A Careers and Recruitment Fair was held in College Hall on Wednesday 3rd February 2010.

Approximately 130 students came through the doors representing all programmes. BEd students benefited from being able to widen their job search by finding out about teaching opportunities in England with representatives from LEAs from Southend on Sea, Kent, Medway and Essex. BA and BSc students met with potential future employers and all students took the opportunity to think about ways to develop their employability skills through voluntary work and placement with organisations such as Barnardo’s, NSPCC, Ulster Cancer Foundation and Special Olympics.

Students also had the chance to discuss options for postgraduate study and professional development with representatives from Queen’s University and the University of Ulster. Student feedback was very positive, in particular about the opportunity to meet people face to face on campus, learning more about the voluntary sector. In total 32 exhibitors attended the event, many of whom were visiting the College for the first time. One exhibitor commented that it was: “One of the best fairs I have been to”!!

A note of thanks to all staff involved in the run up to the event and on the day itself.

Sarah attended Strathearn Grammar School where she studied Maths, Music, History and Religious Studies at A level and achieved four A grades.  At weekends Susannah helps out at her local youth club and her hobbies include playing the piano, singing and drama. The presentation, held in the College’s Boardroom, was attended by Susannah’s parents, College Principal Dr Anne Heaslett, and other College staff.

The Worship Fund Prize is awarded annually to the student who is considered first in order of merit on entry to the Bachelor of Education degree course at Stranmillis University College, and is ‘adjudged best qualified to commence a course of teacher training’.   It is funded from a legacy bequeathed in the nineteenth century by the Rev William Taylor Worship, Rector of Bolton in Suffolk (1836–1845).

College Principal Dr Anne Heaslett with the presentation’s speaker Michael Stevenson (centre) and representatives from Cisco

A lunchtime presentation sponsored by the Centre for Competitiveness was held at Stranmillis University College on 25th January entitled ‘Education 3.0: preparing learners for participation in the global 21st Century economy’.

The main speaker was Michael Stevenson, Vice President of Global Education for Cisco Systems, the multinational company based in California that designs and sells consumer electronic, networking and communications technology and services. Michael is responsible for developing education strategy and leading implementation in countries where Cisco is working to bring about education reform. ‘Education 3.0’ strives to address the holistic transformation of education systems to 21st century learning, offering a foundation for informed dialogue amongst education practitioners.

Using his direct experience with various education initiatives globally and research into education reform models, Michael spoke about the pressures on educational systems around the world and discussed what some of the responses should be at various levels. He talked about the challenges posed by globalization and the need to supply workers for tomorrow who had flexible, non-routine as opposed to routine skills. He described how technology was ‘ripe for education’ with its ability to improve connectivity, mobility and collaboration, stressing the importance of having highly qualified and committed teachers as the catalysts in utilizing technological tools in order to bring about transformational learning.

If you want to read more on ‘Education 3.0’ go to http://www.educationfutures.com/2009/04/19/designing-education-30/

Polish tutor Dr Kris Baraniuk

Last semester in Stranmillis, native Polish speaker and experienced teacher Dr Kris Baraniuk taught a course introducing the Polish language with the aim of equipping the participants to converse in Polish at a basic level.

Seventeen people signed up for the course and Kris lists various reasons why they did so:

“I can distinguish a number of professions represented at the course. Some came because they have contacts with Polish speakers, whether through their work or family- for example one participant who works in an architect’s office explained that she would like to speak to her Polish colleague in his native language. Others work as teachers in schools attended by Polish pupils who know little English. Some were Stranmillis students interested in trying a new language- one which might be of use to them in their future career in Northern Ireland schools. One lady who attended is marrying a Polish man and wanted to build up her knowledge of the language!!”
 
There are roughly 30,000 Polish speakers residing in Northern Ireland. Every year students from Poland come to universities in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland. The Education and Library Boards this year started a project in which local primary school children are taught Polish language by native speakers. A small number of Polish children are preparing to sit GCSE Polish in Northern Ireland secondary schools. Last year one volunteer from Poland worked with the YMCA in Bangor. Going in the other direction, a group of young people from Alliance Youth Works based in Coleraine travelled to Poland earlier this year to lead the activity programme at a children’s summer camp.
 
Kris came to Northern Ireland in the early 80’s to continue his studies and met and married a local girl. They have two children, now grown up. He completed his degree and a PhD in Computational Linguistics at the University of Ulster. For some years he worked in IT business environments but now works mainly in education at all levels- from primary to HE.

About the Polish class in Stran, Kris concludes:

“The students in my evening class were very enthusiastic learners; they gained some knowledge of the rudiments of Polish grammar, but they particularly enjoyed the emphasis on developing their confidence in speaking Polish as they acquired a new vocabulary. Students also expressed appreciation of the strong support given as they learned to pronounce combinations of letters which look and sound very unusual to English speakers!”    

It is hoped to run more courses in Polish after Easter as part of our expanding Lifelong Learning programme. These will appeal to teachers, business people and all those with an interest in Poland and its culture.

By Samantha Lewis

An orphanage is being built in Lesotho, South Africa, in memory of Rachel White, a former Stranmillis student who was tragically killed in a car accident in July 2008.

With the generous support of so many people, this orphanage, known as ‘Rachel’s Place’ is now taking shape.  Currently it has walls, windows, doors and a roof, but all of the inside work still needs to be carried out. The photographs to the right show the orphanage building at various stages of construction. The target is for it to be opened in March/ April 2010. 

Some of the events that have occurred to date to raise funds for the building project are listed below; thanks to everyone who contributed:

•  A coffee morning in November 2008 raised £3000.
•  In March 2009 a knitting project was launched to knit hats, scarves, blankets and teddy bears. To date we have 350 hats, 200 hand-knitted teddy bears and 10 blankets.
•  Ballymore church raised £720 in March 2009 with a coffee morning. 
•  A sponsored walk on April 11th 2009 raised £1,200.
•  Tandragee Primary School (one of Rachel’s primary schools) raised £1275 in 2009.
•  A concert at Tandragee Golf Club raised £6000 in September 2009 and a further £500 was raised by holding a fashion show in October 2009.
•  A canoe race organised by Gortagan Farmers’ Group in Omagh raised £1700, plus donations and contributions
•  Stranmillis UC, through a number of events, raised £3691 in 2008/9
•  Mothers and Toddlers Organisation in Tandragee raised £400, by a sponsored toddler walk in June 2009

Rachel was a beautiful and amazing person who had many qualities, amongst which were those of kindness, generousity, affection and care, and these were evident to all those lucky enough to meet her.  Rachel would be so proud to see the caring attitude of everyone who has contributed to such a worthy cause, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone, on behalf of Rachel’s family, friends, myself, and indeed all of those to whom you have given a life. Your contributions have helped and continue to help those in need.  From 0ct 2008 to December 2009 a total of £24,000 was raised, and fundraising is still taking place.  We will keep you informed in the near future of any further developments. 

Some of the graduationg students: Kathryn Mahood, Nuala Cassidy, Julie Keown, Thelma Hunter, Claire Foster

Graduating students and ECS staff

Congratulations to the first cohort of MA in Early Childhood Studies students who graduated from Queen's University on Friday 11th December.

Following the graduation ceremony, several of the students and their families joined the ECS team for an afternoon reception at Stranmillis. College Principal, Dr Ann Heaslett, congratulated the new graduates and encouraged them to consider returning to Stran to continue their studies in the future.

The MA programme leader, Dr Barbara McConnell, said: " We are delighted to see the first group of MA students graduate today and we look forward to many future successes for our Masters students. The course continues to flourish, with both part-time and full-time students enrolled."

Wednesday 9th December saw the Stranmillis Football Team finish their season at the top of the University League Division One, following a 5-2 victory against St Mary’s.

With goals scored by Adam Pedlow, Jaime Gardiner, Ryan O’Hare  and Jonathan Black (2), this was the perfect finale to an unbeaten record this season. It’s the 3rd year in a row that the team have secured the top position in the competition and they hold a 100% victory record for all competitive matches played in all three seasons. Congratulations must go to all the team members who have contributed to this success throughout the past three years as well as the consecutive captains, Paul Greenaway, Andy Uprichard and current ‘master and commander’, Steven Park. Thanks must also be extended to the loyal band of supporters who have attended matches and acted as the ‘twelfth man’. Many thanks to all the final year students for your dedication and commitment over the past number of years; we wish you all the best for the future. And to those who remain – the challenge awaits, let’s make it four in a row!

by Sara Lindsay (Union President)

This season’s  results:

North West Regional College  1  Stranmillis 2   -   Goals: Jaime Gardiner (1) & Nicky McCartney (1)

Coleraine   2   Stranmillis  7  -   Goals:  Jonathan Black (3), Jaime Gardiner (1), Nigel Boyd (1), Adam Pedlow (1) & Nathan Riddle (1)

Queen’s  0   Stranmillis  5   -   Goals:  Adam Pedlow, Jonathan Black, Ryan O'Hare and two own goals.

St Mary’s 2   Stranmillis  5   -   Goals: Jonathan Black (2), Adam Pedlow (1), Jaime Gardiner (1) and Ryan O’Hare (1)

Congratulations to all who took part in the annual Christmas Celebration in St Bartholomew’s Church on Thursday 17th December.

The story of the first Christmas was told in readings, hymns, songs and instrumental pieces. Well done to the choir of students and staff, as well as the orchestra, solo singers and instrumentalists. Special congratulations go to Jayne Moore, Frances Burgess and Norman Richardson, who put so much effort into making the evening a great success.

Current Year 1 Technology and Design students Niall Uprichard and Laurie Pue welcome visitors to the T&D dept in Orchard Building

Year 1 Maths and Science Students with potential entrants to the college 2010/11

Students from post-primary schools across Northern Ireland, along with their teachers and parents, were recently invited to a STEM evening at Stranmillis University College. 

The evening was intended primarily for students in Year 14 (or at a similar stage in Regional Colleges) who are giving thought to a career in post-primary teaching relating to Science/Mathematics or Technology and Design. There are excellent career opportunities in this area of teacher shortage and the informal event provided an opportunity to find out more about the courses offered in the college and meet current students and staff.

It was Panto time again….  oh yes it was! Over the past number of years one of the most popular and professional pantomimes to take place in Belfast during the seasonal period has been the Stran Pantomime, and this year was no different.

Panto at Stran has become an institution in its own right and expectations surrounding this year's theatrical extravaganza were high. The festive season in Stran is never complete without this colourful explosion and this year the thespians in Stranmillis Drama Society executed an astounding 11 performances with ease. This year's Panto was Snow White, adapted and directed by Steven Condy and Katherine Kennedy (Dramatic Society President and Vice-President respectively).

Snow White is one of the oldest pantomime tales but this particular adaption contained several modern twists with its own living plasma screen TV in place of the traditional mirror. The story took the audience on a rollercoaster of emotion as they followed the fortunes and woes of the characters which they quickly came to know and love. It was a truly romantic tale, tainted with poisoned apples, but salvaged by true love’s first kiss. The week-long run included two shows per day, and for the first time a Saturday matinee performance was introduced which proved to be highly successful, as were all of the performances, which sold out on every night.

 Congratulations must go to Steven Condy, Katherine Kennedy, Susie Kyle, Stephanie Shaw and Emma Smyth (choreographers), Sean McElhinney (Producer), Karen Ogle (Creative Director), Aaron Davis (Backstage), Adam McCready (Lights) and Emma Byers (Front of House), for all their hard work and dedication over the past several months. A big thank you to all those who took part in the Cast, Chorus, Panto Band, or worked Front of House, backstage, in Make-Up, Costumes, Publicity, set painting, and in the light and sound team. Without everyone's hard work this masterpiece would not have been possible and we await next year's performance with trepidation!

Chidren from Stranmillis and Holy Rosary Primary Schools under the new arch

Historian Eamon Phoenix, Principal Dr Ann Heaslett, Lord Mayor Councillor Naomi Long, artist Bernie Rutter and Art and Design lecturer Denise Elliott

Stranmillis has a striking new addition to its landscape — a four metre high stainless steel arch which aims to “capture the essence” of the area.
Local children and artists helped create the ‘Sweet Water Arch’ which is now in place near the Stranmillis roundabout, just at the end of the Governor’s Bridge. The sculpture’s name is derived from the Irish for the area — ‘An Srúthan Milís’ or ‘sweet stream’.

The artwork, which was funded from Belfast City Council’s Brighter Belfast initiative, frames the view across the Lagan to the Annadale Embankment, linking the communities on both sides of the river.
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Naomi Long, said: “What I love about this sculpture is that it really captures the essence of Stranmillis — from theatrical connections with the Lyric, to Charles Lanyon’s impressive architecture of Stranmillis University College, to the flow of the river itself and the trowel which represents the famous Annadale brickworks.”

Following a United Kingdom-wide call for proposals, Derbyshire-based sculptor Denis O’Connor was selected to bring his concept to life.
Preparation for the artwork included workshops with neighbouring primary schools Stranmillis Primary School, Forge Integrated Primary School and Holy Rosary Primary School. Artists Bernie Rutter, Angela Pressley and Eleanor Wheeler facilitated workshops in the award winning Orchard Building at Stranmillis University College. Art and Design Primary Education lecturer Denise Elliott, students from the college, local residents and local historians Dr Eamon Phoenix and Dr Julian Greenwood also gave input.

Eleanor Wheeler said: “It was great to have the children’s input to the whole artistic process — their enthusiasm for Stranmillis really shines through and their collaboration with the artists has given us a really interesting piece of public art which both local people and visitors will enjoy.”

The work was officially presented on the 26th November in the Orchard Building, where the Principal Dr Anne Heaslett and Lord Mayor Councillor Naomi Long led proceedings in the unveiling ceremony for the innovative new sculpture.

The returning 'Razies' in Scholars Bar

Stran students who had studied abroad last year at their celebration meal at Stran

Last week saw the return to Stran of 11 former Erasmus students ('Razies'!) who studied at the College during the 1st Semester of last year- 08/09.

The students, who came from Hungary, Spain and Germany, had formed great friendships with each other and with several Stranmillis students (both past and present) many of whom had travelled to see the Erasmus Students in their native countries since their departure last December. Most of the visiting students had also participated in last year's pantomime production of Cinderella and had timed their return to coincide with panto week so they could experience the magic all over again!

It is a real testament to all those students in Stran who continually try to support our visiting counterparts and work hard to make their experience a memorable one. Special thanks must also go to Margaret and Laurence in the International Office for their faithful work each year and to the 'Buddies' over the past two years for helping new students settle happily into life at Stran. 

Let's hope that 'the return' becomes a regular occurrence and that we can continue to foster such good relations with our European and International neighbours to form friendships which will hopefully last a lifetime.

By Sara Lindsay, Students' Union President

OUTGOING OUTREACH STUDENTS' CERTIFICATES

Meanwhile, at a celebration meal in November, over 20 Stranmillis students who had been studying abroad during the last academic year were presented with certificates to mark their achievements. During the chat over the meal many recounted stories about what had happened during their study terms in places as far apart as Denmark and Uganda, Hong Kong and Mississippi, and agreed that their experiences had been formative, and in many cases, life-changing.

The Erasmus and International students with their certificates

Student spokesperson Wiebke Ernst from Denmark presents gifts to Margaret Mulhern, Laurence Siberry, Ann Heaslett and Students' Union President Sara Lindsay

Another  happy group of Erasmus and International students enjoyed a pleasant Christmas dinner with College Principal Dr Ann Heaslett, Dr Maureen Thatcher, Laurence Siberry and the staff involved in the teaching of the International/Erasmus module as well as International Outreach Administrator Margaret Mulhern. 

Dr Heaslett distributed certificates to the students who had completed a period of study in the University College. Two students have decided to come back to sit their examinations in January and the two Spanish students from Caceres will be here again next semester.

Lisa Falls, tutor Rachel Hutchinson Nelum Pathirana and Sandra Ramasubba with textile work

A collaged patchwork piece by Lorraine Marks and textile art by Lisa Falls

Lifelong Learning students unveiled at the end of December their textile pieces produced within the ‘Creative Patchwork’ course, with renowned local textile artist Rachel Hutchinson.

Throughout the 10 weeks, Rachel guided eight students through a variety of textile techniques, including collage, decorative stitch-work and various popular patchwork skills. Each student produced an individual piece of work responding to the course. Outcomes included quilts, wall-hangings, cushions and table-runners. Rachel states:

“The class have produced some beautiful work over the weeks, and I believe each one of them has unleashed a hidden talent for textiles.”

The course is due to take place again in January 2010. For more information, see the Lifelong Learning Programme or contact:

Katie Miller

Lifelong Learning Office
Main Building, Stranmillis University College
Tel: 028 9038 4345
Email:  k.miller@stran.ac.uk

Patricia Eaton and Jenny Sharp with Cathy Cassidy and Katie Armstrong, two of the student assistants.

This year, for the first time, Royal Institution Masterclasses came to Northern Ireland and have been delivered on six consecutive Saturdays in November and December at Queen’s University Belfast and at Stranmillis University College.

Mathematics Masterclasses were started in 1981 to inspire and foster the enthusiasm of young people for mathematics. Year 10 pupils who have shown an exceptional interest in and ability for mathematics have the opportunity to learn more by exploring topics which are not normally taught at school. 

Dr Patricia Eaton, mathematics lecturer at Stranmillis, said: “Mathematics underpins the STEM agenda and at a time when the government is trying to encourage further study of STEM subjects these classes provide an excellent opportunity for talented and enthusiastic children to explore the boundaries of mathematics and help foster their long-term commitment to the subject.  It is also a great opportunity for our students to be involved in working with these exceptional young people. We hope that these masterclasses become an annual event in Northern Ireland”.

Dr Jenny Sharp from University of Plymouth delivered a masterclass on Optimisation at Stranmillis and was assisted by Stran student volunteers. The classes are sponsored by the Royal Institution, the School of Mathematics and Physics at Queen's, and Stranmillis University College. 

For further information contact p.eaton@stran.ac.uk

(L to R) Dr Irene Bell (SUC), Mr Fergal Corscadden (SUC), Mr Pat O’Doherty (Principal of Lumen Christi College), Dr Marie Ferris (Vice-Principal Lumen Christi College) and Dr John McCullagh (SUC).

Dr Michael Joyce (Head of Chemistry) explains the features of the Learning Object to sixth-from students Rebecca Logue and Harry Hutton.

The first of a series of STEM partnership projects involving Stranmillis University College and Lumen Christi College, Londonderry was recently launched.

This first project involves the production of multimedia learning objects (LOs) to support the teaching and learning of ‘A’-level Chemistry. The LOs consist of video and supporting resources (notes and exam questions) relating to popular sixth-form chemistry experiments. In this pilot phase of the project pupils from Lumen Christi College and Stranmillis student teachers will be able to access these resources online before and after their actual practical classes. The availability of these reusable resources means that both sets of learners can access this content off campus and prepare more effectively for practical classes. It is hoped that very soon these resources will be made available to all students throughout Northern Ireland.
 

On Tuesday 24th November the PGCE (Early Years) students joined with the MA in ECS students for a visit to Kilmaine Primary School, Bangor.

During the two-hour visit students were able to examine planning methods and daily routines within the context of a Foundation Stage classroom and to hear about the process of planning and building an outdoor play area. The school principal, John Mann, welcomed students to the school and the visit was hosted by Janice Lowry and Victoria McPeake – P2 teachers who are both former Stranmillis students. Students were accompanied by PGCE tutors Dorothy McMillan and Pamela Moffett.

Stranmillis Senior Lecturer Patricia Corrigan with Year 3 B&E students with Mrs Emma McKenna from Ashfield Girls' High School

Third year Stranmillis BEd students whose main subject is Business and Enterprise recently visited Ashfield Girls' High School, Belfast, a school which has specialist status for ICT. 

The school principal Mrs Alison Mungavan greeted the students and welcomed them to the school.  Head of Business Studies Mrs Cheryl Hoey along with her teaching colleague Mrs Emma Mc Kenna then took the students on a tour of the impressive new building. While on the visit students had the opportunity to talk to pupils as well as chat to other staff members about the uses of ICT in the classroom, such as video conferencing. Students also investigated the various learning areas that have been incorporated into the new build. 

Some of the students hope to take up the school’s offer to become involved in the ‘SEP’ Sharing Education Programme that is currently being run with St. Louise’s, facilitated by Ashfield teacher  Beverly Cripps through a blended learning model- the programme is delivered through both video conferencing and face-to-face techniques.

In March 2008 Stranmillis University College was invited to undertake a comprehensive independent evaluation of the work of Springboard for Children, an educational charity founded in 1992 at the Oliver Goldsmith Primary School in Peckham, South East London.

Springboard for Children provides one-to-one tuition for children with literacy difficulties in inner city primary schools – currently in London and Manchester. The evaluation, undertaken over a 12 month period, concludes that Springboard provides a cost-effective way of giving children with learning difficulties a supportive long-term relationship with a trained and committed volunteer tutor. Based on Christian values, every child, regardless of their faith or background, is treated as an individual and is encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential. Springboard programmes use a structured and cumulative synthetic phonics approach that complements and supplements a range of government interventions in the drive to achieve the goal of preventing literacy failure. 

The Evaluation Report was presented to Margaret McVeigh, Springboard CEO, by the College Principal, Dr Anne Heaslett on behalf of the Project Team:  Audrey Curry (Project Leader), Dr Carol Dunbar, Dr Noel Purdy and Dr Denise Mitchell .

For more information on Springboard, go to http://www.springboard.org.uk/

Stranmillis BEd Business and Enterprise students, accompanied by lecturers Patricia Corrigan and Ann Robinson, recently attended the CBI/ Stratagem conference on how small economies deal with the economic downturn.

Taking part in the conference were Chief Economist at the Northern Bank Angela McGowan, Scottish Enterprise Minister Jim Mather MSP, the Republic of Ireland's Minister of State for European Affairs Dick Roche TD, Member of the Treasury Committee at Westminster Sally Keeble MP and CBI NI Chair Brian Ambrose.

The conference looked at various strategies that could be adopted by Small & Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in order to help the NI economy out of the recession.  These strategies in turn might also lead to the SME being able to make sustainable profits in both the short and medium term.

Steve Humble- Dr Maths!

Dr Maths with some of the Year 1 BEd Post-primary students with Stran maths lecturer Trisha Eaton

Steve Humble, a.k.a. Dr Maths, visited the College during ‘Maths Week 2009’ in October.  

Steve has been active through the IMA (Institute of Maths and its Applications) in popularising mathematics and is probably the only maths columnist in a daily newspaper in the world!  He writes the Dr Maths Column in the Evening Chronicle in the North East of England and works for NCETM (National Centre of Excellence in Teaching of Mathematics- http://www.ncetm.org.uk ), an organisation created for the professional development of maths teachers in England.

Steve conducted a session entitled Hidden Secrets from the World of Dr Maths and his popular, fun and entertaining show was enjoyed by over 500 pupils from a range of post-primary schools including Special Schools, from across Northern Ireland.
His workshop entitled Randomness and pattern - maths or magic? was attended by over 100 sixth form pupils and also proved very entertaining.

The timing of week is chosen because it was on 16th October 1843 that Sir William Rowan Hamilton, on his way to a meeting of the Royal Irish Academy, discovered quaternions and scratched the equation onto a canal bridge in Dublin. Quarternions have proved to be extremely important in the development of modern mathematics and are still used today in many areas, for example computer graphics, signal processing, physics, bioinformatics, molecular dynamics, computer simulation and spacecraft attitude-control systems.

Maths Week Ireland seeks to promote awareness, understanding and appreciation of maths for all ages. More information on Maths Week Ireland is available on www.mathsweek.ie . The events are presented in conjunction with the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (Irish Branch).

Four highly successful days of fundraising madness to support the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice were completed during the first week in November. 

Following the sponsored leg wax, a table quiz, busking in College and in Belfast City Centre, Sean’s sponsored silence, and a pudding party, the now legendary Stran’s Got Talent took place on the Wednesday night and a fancy dress party was held on the Thursday evening with the theme of ‘What I wanted to be when I was 5’! 

The time, effort and enthusiasm paid off, as a total of £1,600 was raised throughout the four days- an amazing amount of money, raised with an amazing amount of generosity.

Many thanks go to the Students’ Union Executive and the students and lecturers who put in so much effort to produce this wonderful result. Special thanks also go to the Beauty Haven beautician, The Fatted Calf and Sinnamon cafes and the staff of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. 

Charity Week is over for another year, but it’s not the end of student fundraising for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.  It is hoped that this total will be increased as fundraising continues throughout the year.  It is such a worthy cause and the charity, children and families associated will certainly feel the positive impact of the money raised.

The Planning Team: Back row- Mr Eric Gamble Mr James Brewster Mr Reggie Patterson Middle row from left – Mrs Zoe Vallely (née Anderson) Mrs Margaret Brown (née Anderson) And front centre – Mrs Kathleen Mawhinney (née Strawbridge)

On 1st October 140 former Stranmillis students met at the Dunadry Hotel at Templepatrick to celebrate with a belated 50th anniversary lunch for those students who entered Stranmillis College on 1st September 1958.

The idea of a lunch came about by a chance encounter between James Brewster and Eric Gamble on the 'Friends Reunited' website approximately one year previously. Neither  James nor Eric had met since leaving Stranmillis in 1962. After exchanging pleasantries on the net they decided to meet up and have lunch together.

Eric Gamble takes up the story of how everything came together …..

 ‘As with most former students from the College we enjoyed reminiscing about our first days away from home among like minded teenagers. We were in fact two teenagers ‘up from the country’ (James from Ballymoney and Eric from Londonderry)  among all those ‘city slickers’, but  living in Balmoral Hall for the first year we realised that we knew as much as they did about the world in general and girls in particular!

We invited a few of our former colleagues to join us- Zoe Vallely (née Anderson), Margaret Brown (née Anderson) and Reggie Patterson- and formed a ‘planning’ team. The subsequent meetings were so enjoyable as we gelled together and laughed as we reminisced about the various lecturers and some of the childish antics we got up to!

We decided to start with our own friends, asking if they would be interested in joining us for a lunch and seeking from them any  names and addresses of other people with whom they had any loose connections or even the name of the last known school where they taught.We felt at that meeting that we would set a target of one hundred to join us for lunch, not knowing how many students had entered Stranmillis in 1958, how many had emigrated or in fact how many sadly had passed away.

During the next ten months we gathered names and addresses from former colleagues, internet web sites, electoral rolls, requests to schools as well as the BT phonebook. We also contacted twenty- five local newspapers and twelve local radio stations and asked for their help in advertising our reunion. All of them were very accommodating. A special word of thanks to John Bennett from Radio Ulster who is himself a former Stranmillis student.

Many of the contacts brought hours of enjoyable conversations with people we had not met since leaving College in June 1962. Unfortunately the pleasure was tinged with sadness as we discovered several of those we knew as close friends at Stran. had passed away. In fact we listed a total of twenty-nine former known colleagues who were no longer with us.

Early in our deliberations we decided that we would like to invite at least one of our former lecturers to join us for lunch and we unanimously choose Mrs Kathleen Mawhinney (née Strawbridge), and what a popular choice she turned out to be.

The day of the reunion finally arrived- October 1st . Our day at the Dunadry started with tea/ coffee at 10.30am with lunch at 1.00pm. but many people were still chatting late into the evening.

On display at Dunadry we had a DVD showing a selection of formal and informal photographs of our days at Stranmillis -  hockey, rugby, soccer, table tennis, badminton, the Dramatic Society, formal dances and a variety of outdoor pursuits. How young and innocent we all looked!! Several colleagues had provided photographs of groups of students in the various halls of residence – The Bungalows, Stranmillis House, Shandon, Beechlands, Westbrook, as well as the men in Balmoral Hall under the guidance of Mr Jock Murry. Many enjoyable memories returned when we thought of those halcyon days. We had a number of items of memorabilia on display including student cards, laundry receipts, examination cards, orders of various religious services, and rules and regulations regarding entry to Stranmillis. These were further reminders of those far away ‘care- free’ days.

One of our ’58 Freshers, Arthur Gibson, composed and read a poem for this special occasion. The thirty-three verses  brought back memories of what life was like in Belfast in the late 1950s as well as some of the exploits of our fellow colleagues.

The main purpose of the day was to renew ‘old’ friendships, have fun and fellowship and hopefully provide happy memories for all of us in the ‘Autumn’ of our lives. This aim would appear to have succeeded as many of those present were busy exchanging telephone numbers and addresses at the end of the evening and many subsequent requests for contact numbers for those who had sent apologies for their non attendance.

At Dunadry we employed the services of a professional photographer who took photographs of various groups eg halls of residence as well as the larger group of all of us together. The contrast from the fresh faces of ’58 to the well worn faces of 2009 is fairly noticeable!’

Seems like a great day was had by all!!

Photographs taken by Paul Crawford, Glengormley,   www.paulcrawford.co.uk

It’s a season of good will at Stranmillis this week as staff and students have joined together with the Students’ Union to raise funds for this year’s chosen charity, the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Charity Week is packed full of fundraising events which seem to be paying off so far! ‘Beauty Haven’ from Stranmillis very kindly helped us to start the week on a high, as some of our extremely courageous boys had their legs (and even feet!) waxed.  Sean McElhinney also raised a sizable amount of money through his sponsored silence on Tuesday from 9 am until 10 pm.  Well done Sean!

Music has had a large part to play this week, as many staff and students have used their musical abilities to fundraise.   Richard Greenwood, Norman Richardson and a number of students busked noisily in the foyer of the Central Building on Tuesday and a number of students also did some busking in the City Centre on Wednesday.

A table quiz and pudding party (puddings donated kindly by ‘The Fatted Calf’ and ‘Sinnamon’ in Stranmillis) have also produced some generous giving.

With much more in store for the rest of the week, Charity Week 2009 is a massive success so far.  Thanks to all of those who have helped with such willingness and generosity. Look out for another Web News story next week with a ‘final report’ and news of the grand total raised.

Rachel Green

The photos show our newly trained peer tutors from the Communication Skills Centre receiving a few last minute words of advice from their colleagues who worked in the centre in previous years.

Having undergone their training (and testing!) with Dr Jonathan Worley of St Mary’s University College they are ready to start working to help students with their academic writing for essays and other assignments. Our new location is within the Student Learning Centre (CETL) on the top floor of Central Building. Now in our third year, the CSC has gone from strength to strength and we are striving to top last year’s excellent results. 

Stran students should look out for information on notice boards around the campus for dates and times when the centre is open.

The group of Erasmus and International students who are spending this semester at Stran had a day trip to the North Coast in the middle of October.

There are 28 students from 11 different countries on campus this autumn; they come from Austria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Spain, USA, China and Hong Kong. The students walked along the West Strand, Portrush (but didn’t get to go into ‘Barry’s’!! and then up onto Ramore Head before having a great lunch at the Ramada Hotel in Portstewart. The afternoon was spent exploring the Giant’s Causeway. Many photos were taken and souvenirs bought!!

Ruth Gaston (Year 3 BEd Primary) spent a year in the USA as part of the Business Education Initiative (BEI).  Below she shares some thoughts on a wonderful year.
 
"The BEI experience offers 100 local students the opportunity to study in the United States every year. This year Alick Ford (Year 3 BEd Post-primary) and I headed off to different parts of the States to study Business. I left for Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi in Mid-August.
This programme, run by the British Council, allowed me the opportunity to study Business, but I also enjoyed, among others, courses in modern and ballet dance, counselling, public speaking, marketing, Old Testament. I was taught by some wonderful, inspiring people. The option to travel was also a highlight. In the first term I took part in an Ethics conference in South Carolina. The folks I stayed with made having a pet dog seem very boring when they took me out to see their pet crocodile!!
 
In the second semester I represented the college as part of a SIFE (Students In Free Enterprise) team. I was inspired by the teams of students who had come to the competition to share their experience of helping the community in a profitable and ethical way. Thanksgiving was spent in Kentucky, the Christmas holidays in Texas and 3 amazing weeks in San Francisco and Los Angeles. I visited Kansas City, Colorado, Chicago, Alabama and Atlanta. Each place holds special memories of time spent with my American and international friends. The BEI experience was life enhancing and I would thoroughly recommend it."

For more information on BEI Northern Ireland, go to:

http://www.britishcouncil.org/northernireland-education-intstudlinks-bei.htm 

Congratulations to Dr Noel Purdy (Teacher Education) on his recent Queen’s University Teaching Award. 

The award was part of a university-wide scheme which aims, according to the QUB web site, ‘ … to encourage and reward the development of learning and teaching practice, and activities that support learning and teaching practices, that have led to particularly effective/worthwhile learning.’

Noel’s award was in the ‘Rising Stars’ category (for colleagues teaching for less than five years), and was in recognition of innovative teaching and assessment in Education Studies modules, notably in the year 4 module Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Care.  Here the panel (chaired by Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Brown) was impressed both by the pedagogical strategies used to allow the discussion of sensitive issues in a safe environment and by the use of formative assessment techniques to empower learners .

Details about the QUB Teaching Awards scheme and past winners can be found on the QUB web site.

On Wednesday 16th September the Students’ Union had the privilege of presenting a cheque for £3691.42 to Linda and Rebekah White, the mother and sister of the late Rachel White. 

Rachel was an Early Childhood Studies Student in Stran from 2005-2008 who tragically died in a car accident. This generous donation goes to ‘Rachel’s Place’, the charity set up in memory of Rachel to support and rebuild an orphanage in South Africa with which Rachel had worked closely in the past. During the last academic year students took part in a range of events, such as sponsored silences, leg waxing, ‘Stran’s Got Talent’, a fun run and themed nights in the Union bar. The total raised in support of ‘Rachel’s Place’ so far is over £17,000, and Rachel’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the students and staff in College who helped to make this possible.

This Autumn you can experience for yourself the unique landscape within the walls of Stranmillis University College by enrolling on one of our new series of short courses. 

The courses are delivered by a team of academic experts, and the programme is designed to appeal to every interest, with exciting courses in Local & Irish History, Historical Walking Tours, Geology, Archaeology, Languages, Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Genealogy and Health & Leisure.   

Stranmillis University College has one of the most idyllic settings of any educational institution in Europe.  This 46-acre estate of woodland, lake and historic gardens was once a deer park and contains a Victorian mansion and the remains of an Irish ring-fort and a Plantation castle.  It is also home to a rich variety of animal and birdlife. 

This is the perfect way to take up a new interest, rekindle an old one, broaden your horizons or make new friends.

Click on the link below for more details on the courses on offer:

Lifelong Learning Programme

FOR MORE INFORMATION, REGISTRATION & ENROLMENT, CONTACT:
Katie Miller - Lifelong Learning
Tel: 02890 384261
k.miller@stran.ac.uk  

Outside the Whitla Hall

Prize winners (clockwise from top left): Deborah Steele with the College Principal, Dr Ann Heaslett; Philip Toal; PGCE students; Janine Craig and Sara Lindsay

The 9th July 2009 saw two special occasions- the graduation in the Whitla Hall, QUB of Stranmillis and St Mary’s BEd students and, in the afternoon, the presentation of special prizes here at Stranmillis.

On a day that was, thankfully, dry and bright, the Whitla Hall was packed with graduands and their parents and, on the stage, a large number of Stran and St Mary’s staff. As part of the ceremony a QUB ‘Graduate of the Year’ award was presented to classical singing trio ‘The Priests’ whose music has been enjoyed by millions around the world during the last year. Father David Delargy accepted the award on behalf of the two brothers, Fathers Eugene and Martin O’Hagan.

After the ceremony, as always, the new graduates, parents, friends and staff all mingled on the lawn outside the Whitla Hall and the Lanyon Building for photos and congratulations!

In the afternoon at Stranmillis, a large number of special prizes were presented to students who had excelled in various courses and aspects of College life. Of particular note were students who picked up more that one prize: Sara Lindsay, current SRC President, and Philip Toal (both Post-primary students) won two prizes each, while Deborah Steele won no less than FOUR prizes for excellent results across School Based Work, Early Childhood Education, and examination performance in both Education Studies and Religious Studies.

Congratulations to our PGCE and year 4 students who recently completed the two day Fundamental Movement Skills teacher course with course tutors Madeline Mason and Joanne Gardiner.

Fundamental Movement Skills is a resource to support teachers in the assessment, planning and teaching to 3-8 year old children of skills such as balancing, running, throwing and catching. It aims to increase teachers’ understanding of the importance of fundamental movement. It also includes information about children with movement difficulties and provides ways in which teachers can address the needs of these children within the normal classroom programme.
Fundamental Movement Skills is deeply embedded within the revised NI Curriculum content for Physical Education at Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 and is an effective resource for helping teachers meet the requirements of the Physical Education programme.

Feedback from all the course participants has been extremely positive and we are delighted that so many of our students are now fully trained in delivering the programme in their future schools.

Well done everyone!

During the first week in June 40 students completed the intensive, one-week Certificate course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) / English as an Additional Language (EAL).

The course is unique in preparing student teachers to meet the needs of pupils at school here in Northern Ireland whose first language isn’t English, and at the same time, preparing students for teaching English at home or abroad to any age group for whom English is a foreign language. Noel Purdy, Laurence Siberry, Michael McCurley and Jim Ferguson led the course in providing students with practical methods and approaches, resources and activities to help learners become fluent in English, as well as promoting students’ awareness of how their own language works.

Student Victoria Hall works with Diann Semple

Students Claire and Lauren try out some of the ideas for themselves

A masterclass in the use of interactive whiteboards was provided by staff of the maths department at Hunterhouse College. 

First and second year maths students visited Hunterhouse and had the opportunity to see how teachers used the boards and other new technologies such as electronic voting systems.  The students were then let loose on the boards to practise under the guidance of Ms Diann Semple, Head of Department and her team.  

Dr Patricia Eaton, the maths lecturer in Stranmillis who coordinated the visit said: “While students use this technology in College, it is an invaluable opportunity for these young people to see the technology being used in the classroom so powerfully to enhance learning and to work with experts willing to share their time.”

Some of the students with Mr Paul Gray and Dr Patricia Eaton, lecturer in Stranmillis.

Mr Paul Gray, Assistant Principal Officer for Financial Capability with CCEA, spoke to first year post-primary students recently on the importance of financial capability in every subject in the curriculum. 

His interesting and innovative talk highlighted to the students some of the implications for the Northern Ireland economy of a lack of financial awareness and the importance of developing money sense among their pupils.  Students enjoyed the interaction and were encouraged to think about how to incorporate financial awareness into their lessons.

Congratulations to Dr Colette Gray (Department of Early Childhood Education), who has been awarded a Visiting Professorship in Child Development & Education by the University College Plymouth St Mark & St John.

The award is in recognition of her contribution to scholarly academic research and her extensive publication record in the field of Early Years Education.

In this role Colette will support the research endeavours of the academic staff at Plymouth by advising them in the development of research applications with national and international partners, by coordinating research groups and by mentoring staff in the dissemination of research findings. In addition, she will deliver inaugural lectures on behalf of the University.

Ten Year 4 BEd students headed west to explore the Marble Arch Caves Geopark in Fermanagh and take part in an Earth Science workshop delivered by the Earth Science Education Unit.

The ESEU is based at Keele University, Staffordshire, and their core business is to provide INSET in Earth Science to teachers across the UK. The students joined a number of teachers as ESEU facilitator Denise Palmer provided three interactive, practical workshops called ‘How the Earth Works in Your Classroom’, ‘The Rock and Soil Circus Comes to Town’, and ‘Spot That Rock- Sorting Rocks the Scientific Way’. Throughout the workshops a ‘hands-on’, experimental approach was used, and ways in which all the experiments and follow-up work could be carried out in primary school classrooms were discussed.

Following the workshops, geopark geologist Dr Kirstin Lemon kindly arranged for the students a free tour of the Marble Arch Caves themselves- boat trip and all!!

Primary 5 pupils from Whiteabbey Primary School using the data-logger to compare sound patterns from different musical instruments.

Year 3 students Ruth Todd and Claire McKinley sharing the pupils’ experiences of making their own videos during science investigations.

Teachers’ and student teachers’ experiences of using digital technology during the ‘DREAMS Project’ were recently shared at a Dissemination and Evaluation Seminar at Stranmillis.  DREAMS stands for Digitally Resourced Engaging And Motivating Science.

This school development project, funded by the AstraZeneca Science Trust, involved Year 3 Science students using digital technology to enhance cross-curricular science lessons during a 5 week placement in six primary schools. The conference delegates learned how these resources totally transform children’s disposition to enquiry-based science and support pupil-centred learning, not just in science but in literacy, numeracy and ICT. Through the use of video movie-makers, data-loggers and computer microscopes, pupils’ thinking skills and personal capabilities were also developed. The seminar also provided the opportunity for the participating schools to begin planning to incorporate these approaches into next year’s schemes of work. By all accounts, from teachers and pupils’ own videos, the DREAM is very much alive!
The schools who were involved were: Gibson Primary PS (WELB), Gracehill PS (NEELB), Oakgrove Integrated PS (WELB), St Ita’s PS (SEELB), St Therese of Lisieux (BELB), and Whiteabbey (NEELB).

Full details of the project can be accessed at project website
http://anu.stran.ac.uk/cetl/DREAMS.htm

To find out more about this project contact J.McCullagh@stran.ac.uk

A group of final year BEd (Hons.) students recently received their ‘Certificate in Teaching Adult Numeracy’.

The students undertook a 12 week course, the assessment for which included confirmation of the students' mathematical knowledge ofthe ‘Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum’, completion of an essay on the theory of teaching Adult Numeracy and the development of  classroom resources necessary to teach a selected topic within the ‘Adult Numeracy Core Curriculum’.  Dr Heaslett presented the students with their certificates along with a CD containing all the classroom resources developed by the students through the course. Also pictured are the course tutors Dr K Gibson, Mrs L McClintock and Dr I Bell (Course Co-ordinator).

Students from Thornhill College prepare their calibration solutions

The winning team from Lumen Christi College with the school’s vice-principal Dr Marie Ferris

The Schools’ Analyst Competition, organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry was held recently at Stranmillis.

This year the event was sponsored by Warner-Chilcott UK with prize money totalling £1200. An environmental theme relating to a leakage from a copper mine provided this year’s theme, with the teams of sixth-form students analysing samples of river water and assessing the extent of the pollution. The techniques included iodometry, complexometric titrations and spectrophotometry. The students were assessed on their levels of precision, accuracy and overall teamwork.
The winning team was Lumen Christi College, who will now go on to represent the region in the UK final at the University of Plymouth in June. St Dominic’s High School, Down High and Belfast Academical Institution all tied for second place.

To see a video taken on the day in the chemistry lab and of the presentation of certificates, go to:

http://www.stran.ac.uk/informationabout/research/currentprojects/analystvideo/

Michael Ievers, Lecturer in Technology & Design, is a member of the Bangor Drama Club which won the  Premier Award for 2009 at the Northern Ireland Drama Finals.

The competition, which took place in the Marketplace Theatre in Armagh, includes drama clubs from all over Ireland, and performing 'True West' by Sam Shepard, the Bangor club defeated two of the biggest southern teams- from Lifford and Dublin- into second and third places. On top of that Michael received the award for Best Actor!

There were a lot of sore heads in Bangor the next morning!!

The Belfast Teachers’ Credit Union have presented  Stranmillis University College with an annual award of  £500 for Cultural Heritage Outreach activities.

The cheque for the coming academic year was presented by TCU representative Mr Michael Gannon to Community Outreach Co-ordinator, Dr Éamon Phoenix and incoming Students' Union vice-president, Sean McElhinney.

The Teachers’ Credit Union, based at 95, Finaghy Road South, Belfast, welcomes new members from Stranmillis-trained qualified teachers, new and mature!. (Tel 02890 309770).

Frances Burgess conducts the College orchestra

A selection of soloists

On Thursday 14th May the College’s Music students and staff presented their annual ‘Music for a May Evening’ concert to a packed College Drama Theatre.

Under the leadership of College Music lecturers Jayne Moore and Frances Burgess a varied programme of music allowed a wide range of talents to be displayed. The large orchestral and singing groups, the smaller choral and instrumental ensembles, and the wide selection of soloists provided music from Mozart to Bill Withers! There was even a marching band performance of Colonel Bogey led by College RS lecturer Norman Richardson, suitably attired in dress uniform with twirling baton!

The Scholars squad 2008-9

The Scholars team and the Old Boys after their challenge match

In September a recruitment drive took place to find new faces who, like many before them, would pull on the yellow and blue of King’s Scholars Rugby Club, to try once again to establish it as a leading contender in Irish Colleges rugby.

 Scholars approached their first match against North West Regional College with great anticipation and showed their intent to run the ball and play with a flair that many senior sides would be jealous of. They ran out with a College record victory of 98-15.

 Next to face the wrath of the mighty Scholars were Letterkenny IT. Even with a slightly weaker side they ran out winners with a score of 55-5.

 Unfortunately a sense of complacency took hold in the squad and, after travelling to play Sligo, they unfortunately suffered a shock defeat, 17-10. Having said this, much credit must be given to those Scholars who at the last minute answered the call; for many it was their first rugby match!

 Next the tough prospect of a local derby against Jordanstown 2nds loomed. Each and every player put their bodies on the line in that game to run out 55-10 winners, ensuring that the Irish Colleges Division 2 league title would return to Stranmillis after a long wait.

 Winning the league provided Scholars with a tough draw against a good  IT Tallaght side, who like Scholars had only suffered one shock defeat all season. In a closely fought game, ITT crept away to become eventual winners 23-10.

 To cap the season off a special challenge match was held on April 9th. Thanks to the hard work of ex Scholar David Thompson, the current team faced up against a Scholars Old Boys side who gathered up some old hands from as far away as Edinburgh and London! A great evening’s rugby and craic was had, with the Old Boys recording the narrowest of victories.

 King’s Scholars would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support this season, including all those who showed up on cold wet Wednesday afternoons to roar and cheer the boys on. They would also like to thank Pete McFarland for being the official driver this year, putting up with the singing! Finally thanks are due to Douglas Dean, Scolars’ Ulster Branch representative, who continued to support the team by organising referees and providing any other help he could.

The College Principal, Dr Anne Heaslett, with Mr Eamonn MacCartan, Chief Executive of Sport NI and Professor Simon Shibli of Sheffield Hallam University.

As part of Sports NI's Research Seminar Series, Professor Simon Shibli, of the Sport Industry Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, presented a seminar on trends in Olympic Games medal-winning, entitled ‘Beijing 2008: A Review of the Gold War’.

Professor Shibli demonstrated how nations' medal-winning prospects change in the periods before, during and after hosting the Olympic Games. He illustrated a range of strategies used by China to achieve success and quantified the "host nation" effect on medal-winning.  The concept of the "sporting legacy" of hosting the Games was also discussed and Professor Shibli showed how hosting the Games almost invariably improves the elite sporting infrastructure of a nation - resulting in an improved market share of medals in subsequent events.  He presented a statistical model which had been used to predict, with some accuracy, the number of medals won by China at the Beijing Games and offered some intriguing possibilities for London 2012.  Professor Shibli also considered Northern Ireland's medal-winning record in the Commonwealth Games, setting it in the context of other territories with a similar population and Gross Domestic Product.

The Research Seminar Series of lectures concludes for this year with a presentation entitled "Is There a European Model of Sport?". This lecture will be given by Professor Maarten van Bottenburg of the University of Utrecht on Thursday 11th June at 6.30pm in the Binnian Room of the University College refectory.  The lecture is free and refreshments will be provided.  All those who wish to attend should contact Natalie Chambers, the College's Sports Development Officer, on 90384399 or by e-mail at n.chambers@stran.ac.uk."

Jenny Hamilton, who graduated in 2005 (BEd Primary, main subject Geography), has taught for a while both in NI and on the Isle of Man, but is now in Patagonia, Argentina, working with Global Vision International (GVI) on scientific and environmental projects.

You can find out more at the GVI Patagonia Blogspot- http://gvipatagonia.blogspot.com/ 

Jenny shares some of her experiences:

Closing my eyes, the last image I see is a pure black sky speckled by an infinite number of bright shining stars. Waking up I know the view will be just as spectacular- maybe a crystal blue lake, a magical forest of Araucaria and Lenga trees or mountainous peaks rising to touch the sky. Wherever I go, whatever the day, the location or the project, I know that Patagonia will not fail to paint a picture perfect backdrop for my work. And so I feel a great privilege to be permitted the chance to live and work in this dramatic landscape.

I am in Argentina's Patagonia, working for GVI and collecting scientific data for the national parks of Lanin and Nahuel-Haupi. I first came out in January as a volunteer but have stayed on to work as an expedition leader, putting my teaching skills to new use as I teach the new volunteers about the parks and the scientific methods that make up the majority of our work.

Life here is a world away from home. We live, sleep and work outside, carrying everything we need in our rucksacks and wearing the same clothes for weeks on end! Our purpose is to assist the Argentine scientists with data collection to help maintain the fragile ecosystems found in the parks. We have monitored condors, raptors migratory ducks, and tracked jabali (bore) and ciervo (deer) throughout both parks. The data are then analysed by the scientists who form management strategies which are implemented in the parks to help protect the delicate balance between flora and fauna.

The experience so far has been incredible. As the summer sunshine turns into winter snow storms I continue to develop an appreciation of the finely balanced relationships that exist in nature and am glad that I have the opportunity to experience these in their rawest form in the beautiful land of Patagonia.

Visiting sixth formers in the Central Building foyer

Rachel Gardner (Year 2 BEd Primary) with sixth formers Joanne Dugan and Kirstie McCorkell from Grosvenor Grammar School and Simon Firth from Campbell College in the Primary BEd Curriculum area

There was a buzz of activity on the campus when the College hosted yet another extremely successful Open Day which was attended by approximately 700 students and 80 teachers/career officers.   The day was designed not only to provide more information about the courses the College offers but also to give prospective students an insight into the ‘Stran experience’.

The day’s events were a combination of both formal and informal presentations and displays.  As usual the student ambassadors were a credit to their College by welcoming, greeting, and conducting tours around the campus.

Feedback from schools indicates that they still appreciate the formal aspect of the day and have also requested that they would like an Information Seminar regarding ‘Admissions’- focussing on application procedures, criteria, shortlisting, interviews etc.

The Students Union played a major role emphasising the social side of the College and entertained the students with music, laughter and food for thought!!!!!

The day concluded with the students engaging in lively conversation in Chatz coffee shop.  Following an address by the Principal the teachers/careers officers were provided with a delightful summer buffet meal in Craigantlet Fine Dining.

Kate Newman and Jess Webb from the Pushkin Trust with the Year 2 RS students

On the 12 May 2009 facilitators from the Pushkin Trust held workshops with Yr 2 Religious Studies students as part of their module in Religious, Moral and Spiritual Development. 

The workshops on creative writing (Kate Newman) and earth education (Jess Webb) gave students wonderful opportunities for creative expression and reflective inquiry along with many ideas for developing these with young people in schools.

Students from Year 1 Health and Leisure Studies have been taking part in some innovative assessment techniques.

Working with Stephen Wallace and David McKee (Department of Health and Leisure Education) with support from Fergal Corscadden (CETL), they have been helping to evaluate a programme of interactive assessment of learning and assessment for learning using 'Turning Point' software embedded in MS PowerPoint.  The software enables students using hand held devices to respond individually to a series of questions, and then receive immediate feedback viaa graphic display of the class's responses on a screen.  The questions typically reviewed previous leaving and explored student understanding of forthcoming topics.  Students reported that they found the system to offer a non-threatening, supportive environment in which to identify areas of understanding and areas in need of further development.  The tutors found the system to be user-friendly and a useful tool to support student learning.  Further work with the system is planned over the next two semesters.

Ruth and her husband Paul, whom she met while in Peru

Some children from Cankachuta, a remote village high in the Andes

Ruth Turner (nee Kirkpatrick), an ex Students’ Union President, shares something of her work with ‘Latin Link’ in Peru.

 In September 1990, I passed through the gates of Stranmillis College as an excited and nervous fresher, not knowing what was ahead of me.  For the next four years, I studied Primary Education with Religious Studies.  I didn’t start teaching immediately, but spent a year as President of the Students’ Representative Council.  After this, I taught in Whitehouse Primary School for a year, followed by 5 years in Dundela Infants’ School.  During this time, I also spent two years at Belfast Bible College, studying for a Masters degree in Theology.

I have very special memories of my time at Stranmillis, and firmly believe that I not only received a professional qualification, but had many opportunities to be involved in the life of the college.  I served for 2 years on the Executive of the Christian Union as Missionary Secretary, and 1 year as Welfare Secretary on SRC before taking up the post of President.  I am grateful for all the opportunities I had in Stranmillis to work with other students in so many different ways, and for how I developed as a person as a result.  I also enjoyed the opportunity to study a main subject (in my case, Religious Studies) to a recognised academic level, while studying education.  This allowed me to study Theology at Masters level.

Despite loving teaching, my life was to take a different turn.  Since being a child, I had always been fascinated with the work of Tear Fund and of people who work abroad.  Through my personal experiences in the student world at Stranmillis, I developed a desire to help others both at home, and overseas.  It was also during my time as a student that my passion for Latin America was ignited, as I made my first trip to Bolivia on a Step Team with Latin Link during one of my summer breaks. 

In 2004 I travelled to Peru to begin working with Latin Link as their short-term coordinator.  Each year, we receive between 60 and 70 people who come to work on Step teams with local churches, and about 13 volunteers who work in different projects throughout Peru for a period of up to 2 years.

I count it a privilege to be in Peru, and to be in a role which facilitates so many young people (and older too!) in serving God through coming to work in Peru.  Through my job, I have also had the privilege of working with many churches and groups all over Peru, from the hustle and bustle of the capital city, Lima, to remote villages in the Andes.  I am so glad I studied at Stranmillis; I know that it had a vital role in my preparation for being in Peru.  While I am not teaching primary school children, I am using my teaching skills almost every day as I prepare our short-termers for life in Peru.

Congratulations to Colin Coates, captain of Irish League club Crusaders, who beat Clintonville 1-0 to become winners of the Irish Cup on Saturday 9th May 2009.

Colin graduated with a BSc in Health & Leisure Studies in 2007.

This was the first time in 41years that North Belfast side “The Crues” have won the Irish Cup, and Colin had an exceptional game, playing a major role in his side’s win.
He nearly scored with a header during the first chance of the game. He then played a part in the winning goal, heading the ball down to goal scorer Dickson from a free kick. Then, when his team were under severe pressure from Cliftonville he cleared off the goal line. Many of the press & pundits thought he was man of the match.

At the final whistle he demonstrated great sportsmanship- thanking his supporters and team mates, but also commiserating with the opposition players.

The future looks bright for Colin as the TV pundits commented that there has been much interest from some Scottish League teams in signing him as a full time player.

Congratulations Colin!!

This Spring you can experience for yourself the unique landscape within the walls of Stranmillis University College by enrolling on one of our new series of short courses. 

The courses are delivered by a team of academic experts, and the programme is designed to appeal to every interest, with exciting courses in Irish History and Heritage, Art, Natural History and guided historical and nature tours of the Stranmillis estate. 

Stranmillis University College has one of the most idyllic settings of any educational institution in Europe.  This 46-acre estate of woodland, lake and historic gardens was once a deer park and contains a Victorian mansion and the remains of an Irish ring-fort and a Plantation castle.  It is also home to a rich variety of animal and birdlife.

Stranmillis Lifelong Learning Programme - Spring 2009

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Katie Miller - Lifelong Learning
Tel: 02890 384261
k.miller@stran.ac.uk

Nicola, Dawn and Rachael in the square in front of the Duomo Cathedral

A friend of Rachael's does PR for Tayto and got her to pose for a publicity shot!!

Rachael McConnell, who graduated in 2007 and Dawn Frizell, who graduated in 2008 both now work in the Andersen International School in Milan, northern Italy. In January Nicola Payne, who graduated last July, went out for a job interview in the same school and was successful in getting a job there too! All three were BEd Primary students whose main subject was geography.

Rachael writes about how she found herself teaching in Milan as well as about some of the obvious benefits of living there!!

After completing a TEFL course in Stran with Jim Ferguson in June 2007 I applied for teaching EAL (English as an Additional Language) in Citta Summer Camps, Milan.  I worked in a small Italian primary school for 2 weeks at the end of June 2007, teaching EAL to a group of 8-10 year olds through activities, songs and games while staying with an Italian host family.  During this time, one of the other teachers of the camp was staying with a host who was originally from Ireland but had been living in Italy for 19 years.  We met and she was very hospitable in showing us round all the sites and sounds of Milan.  She works with Italian businesses teaching English but also has contacts in Andersen International School.  This is how I came to know that Andersen was urgently looking for 2 teachers to start at the end of August 2007.

An appointment was arranged to meet informally with the directors of the school and to be shown around the two classes that needed teachers – Kindergarten and Year 3.  The interview was arranged with the English consultant and principal of the school, Mrs Shelia Stokes.  On the condition of providing references and my TEFL certificate and being awarded my BEd degree, I got offered the job as Kindergarten teacher, teaching a class of 20 Italian children with a teaching assistant and working with a parallel class.

Work at Andersen International School is with a team of UK, American, New Zealand and Italian specialist teachers.  The school is located 15 minutes by bus from the centre of Milan.  It opened in 2003 and is registered with the COBIS schools in the EU for delivering a broad, balanced British-based Curriculum adapted to meeting the needs of the school’s international community.  It offers the English National Curriculum following the Numeracy and Literacy strategies and Assessment for Learning from QCA.  Summative assessment takes place in the form of exams twice a year and SATs in Year 2. It caters for 180 students the majority of whom are Italian, with a small percentage from other countries such as Sri Lanka and India.  We have one family with a parent who works for the British Consulate General for Trade and Investment in Italy (which is great as we teachers get invited to some nice evenings!!).

On a day-to-day basis, teaching remains similar to that in Northern Ireland, as the curriculum must be followed (it’s like taking a primary school from home and plonking it in the middle of another country – sometimes I feel as if we live in our own little ‘English bubble’!!).  The children are bi-lingual usually by Year 1 or 2 in KS1.  Nursery, Kindergarten and Reception aged children can generally understand English but tend to reply in Italian, which was quite a struggle during my first term of work.  However this gave the needed push for me to start to learn the language.  I have now been taking Italian lessons, two nights per week, from the Commune of Milan from Oct 2007 and have passed 3 exams to date (grammar proves to be the most challenging part but at least I can now carry out general conversation, order at restaurants, book hotels etc!!).

Outside of work, we (Dawn, myself and a teacher from York) live in a 3 bedroom apartment 15 minutes walking distance from school and about 5 minutes bus journey from Linate airport (we are so fortunate as Aer Lingus flies from Milan to Dublin – it’s great for visitors coming to and fro!!). Weeknights consist of Italian lessons, extra-curricular activities with homework club and yoga.  At the weekends, between Dawn and myself, there is usually someone over for a short city break.  Therefore we act as local tour guides viewing the city from the roof of Duomo Cathedral, walking around Castello and Parco Sempione, viewing the very popular painting of Da Vinci’s Last Supper at the church of Santa Maria della Grazie, going to the San Siro for concerts and Inter and AC Milan matches, to La Scala opera (fantastic for people-watching during the first weekend of December where all the ‘well-heeled of Milan’, including President Berlusconi, come for the opening of the new opera season) and galleries, not to mention stopping at some coffee shops (or for aperitivo) and window shopping on designer row with Gucci, Versace and D & G on Via Monte Napolone. 

Sunday life still means time for worship and I was able to join the bi-lingual Methodist Evangelical Church of Milan which is ministered by a married couple from USA. Last year I lent a hand with Sunday School and this year with crèche and some babysitting for the pastor’s children. 

Opportunities abound for learning about Italian culture, food, language and travelling.  Due to the strong influence of religious roots in Italy, we tend to have days off for certain saints.  These long weekends and other school holidays are spent travelling around Italy.  Over this past year I have travelled to local towns outside Milan: Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, Liguria on the west coast near Genova, Pisa and Lucca in Tuscany, Bergamo, Rome for Easter week in the Eternal City, Venice, Turin (weekend with the young adults from church to study the Waldensian Churches) and Verona (to see where Romeo and Juilet was set).  Short visits to the three major lakes in Lombardia – Garda (with Gardaland Theme park and Sealife), Como (on the look out for George Clooney!!) and Lago di Maggiore. Also the bordering towns of Switzerland (Chiasso) are easy to reach, as they are only 2 hours away by train. 

I have enjoyed the past two ‘Settimana Bianco’ - ‘snow weeks’- of half term with friends and family on ski holidays (hence a few Bridget Jones moments as this was the first time on the slopes for Dawn and me!!).  The first week was spent in the Bergamo Mountains town of Presolana and the more recent week was spent in the Swiss Alps town of Veysonnez.  This Easter my parents arrive for a week in Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, with planned visits to Pompeii, Herculaneum and the island of Capri- a geography field trip I am anticipating greatly!!

What else can I say but that it’s been a fantastic experience – the school, the country, the life here and all the opportunities I have for travel and experiencing other places. The decision I made to come and teach in Italy is not one I have regretted for a moment!

Rachael McConnell

On the 11 Feb 2009 Stranmillis Student’s Union hosted a Suicide Prevention Training Programme aimed at all Stranmillis students.

The event was very well received with nearly 30 students showing interest in the training; Andrew Curry, SRC President, is keen to to offer  the training to other students during the summer term.

This certificated training was provided by PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide) and the training is aimed at ordinary members of society because PIPS feel that suicide can affect us all and that suicide prevention is everyone’s business.
In the case of Stranmillis the course is of particular relevance as all of our graduates will be entering occupations where they may well have a great deal of contact with vulnerable groups of people.

The course was a collaborative event between the Students' Union and the Student Support Centre, and Dr Brian Booth from the SSC  is keen to stress that the success of this valuable training was greatly dependent on the hard work the Union put into promoting this event.

Prof Maurice Stringer (Chair NIBPS), Anne Kerr (NIBPS Administrator), John Hyland (NIBPS), Prof Christine Lyddel (UU), Dr. Barbara McConnell (Secretary NIBPS) and Prof Peter Kinderman (University of Liverpool)

Prof Peter Kinderman (University of Liverpool), Prof Christine Lyddel (University of Ulster) and Prof Geoffrey Beattie (University of Manchester)

Stranmillis University College played host on Wednesday 4th March to a series of lectures all on the subject of psychology.

The event was organised by the Northern Ireland British Psychological Society and featured several psychologists discussing how psychology issues affect everyday life.  Over 240 school children from over 20 different schools from all over NI attended the event; most were A Level students studying psychology. In addition, students from the Health and Leisure and Early Childhood Studies degree programmes attended sessions on Sports Psychology (Prof. Aidan Moran, UCD) and Non Verbal Communication (Prof Geoffrey Beattie, University of Manchester). (If you think you recognise Geoffrey Beattie- he has been the resident psychologist on Channel 4's Big Brother and also appears on Celebrity Ghost Hunt!!) 
 

Members of the organising committee [from left to right]: Laura Taylor, Terri Haggan, Kelly Lennon, Linzi Bell, Teresa McCann, Christine Mawhinney, Susan Dobson.

Seven 2nd year BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies students decided to raise money for 'Tiny Life', the affiliated charity of the Department of Early Childhood Education, through organising a Masquerade Ball.

It was the first charity ball arranged by the BA students with the aim of raising awareness of the vital work and research which is untaken by Tinylife. Tinylife is Northern Ireland’s Premature and vulnerable Baby charity. It is dedicated to reducing premature birth, illness, disability and death in babies born here. Tinylife also offers practical and emotional support to ensure that parents of premature and ill babies get all the help and support they need.

The event took place on Friday 6th February 2009 at the Hilton Hotel, Belfast, beginning with a cocktail reception followed by an address by Dr Stanley Craig, a consultant neonatoligist, who sits on the Board of Medical Directors with Tinylife. An evening of dancing and entertainment ensued, despite the snowy weather outside!

Throughout the ball a silent auction took place, as well as a raffle, all helping to raise money for this worthwhile charity. All of the auction prizes were kindly donated by local businesses and retailers, from a wine tasting and meal event provided by Direct Wine Shipments, to hampers from Mamas and Papas and Boots the Chemist; an after hours makeover and champagne reception was also provided by Space NK.

Everyone had an enjoyable evening thanks to the hard work and dedication of those involved in organising the ball and the funds raised certainly paid tribute to their commitment. The final total raised was £1421.00.The cheque was presented to Tinylife representative, Samara Briggs, on Tuesday 24th February 2009.

Pictured along with the successful students who achieved the Early Years Developing Creativity Certificate are Ms Sheelagh Carville (Head of Early Childhood Education) and Mr Bill Manson.

Pictured along with the successful students who achieved the School Theatre Certificate (Acting and Direction, Production Management, Technical Management) are Mr Michael Ievers (Department of Teacher Education - Post-primary) and Mr Bill Manson.

On Thursday, 12 February 2009 Stranmillis held a College-wide presentation of certificates event to mark the success of all our students who gained certificates as a result of undertaking additional studies. 

These certificates are about enhancing employment opportunities and having skills to offer that go beyond the standard degree. The guest speaker at the event was Mr Bill Manson, who is the Chief Executive of the Management and Leadership Network. 

The range of certificates awarded was as follows:

Early Years Developing Creativity
Career Management and Employability Skills
Entrepreneurship Studies
School Theatre (Acting and Direction, Production Management, Technical Management)
Student Mentor Scheme
TrainDirect Fitness Workshop.

This April Simon Duff (Year 4 BEd Business Studies and Maths) will be running in the London Marathon on behalf of RNIB (The Royal National Institute of the Blind). 

Simon says: “I ran the Belfast Marathon in 2005 on behalf of Raleigh International; this time the only thing that daunts me is the fact that Jordan is running London too!  On the day, I will be dressed as Mr Incredible (with no obvious need for a muscle suit) – so watch out for me, I WILL get on TV (I am determined to)!!”
   
His affiliation with the charity came through completing last year’s Great North Run on their behalf with his good friend Andrew McKillop (pictured – presenting Wine Gums to a total stranger!).  Though through getting weekly newsletters, visiting their headquarters and thorough involvement within the charity – his eyes have truly been opened to the extent and worth of the charity’s work.
   
Each day 100 people start to lose their sight.  However 96% of books aren’t available in Braille.  The money that people have sponsored Simon so far will go a long way to providing help and support – it truly is changing lives.  Simon says: “Our sight is arguably our most valued sense; thus RNIB really do outstanding work in peaking up the pieces in many cases. As a rather unknown organisation, RNIB is in the shadows of some of the larger UK charities.  Thus the value for raising money on their behalf has become even more important to me.  I have pledged to raise £1,500 and so far have held a few nights in the Stranmillis Student’s Union (a pub quiz and ‘Tacky Doooo’) and the generosity of the community that is Stranmillis has astounded me.  A big thanks must be said to all who helped and donated!”
 
Obviously some students weren’t able to attend these events, and for those that wish to donate (including lecturers), there still is the opportunity to sponsor Simon through a fundraising website – www.justgiving.com/simonduff  

Simon, as well as the 2 million blind people in the UK, will be eternally grateful for any donations – it truly is helping an excellent cause!

For more information about the work of RNIB – click this link: www.rnib.org.uk

Rosemary Campbell (Advisor on Visual Impairment), Sue McCrum (Advisor on Hearing Impairment) Sarah Harper, Matthew O’Rorke, Kris McKeever, Dr. Noel Purdy

As part of a commitment to work in partnership with statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure that College courses are not only of a high academic standard but of practical relevance to classroom teaching, a number of visiting speakers have been invited to address 3rd Year Post-Primary B.Ed. students in their study of Special Educational Needs. 

This year the guest speakers included two Educational Advisors from the Belfast Education and Library Board: Rosemary Campbell (Advisor on Visual Impairment) and Sue McCrum (Advisor on Hearing Impairment).
Student coursework included the completion of a teachers’ support leaflet on one or other of the pupil impairments.  The guides were of such a high standard that both Rosemary and Sue were invited to view the students’ work and to give positive feedback to the year group on 19th February.
It is intended that a number of the guides will be modified and adapted to raise student and teacher awareness of issues relating to visual and hearing impairment to augment already existing teacher guidance.

James Nelson (Stranmillis, Religious Studies) with students from Stran and Mater Dei, Dublin

Mater Dei Institute (Dublin) and Stranmillis University College (Belfast) have been developing staff and student partnerships since 2008. Recently they jointly organised a two day conferenceto enhance the research culture of final year students of Religious Education, Religious Studies and Irish Studies.

Six final year students were invited from both Colleges, and th event took place at Kilbroney Residential Centre near Rostrevor. The students shared the results of their research through poster presentations and a thirty minute research paper presentation. Not only were friendships formed but the event provided a valuable opportunity for each institution to promote a culture of research among students and may contribute to some students considering future research at postgraduate level.

More than 80 Year 2 BEd Post-Primary and BA Early Years students had the opportunity to participate in the QUB Certificate in Entrepreneurship Studies and face a panel of educators in 'The Dragons' Den'! 

David Gibson, Senior Teaching Fellow in Entrepreneurship at QUB, with the help of Stranmillis lecturers Audrey Curry and Brian Cummins, worked with the students in teams over a 6 week period to develop a classroom resource to support the teaching and learning of enterprise skills in the revised Northern Ireland Curriculum. 

The teams then pitched their ideas to a panel of "Educational Dragons" including Valerie O'Brien, principal of an early years centre, Eileen Watson, the vice principal of a partnership post-primary school, Vivienne Bannon, the CCEA Enterprise and Employability Officer, Paul Brush, the Head of Enterprise Education for Invest NI and a visiting international professor. The students made a tremendous effort and developed a wide range of innovative teaching resources with real potential for use with learners.

The winners were ‘C P F Publications’ fronted by Year 2 Religious Studies students Claire Jackson, Paula Swandle and Fiona Crawford. They presented their idea for a GCSE Religious Education revision book and associated CD Rom game.  Their target market was not teachers and schools, but rather parents and pupils themselves. The winning team impressed the Dragons with their innovative idea, and their confident presentation in the Den.

Mrs Eileen Watson, VP Ashfield Girls’ High School, who was delighted to be invited to act as one of the Dragons said, ‘This initiative is an excellent attempt to encourage greater creativity and innovation in schools. All young people have the potential for creativity, and with guidance can turn this into workable new ideas for both learning and preparation for the world of work.’ David Gibson from QUB said, ‘This was a stunning effort. These students have the potential to be outstanding enterprise educators in the revised curriculum’.

Anja in one of the T&D labs

Photo: Anja (right) with fellow competitors Kylie Smillie and Jo Drury

Last November Anja Jones (Year 2 BEd Post-Primary, main subject T&D) flew off to Argentina to take part in BBC 1’s Saturday evening action game show ‘Total Wipeout’.

Each week the show involves 20 contestants (10 men, 10 women) from all over the UK, competing for a £10,000 prize.
Anja described the trip: ‘A guy from Northern Ireland and I flew to Heathrow and met up with the other 18 contestants. Then we jumped onto a 16 hour flight to South America, where the doors opened to 42 degrees of dry heat and wall to wall sunshine.  We were out there for a week in total, all expenses paid for by the BBC (thanks for paying your T.V. licences folks!!).

For those of you who haven’t seen the show, Anja describes it as follows: ‘There are four rounds of extremely crazy obstacles, for example climbing walls with boxing gloves, stairs covered in grease, toppling tables and spinning platforms!  The show is presented by Richard Hammond, his main role being to take the Mickey out of each contestant in any way he can!’ 

Anja’s episode airs on BBC1 on the 21st of February and you can catch previous episodes on BBC iplayer; she isn’t allowed to give too much away about how well she did or what position she came (ask her about a tough fellow contestant called David!), but she says: ‘It’s definitely worth watching, if only to see me being mocked by Richard Hammond.  I recommend to anyone crazy enough to think they might enjoy fighting with giant foam obstacles to apply for next year’s shows.  And besides, even if you don’t win, you make great friends, get an all-expenses paid trip to Argentina and get to try something that you would never find in your local leisure centre or on you next team building exercise!’