliver such a successful careers fair," he said. "The event allowed Year 12 students to engage directly with representatives from universities, colleges, employers and training organisations, helping them to better understand the range of pathways available locally, regionally and further afield. Students and staff found the experience extremely informative at this critical stage of educational decision-making, and we are very appreciative of the efforts of all involved in making the event such a success."
Exhibitors on the day included First Derivative, Norbrook, Wood Innovations, NI Electricity, NI Housing Executive, NI Fire and Rescue Services, Construction Industry Training Board, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Queen's University and Ulster University, among many others.
Students were also able to access one-to-one advice and guidance from local support agencies, including the Careers Service, on topics such as choosing the right pathway, CV writing and interview preparation. Regional further education colleges SERC and SRC, along with the NMD Labour Market Partnership, provided information on training and upskilling opportunities, while Go Succeed advisers were available to speak to those interested in self-employment and starting a business.
Due to its continued success, the careers fair is expected to remain a key annual event supporting young people across the Newry, Mourne and Down district as they plan for their futures.
1 Comment
Southern Regional College has welcomed large crowds to its January open evenings, with over 1,400 visitors attending the Newry and Greenbank campuses alone as part of a two-week roadshow that attracted secondary school pupils, parents and adult returners keen to explore education and training opportunities.
Running from Tuesday 20 January, each campus opened its doors on a designated evening, offering visitors the chance to experience SRC's facilities first-hand and speak directly with teaching staff, support teams and current students. The open evening programme started in Portadown before visiting Newry East and West campuses, with a dedicated apprenticeship-focused open evening at the college's Greenbank campus. The roadshow then visited the towns and campuses in Armagh and Lurgan.
It will also be visiting Banbridge on Monday 2 February after the original event was rescheduled due to Storm Chandra.
The key message arising from this year's open evenings was that education is accessible to everyone, with study options available at "Your Path, Your Place, Your Pace". Within the college, there are courses starting from entry level up to level 7 postgraduate qualifications, with full-time and part-time study options available. While each campus delivers a wide range of subjects, several also specialise in key subject areas.
Attending the Newry East and West Campus open evening were Kornelija Karnaiskaite and Rebecca Brown from Newry. Both presently work within the childcare sector and were interested in pursuing career progression opportunities with the college's Leadership for Children's Care Learning and Development Level 5 Diploma course.
At the Greenbank campus there were many young people and their parents exploring apprenticeship opportunities with the college. This included Rathfriland High School student Ryan Johnston and mum Vicky Johnston, and Martin Kane and Conor Brown from St Malachy's High School who attended the Greenbank open evening to explore apprenticeships in carpentry and joinery.
Raymond Sloan, Director of Client Services and Newry Campus Manager, said this year's open evening at Newry campus was an outstanding success, with a huge turnout that reflects the continued interest in Southern Regional College. "Moving our open evenings to earlier in the year clearly resonated with attendees, giving prospective students and families the opportunity to explore their options earlier and with greater confidence. We look forward to welcoming students in September as they commence their journey with the college," he said.
Fiona Bradley, Assistant Director of Further Education and Training, said hosting the very first open day on Greenbank campus was a fantastic milestone for the college. "The turnout and enthusiasm made it even more special. It was wonderful to see so many people exploring the campus and sharing in our vision for the future. We look forward to welcoming students in September as they commence their apprenticeship journey with the college," she added.
Applications for places on the college's post-GCSE, full-time and apprenticeship courses open on Tuesday 3 February at 12 noon. To make an application, visit the college's website at www.src.ac.uk.
Write a comment
Advertorial
As families across the Newry area settle back in to school in 2026, many parents and teachers are looking for ways to support children's learning at home and in the classroom.
LearningMole, a NI-based educational platform founded by former primary school teacher Michelle Connolly, has become a popular resource for local families seeking quality educational content. The platform offers curriculum-aligned videos and teaching materials covering subjects from maths and English to science and history.
Supporting the Back-to-School Transition
The start of a new school year brings familiar challenges for parents. Children may need to brush up on skills that went rusty over the summer holidays, or get ahead on topics they'll encounter in the coming term.
"Those first few weeks back can be tricky for children and parents alike," says Michelle Connolly, founder of LearningMole and a former teacher with over 15 years of classroom experience. "Having accessible resources at home means families can ease into the new term without the pressure."
The platform's video content covers core curriculum subjects, making it useful for homework support, revision, and filling gaps in understanding. Teachers also use the resources to supplement classroom lessons, particularly when introducing new topics or supporting children who need extra reinforcement.
Free Resources for Families
LearningMole operates a model that keeps substantial content freely accessible. The platform's YouTube channel offers hundreds of educational videos at no cost, covering everything from phonics and times tables to the solar system and ancient civilisations.
For families wanting more comprehensive support, a subscription service provides access to expanded teaching resources, worksheets, and materials. Schools can also subscribe to give teachers access to ready-made resources that align with curriculum requirements.
The approach has proven popular with time-pressed parents juggling work commitments alongside supporting their children's education. Rather than spending evenings searching for reliable educational content, families can access vetted materials designed by experienced educators.
What's Available for Different Age Groups
The platform caters to children from early years through to secondary school age, with content organised by subject and learning stage.
Primary school resources form a core strength, with particular depth in maths, English, and science. Visual explanations help make abstract concepts accessible, whilst the video format keeps younger learners engaged.
Literacy support includes phonics teaching materials, reading comprehension guides, and grammar content designed for different stages. Parents supporting early readers find these particularly useful for reinforcing school learning at home.
STEM subjects are well represented, with science topics brought to life through animated explanations. Popular content includes videos on the human body, volcanoes, ecosystems, and space – subjects that capture children's natural curiosity.
Humanities content covers history, geography, and culture, from ancient Egypt and the Vikings through to Victorian Britain and world geography.
Preparing for the Term Ahead
With the new school year approaching, parents might consider how educational resources could support their children's learning. A few areas where platforms like LearningMole can help:
Refreshing core skills – Summer breaks can mean children forget some of what they learned the previous year. Short video sessions on key maths or literacy concepts can help rebuild confidence before term starts.
Getting ahead on new topics – If you know what subjects your child will cover in the coming term, previewing content can give them a head start and reduce anxiety about unfamiliar material.
Building homework habits – Establishing a routine of using educational resources can make the transition back to regular homework less jarring.
Supporting different learning styles – Some children grasp concepts better through visual explanations than traditional textbook approaches. Video content offers an alternative route to understanding.
A Resource for Local Teachers Too
Educators in the Newry area may find the platform useful for lesson planning and classroom support. The curriculum-aligned materials can save preparation time, whilst the video content provides ready-made explanations for tricky topics.
"Teachers are under enormous pressure with workload," notes Connolly. "If we can save someone an hour of preparation time by providing quality resources they can trust, that's an hour they can spend on what really matters – their pupils."
The platform continues to develop new content, with recent additions including resources around AI literacy for educators – a topic of growing relevance as schools consider how emerging technology will shape education.
Getting Started
For Newry parents and teachers interested in exploring what's available, the LearningMole YouTube channel offers a good starting point. The free videos give a sense of the teaching style and content quality before committing to any subscription.
The website provides more detailed information about available resources, organised by subject and age group, making it straightforward to find materials relevant to your child's current learning stage.
As the 2026 school term kicks off, having reliable educational support in place can make all the difference for families navigating the back-to-school period.
Write a comment
Prospective apprentices and higher level apprentices will have the chance to connect directly with employers and explore a wide range of career pathways next month when the Big Apprenticeship Event takes place in Newry.
Organised by Southern Regional College the Newry event will take place on Thursday 5 February 2026 from 5 - 7.30pm at the College’s West Campus. An event will also take place at Craigavon Civic Centre on Tuesday 3 February from 5 - 7.30pm.
More than 35 employers and support organisations are expected to attend both nights, creating strong opportunities for prospective apprentices to engage with recruiting employers. SRC staff will also be on hand to provide guidance on course content, entry requirements, and assessment methods.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, commented: “The Big Apprenticeship Events offer a significant opportunity for anyone considering an apprenticeship at any level to engage directly with key local employers. Apprenticeships offer a practical, cost-free way to gain qualifications while earning and building real workplace experience.
"We are proud to work in partnership with local councils, employers, and Labour Market Partnerships to connect people with meaningful career opportunities that meet both individual ambitions and regional skills needs.”
Designed to support people at all stages of their career journey, the Big Apprenticeship Event provides a valuable insight into apprenticeship and higher level apprenticeship opportunities. Apprenticeships allow participants to earn a salary while gaining recognised qualifications. An additional benefit is that no course fees are payable, as all apprenticeship training is funded by the Department for the Economy.
The event will showcase apprenticeship opportunities from Level 2 through to degree-level Higher Level Apprenticeships at Levels 5 and 6. SRC currently offers 30 apprenticeship pathways across a diverse range of industries, including barbering, hairdressing, motor vehicle maintenance, paint refinishing, accident repair, construction, engineering, and business administration, among many others. These pathways provide opportunities for both career starters and those looking to change direction.
At degree level, Higher Level Apprenticeships are available in 20 specialist areas, including accounting, applied science, business, digital marketing, construction, engineering, quantity surveying, fintech, tourism and hospitality, and sport and exercise.
The Newry Big Apprenticeship Event is delivered in partnership Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Labour Market Partnership. The initiative continues to play a vital role in supporting young people and adult returners to develop industry-relevant skills and secure employment with local employers.
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said: “SRC’s Big Apprenticeship Event 2026 reflects the Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting employment, skills development, and economic growth across the Newry, Mourne and Down District. By bringing together local employers and residents in one setting, the event helps people understand the career opportunities available within their own communities and the role apprenticeships play in building a resilient, future-ready workforce. Initiatives like this, supported through the Newry Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership are vital in ensuring our local economy continues to grow and our people have the skills needed to thrive.”
Register now for your FREE ticket to attend either of the Big Apprenticeship Events at: www.src.ac.uk/events.
Write a comment
Southern Regional College has strengthened its position as a people-centred, high-performing organisation after being awarded the We Invest in Wellbeing Standard Award for the first time and successfully retaining the We Invest in People Silver Award.
The College first achieved Investors in People recognition in 2012 and has sustained its accreditation across every review cycle since. For more than a decade the College has built on this success and used the Investors in People framework to guide continuous improvement in how staff are led, supported and developed.
The Wellbeing Award, introduced by IIP in 2020, has now been secured by the College. This success reflects the strength of SRC's wellbeing culture and underlines the importance placed on staff health, engagement and work-life balance.
The IIP framework requires organisations to develop strategies, take action and evaluate progress over a three-year period. Major initiatives undertaken since the last review include an upgrading of the staff health and wellbeing offering, which now includes free health checks and an electric vehicle scheme.
During the 2025 review period, IIP issued surveys to staff with feedback across several performance areas being positive. The 2025 assessment highlighted two standout performance areas: Delivering Continuous Improvement with 86.7% of respondents agreeing they actively sought improvement ideas and collaborative work, and Structuring Work, where 88.6% reported finding their work interesting, reflecting high levels of engagement, autonomy and effective job design.
This positive feedback has resulted in the College's total working time lost due to sickness being below the Northern Ireland average across the Further Education and Civil Service sector.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said the awards are an endorsement of the culture being built at Southern Regional College, a culture where people feel valued, listened to and supported to do their best work. She said they reflect the dedication and professionalism of staff, who live the college's values every day, and they give fresh stimulus as the organisation moves forward. Mrs Campbell added that as a college they are determined to go even further in supporting staff wellbeing, developing their people and enhancing the experience of learners.
The college plans to continue its Investors in People journey by developing a new three-year action plan that builds on recent achievements while continuing to deliver an exceptional working environment for all staff.
Write a comment
A Newry woman who was once so afraid of living abroad she nearly dropped her best subject at school has revealed how a year in France completely changed her life and career plans.
Chloe Meehan has spoken out as the British Council launches its latest recruitment drive for English Language Assistants, with the deadline for applications set for Wednesday 28 January.
The Queen's University Belfast student, now in her final year studying English and French, admits she was "terrified" at the prospect of spending time overseas. She said the year abroad requirement was the main reason she considered dropping French at A-level, despite excelling in the subject, because she genuinely didn't believe she could cope living away from home for that long.
Fast forward 12 months and the experience in Toulouse has completely transformed her outlook. Chloe worked in two middle schools with pupils aged between 11 and 15, spending 12 hours a week supporting teachers with conversation practice, small group sessions and cultural lessons.
She said the first month was particularly challenging, coinciding with her 21st birthday whilst battling homesickness and self-doubt in an unfamiliar environment. But she stuck with it and gradually found her feet in the classroom despite having no previous teaching experience.
Chloe explained how she initially spent hours meticulously planning lessons before realising that flexibility was the key to success. The hands-on experience helped her discover a genuine passion for teaching, and she's now considering applying for a PGCE with ambitions to teach English in France.
Her time overseas wasn't just spent in the classroom either. Chloe travelled extensively around France, visiting cities including Bordeaux, Marseille and Annecy, and even secured additional work at a summer camp in the French countryside. The experience also allowed her to build lasting friendships through work colleagues, other assistants and the Erasmus Student Network.
Reflecting on the transformation, she said anyone considering the programme should just go for it, noting that the fear beforehand is always worse than reality. She described the year not as one of loneliness but as a period of independence filled with new friendships, travel and unique experiences.
The British Council programme, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, has been sending young people overseas to teach since 1905. Around 1,800 assistants are placed in schools, universities and language centres across nine countries including France, Canada and Argentina each year, with placements lasting between six months and a year.
Colm McGivern, Director of British Council Northern Ireland, said the programme provides a unique chance to experience another culture firsthand whilst gaining professional experience and developing lifelong skills. He encouraged anyone considering their next steps to seize the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland on the global stage whilst building confidence and intercultural understanding.
The programme operates on a reciprocal basis, meaning international assistants also come to Northern Ireland and the wider UK to teach. Applicants don't need formal language qualifications as skills can be developed through travel, personal study or university courses, with requirements varying between destinations.
For more information and full eligibility criteria, visit: www.britishcouncil.org
Write a comment
As A-Level pupils across the province prepare to take the next step in their academic journey, Southern Regional College is encouraging talented and ambitious young people to explore the wide range of university-level study opportunities available at their local Further Education College.
SRC offers a diverse range of higher education programmes across a range of vocational areas, ensuring students receive high-quality, relevant training aligned to identified skills gaps. These programmes have been developed in partnership with prestigious Higher Education institutions, including Pearson, Queen's University Belfast, The Open University, and Ulster University.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, said deciding what to do after secondary school can feel overwhelming for many young people. "At Southern Regional College, we encourage students to explore all the pathways open to them, including those offered through their local Further Education College," she said.
The college's university-accredited programmes range from HNCs and HNDs to Foundation Degrees, Honours Degrees and Higher Level Apprenticeships, enabling students to study locally, develop highly relevant skills for the workplace and achieve substantial savings on the cost of higher education.
There are many advantages for students who choose to stay local and study at their nearest FE College. Benefits include smaller class sizes, which support a more focused and personalised learning experience, lecturers with extensive industry experience, lower tuition fees and access to industry-standard facilities and equipment. All vocational programmes are developed in line with employer demand, ensuring students gain relevant, industry-recognised qualifications that enhance employability and progression to further study.
Caolan McCartan is currently studying the Engineering (Technical Design and Manufacture) Foundation Degree Higher Level Apprenticeship at SRC's Newry Campus. He said he had originally planned to follow a different career path, but after careful consideration decided to change direction and apply to the college. "I had heard very positive things about Southern Regional College and the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a higher level apprenticeship really appealed to me. The combination of practical, real-world exposure alongside developing new skills and knowledge made it the right choice," he said.
He added, "Since joining the degree programme, my confidence and knowledge have grown significantly, supported by both the lecturing staff and my employer. I've developed new skills that have enabled me to compete successfully in competitions at an international level."
Sárán Ó'Machail is currently studying the Creative Music and Audio Production BA (Hons) (Top-Up) Degree at the college's Armagh campus, having recently completed the foundation degree, also at the Armagh campus. He praised the facilities available locally as unbelievable and the best he'd seen. "Talking from someone that has done a lot of research into and visited other colleges and universities, I can safely say no other college has the same facilities as SRC. While other colleges might have some great lecturers, none will be as caring or kind-hearted as the lecturers at SRC. I've turned down offers twice from other institutions to study at SRC," he said.
He continued, "Through the degree, I've developed a versatile skillset, from marketing myself and performing, to composing and recording music, carrying out sound checks, and managing the business side of my career, including invoices and finances. Most importantly, I've learned how to build a sustainable income from music. Studying part-time has also allowed me to develop both professionally and creatively, without having to choose between education and employment."
Southern Regional College is committed to providing clear information and expert guidance to help prospective students make informed decisions about their future. Applications for courses starting this September are now open. For full course details, entry requirements, and how to apply, visit www.src.ac.uk
To find out more, visit your local campus to speak with staff or contact the Admissions team at admissions@src.ac.uk.
Write a comment
Southern Regional College has been awarded a prestigious Silver award in the 2025 Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey, marking significant progress just months after receiving a Bronze award in November 2024. The achievement, recognised by Business in the Community Northern Ireland, reflects the College's year-on-year improvement in environmental management and the embedding of sustainability across its strategy and operations.
The College's principal and chief executive, Mrs Lee Campbell, said their progress shows what is possible when sustainability sits at the heart of the College community. She added: "From cutting our carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy to embedding the UN Sustainable Development Goals across our curriculum, staff development and student experience, we are changing how we teach, learn and operate for the better. Achieving a Silver award in the Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey is a proud milestone, but it is also a stepping stone as we accelerate in our journey towards becoming sustainable."
Since the last review, the College has delivered substantial reductions in energy use through major investments, including a £210,000 435 kW photovoltaic array at the Newry East campus and over £300,000 in LED lighting, low-pressure hot water upgrades, building-management system improvements and additional electric vehicle chargers.
The College has continued its work in training and encouraging students and staff members to engage with sustainability practices across the curriculum. During the review period, 60 senior leaders undertook Carbon Literacy training. The Students' Union elected three Sustainability Officers and initiatives such as the Sustainability Fair, Cultural Diversity Day and the My World My Home programme are helping students to adopt more sustainable lifestyles and engage with climate action.
Beyond environmental measures, the College's sustainability agenda extends to social value, wellbeing and inclusion. Through the GoodforMeGoodforFE campaign, staff and students continued fundraising efforts for charity partner Alzheimer's Society, volunteering hours for charity and community organisations and donating items, such as food, warm clothing and toys, to local community organisations and foodbanks.
Practical support for learners includes the Educational Eats initiative, which delivered 31,400 free breakfasts and 8,738 free lunches during the 2024/25 winter term, as well as the distribution of Winter Wellness Packs to students in need.
The Silver award represents a significant step forward for Southern Regional College as it continues its journey towards comprehensive sustainability across all aspects of College life.
 |
 |
 |