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Southern Regional College (SRC) has invested £55,000 in two humanoid robots as part of its continued investment in technology for students. The robots which have made an appearance on 'This Morning' will become part of the learning experience from the start of the new academic year.
The pair, a Unitree G1 and a Unitree G1 Educational (EDU) model, will give students the chance to move beyond theory and gain hands on experience with the technologies shaping future workplaces. Students will have opportunities to programme the robots, test artificial intelligence models and explore robotics, automation, computer vision, sensors and software development. The EDU model offers even greater possibilities, designed for universities, research laboratories and software engineers, with enhanced specifications that allow users to write custom code, test AI models and directly control the robot's joint movements.
Name That Robot
As part of their official welcome to college life, the two robots are now in need of names. SRC is inviting students and members of the public to submit suggestions for both humanoid robots, with a goodie bag on offer for the winning entries. Submissions can be made via forms.cloud.microsoft before midnight on Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Degree level students will use the robots to build and develop skills in robotics and automation, programming and software development, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and computer vision and sensor technology. The projects will also challenge students to develop skills in problem-solving, troubleshooting, experimentation, research and multidisciplinary working, while Further Education students will have opportunities to interact with the robots and incorporate them into project-based learning.
So far the robots have had a soft introduction to college life, appearing at several events showing off their dance moves and attracting plenty of attention. That comes to an end with the start of the new academic year, when the work begins in earnest.
Stephen Herron, Computing Curriculum Area Manager at Southern Regional College, commented on the investment. "SRC's investment in humanoid robotics gives students the opportunity to move beyond simulation and theory and work directly with emerging robotic technology. Students will be able to explore programming, artificial intelligence, computer vision, automation and robot control using a physical humanoid platform, developing practical skills and experience relevant to the technologies and workplaces of the future."
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Translink is encouraging pupils and parents to plan ahead and check travel arrangements as school services return from Tuesday 1 September. More than 60,000 pupils travel on bus and rail services every day, making the return to school one of the busiest periods of the year across the north's public transport network.
To support a safe return to school, parents and pupils are being encouraged to check timetables before the new term starts, allow extra time for journeys during the first few weeks, and remember to tap their Smartpass every time they travel. Translink has worked closely with the Education Authority to prepare for the return to school and ensure services are ready for increased demand.
Chris McLean, Translink's Director of Commercial Operations, said, "Starting a new school year is an important and often busy time for families, and our teams are ready to welcome pupils back on board." He said, "The first few weeks of term are always particularly busy as travel patterns settle. We would encourage everyone to plan ahead, check journey details before travelling and allow a little extra time where possible." McLean said safety remained the number one priority, adding, "We are reminding all pupils to stay alert when travelling and to take extra care around buses, trains, roads, stations and platforms. Distractions such as mobile phones and headphones can reduce awareness of potential hazards, so we encourage young people to stay vigilant, particularly when boarding, getting off services or crossing roads."
McLean said pupils eligible for free school transport and issued with a pupil smartpass should remember to tap their pass every time they board, which helps Translink understand travel demand and supports the efficient operation of school services. He said those not eligible for an EA Smartpass could avail of a range of ticket options offering value for regular travel, and that students returning to Year 13 could apply for a free yLink card, offering discounted bus and rail travel for everyone aged 16 to 23 in Northern Ireland. McLean added that pupils aged 13 to 16 could also avail of the free Translink Digital Travel ID Card, which allows them to securely prove their identity and age when travelling on the Translink network and entitles them to the child fare for all bus and rail journeys. He thanked parents, pupils and schools for their patience and support as services settle into the new school term.
Tracy Kennedy, Director of Transport at the Education Authority, said, "The start of a new school year is an important time for pupils, families and school communities across Northern Ireland. We work closely with Translink throughout the year to help ensure eligible pupils can access safe, reliable transport to and from school. We encourage parents and pupils to plan ahead, make use of available travel information and remind young people to travel safely at all times. We wish all pupils a positive and successful start to the new academic year."
Parents, guardians and pupils are encouraged to use the Journey Planner app or visit the School Services section of the Translink website to check timetables and plan journeys before travelling. Further information is available at www.translink.co.uk/schoolservices or by contacting the Translink Contact Centre on 02890 666630.
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More than 200 graduands from Southern Regional College have celebrated their graduation at a ceremony in the Armagh City Hotel on Friday 28 August. Family, friends and College staff gathered to mark the occasion as students received degree and higher national diploma qualifications as well as Student of the Year Awards.
Fearghal Murphy from Killeavy received the Faculty of Building, Technology & Engineering Part-time Student of the Year award for his Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree, sponsored by Newry BID.
Yousef Almahamed from Newry received the Faculty of Professional Services Part-time Student of the Year award for his Sport & Exercise BSc (Hons) Degree, sponsored by Stephen's Catering.
Nine special awards were presented during the ceremony in total, including the Outstanding Classmate award, voted for by fellow students, and eight Student of the Year awards sponsored by local businesses representing the College's four faculties. This year's Outstanding Classmate was Michaela O'Neill from Lurgan, who undertook the Counselling Studies Level 4 Certificate at the College's Banbridge campus. O'Neill was highly regarded by her peers, who commended her for the support she provided to each classmate. She was also praised for her personal growth and willingness to reflect on and apply what she had learnt throughout the academic year.
Other Student of the Year award winners were Neil King from Warrenpoint, who received the Faculty of Building, Technology & Engineering Full-time award for his Engineering BEng (Hons) Degree, sponsored by MTM Engineering, and Matthew Peters from Newcastle, who received the Faculty of Computing, Design & Academic Studies Full-time award for his Creative Music & Audio Production Foundation Degree, sponsored by SRC. Aaron Mitchell from Donaghcloney received the Faculty of Computing, Design & Academic Studies Part-time award for his Creative Media Production - Film Higher National Diploma, sponsored by Deli Lites.
In the Faculty of Health & Science, Katie Bell from Banbridge received the Full-time award for her Health & Social Care Foundation Degree, sponsored by SRC, while Lauren Toale from Jonesborough received the Part-time award for her Healthcare Practice Certificate of Higher Education, sponsored by Avondale Foods. Jasmin Cullen from Kilkeel received the Faculty of Professional Services Full-time award for her Sport & Exercise Foundation Degree, sponsored by Ellisons Hair & Beauty.
Guest speaker at the ceremony was Caroline McKenna, who inspired graduands with her career journey since obtaining her own educational qualifications. McKenna is well known for documenting her career journey in Australia as a teacher in the podcast "A County Down Under". She has since returned home setting up Nuturing Minds tutoring services and more recently opening a pilates studio. Her key message to graduands was to be curious to try new challenges, be brave enough to accept setbacks, and to be able to pivot and adapt as they move through life's challenges.
Mrs Lee Campbell, Principal & Chief Executive of Southern Regional College, offered her congratulations to students receiving their degrees. She said: "Graduation is a significant achievement and a moment to reflect on the dedication, resilience and hard work that has brought our students to this point. On behalf of everyone at Southern Regional College, I extend my congratulations to our Class of 2026 and to the families, friends, employers and staff who have supported them throughout their journey. Our graduates leave the College with much more than a qualification. They take with them the knowledge, skills, confidence and experience to make a positive contribution to their communities, workplaces and wider society. As they take their next steps, whether progressing into employment, further study or new opportunities, I encourage all our graduates to be ambitious, embrace every opportunity and continue learning. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and wish them every success for the future."
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Newry man Yousef Almahamed (23) has been named Student of the Year within the Faculty of Professional Services at Southern Regional College, having graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Sports and Exercise Science. The award was presented at SRC's graduation ceremony on Friday 28 August 2026, marking a major milestone in a journey that began with Yousef and his family fleeing conflict in Syria.
Yousef has lived in Newry with his family for the past ten years, having found a new life and opportunities in Northern Ireland after seeking refuge from Syria. Upon relocating, he learnt English with the help of retired Sister of Mercy Annie Jo Heduan and YouTube videos, and went on to gain GCSEs, a BTEC equivalent to three A-levels in Sport and Exercise Science, a foundation degree and now an honours degree with SRC.
Yousef is not finished yet, with plans to begin a masters in Sports Coaching and Performance this September. Reflecting on the challenges of learning English as a speaker of other languages while attending school and college and sitting exams in an unfamiliar language, he said determination has been key throughout. He said: "You have to set your own goals and get on with the actual work."
Sport has always been Yousef's main interest, though he points out that his degree covers far more than that, giving him in-depth knowledge of physiology, psychology, nutrition and coaching. He hopes this may one day lead him to a career coaching or training top football teams, or even returning to education as a lecturer.
Throughout his educational journey, Yousef's most dedicated supporters have been his mum and dad, who proudly watched him cross the stage at SRC's graduation ceremony to receive his degree certificate. He was joined by Annie Jo Heduan, who first taught him English and has since become a close family friend.
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Pupils at Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School in Newry are celebrating a strong set of GCSE results this year. The school has praised the achievements of the entire year group, with particular pride in the significant number of pupils who secured a full profile of A* and A grades.
While those top performers have been singled out for praise, the school was keen to stress that every pupil's success is valued, noting that each young man's journey is different and that the cohort includes many individual achievements, including pupils who made significant progress and can be particularly proud of their results.
Principal Mrs Gina Savage said: "What makes today special is the range of individual successes across the year group. Every pupil has their own story, and we are delighted that our young men have achieved the qualifications, confidence and opportunities to take their next step."
Mrs Savage also paid tribute to the staff, Learning Support Team, Pastoral Team and parents who supported pupils throughout their GCSE journey. She said: "These results reflect a strong partnership between our pupils, their families and our staff. I want to thank our teachers, Learning Support and Pastoral Teams for the care, encouragement and commitment they give to our young people every day."
The school has wished all of its Year 12 pupils every success as they continue their studies and pursue the pathways they have chosen, adding that staff look forward to seeing all they will achieve in the years ahead. Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School congratulated all their pupils, their families and their teachers, saying it was proud of what they had achieved and looked forward to celebrating their continued success in the years ahead.
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A Hilltown student and a Southern Regional College (SRC) lecturer have both been recognised at the recent Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism. Danielle Grant, who is studying for a Hospitality Management degree at SRC, and part-time lecturer Jamie Maxwell were named finalists in their respective categories, with Grant in the running for the Student Management Potential Award and Maxwell shortlisted for Lecturer of the Year.
This year marks the 29th year of the awards, which recognise the achievements of individuals working in the hospitality, leisure and tourism sectors. The ceremony was held at the Culloden Estate & Spa Hotel, Belfast, on Friday 11 September 2026.
Danielle Grant from Hilltown, has been working in the hospitality industry for the past thirteen years and secured the first ever Generation Chef final title in 2025 alongside fellow SRC students. She began her career at the Avoca Hotel in Newcastle and has since progressed through the ranks, now working as Operations Supervisor at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). Her current role involves co-ordinating a diverse range of large-scale events, from weddings, international conferences and corporate functions to major occasions such as the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Good Friday Agreement. She is also involved in the delivery of QUB's graduation celebrations, catering for up to 3,000 guests over three days.
Speaking on her finalist position, Grant said: "I am absolutely delighted, very proud and genuinely honoured to be a finalist for the Institute of Hospitality Student Management Potential Award and it is a privilege to represent SRC at this level. To be named as a finalist for the award is a fantastic achievement and I genuinely believe that everyone who has reached this stage is a winner. For me, the nomination is also recognition of the hard work, support and encouragement I have received from my lecturers, employer, colleagues, family and everyone who has helped me throughout my hospitality journey."
Jamie Maxwell, who balances working with travel agent KT Travel in Dundalk alongside course co-ordinating duties for the Travel and Tourism level 3 Extended Diploma, the equivalent of 3 A-levels, echoed Grant's sentiment. He has extensive experience of the travel industry, having worked as a holiday representative abroad and as a Grounds Operation Manager for EasyJet's operations at Gatwick airport, before becoming Service Delivery Manager at Dublin airport, where he represented twenty-three airlines. Despite this experience, Maxwell was keen to return to SRC, where it all started, to inspire future generations.
Speaking on his nomination and subsequent finalist position for Lecturer of the Year, Maxwell said: "I'm immensely proud to have been recognised as a finalist. To receive that recognition for my work as a part-time lecturer is an achievement in itself and incredibly rewarding. It's a real affirmation that the work I'm doing is making a positive impact and it means a great deal to have received that recognition."
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St Colman's College, Newry has become the first school on the island of Ireland, and one of only 20 worldwide, to achieve the Gold AI Quality Mark. The accreditation from the Good Future Foundation recognises schools that demonstrate excellence in the ethical, strategic and impactful use of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning and leadership.
The award marks the latest in a series of accolades for the College's work in artificial intelligence. In June, St Colman's received the Most Ethical Use of AI in Education Award at the Ulster University AI in Education Awards, while Michael Fegan, Associate Senior Teacher with responsibility for Digital Learning and Teaching, was named Rising Star in AI in Education. The College's work in the field was also recognised previously at the Northern Ireland ICT Excellence Awards, where it received the 2025 post-primary award for its innovative use of artificial intelligence.
Rather than treating AI as a standalone subject, the College has embedded AI literacy throughout all stages of its curriculum. Students learn how artificial intelligence works, how to write effective prompts, how to critically evaluate AI-generated responses, how to recognise bias and how to use emerging technologies ethically and responsibly. The curriculum is refined regularly through dialogue with students to ensure it keeps pace with one of the fastest moving areas of technology.
The College has also developed recognised qualifications in the area. Last year, thirty students completed the pilot Pearson Generative AI Foundations certification, becoming among the first young people to gain formal accreditation in generative artificial intelligence. The qualification will now become a permanent part of the curriculum, with plans to extend learning opportunities to parents and carers. Staff have also taken part in a sustained programme of professional learning to build their confidence and expertise in using artificial intelligence to enhance teaching while reducing workload, and the College's next focus will be upskilling technical and administrative staff to realise further efficiencies.
The College's expertise has increasingly been recognised beyond its own classrooms. Fegan was invited to present at the National Conference on Generative AI in Education for the second consecutive year and, alongside Vice Principal Helen Doherty, contributed to the 'AI in Education Teacher Professional Learning Thursdays' webinar series, sharing practical approaches with teachers from the north. Science teacher Rosemary Matthews was also invited to present to members of the Chartered College of Teaching, and the College's work has featured in the Impact Journal, a prominent education research publication.
Principal Cormac McKinney welcomed the recognition, saying artificial intelligence presented enormous opportunities for education when introduced thoughtfully and responsibly. "Achieving the Gold AI Quality Mark is a tremendous endorsement of our approach and reflects the commitment of our staff, students and the wider school community. We are very grateful to everyone who supports us in our journey," he said.
Fegan said the College's approach had always been guided by educational purpose. "We want every young person leaving St. Colman's College to have the confidence to question AI, understand its limitations, recognise its ethical implications and use it to enhance, rather than replace, their own thinking. That same philosophy underpins the professional learning we provide for our staff and the work we continue to share with the wider education community," he said.
Doherty, who leads on Curriculum, said artificial intelligence would influence every profession the College's students go on to enter. "We are incredibly proud that our work has been recognised in this way. However, our focus remains firmly on ensuring every student benefits from the opportunities artificial intelligence can provide, while developing the judgement and confidence to use it wisely," she said.
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Two former Head Pupils of Newry High School have joined the growing call for investment in upgraded outdoor sporting facilities at their former school. Joanne Patterson and Councillor David Taylor, who served as Head Girl and Head Boy, say they want current and future generations of pupils to have access to the sporting opportunities they themselves benefited from.
Their support comes amid continuing concern over the lack of suitable outdoor sporting provision at Newry High School. In a recent letter to the Department of Education, the school's Board of Governors highlighted that pupils remain without access to a suitable grass or synthetic pitch and rely instead on two gravel pitches dating from the 1960s, describing the situation as a longstanding inequality requiring urgent action.
Colin Whiteside, Chair of the Board of Governors, said the need for appropriate facilities had existed for far too long. "For over a decade, Newry High School has worked to secure adequate playing facilities. The fact that our pupils continue to rely on two gravel pitches dating from the 1960s is simply not acceptable for the delivery of a modern Physical Education curriculum," he said. Whiteside added that the school had secured planning permission, completed a business case and developed a community plan, yet the project had repeatedly stalled, and he called for a renewed and urgent commitment to delivering appropriate outdoor sporting facilities for pupils and the wider community.
David Taylor said Newry High School had played an important part in his own development, during which he embraced sporting opportunities including hockey and football that helped build confidence, teamwork and discipline. "I want the young people attending the school today, and those who will attend in the future, to have the same opportunities," he said, adding that the school was also a vital resource for local sporting organisations that rely on access to its facilities.
Joanne Patterson, who is also Chairperson of the local Carnbane Girls Youth League Sub-Committee, said her support reflected her experience as a parent as well as a former pupil. "Through my involvement with the Carnbane Girls Youth League, I have also seen first-hand the enormous demand for suitable and accessible sporting facilities, particularly for girls and young women," she said, adding that investment in improved outdoor facilities would be transformational and would strengthen the school's role as a community hub.
The Irish Football Association has also backed the case for enhanced football facilities at the school, citing its role in delivering Shooting Stars sessions, McDonald's Fun Football programmes, Carnbane Girls Youth League fixtures and Irish FA coach education activity. Lauren Moore, Women's Football Development Manager at the Irish Football Association, said the organisation fully supported the case for facility development at Newry High School. "The school has demonstrated a strong commitment to football development, community engagement, inclusion and widening participation," she said, adding that enhanced facilities would unlock significant opportunities for participation growth, particularly within the female game.
For Patterson and Taylor, the issue is a personal one, with both saying the next generation of pupils should have access to facilities that reflect the needs of a modern school and can serve the wider local community for years to come.
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