SERC Win OCN Learning Endeavour Award 2022

SERC has won a Learning Endeavour Award from the Open College Network NI (OCN NI), an educational charity and awarding body that advances education, by developing qualifications for adults and young people throughout Northern Ireland.  

SERC scooped the Advancing Learning Through Innovation Award for its work on transitioning to a digital and hybrid learning environment which enabled Project Based Learning (PBL) to continue seamlessly across the College.   Winners were announced at a virtual ceremony in April but the team from SERC will collect their Award and £1000 bursary cheque at an in-person event at the Titanic Hotel, Belfast on Wednesday 15 June with special guest, Carl Frampton, who will present the Hilary Sloan Learning Endeavour Award chosen from one of the category winners.

Dr Michael Malone, Director of Curriculum and Information Services at SERC said, “We are delighted with this award which recognises the determination of staff to minimise the impact of the pandemic on our students’ success. He added, “This is a perfect example of the solution focussed ethos at the College. Transition to a digital and hybrid learning environment ensured our students were able to continue with PBL projects as we moved to deliver a holistic curriculum with all stakeholders, including educators, and entrepreneurs, supporting a collaborative online PBL experience.”

Commenting on the calibre of entries, Martin Flynn, Chief Executive of OCN NI, said, “This year’s judges had a very hard time whittling down the hundreds of entries due to the quality of submissions. The learners and organisations reflect the best of Northern Ireland and are shining examples of what hard work and determination can achieve, especially during times of difficulty like the pandemic."

Watch the virtual event here.