Stranmillis University College

This time last month, ThriveNewtownabbey and Stranmillis University College's Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement (CREU) hosted a fantastically well-received 2-day conference on campus, 'Collaborating for Impact'.

Find out more about the event here:

'Collaborating for Impact' conference - Stranmillis University College | A College of Queen's University Belfast On the 4th June 2024, THRiVE and their Learning Partnership team from Stranmillis University College’s Centre for Research in Educational […]

The College was delighted to welcome an Austrian educationalist, Dr. Thomas Stornig, to Stranmillis last week.

Dr. Stornig is a History teacher educator at the Pädagogische Hochschule Tirol, a teacher education college in Innsbruck and one of our ERASMUS+ partners. Thomas was hosted by Stranmillis’ own History Education specialist, Dr. John McCombe.

As well as visiting the Steiner School in Holywood and Belfast Royal Academy, Dr. Stornig delivered a seminar to Stranmillis colleagues on Teacher Education in the Tyrol and received a tour of the Parliament Buildings at Stormont from the Northern Ireland Assembly Education Service.

A big ‘Vielen Dank!’ to the Steiner School, BRA and Anne Marie Fleming of the Education Service at Stormont for the warm welcome they gave to our guest.

Earlier in June, the Early Years Education/PGCE team at Stranmillis University College was delighted to welcome key stakeholders from the sector, including teachers/principals from Nursery, Primary and SEN, and representatives from PlayBoard, CSSC and our students.

After a light lunch, the afternoon began with a short welcome from the Head of Early Years Education Dr Glenda Walsh, followed by an excellent overview of the PGCE experience from a student perspective presented by current students Lynsey Bell and Rachel O’Neill. Roundtable discussions and the ensuing conversations were rich and inspiring.

Dr Andrea Doherty, Programme Coordinator for the PGCE (EY) programme and organiser of the event said, "The EY/ PGCE stakeholder meeting was such a valuable opportunity for Stranmillis staff to engage meaningfully with early years practitioners and education stakeholders. Time and space allowed us to share our perspectives, experiences and opinions on current issues and gave us a chance to critically reflect on our provision in the PGCE programme. Feedback from participants, both internal and external, was highly positive and it was recommended that similar events happen more frequently. A range of insightful suggestions was gathered and will be considered when planning our PGCE in 24/25."

Recently a group of Post-primary year three students, undertaking the Essential Skills module, were invited along to Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Campus to meet with Curriculum Area Manager Jenna McGregor and other key staff to discuss how Essential Skills is delivered to a variety of students undertaking vocational programmes.

Students along with Senior Lecturer Stuart Dickinson were hosted in the campus's Linen Lounge. They heard from a range of students about their experiences of Essential Skills. This was followed by a tour of the campus. Thank you Belfast Met! It really brought the learning to life!

On Friday 5th April 2024 a group of sixteen Year 3 BEd students from Stranmillis and St Mary’s University Colleges, along with two lecturing staff, Stuart Dickinson and Thomas Rogan, travelled to India for ten days with the charity Saphara. Read more https://www.stran.ac.uk/saphara-india-college-trip/

The Master of Education (MEd) SEN Literacy is now open for applications for a September 2024 start. This M-Level specialist option (taught fully online) is aimed at students who wish to develop the specialist knowledge and skills required to teach children with dyslexia. Dyslexic-type difficulties are recognised as being the largest single cause of literacy difficulties. All modules are accredited by the British Dyslexia Association.

For more information and to apply email [email protected] or visit:

https://www.stran.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/master-of-education-med-sen-literacy-specialist-option/

On Wednesday 19th June two staff members from Stranmillis University College, Stuart Dickinson and Danielle Armstrong attended Glendhu Nursery School as part of the DFE funded Step Up Programme.

This was the final day of Strand 3, which is aimed at encouraging males into education. Stuart and Danielle brought story sacks to gift the nursery and read one of the stories to the children. The story they chose was Five Minutes Peace, by Jill Murphy. The children sat nicely and listened intently to the story, joining in with actions when directed.

The story Sacks were created by four students from Ashfield Boys School, who took part in this project from January 2024. The students all had a keen interest in reading and teaching and wanted to learn more about how to interact with and teach young children.

Coordinators for the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies (ECS) from across Northern Ireland’s Regional Colleges met recently for their end of year Programme Committee.

They took the opportunity to wish Mrs Helen McLaughlin (South West College [SWC] Omagh campus) well in her forthcoming retirement. Helen has been a long-standing contributor to ECS and Stranmillis, having begun her career at Stranmillis as a Research Assistant, before joining the lecturing team at SWC.

Members expressed their gratitude for Helen’s unstinting commitment to both students and staff alike.

Enjoy your retirement, Helen!

The Master of Arts (MA) Early Childhood Studies is now open for applications for a September 2024 start.

The course is aimed at professionals working in the area of early childhood - teachers, early years practitioners, social workers and family support workers in both statutory and non-statutory agencies - who are already qualified to undergraduate level in an educational or social science subjectm within Northern Ireland and beyond, services directed at the education and care of young children up to age 8 have seen unprecedented growth and development in recent years. Initiatives such as Sure Start, the implementation of the Learning to Learn Strategy and the Infant Mental Health Framework have brought early years issues to the fore.

Listen to Laura, a graduate of the course, on the link below, on how study has impacted her career development. For more information and to apply email [email protected]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn353VW5lJA&t=88s

The popular Master of Teaching (MTeach) is now open for applications for a September 2024 start. This course is taught fully online and offers a blend of learning opportunities for the developing teacher or leader in education who aims to advance their practices while working.

Modules in 2024 /2025 include: Teacher as Action Researcher, Learning Leadership and Advanced Teaching, Learning and Assessment.

Listen to past student Jonny teach you abit more about this programme, and how the course and helped him progress within his teaching role.

For more information on applying please email [email protected]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HM9xKRreWIk&t=4s

The Governing Body and staff of Stranmillis University College are delighted that four colleagues have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours. Professor Noel Purdy has been awarded an OBE for services to education and Dr Michael Ievers has been awarded a BEM for services to drama in Northern Ireland. Former members of the Board of Governors, Professor David Jones was awarded an MBE for services to education and to pharmacy and Mr William Patterson was awarded a BEM for voluntary service to education. Our congratulations to each.

The Master of Education (MEd) Education Studies is now open for applications for a September 2024 start.

This MEd Specialist option draws on a wide range of academic disciplines such as philosophy, psychology and sociology to further our understanding of learning and educational contexts. Drawing on up-to-date research, the programme focuses on how we learn, from early childhood through compulsory schooling and into adulthood, and offers a rigorous analysis of broader educational systems such as curricula, policies and schools in their societal context. Modules this year include: Investigating Difficulties in Maths and Addressing Underachievement and Diversity.

For more information and to apply please visit:

https://www.stran.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/master-of-education-med-education-studies/

The popular Master of Education (MEd) Pastoral Care is now open for applications for a September 2024 start.

This M-level specialist option addresses a need among teachers and education professionals for high-quality professional development in the crucial, challenging and fast-evolving area of pastoral care in education. Students are introduced to local, national and international research and are challenged to respond critically, applying their learning to their own context. This specialist option is open to teachers and other professionals working with children from pre-school through to post-16. Modules in 2024/2025 include International Perspectives on Bullying and Social, behavioural, emotional and wellbeing (SBEW).

Listen to past student Andrew tell you abit more about the course.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcRJnEHjWCQ&t=16s

The popular 1 year 'Postgraduate Certificate in Autism Studies' is now open for applications for a September 2024 start. This course is offered by Stranmillis University College and delivered in partnership with Middletown Centre for Autism. The autism-specific modules are delivered by a specialist team including staff from Stranmillis and Middletown, plus teachers with hands on experience of key school-based roles for example: SENCO's, Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists.

This course is suitable for those who work within an education setting and would like to develop their understanding and professional development at a postgraduate level.

For more information, listen to student Carrie, talk about how the course has benefited her career and CPD.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Autism Studies Carrie chats about the 1 year online Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Autism Studies

Last few remaining rooms in Stran Halls.

Open to students from any University or College, Stran Halls offers the ultimate student living package - room, food, wifi, all utility bills, gym and much more, all located in a safe, stunning eco-campus in the heart of the university quarter.

Book now to make sure you don't miss out. Email [email protected] or visit stran.ac.uk/accommodation

The College was delighted to welcome the Minister for Education, Paul Givan to the campus today, where the Minister met with our current and incoming Students’ Union President and Deputy President before meeting with Board Governors Chair, Edgar Jardine, Principal and CEO Professor Jonathan Heggarty and the College Directors to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Stranmillis as we continue to drive best practice in education and ensure that our children and young people have the best start in life.

Paul Givan MLA Department of Education NI

May is the month for dissertation pics and we are delighted to add to the collection and wish them much success for their future.

Jordan Gibson: Dissertation title “Leave it to the women” An investigation into the perceptions of and attitudes towards men teaching in the Foundation Stage.

Jemma Thompson: Dissertation title "Empowering Educators" An investigation into teacher competence and confidence in primary science education across mainstream and SEN settings.

Molly Mabs Jupp: Dissertation title “Under the radar” An investigation into the value and impact of nurture units in addressing the diverse needs of primary pupils.

On Wednesday 22nd May 2024 students from Tor Bank Special School attended a celebration event along with their family at Stranmillis University College. The sixth year students from Tor Bank Special School all took part in a DfE funded project called Step Up, one morning per week, from September 2023 until May 2024. Coordinated by Danielle Armstrong, the students have attended Stranmillis every Wednesday over the past 8 months and have gained confidence, knowledge and skills in various areas of the college campus. The aim of this project was to show the students that working is a possibility and we hope more businesses will create job opportunities for adults with special needs in the future.

Throughout this programme the students have been supported by Stranmillis University College staff and students along with Tor Bank Special School staff. The Principal and CEO of Stranmillis University College said ‘The experience has not only been beneficial to the students from Tor Bank but the involvement of our staff and students with this project has been most rewarding and beneficial also. The young men have made a positive impact on whoever they engaged with – always willing to learn, listen and laugh. A credit to their family and to the staff of Tor Bank Special School.’
The participants each received a small personalised gift along with their certificates for completing the programme and for OCN units they completed. The college looks forward to continuing the partnership long into the future. A special thanks to DfE and their representatives, without whom, this programme would not be possible.
https://www.stran.ac.uk/tor-bank-special-school-celebration-event/

Our September 2024 postgraduate programmes are currently open for recruitment. We offer a range of full masters courses, mostly taught online.

* MEd Pastoral Care
* MEd Education Studies
* MEd SEN Literacy Studies
* Master of Teaching (MTeach)
*MA Early Childhood Studies

plus a range of one year postgraduate certificate courses.

For more information on any of these courses please visit:

https://www.stran.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/

Keep an eye on our social media over the coming weeks to hear more about these courses from students.

Postgraduate - Stranmillis University College | A College of Queen's University Belfast 78% of our research activity was deemed to be 'recognised internationally' in terms of originality, significance and rigour (REF 2021).