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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a comprehensive response to the recent Supreme Court judgment on Religious Education and collective worship in Northern Ireland schools, including a full review of the RE curriculum and the introduction of formal inspection across all schools.
The Review of the RE Curriculum will be led by Professor Noel Purdy OBE, Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, and Mrs Joyce Logue, former Principal of Long Tower Primary School. They will be supported by an expert drafting group comprising teachers from primary and post-primary schools across all sectors, and will involve extensive engagement with churches, teachers, school leaders, parents and young people.
Minister Givan said the review will develop a revised RE syllabus that is academically robust, modern in outlook and fully consistent with the Supreme Court judgment. Following full public consultation, he anticipates bringing forward new regulations in autumn 2026, with the new syllabus implemented from September 2027.
The Minister sees the review it as an opportunity to strengthen RE as an academic discipline. He confirmed that Christianity will remain central to the syllabus, stating that given the region's historical, cultural and legal foundations, it is right that Christianity continues to provide the core focus for RE in Northern Ireland.
Mr Givan also confirmed his intention to introduce legislation within the current Assembly mandate to ensure robust, transparent and accountable inspection of Religious Education, bringing RE into line with inspection arrangements for all other curriculum subjects.
Commenting on the review, Professor Purdy said he was delighted to lead this important review and expressed confidence that working collaboratively with stakeholders across Northern Ireland, they can develop an academically robust RE curriculum that prepares children and young people for life in modern society.
In response to the Supreme Court's ruling on the right of withdrawal from RE and collective worship, the Department has published new guidance to support schools in ensuring that withdrawal is practical, effective and free from stigma. There are no plans to change the arrangements for collective worship which will continue in schools, however the new guidance has been published to strengthen and streamline the right of withdrawal from both it and RE.
The Minister concluded by stressing that while the review proceeds, it is important that schools deliver Religious Education in a way that complies with current law. He noted the Supreme Court was clear that RE can continue to be taught lawfully if schools ensure that additional, objective, critical and pluralistic material is included alongside the existing core syllabus, adding that together, these measures represent a balanced and measured response to the Supreme Court judgment that will strengthen the RE curriculum, introduce inspection and protect parental rights.
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Over 850 people descended on Southern Regional College's Newry West Campus on 5 February 2026 for the Big Apprenticeship Event, with secondary school students, parents and adult learners all keen to explore work-based learning opportunities across a wide range of sectors. The event, held during the Department for the Economy's 2026 Apprenticeship Week, demonstrated the ongoing popularity of apprenticeships as a viable route into employment and career progression.
More than 35 employers and support organisations attended the event, engaging directly with prospective apprentices about opportunities starting in September 2026. Employers present covered job openings in accounting, analytical and bioscience fields, digital marketing, computing, construction, quantity surveying, electrical and electronic engineering, fintech and sports areas.
Among those attending were Leigh Fegan from Mayobridge and Shea Morgan from Hilltown, both students at St Mark's High School in Warrenpoint. Leigh attended the event to explore higher-level apprenticeship opportunities in accountancy, while Shea was keen to learn more about the wide range of career pathways available through higher-level apprenticeships. Also in attendance were Evalynn and Elisa Colgan from Crossgar, who are both students at Down High School in Downpatrick. They attended the event to gain insight into future career options and the different educational routes available to them.
Denise Cinnamond, Marketing Manager at Wood Innovations commented: "Wood Innovations are delighted to join the SRC in Newry for the big apprenticeship event. It's great to be part of an event that champions practical learning and real career pathways. At Wood Innovations, we are proud to support apprenticeships in the workplace. Apprenticeships are a fantastic route for developing talent and confidence and they bring real benefits to both employee and employer."
Conleth Greene from Nuline Utilities added: "Nuline Utilities are once again delighted to be part of the Big Apprenticeship Event which has become a significant night in our calendar and a launch pad for the careers of our local talent."
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal and Chief Executive of Southern Regional College said it had been incredible to see the continued growth in interest in apprenticeships and higher-level apprenticeships year on year, along with the confidence people now have in choosing this route as a first-class career pathway. At the college, they continue to strengthen their apprenticeship provision, working closely with employers to ensure their programmes reflect real industry needs across the region.
"Apprenticeships and higher-level apprenticeships combine earning, learning and progression, providing people with the skills, experience and qualifications needed to succeed in today's economy. Our ambition remains clear: to open doors to meaningful, sustainable careers and to support individuals at every stage of their professional journey. We look forward to welcoming a new cohort of apprentices this September as they take the next step towards their future," she said.
Geraldine Kearns, Deputy Chair of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council commented: "SRC's Big Apprenticeship Event once again proved to be a fantastic event. It was encouraging to see such strong engagement from prospective apprentices and local employers across our District. Events like this play a vital role in connecting people with real career opportunities, while supporting businesses to develop and grow through new skills and talent."
Cllr Kearns added that the continued partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership demonstrates a shared commitment to creating sustainable career pathways and strengthening the local economy.
There remain no tuition fees associated with pursuing an apprenticeship or higher-level apprenticeship due to funding provided by DfE. Apprenticeships are open to applicants of all ages, from school leavers to adult returners and those seeking a career change, with students earning a wage for work-based activities whilst studying.
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Students from the Sacred Heart Grammar School have taken first place in this year's NI Young Economist of the Year competition, which saw post-primary pupils from across Northern Ireland tackle some of the region's most pressing economic challenges. An Abbey Grammar School pupil took third place.
Ceallagh Waters and Michelle Brown were awarded top honours for their project examining health and social care reform under fiscal pressure. The competition, organised by NI Schools Hub and delivered in association with Ulster University Business School and First Derivative, drew submissions demonstrating exceptional economic insight and policy awareness from students region-wide.
The winning entry, titled 'Rethinking Public Services in Northern Ireland: Redesigning Health and Social Care Outcomes Under Fiscal Constraint' impressed judges with its sophisticated approach to complex policy questions. Academics from Ulster University Business School, who formally judged all entries, described it as "a highly accomplished and thoughtfully structured analysis, demonstrating a strong grasp of public finance, opportunity cost and efficiency within health and social care." They particularly praised the project's evidence-based recommendations and understanding of Northern Ireland's unique institutional and fiscal context.
Taking second place was a group from Shimna Integrated College, with Daniel Cutler, Tadhg Kennedy, Ben McNerlin, Matthew Turley and Rory Smith submitting their collaborative work on Rethinking Public Services: 'Improving Outcomes Without Increasing Taxation'. Judges highlighted the team's clear and coherent argument, noting their mature understanding of productivity, value for money and the trade-offs involved in public sector reform. The panel commended the strong collaborative approach and balanced evaluation of policy options presented by the group.
Justin Sheridan of Abbey Christian Brothers' Grammar School secured third place with his analysis of 'The Productivity Puzzle: Why Northern Ireland Lags Behind Comparable Regions and How Sustainable Growth Can Be Delivered'. The entry was praised for its analytical strength and effective use of economic theory, particularly in examining skills, investment and innovation as drivers of long-term productivity growth.
Students were invited to address pressing economic challenges facing Northern Ireland, with all submissions assessed on economic understanding, use of evidence, clarity of argument and the feasibility of proposed policy solutions. The rigorous and impartial evaluation process ensured entries were judged to the highest academic standards.
All prize-winning students received trophies and gift cards, alongside a two-day work experience placement with First Derivative. The placement offers practical exposure to the application of economics within Northern Ireland's expanding FinTech sector, giving students valuable insight into how economic theory translates into real-world business practice.
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Southern Regional College (SRC) hosted its annual SkillBuild Intercampus competition earlier this month, with close to 70 apprentices and traineeship students competing across eight trade categories at the College's Greenbank campus.
The Faculty of Building Technology and Engineering organised the event, which brought together students from the College's Greenbank, Armagh and Portadown campuses to compete in bricklaying, cabinet making, carpentry, electrical installation, joinery, plastering, plumbing and wall and floor tiling. The competition is designed to test skills, techniques and the ability to work under time pressure while maintaining high professional standards. Competitors who placed received vouchers for their efforts, while all electrical installation participants received additional vouchers from City Electrical Factors (CEF).
The intercampus competition serves as the first stage of a pathway that could ultimately lead students to national level. Those who place progress to the SkillBuild Northern Ireland Regional competition, which is scheduled to take place at SRC's Newry campus in May. Students who succeed at regional level may then go on to represent Northern Ireland at the SkillBuild UK National finals later in the year.
Gareth Mone, Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College, said the standard of work on display was encouraging. "The annual intercampus SkillBuild competition once again brought together apprentices and trainees from across our campuses, all determined to prove themselves under real industry conditions. The level of skill and professionalism demonstrated this year shows that the future of our construction and engineering industries is in capable hands."
Rachel Dorovatas, Director of Industry Training and Support at CITB NI, who attended the competition, highlighted the wider importance of events like SkillBuild. "The SkillBuild Regional competition showcases the fantastic variety of young talent coming through the industry. With the current skills gap, SkillBuild plays a vital role in promoting construction careers and attracting a diverse new generation into the sector."
Dorovatas added: "Congratulations to all participants who have participated in the inter-campus and competitor selection process, with special recognition given to those who excelled in their respective trade categories. Their exceptional performance may provide an opportunity to further showcase their talents at the upcoming SkillBuild NI Regional Competition, scheduled to take place in Southern Regional College, Newry in May."
Alongside the main SkillBuild competition, preliminary activity aligned to WorldSkills UK was also delivered on the day, with close to 30 students participating across campuses in fabrication and welding and automotive studies. Further WorldSkills UK preliminary competitions in automotive refinishing and automotive body repair are scheduled to take place at the College's Portadown campus in the coming weeks.
Students placing at this year’s SkillBuild competition were:
|
First Name |
Surname |
Placing |
Hometown |
Course |
|
Bricklaying |
|
|
|
|
|
Ruairi |
McAvoy |
1 |
Warrenpoint |
Bricklaying (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Ryan |
Coulter |
2 |
Mayobridge |
Bricklaying (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Sean |
Crawford |
3 |
Warrenpoint |
Bricklaying (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Cabinet Making |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash |
Ciummei |
1 |
Mayobridge |
Carpentry & Joinery Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Aaron |
Werk |
2 |
Kilkeel |
Carpentry & Joinery Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Issac (Zac) |
Shepcar |
3 |
Kilkeel |
Carpentry & Joinery Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Carpentry |
|
|
|
|
|
Frank |
Finley |
2 |
Rathfriland |
Site Carpentry (Construction) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Electrical Installation |
|
|
|
|
|
Joshua |
Porter |
2 |
Newry |
Electrotechnical (Electrical Installation) Level 3 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Plastering |
|
|
|
|
|
Kyle |
Harte |
2 |
Bessbrook |
Plastering and Dry Wall Lining (Wet Trades) Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Lee |
McCartan |
3 |
Rathfriland |
Plastering and Dry Wall Lining (Wet Trades) Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
|
Plumbing |
|
|
|
|
|
Cathal |
Meehan |
2 |
Poyntzpass |
Plumbing and Heating Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship |
xx
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Pupils at St Clare's Abbey Primary School in Newry have received a waterbutt donation from NI Water to help support their wonderful school garden.
The waterbutt, donated by NI Water, will allow pupils to harvest rainwater for use in the school garden, whether for watering plants or washing windows. Waterbutts offer a simple and practical way for schools and households to make use of rainfall rather than relying on treated tap water.
Anna Killen, NI Water Education Officer, said the donation was part of a wider effort to encourage water awareness. "We get plenty of rain in Northern Ireland but this rainwater has to be cleaned at our treatment works before it goes into the taps. Using a waterbutt to catch the rain is just one way we can all have a play a part to ensure there's enough water for everyone now and in the future."
Killen also highlighted just how much water people use without realising it. "You'd be surprised how much water we all use on a daily basis, 153 litres per person sounds like a lot, however, much of that is sent back down the drain."
NI Water has encouraged people to check how water wise they are by using the water calculator available at niwater.com
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