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Category: Stranmillis News

Curriculum in a Changing World: Book Launch

Posted on by Andrew McAteer
Dr Sharon Jones with some of the Stranmillis colleagues who contributed to the book. From l-r: Prof Noel Purdy, Dr Anita Gracie, Dr Sharon Jones, Prof Patricia Eaton, and Jill Magennis.

This Thursday 10th October, the College’s first Lunchtime Seminar of the new academic year kicked off with the launch of a new book from the British Educational Research Association (BERA) entitled Curriculum in a Changing World: 50 think pieces on education, policy, practice, innovation and inclusion.  

Co-edited by Stranmillis University College Senior Lecturer in Education Studies and Chair of BERA’s British Curriculum Forum Steering Group Dr Sharon Jones, the work also contains contributions from Sharon and other Stranmillis academics and friends, including Prof Jonathan Heggarty, Prof Noel Purdy, Prof Patricia Eaton, Dr Anita Gracie, Jill Magennis, UCL’s Prof Lynn Ang (a Visiting Professor at the College), and QUB’s Dr John McMullen.

Published to mark BERA’s 50th anniversary in conjunction with the British Curriculum Forum, the collection draws together essays from eminent curriculum makers and innovators across the UK and beyond, sharing insights into the study and practical implementation of curriculum in schools, colleges, universities and other formal and informal education settings.

Speaking about what she hopes readers will gain from reading the book, Sharon said, “Marking the first 50 years of the British Educational Research Association’s distinguished history, and particularly the work of the British Curriculum Forum, this publication brings together a diverse range of voices and experiences relating to curriculum from different contexts, presenting them in 50 very readable think pieces. Our hope is that the book will kindle vital conversations, engaging researchers, practitioners and policy makers. Ultimately, we hope it will affect curriculum policy and practice for good – for all of our children and communities.” 

Curriculum in a Changing World: 50 think pieces on education, policy, practice, innovation and inclusion is available to buy now from the BERA website: https://www.bera.ac.uk/publication/curriculum-in-a-changing-world

Professional Learning Hubs provide a new model of school collaboration on the PGCE

Posted on by Andrew McAteer

This academic year, the PGCE team have developed and employed a new model of school collaboration and partnership, through the identification of Professional Learning Hubs. From September, for a period of five weeks, the PGCE cohort of students have been visiting settings and observing high quality classroom practice at both Nursery level, and in Special School provision. 

Mrs Claire MacDonald, Vice Principal of Harberton Special School, had this to say about the new setup:  

 “We were delighted to host Stranmillis University College teaching students on placement during the first half of this term. Students observed first-hand the day-to-day operations in a SEN environment working closely with staff, and, had the opportunity to engage with pupils who have a wide range of Special Education Needs. This was an invaluable professional development opportunity for the students, with both Stranmillis students and Harberton staff giving very positive feedback on this experience.  It was a great opportunity for us to meet the aspiring teachers of the future and provide them with an insight into working in Special Education. We look forward to continuing our very successful partnership with Stranmillis University College.”

Stephanie Gillespie, Principal of Shaftebsbury NS, too enjoyed the experience of working with the PGCE students. She led professional workshops focusing on the areas of quality play, outdoor play provision, special provision at Nursery and working with parents: 

“It was a delight to connect with the Stranmillis PGCE students over the last three weeks. Their openness to ongoing reflection and learning made it a mutually positive professional development experience. We reflected on issues pertinent to delivering a high-quality play-based early years learning experience.  Discussions included progression in play-based learning, effective planning and assessment in nursery and a consideration of how critical good interactions are to ensuring a child’s emotional development and early learning. Shaftesbury Nursery School has recently opened a Specialist Provision Early Years Foundation Stage unit (SPEYF). The PGCE students had opportunity to learn firsthand how SEN provision in mainstream schools is developing and how to engage with this. It was a pleasure to have the Stranmillis PGCE students at Shaftesbury and I look forward to continuing to strengthen this ongoing partnership.

Students also valued the new partnership model; 

“From start to finish, the staffing team at Harberton made us feel so welcome. The guidance from the teaching staff helped to clarify what it really means to be a teacher for children with Special Educational Needs.  Their passion and commitment to the individual needs of the children goes above and beyond. We really enjoyed the time we got to spend at Harberton on placement!”

They continued that “we thoroughly enjoyed the play workshops delivered by Stephanie Gillespie, principal of Shaftesbury Nursery. It was great to have the opportunity to receive valuable advice from someone who has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the early years sector. The play workshops were extremely beneficial in preparing us for our first placement in a nursery setting.”

The PGCE cohort are now out on Nursery placement and are looking forward to their next Professional Learning Hub at St Anne’s Primary School Finaghy, where Foundation Stage will be the focus.

Written by Dr Andrea Doherty

SUC’s new Doctoral programme begins

Posted on by Andrew McAteer

On Saturday 5th October, Stranmillis University College was delighted to welcome the first ever cohort of Doctoral students to the campus to meet their fellow students, their lecturing team and senior staff from across the Stran community.

Led by highly respected educational research experts Dr Glenda Walsh and Professor Noel Purdy, the new Doctorate in Educational Professional Practice (DProf) is designed to provide working professionals with the opportunity to delve into the complex world of educational practice, guided by experienced researchers who understand the reality of contemporary real-world educational settings. 

The introduction of the DProf programme is the first Doctoral programme at Stranmillis, reflecting the College’s strong commitment to research excellence and research-informed practice across areas such as educational underachievement, early years education, inclusion and diversity, emotional health and wellbeing, STEM education, curriculum and pedagogy, and teacher education.  

The first ever cohort of doctoral students at SUC comprises HEI/FE tutors, EA representatives, and those who are or have been principals and teachers/practitioners from across the educational spectrum (pre-school, primary and post primary) in schools, settings and even homes both locally, nationally and internationally.  While the majority of students come from Northern Ireland, there are also students from the Republic of Ireland, North America and South Korea. 

Welcoming the new students, Dr Glenda Walsh, Head of Doctoral Studies and Research Engagement said, “It is a real privilege to be working with such a diverse group of students who are so passionate about their field of educational professional practice. I am really looking forward to getting to know them more fully and to engage in much discussion, debate and criticality as we embark upon this doctoral journey together.” 

The second intake for the DProf programme will be in September 2026.

To find out more, click here.

Exploring opportunities for collaboration on Early Childhood Education and Care across Ireland

Posted on by Andrew McAteer

On Wednesday 11th September, Stranmillis University College (SUC) had the pleasure of welcoming a team of Early Years Lecturers from Atlantic Technological University (ATU), a multi-campus university based in the west and northwest of the Republic of Ireland.

ATU was represented by Dr Rita Melia, lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Education and Care programme (ATU), together with lecturer Mary Skillington and Practice Placement Coordinator Christiane Schulte. They met with Early Years teams from across SUC to explore possible collaborative opportunities in research and scholarship between both universities.

SUC’s Head of International, Dr Barbara McDade, also joined the conversations and provided excellent guidance about potential funding sources both nationally and internationally.

Discussion centred on working collaboratively to explore and action a shared vision to enhance students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in the field of Early Childhood Education and Care across the island of Ireland, with a focus on play and playful learning experiences. Research interests were discussed with significant areas of common interest identified for further consideration within Ireland and with international colleagues.

The team from ATU highlighted the innovative teaching and learning strategies on the BA and MA programmes in Early Childhood Education and Care cross the four campuses, Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal.

Likewise, the SUC team shared some of the recent research and scholarship projects that they have been involved in and the impact generated from them, particularly in terms of policy and practice.

After the event Dr Melia commented:

“We at Atlantic Technological University see this collaboration as an opportunity by two higher education institutions to increase awareness underpinned by research of the long term societal and economic benefits of quality early childhood education and care for young children.”

“The early childhood education and care teams at Atlantic Technological University look forward to working with colleagues at Stranmillis University College to enhance students learning experiences, develop collaborative research and raise awareness of the importance of quality early childhood education and care experiences for all children.”

SUC’s Head of Early Years Education, Dr Glenda Walsh added:

“Getting the opportunity to discuss cutting-edge research and innovative practices with like-minded people and to plan further collaboration and engagement has been an absolute privilege. We look forward to many more discussions and even a visit to one of ATU’s campuses in due course. Working together on a collaborative bid with a focus on play and learning to enhance students and in turn teachers/educators’ playful pedagogy in practice is a win-win for all concerned, and in particular for young children across the island of Ireland. Let’s get to it.”

UCAS Clearing for 2024 is Now Open!

Posted on by Andrew McAteer

Every year, thousands of students find their ideal course in through Clearing.

UCAS Clearing gives you another opportunity to find the best course for you – whether you’ve changed your mind, your results surprised you or you have just starting to think about going to university this year.

Clearing opens for applications is open. To ensure that you don’t miss out on any possible clearing opportunities at Stranmillis University College, please complete the Clearing Register of Interest form here.

Courses

CourseEntry requirementsStatus
BEd Primary AABNo Vacancies
BEd Post Primary - Business & EnterpriseBBCWaiting List Only
BEd Post Primary - MathematicsBCCWaiting List Only
BEd Post Primary - Religious StudiesABBWaiting List Only
BEd Post Primary - Technology & DesignBCCWaiting List Only
BA Early Childhood StudiesBBBNo Vacancies
BSc Physical Education & SportBCCWaiting List Only
Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies (SWC, Omagh)CCWaiting List Only
Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies (SRC, Newry)CCVacancies
Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies (Belfast Met)CCWaiting List Only
Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies (SERC, Lisburn)CCVacancies
Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies (NRC, Ballymena)CCVacancies
Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies (NRC, Newtownabbey)CCVacancies
Foundation Degree Early Childhood Studies (NWRC, Derry)CCWaiting List Only
Foundation Degree Physical Education & Sport (Belfast Met) CCVacancies

For information on Clearing, or anything to do with your UCAS application, please contact us on 02890 384 263 or email registry@stran.ac.uk

Our phone lines will be open from 10am – 1pm and 2.15pm – 4pm from Thursday 15th August.

‘Collaborating for Impact’ conference

Posted on by Andrew McAteer

On the 4th June 2024, THRiVE and their Learning Partnership team from Stranmillis University College’s Centre for Research in Educational Underachievement (CREU) – Dr Karen Orr, Prof. Noel Purdy, Dr Millie Symington & Dr Mark Ballentine – hosted a two-day conference at Stranmillis University College, attended by thought leaders, practitioners, and policy makers from across sectors in NI.

The organisers were delighted to have been joined by and to hear from Junior Ministers Pam Cameron and Aisling Reilly, and Justice Minister Naomi Long.

They also welcomed input, via video, from Ministers Paul Givan (Education), Mike Nesbitt (Health), Gordon Lyons (Communities), and Caoimhe Archibald (Finance), who shared their support for the place-based collaboration model evidenced by THRiVE and the need for government and other sectors to work together.

Throughout the jam packed two days, the conference heard from a range of speakers who spoke to different aspects of relevance to the theme of ‘collaborating for impact’.

Speakers included Claire Humphrey, (THRiVE Co-ordinator); Dr Karen Orr (THRiVE Learning Partnership Principal Investigator); Prof. Noel Purdy OBE (CREU Director and THRiVE Learning Partnership team); Young people from Monsktown Boxing Club; Chris Quinn, the NI Children’s Commissioner; Prof. Allisson Metz (implementation science expert from University of North Carolina, USA); THRiVE parent champions (Mary Dripps and Lorna Allison); Jo Blundell from Place Matters; and Dorrinnia Carville, NI Comptroller General.

Additionally, Hugh Nelson (Co-Chair THRiVE) led an informative panel discussion with Collaborative Investors from THRiVE which included representatives from the Education Authority, The Executive Office, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, and the Executive Programme on Criminality and Organised Crime.

The conference shone a spotlight on other place-based collaborations from across NI, where delegates got the opportunity to hear from other initiatives involved in the Co-ordinating Organisations Network.

And finally, a key highlight of the conference was an amazing performance from the Whitehouse Primary School choir who inspired and delighted delegates with several songs, one of which reminded us all that ‘When we work together, we get things done’

Over the course of the two days, delegates were invited to explore three key themes associated with place-based collaboration:

  1. PLACE: Throughout the conference, the idea that ‘Place Matters’ was central.  It was proposed that place-based change in communities entrenched in complex and intergenerational inequality (social, educational, health etc.) is made possible by harnessing the collective impact of all agencies (statutory and non) and stakeholders (including children, young people, parents) via equitable collaborative infrastructures.
  2. PEOPLE: Building on the concept of PLACE, delegates were reminded that it is imperative that the PEOPLE within the place are central to the change processes.  The conference pointed to the importance of bottom-up community driven and co-designed agendas, with the voice and influenceof young people (and community stakeholders more broadly) central.  The conference unpacked HOW to achieve this, with a focus on the relational aspects of this work, the importance of considering power dynamics, trust, competition, and the necessity for challenging mindsets and ‘silo’ mentalities.
  3. PROCESS: Finally, within and around both PLACE and PEOPLE are the processes and wider systems that facilitate and inhibit impact and change.  For example, strategies and policies (e.g., NI Children’s Services Co-operation Act 2015) and administrative/governance systems, finance systems and funding models that underpin statutory and non-statutory service provision.  Additionally, within the processes, the conference pointed to the necessity for impact and implementation infrastructures, that is, the space, data and evidence to learn about HOW processes are implemented, as well as WHAT DIFFERENCE they have made.

Dr Karen Orr and Claire Humphrey closed the conference by aligning their Conference Calls to Action with these three core themes of PLACE (asking for visibility of place-based approaches in the Programme for Government), PEOPLE (encouraging equitable engagement of those who live and work in communities) and PROCESSES (calling for investment in the systems needed for place-based change – funding, impact and implementation).

The synergies, resonance, energy and passion in the room over the course of the two days were clear indicators of the willingness of agencies (statutory and non) to move beyond current systems and processes towards more collaborative, place-based and evidence informed practices, in order to achieve truly child-centred and holistic services that best meet the needs of our children and young people, particularly those most vulnerable and furthest from opportunity.

Speaking about the event, Dr Karen Orr said ‘The energy and enthusiasm evident during the ‘Collaborate for Impact’ conference has been a clear endorsement for the place-based collaborative efforts championed during this two day conference. CREU are proud to have brought their expertise to this conference and to the THRiVE Learning Partnership. We look forward to maintaining the energy and connections made as we work to improve the educational opportunities and outcomes for all children and young people’

One month on from the Conference and organisers, Dr Karen Orr (CREU) and Claire Humphrey (THRiVE) are considering next steps… stay tuned!

For further information and recourses related to the conference, please click here.

For further information regarding the THRiVE Learning Partnership, please contact Dr Karen Orr (K.Orr@Stran.ac.uk).