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Schools from across the Crotlieve DEA came together for a Christmas concert in Warrenpoint Town Hall on Monday 1 December, with 180 young people showcasing their talents through festive music, song and dance.
The event was produced by Caitriona Featherstone from St Mark's High School and funded by Crotlieve DEA.
Five schools took part in the afternoon celebration, including St Mark's High School, Dromore Road Primary School, St Bronagh's Primary School, Kilbroney Integrated Primary School and St Dallan's Primary School.
The concert was described as a wonderful celebration of local creativity and community spirit, highlighting the hard work of pupils and staff across the district.
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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has celebrated the winners of its annual Schools' Environmental Poster competition, with ten pupils selected from hundreds of entries submitted by over 50 schools across the district.
The prizegiving took place in the Council Chamber in Downpatrick, where Councillor Philip Campbell, Council Chairperson, welcomed pupils and guests. The competition required primary and secondary school pupils throughout the district to design a poster on an environmental topic of their choice, with this year's entries highlighting issues including climate change, single use plastics and litter.
Two winning posters will be displayed on billboards in Newry City and Downpatrick in early 2026. Dobrusia Mankowska of St Mary's Primary School, Barr and Alex Doyle of Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch, will see their designs transformed into the large-scale displays.
Councillor Campbell presented each winner with a framed copy of their poster and a voucher. "Everyone here today is a winner. I am highly impressed by how you all have been able to use your obvious artistic talents to highlight important environmental issues such as Climate Change, Single Use Plastics and the damaging litter it creates. I look forward to seeing Dobrusia and Alex's posters transformed into billboards in early 2026," said Cllr Campbell.
The primary school winners were Eoin Tumelty, Sacred Heart PS, Dundrum; Éanna McKibben, St Columban's PS, Kilkeel; John McArdle, Clonalig PS, Culloville; Dobrusia Mankowska, St Mary's PS, Barr and Erin Mackin, Carrick PS, Burren.
Secondary school winners were Kirya Young, St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel; Hannah Bradley, Sacred Heart Grammar, Newry; Alex Doyle, Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch; Daniel Campbell, Abbey CBS, Newry and Shea Friary, St Joseph's Boys' High School, Newry.
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Panto season has arrived at Southern Regional College with first-year Performing Arts Level 3 Extended Diploma students staging Jack and the Beanstalk with a playful western-themed twist on the timeless tale. The production at the Armagh campus welcomed over 700 primary school pupils from Monday, 1 December to Thursday, 4 December, with visiting schools including St Brigid's Drumilly and St Brigid's Glassdrummond, Crossmaglen.
In true panto style, the production was packed with humour, colour and audience participation, bringing the much-loved story vividly to life.
This is the first year Performing Arts students have staged Jack and the Beanstalk, having successfully undertaken multiple pantomime productions in recent years. The production takes a multidisciplinary approach, with students from Music, Art & Design, Hairdressing & Beauty departments bringing their expertise together.
Two special evening performances took place on Wednesday, 3 December and Thursday, 4 December for members of the public to witness the creativity and talent of students involved.
Student Cassie Donnelly from Dungannon takes on the role of villain Flash Creep. Cassie, who has been involved in performing arts from a young age, said that the teamwork involved in providing an entertaining experience for all has been second to none, and rivalling productions put on by professionals in the Grand Opera House, but on Armagh's doorstep. The production team at the College created this year's pantomime to provide comedy for both children and adult members of the audience. Student Amy-Lee Loney from Derrytrasna brings to life the role of Pat the Cow and gained a significant chunk of the audience's laughter.
Teresa McBride, Course Co-Ordinator for the Performing Arts Level 3 Extended Diploma, commented: "Nothing marks the start of the festive season quite like the arrival of our annual pantomime. This year's production of Jack and the Beanstalk has delighted primary school audiences and the wider community alike. Students have demonstrated remarkable professionalism, creativity, and teamwork to deliver yet again another performance full of energy, laughter, and Christmas spirit. The annual pantomime has been a wonderful way to showcase student's talent and spread festive cheer throughout the community and I'm excited to see what else students deliver throughout the remainder of the academic year."
The production marked another successful collaboration between departments at Southern Regional College, showcasing the diverse talents of students while bringing much needed festive entertainment to the community.
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Staff and students at Southern Regional College have delivered an incredible 1,108 items to support local families in need and additionally have raised £1,734 for Alzheimer's Society NI through a Christmas raffle.
Through a month-long appeal running from 12 November to 12 December, students and staff joined forces to collect 310 toys and 798 essential food and toiletry items, making a tangible difference at a critical time of year.
Students across multiple campuses took the lead in several fundraising activities. Travel and Tourism students on the Newry campus hosted a coffee morning at the college's Graduate Restaurant raising £849, whilst students on the college's LEAP programme at Armagh campus demonstrated their creativity and enterprise skills creating a range of handmade Christmas crafts and sweet treats which were sold on campus, in addition to organising a raffle.
All proceeds from the Armagh sale and raffle were used to purchase additional gifts for the toy appeal. Armagh LEAP students also donated food items directly to the church-based community group VIBE in Armagh, further extending their support within the local community.
In Banbridge, LEAP students showcased their talents producing a range of handmade Christmas crafts and a festive hamper, which were sold at Tesco, Castlewellan Road earlier this month. Through their efforts, students raised £242, with the full amount being added to the overall donation made to Alzheimer's Society NI.
Commenting on the initiatives, Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College said: "The Christmas spirit is clearly alive and well across Southern Regional College and I am incredibly proud of the collective effort shown by our staff and students. From donating food and toys to supporting student-led fundraising activities, everyone has played a part in making a meaningful difference for others this Christmas. This is the perfect season for hope and generosity, and as a Further Education college rooted in our local community, we see first-hand the pressures many learners and families face."
The combined efforts of staff and students across all Southern Regional College campuses have ensured that local families will benefit from much-needed support this festive season, whilst also raising vital funds for Alzheimer's Society NI, the college's charity partner.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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