Category: Stranmillis News

Dr Irene Bell, Head of STEM at Stranmillis University College, was delighted to accept a recent invitation to speak at the 50th anniversary of the Austrian Computer Society (OCG), which took place from 13-15th May in Vienna, Austria. 

The anniversary provided an opportunity for the Society to reflect on its remarkable journey and enduring impact and to undertake a forward-thinking dialogue about the future of computer science.  

As part of the celebrations, Dr Bell delivered a compelling address entitled “Computing as a Foundation for Empowered Citizens: Best Practices in Curricula Design.”  

The presentation emphasised the transformative potential of computing education in fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Dr Bell shared insights from her extensive experience in curriculum development, highlighting strategies for integrating computational thinking into educational frameworks. She underscored the importance of inclusivity in computing education, ensuring that learners from diverse backgrounds have access to opportunities in the digital sphere.  

Her address resonated deeply with the audience, sparking discussions about how to prepare future generations for active and informed participation in a technology-driven world.   

The final day of the event was dedicated to the expert groups, including the Computing Education panel, with a call to action for all stakeholders—educators, technologists, policymakers, and citizens—to work collaboratively toward a future where technology serves humanity.  

The OCG reaffirmed its commitment to leading these efforts, ensuring that the next 50 years will be as impactful as the previous years.    

Speaking about the event, Dr Bell said “In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to navigate the digital landscape is no longer optional—it is essential. Ensuring that our future generations across Europe possess these skills is vital for personal growth, economic prosperity, and societal progress”. 

On Friday 16 May 2025, Stranmillis lecturer Dr Melanie McKee delivered a guest speaker presentation at Ireland’s first Physical Literacy Forum, which was convened by Sport Ireland and titled ‘Getting Children to Move: A Collaborative Approach to Developing Physical Literacy’.  

The Forum was hosted at the Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin and commenced with a welcome from Michael McGeehin, the director of Sport Ireland Coaching, and his colleague Sheelagh Quinn. This was followed by Melanie’s presentation on the All-Island Physical Literacy Consensus Statement.  

Her presentation highlighted why a Consensus Statement was needed and then outlined the evidence-informed and consultative process entailed during its creation. Melanie was invited to speak at this event in her role as an advisor to Sport Ireland regarding the strategic development of physical literacy within and across the north and south of Ireland. This role involved Melanie being a co-author of the All-Island Physical Literacy Consensus Statement and the designer of the Understanding Physical Literacy Course and Information Booklet that Sport Ireland commissioned to facilitate a consistent understanding of the all-island definition of physical literacy in the Consensus Statement.  

The other guest speakers were Clare Roberts from Sport Wales and Dr Nalda Wainwright from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David who provided an update on strategic policy and good practice in physical literacy within Wales.  

 The event was concluded by Declan O’Leary from Sport Ireland Coaching who reinforced the importance of the Ireland Physical Literacy Forum as it provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange in practice, research and policy.  

Speaking about the event, Melanie  said “It was a privilege to be asked to share Ireland’s physical literacy Consensus Statement journey with delegates. Ireland, alongside Northern Ireland, was the second country in the world and the first country in Europe to have a physical literacy Consensus Statement. All of the practitioners, researchers and policy makers involved in the creation, dissemination and implementation of the Consensus Statement should be proud of this achievement. Hopefully, these current and future collaborations will continue to help promote a culture wherein lifelong physical literacy and physical activity for all are valued and promoted.”   

 

A research team from Stranmillis University College, Belfast has recently secured funding to undertake an important new research project which explores the opportunities and barriers faced by young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as they transition from education and into employment in Northern Ireland.  

The mixed-methods, three-phase research project aims to review existing post-19 provision for young people transitioning from special schools in Northern Ireland, identifying availability, access criteria and service gaps.   

The project will also explore the perspectives of young people themselves (pre- and post-transition), their parents, teachers, training providers, employers and other stakeholders.  By capturing the voices of those with lived experience and combining this with robust analysis of existing provision, the project aims to inform future policy, improve service design and enhance inclusion, choice and outcomes for young people with SEND in Northern Ireland.   

The research team includes Prof Noel Purdy OBE, Prof Adam Boddison OBE, Dr Emilia Symington, Dr Mark Ballentine and Dr Niall Johnston. 

Professor Noel Purdy OBE, Principal Investigator of the “Transform” project, and Director of Research and Scholarship at Stranmillis University College, Belfast, explained: 

“This project is about listening to the voices of young people with special educational needs and disabilities and ensuring that their hopes, talents and potential are not limited by the systems around them. By working closely with schools, families, employers and policy makers, we aim to create a clearer, more inclusive pathway into fulfilling adult lives and tailored, meaningful opportunities for all of our young people.”

Professor Kristel Miller, Director of EPIC Futures NI and Professor of Entrepreneurship & Small Business Development at Ulster University Business School said: 

“We are delighted to award £250,000 to nine outstanding projects through the first phase of our Policy Commissioning Fund. These initiatives represent a diverse and innovative range of approaches to understand and tackle systemic barriers to fair and inclusive employment across Northern Ireland. The insights generated will help inform meaningful policy responses and long-term solutions”.

“Transform: Exploring Pathways and Barriers for Young People with Disabilities Transitioning from Education to Employment in Northern Ireland” is one of nine grants awarded by EPIC Futures NI as part of the Phase 1 Policy Commissioning Fund. EPIC Futures is a Local Policy Innovation Partnership, led by Ulster University and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Innovate UK, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).  EPIC Futures brings together academia, policymakers, business, community and voluntary sector to tackle challenges in the skills and employability landscape. Together, we aim to create evidence-based solutions to fair and inclusive employment across Northern Ireland. 

The Phase 2 Policy Commissioning Call is expected to launch in the summer of 2025 with a September submission date.  

Keep up to date by following EPIC Futures on LinkedIn or visiting the website to sign up to the mailing list at epicfuturesni.org. 

 

Stranmillis Champions Outdoor Learning, Environmental Stewardship, and Food Growing for a Sustainable Future

The College, in partnership with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, and supported Energia’s Greener Possibilities fund and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a pioneering new outdoor learning and environmental education facility designed to prepare future teachers to lead the way in sustainability and climate education.

The new site—part of the innovative Generation Nature project—features a rich variety of outdoor learning spaces, including a mini orchard, polytunnel, fruit bushes, woodland area, group shelter, willow dome, wildflower meadow, and raised planting beds. These diverse habitats offer student teachers practical opportunities to engage with biodiversity, environmental protection, and food growing in a hands-on way.

The initiative is designed to boost teacher confidence in delivering climate and environmental education, a goal rooted in global research: a UNESCO study found that while 95% of teachers see climate education as important, less than 30% feel ready to teach it.

At Stranmillis, students across a range of teaching qualifications now have access to this dedicated site where they can put theory into practice. Annual nature awareness lectures will be followed up by outdoor sessions, giving students the tools to embed environmental themes across the curriculum in creative, subject-integrated ways.

Marking a first for the College, Stranmillis has committed to integrating nature awareness education into its core curriculum, making it a compulsory part of all teacher training pathways. This forward-thinking move positions the institution at the forefront of climate-conscious education in Northern Ireland.

As environmental challenges intensify globally, initiatives like Generation Nature offer a hopeful blueprint—empowering the next generation of educators to lead meaningful change from their own classrooms.

Speaking at the launch of the new facility, Prof. Jonathan Heggarty, Stranmillis University College Principal, said: “Outdoor learning is increasingly recognised as an important component of education—fostering creativity, hands-on engagement, environmental awareness and physical wellbeing, while also developing key life skills in young people. Stranmillis continues to provide educational leadership in this area, with our academic research, teaching, and scholarship in outdoor learning at both undergraduate and Masters levels helping shape educational practice and policy across Northern Ireland and beyond.

What sets the College apart is our commitment to turn research and theory into action. As Northern Ireland’s first designated eco-campus, we embed sustainability into many aspects of campus life. Initiatives such as our involvement in Forest Schools, the launch of the interactive Centenary Nature Trail, and the development of the Out and About outdoor learning resource reflect our dedication to nurturing environmentally conscious communities.

This new initiative, Generation Nature, takes that commitment even further. This innovative programme supports student educators with tools and training to integrate sustainability into the curriculum. A special focus on growing food—through school gardens, planting projects, and eco-friendly gardening practices—gives pupils first-hand experience of where food comes from, the importance of biodiversity, and the environmental impact of food systems.

Generation Nature will help tomorrow’s teachers reconnect with the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility and hope for a more sustainable future—one seed, one lesson at a time.”