Category: Stranmillis News

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.”

The 80^th Anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day has been commemorated by a special event held ion the Stranmillis campus.  Organised by the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Northern Ireland (RFCA NI), supported by 38 (Irish) Brigade, the event included the firing of a Royal Gun Salute to mark the second anniversary of the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.  Traditionally held in Hillsborough Castle. This is the first time that a Royal Gun Salute has been held in Belfast since 1999, and a huge honour for the College

Over 150 guests representing a cross section of the local community watched the 21-gun salute and inspection of the guns, which was followed by a reception where guests we able to seea collection of displays of World War II artefacts supplied by the NI War Museum. The event concluded with theBand of the Royal Irish Regiment performing a Beating Retreat.

Thanking the participants and guests, The Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ DDL said, “Today’s event is a sensitive balance of reflection and celebration.  It commemorates enormous sacrifice and acknowledges the steadfast resilience of those who lived through World War II.  Indeed, it is a fitting tribute that we hold this event in Belfast which suffered so much especially during the Blitz.  And even more significant is the choice of Stranmillis University College as host venue which was repurposed as a military hospital from 1939-1944.”

“But this occasion also celebrates the peace and freedom afforded to us all as a result.  I am delighted that with our partners, RFCA NI, 38 (Irish) Brigade and Stranmillis University College, we have marked both VE80 day and Their Majesties’ Coronation in a collective spirit of remembrance and joy.”

Congratulations to all our students, staff and friends of the Daily Mile Network NI for completing this year’s Belfast Marathon. Five relay teams took part, raising vital funds for The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity. A big thank you to not just the teams but to our dedicated team of student volunteers who supported the teams and other staff and friends who came out in the sunny weather to cheer and support the runners on Sunday.

The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity has a very close personal connection to one member of the team, whose  9 year old niece is currently undergoing treatment for a rare childhood cancer called rhabdomyosarcomaFaye is the most wonderful child with a zest for life and a truly amazing smile.

So far, the team’s marathon effort has raised over £3200 – a fantastic achievement and many thanks to everyone who has supported us to date. The team’s just giving page is still open for donations to support this very worthy charity in their mission to provide the best possible treatment for children, young people and their families, facing a cancer diagnosis.

A fantastic achievement! Well done to all our runners, volunteers and supporters.

https://www.justgiving.com/…/stranmillis-university…