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Student life at Northern Regional College
ISSUE 2 / 2011
NRC Students on
path to creative
industry careers
The creative industries are one of the fastest growing
sectors in the UK economy. Part of this sector is computer
game design and NRC is helping to develop the future
generation of concept artists.
Endorsed by global entertainment software giants Eidos
(now part of square Enix), NRC’s BTEC National Diploma
in Media Production (Games Development), will enable
students to move into a relevant Higher Education course
and ultimately a successful career in the games industry.
Aspiring Games Artist SADE ALI took time to return to NRC
Ballymoney campus recently, to talk to her former Media
Production (Games Development) Tutors, David Brockbank
and Brian Kirkland. Sade has just completed her first year
at De Montfort University where she is studying for a BSC
Honours Degree in Game Art Design.
Sade spoke about her experience on the course saying,
“Since I was a little girl I had wanted to make video games,
so when I had heard of a BTEC National Diploma in
Computer Games Development being available at NRC
I knew I had to check it out. “
At the start I was apprehensive – I had heard that technical
college was an easy escape route for those having trouble
at school and would never get me into University. How
unbelievably wrong they were! I was over the moon when
presented with the work – it was challenging and kept me
thinking. I was encouraged to develop my own opinions and
do my own research, which gave me the confidence I never
would have had. As a result I grew as a person becoming
more creative and taking a serious interest in the games
industry. I became better at organising and recording my
work – key skills needed for University. I was presented
with industry news which was discussed in class, and was
given the opportunity to visit games studios and meet guest
speakers, ranging from successful past students to big
industry figures.
“I loved every second of my NRC
course. I met some wonderfully
crazy people, took part in
fantastic projects and realised
exactly what I wanted to do
with my life.”
Now I am a second year student doing a BA (Hons) in
Computer Game Art – a skillset accredited course – at
De Montfort University in Leicester. Because of the grades
I achieved at the NRC I was granted a scholarship of
£2500 per year.
I would like to thank NRC and my lecturers – David
Brockbank, Brian Kirkland and Marc Campbell – for
encouraging me to be the best I could and giving me
the support to get there.”
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Straight distinction student SAMUEL HENRY, who has just
completed the Games Development course at NRC, will
also be attending De Montfort University having received
a scholarship following his course, “Before I attended the
game course in Ballymoney I had already done my
A Levels and taken a year out. I would be the first to say
my A Level results were not great and that’s why I didn’t go
to University. During my gap year I worked and found out
I didn’t want to be stuck in a job I hated. I then found the
games course and applied straight away. I had so much
fun on the course and I knew from day one I chose the right
career path. Even though it’s a games course it’s hard work,
with every practical unit you have to do there’s theory and to
get the good marks it has to be in detail. I loved units like
Flash where you made a flash game, this meant producing
coding along with the graphics. Other units like 3D were
awesome, using industry techniques to produce 3D models,
environments and animations.
Former NRC Games Development Students Sade Ali
and Samuel Henry pictured with course co-ordinator
David Brockbank.
Even though at times it was frustrating and it seemed
impossible to do it was great having lecturers that cared and
helped you out as much as possible. I would recommend
the games course to anyone with a passion for games, not
just playing them but learning about the multiple areas from
art to sound and even the business side.
At the end of the course I received 312 points out of 324.
This qualified me for an unconditional offer to my chosen
University of De Montfort in Leicester to study game art and
as well as this I also obtained a scholarship. Trust me in
University you’ll need all the money you can get.
I am leaving the BTEC games course with a mass amount of
knowledge that will benefit me in University and hopefully
one day I will be a concept artist in the games industry.”
For further information on Games Development courses at
NRC please email David at david.brockbank@nrc.ac.uk or
visit our website www.nrc.ac.uk
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2
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Contents
2
4
6
9
10 12 14
18 20 22
23
24
26
28
30
32
33
Art and Design
Media and Performing Arts
Engineering
IT/Computing
Hairdressing and Beauty
Sport
Built Environment
Travel and Tourism
Business and Administration
Science
Hospitality and Catering
Health and Social Care, Early Years
Student Governor
The Messines Experience
Student Support
Open da
Freshers’ Week
ys
week be
ginning
Essential Skills
28th Fe
bruar y
2011
please l
og on to
www.n
rc.ac.uk
for mor
e detail
s.
2
Art & Design
rafelt)
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James Dalton (Newtownabbey)
First Diploma Art and Design,
Best Student
James enrolled on the BTEC First Diploma in Art and Design as a mature
student. He had worked for three years in a variety of jobs but decided to
enrol at NRC to pursue his passion for Art and Design.
While growing up he would spend time in his father’s workshop
investigating materials and techniques and acquiring new skills,
especially with copper as he found it easy to manipulate into a variety of
forms inspired by Nature and the Human Form which is an underlying
theme throughout his work.
James successfully completed the First Diploma in June 2010 achieving
an overall Distinction; he is presently studying on the BTEC National
Diploma in Art & Design and will continue his studies at Art College where
he will pursue his interest in materials and three dimensional work.
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
The College’s 2011
Calendar Competition
The Foundation Art and Design (BTEC Diploma in
Foundation Studies in Art and Design) students from
NRC were invited to take part in a competition to design
the College’s 2011 Calendar. The brief and competition
was set and judged by Rodney Miller Associates, Belfast.
The theme for this year was “Aspire”. Students were
asked to come up with images that visually examined
the essence of their own expectations of attending
NRC through the exploration of the words Aspire - Aim
- Achieve that are synonymous with student experience
at NRC.
r
e
Winn
Amie Boyle - Winner!
I aspire to grow, improve and better myself. A tree aims to
grow, get bigger, and reach the sky. A trees trunk is its support.
At the minute NRC is my support and main focus. It is providing
me with the nutrients that I need to improve my skills and
like the many different directions of a trees branches, NRC is
guiding me through the many different directions, options and
avenues I have ahead of me.
Medium used: linoprint to create the leaves, stencil work using
the words aim, aspire and achieve to create the tree trunk
and photoshop.
6HE>G:
Calendar cover design 2011
Breidge K
ernohan (
Trostan)
Best Stude
nt, Founda
tion Studi
Art and D
es
esign
Breidge ca
me from a
non art bac
her own bu
kground, h
siness for
aving run
a
number of
the course
years. She
a determin
brought to
a
ti
Breidge wa
on and a str
s a role mo
ong will to
d
succeed.
e
supportive
l
of her peers to other students an
d was
. Her expe
both ideas
rimental a
and concep
pproach w
ts and the
with media
ith
creativity s
experimen
he showed
tation, part
gained her
ic
u
ad
larly with ce
ceramics in istinction grade and a
ramics
place to stu
the faculty
of Fine and
dy
the Univers
Applied Art
ity of Ulste
r.
at
Nathan Warnock (Newtownabbey)
GCE Art and Design Best Student
Nathan completed his Applied GCE Art & Design course
in June 2010, at the Newtownabbey Campus of NRC,
where he excelled having the very strong ability to work
in different media from photography, painting, textiles,
and fashion to fine art installation.
Nathan could be described as a student who was “good at
everything”. Not only was it a pleasure to teach Nathan, it
was also a joy to see his wide range of ability and of course
to see his progression.
Nathan gave great support to his peers and he is currently
studying for his Foundation year and will progress onto Art
College within this next coming year.
4
&
a
i
d
e
M
g
n
i
m
r
o
Perf
Arts
‘Days @ Cool FM’
Ballymena Media students recently took part in a 3 stage Media Challenge with COOL FM
which included production of commercials on student related topics in the COOL FM Studios.
Natasha was able to put into
practice the training she
received at NRC to create the
album which was a tribute
to her late grandfather.
Natasha Spence
NRC Performing
Arts student
A former NRC student who
recently completed a National
Diploma in Performing Arts is
now on the road to stardom.
Natasha Spence studied
Performing Arts for two years
at NRC’s Ballymoney Campus
and during her time there she
recorded and released her own
album entitled, ‘Everything
That Glitters’.
Natasha said, “The course
improved my knowledge of
performing arts and gave me
practical experience in areas
including movement, dance and
music performance techniques
and choreographic principals.
All our classes took place
in a state of the art drama
studio and we had access to a
professional recording studio,
which helped me prepare for
recording my own album.”
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
“I found the course extremely
beneficial as the facilities at
NRC are at a professional level
and I received excellent support
and advice from my tutors and
music teacher. They provided
me with ideas and advice on
which songs would work well
on my album of country music
songs. Having qualified from
NRC, I’m now going to Teesside
University in Middlesbrough to
do a performing arts degree
and further develop my
performance skills.”
At NRC students are given
practical training which helps
them develop key performance
skills so they can progress to
degree level. With modules
including acting auditions,
mime, performing to an
audience and live performance
workshops, students are given
broad experience of the various
areas which make up the
performing arts.
As an extremely successful
student Natasha has, in addition
to releasing her album, been
selected to represent the Indian
Showband on TG4’s talent
show, “Glor Tire”. The show
will be televised in September
and Natasha is keen to put her
practical skills to use on the
show and hopefully dazzle the
judges and beat the competition.
Interactive
Media students
visit the BBC’s
‘Making
Connections’
– Digital Radio
event in Belfast
Most TV & Film
students initially
progress to British
universities, because
that is the quickest
way to get paid
employment. Television
in particular is an
expanding industry, but
it is competitive. The
highly-professional
approach adopted by
the NRC’s TV & Film
Diploma ensures that
students progress to
the best universities
and beyond, to actual
employers.
Media &
Performing
Arts
Matthew Tweed and
Naomi Todd are
pictured working for
the BBC at the Milk
Cup youth football
tournament in July
2010. Millions of
viewers watched
the tournament
throughout Britain.
TV & Film students
work with many reallife clients like the
National Trust, local
councils, commercial
contractors and charity
organisations. It is all
great preparation
for the career that
lies ahead.
Interactive Media Students, Robin Lorimer, Emma Herron, Rachel
Bell and Gareth McIlwrath pictured with Stephen Nolan on a recent
visit to the BBC’s ‘Making Connections’ – Digital Radio event in
Belfast. The event was excellent and gave students opportunities
to see and use BBC equipment, meet with BBC staff and talk with
presenters, news readers etc. The future media technology was of
particular interest to the students. Matthew Tweed
Naomi Todd
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Creative Media
Production, TV and Film
Level 3 BTEC Extended
Diploma in Creative
Media Production,
TV and Film
6
g
n
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n
i
g
n
E
Multi-million
pound project
to support
engineering and
manufacturing
industries
Trevor Neilands (Director/Chief Executive of NRC) pictured with
Professor Terri Scott (President IT Sligo) with Patricia Wallace
(Director of Business Development, Ayr College) at the Launch
of the KITE Project at NRC’s Farm Lodge campus Ballymena.
“It is initiatives such as
this, where institutions
collaborate to develop
innovative approaches to
support industry in these
challenging times, which
will ensure the future
growth of our economy.”
Catherine Bell, Deputy Permanent
Secretary, speaking on behalf of the
Minister for Employment & Learning
Danny Kennedy MLA
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Northern Regional College in
partnership with IT Sligo and Ayr
College, today (11th November)
launched a €3.2million KITE
(Knowledge and Innovation
Transfer in Engineering) project,
funded by the EU’s INTERREG
IVA Programme, at its Farm
Lodge Campus in Ballymena.
The three year project aims
to secure the long term
sustainability of the key
engineering and manufacturing
sectors within Northern Ireland,
the Border Region of Ireland and
Western Scotland, by increasing
productivity and reducing costs
for employers.
Speaking at NRC’s Centre of
Excellence for Manufacturing
and Engineering, Director of
NRC Trevor Neilands said:
“As the engineering and
manufacturing sectors face
increased competition due to
globalisation, NRC, IT Sligo and
Ayr College are collaborating
closely and are combining
our technical expertise to
develop and implement training
solutions for industry, while also
providing access to state of the
art technical facilities
for practical training.”
Each college is equipped with
machinery to facilitate training
in areas including robotics,
computer numerical control,
mechatronics and electronics,
while Ayr College also provides
new expertise in the aerospace
and composite materials
sectors with IT Sligo specialising
in on-line technologies for
Engineering. This enables
businesses to train employees
on expert equipment without
interrupting production at
their site and therefore
reducing costs.
Catherine Bell, Deputy
Permanent Secretary speaking
on behalf of the Minister for
Employment & Learning,
Danny Kennedy said “ I am
impressed by the scale of
activity being undertaken
through the KITE project and
am pleased to offer my support
to Northern Regional College
and its partners in taking the
initiative forward. The outcomes
of this project should make
a tangible contribution to the
success of the manufacturing
and engineering industries in
Northern Ireland, Scotland and
the Republic of Ireland.
at the largest skills competition there is WorldSkills London 2011, which will be held from 5 – 8 October next year. David was chosen by UK Skills after
he successfully competed at selection
competitions last month. David Nicholl pictured with UK skills
organiser and Brian Hill Head of School
for Engineering.
David Nicholl
NRC Engineering student David Nicholl
has been selected as a member of Squad
UK, with the hope that he will be ready to
take on the very best from across the globe
David will now begin an intense training
programme with Squad UK, members of
which are all aged 24 and under, supported
by a dedicated Training Manager who will
help him prepare for the Team selection
which takes place in June 2011. By entering
the WorldSkills Competition, the UK is able
to benchmark and assess training standards
from around the world, helping to create an
internationally competitive workforce here
in the UK. David said: “The competition was tough
but it is something I’ve been training and
preparing myself for so I was really pleased
when I was told I’d got through and made
it in to Squad UK. Being in the Squad is a
great opportunity to showcase what I do,
something that not a lot of people get a
chance to achieve.”
NRC
Engineering
student David
Nicholl has
been selected
as a member
of Squad UK NRC Student Michael Galloway
has been honoured at the recent
WorldSkills UK 2010 awards
ceremony in London. Michael Galloway
– UK Awards
Ceremony
NRC Student Michael Galloway
has been honoured at the
recent WorldSkills UK 2010
awards ceremony held at the
IMAX Cinema in London. The
awards were held to celebrate
the gold medal winners of
the WorldSkills UK national
competitions during the past
year. WorldSkills UK is open
to young people and adults
who have gained or are
working towards vocational
qualifications. Michael Galloway
was awarded the gold medal for
Mechanical Engineering CAD
(Advanced).
Hosted by celebrity chef Brian
Turner CBE at the IMAX Cinema
in London, more than 100
people were presented with
the prestigious Gold Award at
the ceremony, which is held
annually to recognise and
celebrate the accomplishments
of gold medal winners at
all WorldSkills UK National
Competitions. The competitions
are run in over 50 skill areas
and test competitors’ knowledge
and practical application against
current industry benchmarks.
Brian Turner CBE is a board
member of UK Skills, the
organisation which manages
WorldSkills UK.
Trevor Neilands(Director/Chief
Executive NRC), David Carson
(Translink), Benjamin Allen
(Heavy Vehicle Translink Apprentice),
Steven Brown (Heavy Vehicle
Translink apprentice), Richard
Aicken (Senior Lecturer Motor Vehicle
NRC) pictured at the launch of the
new Transport Skills Centre at the
Newtownabbey campus.
8
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E
Heather Johnston
National Diploma in Electrical
and Electronic Engineering
Heather is a past pupil of Dunclug College who successfully
completed a National Diploma in Electrical and Electronic
Engineering in June 2010 at the Ballymena Campus.
Heather achieved a DDM profile after two years of study
and is now studying for an Honours Degree in Electronic
Engineering at University of Ulster in Jordanstown.
Left to right: Tom Knox (Head of Faculty), David Russell (Senior Lecturer)
pictured with Graduates from the Foundation Degree in Engineering at the
Coleraine campus, David Peden, Gavin Jones, William Ferguson and David Reilly
with Dr. Peter Ming (Principal Lecturer)
Heather was also the winner of the Concorde Cup, an
award voted for by staff and given to the most outstanding
National Diploma Engineering Student on the Farm Lodge
Campus during their time of study at NRC.
Pictured receiving their Partnership and Collaboration category National Training Award from Alan Shannon, Permanent Secretary at
the Department for Employment and Learning are representatives from Northern Regional College and Ryobi Aluminium Castings (UK)
Ltd. Pictured (L-R) are Stephen Watson, event compere, Wilson Field (NRC), Tom Knox (NRC), John Cochrane (Ryobi), Trevor Neilands
(NRC), Stafford Doran (Ryobi), John McClintock (NRC) and Brian Hill (NRC).
Northern Regional College and Ryobi Aluminium
Castings (UK) Ltd receiving their Partnership and
Collaboration category National Training Award
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
IT/
Computing
The best way
to predict the
future is to
invent it.
Lewis Anderson
Level 3 National Diploma
for IT Practitioners
During his time at NRC Lewis became actively
involved in all course activities and frequently provided
assistance to his fellow students. His approach
to his coursework demonstrated that he was well
organised and could work independently; with many of
his assignments submitted in advance of deadlines. Lewis produced creative and original work which
showed a great deal of motivation and enthusiasm to
extend his learning. Lewis’s combined achievement of
three distinctions is the highest award achievable for
the Level 3 National Diploma for IT Practitioners. Lewis is currently furthering his studies at Higher
National Diploma in Computing with Multimedia at
NRC, Farm Lodge.
Glenn Hunter
National Diploma for IT Practitioners
Glenn enrolled in the college in September 2008 and
previously attended Ballycastle High School. He achieved a
very high standard throughout his two years National Diploma
with no less than 7 separate Distinctions out of his 9 second
year units. He gained an overall grade of DDD in his National
Diploma for IT Practitioners. His attendance and work ethic
was exemplary and was very well liked by both his classmates
and his lecturers. The college wishes Glenn every success in
the future.
Alan Kay
Siobha
n
First D Longmore
iploma
in IT
Siob
han is
a matu
re stud
to stud
y last y
ent wh
o retur
e
a
r after
from fo
ned
a long
rmal e
t
im
ducatio
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a
w
comple
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n. Hav
ted the
ing suc
First D
c
now pr
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s
sfully
iploma
ogress
in IT sh
ed to th
IT Prac
e
has
e Natio
titioner
nal Dip
s. Siob
lo
a lot of
m
a for
h
an is ve
effort in
ry keen
to her w
in the c
and pu
ork. H
lass as
ts
er pres
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ce
r
e stude
n the y
nt has
ounger
endeav
a good
studen
ours to
t
s
who Sio
help an
bhan
d enco
urage. 10
Hairdressing
& Beauty
NRC Beauty students participating in a
BBC Children in Need fund raiser
Clara A
n
ders
vel 2 B on
eauty T
her
NVQ Le
apy
NRC Beauty students on a visit
to the SPA facilities at the
Merchant Hotel, Belfast.
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Clara is
an enth
us
student
who alw iastic, hard wo
rk
a
commit
ment in ys gives 100% ing
attenda
and lea
nce, att
rning. C
itude,
lar
co-oper
ative an a is a very
d pleas
who is a
ant stud
lw
ent
in all ac ays willing to
p
tivities.
She has articipate
comple
ted her
success
Level 2
fully
and ha
qualific
s progr
ation
essed to
Level 3
.
Clara is
very ke
en to pu
term ca
rsu
re
Industr er within the B e a long
y and w
e have n eauty
she is c
o
apable
of achie doubt
ving this
. Synergy Hair Event
September 2010
Visitors from Tampere College in Finland on a recent visit to
NRC to view the Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy Facilities.
The college hopes to facilitate a student exchange in 2011.
Hairdressing and Beauty Christmas fayre, 2010
12
Sport
Darren Clarke
Golf School
Local golfing hero, Darren
Clarke officially opened the
Darren Clarke Golf School on
August 10th 2010 at a special
ceremony held at the school
in Antrim. Joining Darren to
launch the school was one of
the junior golfers, Philip Moore
who is studying the BTEC
National Diploma in
Sport delivered by Northern
Regional College at the School.
Adrian McNeice,
Head of School for
Sport, Leisure &
Tourism at NRC
said “Students
attending this school
have a wonderful
opportunity to
enhance their all
round skills on the
course and in the
classroom. Working
in partnership
with the Darren
Clarke Golf School
we help students
create a career path
into the golfing
and associated
industries.”
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Sports star
swings into
action for
launch
of new
Golf School
NRC Sports
students on
their ski trip
to Bulgaria in
early 2010
Foundation Degree in Sport Exercise & Fitness
Aaron Ballantyne (Senior Lecturer) pictured with students who graduated
from the Foundation Degree in Sport Exercise & Fitness (Coleraine Campus)
at the NRC Higher Education Graduation Ceremony.
14
Built
Environment
BTEC National Diploma in Construction
Year 1 – Timber Framed Housing Site Visit
Donald Kenny showing students the drawings from the
first ever Building Control application received by Coleraine
Borough Council, and the drawings for the proposed
museum and library, planned for the Market Yard in the
town centre.
Best Student – BTEC National
Diploma in Construction (Coleraine)
Helen Gilmore
Helen enrolled onto the BTEC National Diploma in Construction
in 2008 having obtained an excellent GCSE profile that include
6 A* grades.
Throughout her studies Helen displayed a fantastic attitude
that resulted in her achieving the highest grades in her group
across all modules.
Helen is continuing her education at the University of Ulster,
Jordanstown where she is studying for a Quantity Surveying
degree.
All the course team members have no doubt that Helen will
be successful and indeed go on to pursue a promising career
in Quantity Surveying.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish Helen all the
best for the future.
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Year 2 Const
ruction stud
ents from N
recently atte
orthern Reg
nded a sem
ional Colleg
inar on the
Coleraine B
e
Building Reg
orough Cou
ulations at
ncil offices
students ar
at Cloonavin
e Mr Donal
. Pictured w
d Kenny, CB
lecturer, M
ith the
C Building C
rs Connie C
ontrol office
ondren.
r and
HND Construction
Graduation 2010
HND Construction – Patricia
Duncan, Gavin Wilson, David
Graham, Andrew Scott,
Fionnuala O’Doherty, Ryan
Kenny, Niall Shivers and
Nelson Alister who graduated
with an HND in Construction
from the NRC’s Farm Lodge
campus pictured at the
Higher Education Graduation
Ceremony at the Tullyglass
House Hotel.
BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction
Year 1 – Titanic Quarter Site Visit
BTEC Extended Diploma in Construction 1st year students,
Coleraine Campus during an educational site visit to the Titanic
Quarter in Belfast.
The students were given a presentation and a tour of Europe’s
largest and most exciting waterfront development on the 185 acre
site on the banks of Belfast’s River Lagan at a cost of £5BN.
Ryan Young
National Diploma in Construction
Ryan studied his GCSEs at Cullybackey High School and
enrolled on the National Diploma Construction Course
in Farm Lodge in September 2008. Ryan showed total
commitment to his studies and achieved Distinctions
across all his subjects.
Ryan has been awarded the JP McManus All-Ireland
Scholarship this year to help with his studies in
Construction Engineering and Management at the
University of Ulster, Jordanstown. The Scholarship was
awarded at a prestigious ceremony at The Concert Hall,
University of Limerick on the 6th November. 16
Built
Environment
Michael Black (Newtownabbey)
National Diploma in Construction
In 2009 I left Carrickfergus College and decided to
progress on to Northern Regional College, where I
decided to enrol on a full time National Diploma in the
Built Environment Department. During my first year on
this course I studied many different classes to do with the
building trade; some of the activities I participated in were
setting out buildings and Designing Buildings.
This year when we came into college the new section
of the Newtownabbey Campus was complete. It is an
excellent building for all aspects of Construction; from
Autocad to Joinery, Bricklaying and Plumbing.
After my time at studying at Northern Regional College
I hope to progress on to University to pursue a career
in Architecture or Surveying. Anyone who would be
interested in Construction should definitely apply for
this course.
Aaron Beatty (Newtownabbey)
National Diploma in Construction
Jamie Dill (Newtownabbey)
National Diploma in Construction
In the year of 2009 I left Monkstown Community School
after achieving decent GCSEs. I decided to go to the
NRC Newtownabbey to do a BTEC National Diploma
in Construction. The course has provided real good
knowledge of the construction industry.
The course has been very interesting over the past two
years. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested
in the construction industry. I’d also recommend the new
building in the college it is a quality facility with quality
teachers.
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
I left secondary school to come to NRC for further
education. I joined the National Diploma in Construction
course in the Built Environment Department because
the construction industry interested me. The course and
its subjects provide a good insight into the construction
industry.
In my second year the new building was built, so the
construction department moved into it. The new facilities
are clean and well equipped.
At the end of my course I hope to progress on to university.
The BTEC National Diploma provides a good qualification
for university in a construction based degree.
State of the art facilities for students in
the Faculty of Built Environment.
Newtownabbey New Build
A new £10million extension at Northern Regional College’s
Newtownabbey campus was opened to students in December at a
ceremony attended by the Minister for Employment and Learning,
Danny Kennedy MLA. The new extension houses state of the art
facilities for students in the Faculty of Built Environment.
18
&
l
e
v
a
r
T urism
To
TRA
&
TOUR
Samantha Daly
BTEC National
Diploma in Travel
and Tourism
Following success in her
GCSEs at Dunluce School,
Samantha Daly joined NRC
in September 2008 to follow
a BTEC National Diploma
programme in Travel and
Tourism. Samantha has
now completed her two
year course achieving
straight distinctions (DDD)
which is the highest overall
point score from within
Travel and Tourism
this year.
NRC Travel and Tourism Students
Awarded Scholarships to Spain
Two NRC Travel and Tourism students, Kerrianne
Bell and Kirstan Young are celebrating their
success having been awarded scholarships
through the European Funded, Leonardo Da
Vinci Project.
and Marketing during their work placement in
Seville, Spain. Their initial few weeks will be spent
at the Academy concentrating on learning the host
language, in order to converse and integrate into
daily Spanish life.
The programme which is operated by the North
West Academy of English is designed to build a
skilled workforce through European partnerships
by funding overseas work placements, with the
objective of improving the mobility of workforce
throughout Europe. Through this programme,
the students will have the opportunity to live
and work in Spain for three months.
NRC Travel & Tourism Lecturer, Coleen McGrath
commented that “This is a once in a lifetime
opportunity for the students. They will find
this experience extremely beneficial for their
own personal development and careers. It is
an incredible way to learn about a country, its
history, literature and culture. The placement
which is based in the vibrant city of Seville will
incorporate business experience and interaction
with Spanish clients. We wish the students
success and know that this scholarship award
will combine their existing Travel and Tourism
knowledge with practical experience in their
development of their future careers.”
The two lucky students have just completed the
BTEC National Diploma in Travel and Tourism
at NRC and are hoping to use their training in
Customer Care, Visitor Attractions, Handling Air
Passengers, Holiday Representation, Business
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Samantha’s health has
had the potential to affect
her studies, however,
despite this she has
worked extremely hard and
consistently, and has been
heavily involved in a range
of course related projects
and events. She supported
her class’s mini-enterprise
project by becoming the top
sales person in her group.
Samantha has applied to
the University of Ulster to
follow a degree programme
in Hospitality and Tourism
from September onwards
and we wish her every
success in her future
studies.
In June of this year she was
recognised with a student
achievement award from
The Honourable Edward
Montgomery from the
Irish Society. This award
recognised Samantha’s
friendliness, enthusiasm,
commitment and
achievement whilst she
has been a student
at NRC.
TRAVEL & TOURISM
BTEC STUDENT
ALBERTO VILASANTE
AVEL
&
RISM
Alberto Villasante wanted to study Travel and Tourism here,
really with the main priority being to develop his oral and written
English. He arrived in Coleraine, from Madrid, in August 2009
and lived with family members. He would say that initially he
was a bit scared at the thought of living in a different country and
studying in another language, however when he enrolled on the
BTEC First Diploma Travel & Tourism course, everything changed
– he started to meet new people, improve his English and really
settled in. Alberto was a really popular member of the class
and developed a great rapport with classmates and tutors. His
achievement of overall Distinctions or D* is something we are
all immensely proud of as this is the highest achievement that
can be obtained – my comments on his end of year report are as
follows: ‘Alberto has completed his BTEC First Diploma Travel and
Tourism with an overall DISTINCTION *. Well done - this is a
fantastic achievement and is verification of your attitude and
ability with work. Congratulations on such a superb effort. As
a course team, we are immensely proud and wish you well with
your future studies and career. It was a pleasure to have you with
us this academic year!’
Kristina McCandless & Tammy Smyth
BTEC First Diploma in Travel & Tourism
Other students who achieved Distinctions or D* are
Kristina McCandless and Tammy Smyth. Tammy joined
the course after completing her studies at Garvagh High
School – she has been an excellent student throughout the
course and has consistently illustrated determination
& motivation to succeed and aim for the highest
grades possible.
Kristina came to the college as a slightly older student
(20) – she worked extremely hard and although she was
diagnosed with having a learning difficulty she completed
her BTEC First Diploma Travel and Tourism with an overall
DISTINCTION *. Both Tammy and Kristina plan to progress
onto the National Diploma Travel and Tourism course in
September at the Coleraine Campus.
Alberto has now returned to Madrid and plans to commence his
Degree in Commerce in September. He hopes one day to either
be a successful businessman in a large organisation, or perhaps
run his own business. He would say that living here has been one
of the most important things he has done so far. He is now not
afraid of going to any country and living there and will see it more
as an adventure, rather than something to be fearful of.
Best Travel & Tourism Student (Ballymena)
Hannah Maxwell
Hannah commenced her Travel and Tourism studies at NRC,
Ballymena on the one year First Diploma Travel and Tourism
programme back in September 2007 and then progressed to the
National Diploma Travel and tourism programme – completing
her course in June 2010 and achieving excellent results.
Hannah’s attendance and commitment were exemplary.
During her time at Ballymena campus, Hannah completed
valuable industry work experience placements. In year 1 she
worked within both Accommodation and Airport sectors of the
travel and Tourism industry - at The Park Plaza Hotel and at
Belfast International Airport. In year 2 Hannah secured her
placement back at Belfast international Airport - this time with
Menzies Aviation, the ground handling agent for Aer Lingus.
Hannah received glowing reports.
Throughout her National Diploma programme, Hannah’s
interests and passion for the Travel and Tourism industry
mainly lay with the airline/airport sector of the Travel and
Tourism industry and in addition to her full-time National
Diploma programme, Hannah successfully completed 4 highly
commended airline and airport awards which are indeed unique
to the Travel and tourism curriculum at Ballymena campus.
Hannah was proudly awarded “Certificate in Airline and Airport
Customer Care”, “Certificate in Airline and Airport Passenger
Service Agent Skills”, “Certificate in Air Cabin Crew Operations”
and “Certificate in Setting Up A Tourism Business”.
Hannah’s enthusiasm, success and commitment
to her Airline and Airport studies led to her being
awarded “Airline and Airport student of the year”
– highly commended by the School, Airline and
Airport Course Manager, Karen McLeod and by
Deborah Harris, Head of Public Relations at
Belfast International Airport.
Hannah is now continuing her education at
Belfast Metropolitan studying Foundation
degree in Travel and Tourism. On completion
of her programme Hannah hopes to rejoin
the teams at Belfast International Airport
and check in N.Ireland’s outbound leisure
and business jetsetters!!
Well done Hannah!!!
20
Business &
Administration
Victoria Cowden
receiving her FSB Award
Laura Christie
receiving her
FSB Award
ing his
y receiv
e
n
in
K
c
Kyle Buckley
Best Student
National Diploma Business
2010
Kyle started his secondary
education at Park hall High
School, gaining 7 GCSs and
then progressed to Antrim
grammar. In September, 2008
he then enrolled on the National
Diploma in Business at NRC,
Here the Lecturing staff found
him to be extremely dedicated
and hard working, Kyle gained
8 Distinctions, 8 Merits and 2
Passes. These grades enabled
Kyle to obtain Three overall
Distinctions for the National
Diploma in Business.
Kyle enjoys playing soccer,
he has played for Glentoran
Reserves and now plays for
Ballymoney United, and he aims
to play for Manchester United.
Kyle is currently at the
University of Ulster, studying for
a degree in Business Studies.
rd
a
FSB Aw
Scott M
Victoria Cowden
Laura Christie
FSB Awards
FSB Awards
Scott McKinney
Lyndsey Yorke
Magherafelt woman Victoria
Cowden has picked up a top
accolade at the prestigious
Future Students of Business
awards.
A student from Ballymoney
has received a top accolade at
this year’s Future Students of
Business Awards.
A Coleraine student proved his
business acumen recently with a
top business award at a special
ceremony held at Belfast Castle.
Best Business Student,
Magherafelt
Laura Christie, a Level 3/4 BTEC
National Diploma in Business
student at the Magherafelt
campus of Northern Regional
College, collected her prize at
Belfast Castle recently after
impressing the judges with
her business skills.
Scott McKinney, a student at the
Coleraine campus of Northern
Regional College, was one of
just 18 students from across
Northern Ireland who picked up
a prestigious ‘Future Student of
Business’ award at the event.
FSB Awards
The Northern Regional College
student studied Level 2 and 3
in Business Administration and
Level 4 HND in Business at her
local campus as she wanted to
compliment her practical skills
and experience already gained
through her employment.
Now in their seventh year,
the awards are run by the
Federation of Small Businesses
(FSB) in conjunction with
Colleges Northern Ireland and
reward and encourage local
students at further education
colleges to be the entrepreneurs
of tomorrow.
Having been involved with
trading from an early age,
Laura has an innate passion for
business and used the skills
developed on the course to help
set up her own fashion jewellery
business in her home town.
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Scott, who studied a BTEC
National Diploma in Business,
said his courses helped him
develop essential skills which
he will put to good use in
his future career.
BTEC National Double
Award in Business
Lyndsey joined NRC,
Magherafelt Campus in 2008
in search of the knowledge and
skills to enable her to become
a Business Studies teacher.
After 2 years of study Lyndsey
gained 2 Distinctions in her
BTEC National Double Award
in Business and a ‘B’ grade in
her ‘A’ level ICT.
Both programmes demanded
a high level of academic study
but Lyndsey still found time to
participate in extra curricular
activities as well as working
a part-time job.
Lydnsey is a highly motivated
hard working student. She is
currently studying on the HND
in Business programme.
Natalie Ramsey
BTEC National Diploma
in Business
Newtownabbey
Natalie attended NRC in a full
time capacity for two years
achieving three distinctions in
her BTEC National Diploma
in Business. As part of one
of her units, “Managing an
Event”, Natalie, along with 3
other students organised a very
successful fashion show with all
the proceeds going to charity.
Natalie is now working towards
a Degree in communication,
advertising and marketing at
the University of Ulster
Throughout Natalie’s course,
she demonstrated flair,
determination and commitment
to her studies and was an
excellent student.
The staff of the Business
Department would like to wish
Natalie continued success in
the future.
STAR AWARD STUDENTS
FE “STAR” AWARD
BEST BUSINESS
STUDENT (Shared Award)
Danielle Black and
Laura Christie
It would have been impossible
to choose between two
outstanding National Diploma
students, Danielle Black and
Laura Christie, for this Special
Award. The decision was made
therefore to share it between the
two girls. Both girls joined the
course in September 2008 from
2 different grammar schools,
Coleraine High School and
Dalriada, with excellent GCSE
profiles, 9 and 10 A* to C grades,
respectfully. They also finished
the BND course with exactly the
same overall result, 3 overall
Distinction grades, equivalent
to 3 A grades at A Level. Not
only did they both finish with the
same overall grades but they
both achieved a “Distinction”
grade in all 18 units which were
studied over the 2-year course,
an accomplishment which is
quite rare.
Both girls showed the same
dedication, focus and excellent
organisation skills throughout
all aspects of the course.
Assignment work was “polished
off” well within the deadlines
set. From early on both girls set
the pace for the rest of the class,
and it certainly kept everyone
on their toes, even the Tutors.
This is where, however, their
similarities end and they are
now following their “individual”
passions.
Danielle “loved” Accounts from
very early on in the course and
this is now the career path
she has decided to follow. Her
dream was to go to Queen’s
to study Accountancy, and, to
make sure that this happened
Danielle enrolled on to the
Maths GCSE evening class in
January 2010 to take her “C”
grade up to a “B”, which was
part of her offer from Queen’s.
Not only did Danielle work hard
to ensure she achieved the top
grades in the 9 2nd year units
but she worked extra hard to
achieve her “B” grade in Maths.
Danielle is currently at Queen’s
University, Belfast studying for
an Hons Degree in Accountancy.
They are very lucky to have such
a determined and hard working
student, she is not only a credit
to herself and her family but
to her NRC Tutors, who would
like to take this opportunity
of wishing her every possible
success in the future.
study of business and research
in to the current market
trends, has given her the drive
and confidence to open up a
fashion jewellery business in
Ballymoney on 1st November
of this year. Alongside running
her own business, “Bella Mia”,
Laura is currently studying for
an HND in Business at NRC
and fully intends to add an
Hons Degree in Business to
her qualification profile, after
completion of the HND. Laura’s
Tutors have a total belief in
her entrepreneurial skills and
abilities and see her becoming a
force to be reckoned with in the
business world of the future.
Laura had very different ideas
about her future. From an early
age her dream has been to be
“the boss” of her own business.
Laura has had a great deal of
practical experience, gathered
over quite a number of years
working for her father in the
family business. All of this
experience, coupled with the
Laura is the perfect example
of the type of young person the
Government is encouraging
to help build up private sector
business within Northern
Ireland.
22
Science
Clare Young
City & Guilds National Certificate
Level 2 Animal Care
Clare Young completed City and Guilds National Certificate
Level 2 Animal Care and achieved distinction grades
across all units. Again an integral part of the programme
is the work placement component and Clare excelled in
her placement at a local Veterinary Practice.
Clare has now opened up her own animal minding and
exercising business and she is already showing great
entrepreneur skills as she continues to research good
practice in the care of animals. NRC wishes Clare
continued success with her business.
Megan Boyd
Best Science
Student
Bradley Cuthbert
Best Animal Care Student
Bradley is an extremely hardworking and conscientious student. He achieved the level 2
National Certificate in Animal Care with Distinction and has progressed to the new Level
3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management where his commitment continues. He is
very dedicated to working with animals and is very popular with his peers, staff and work
placement. He has also been selected to travel to Malta in 2011 as part of a volunteer
group to work with and investigate animal welfare facilities on the island.
‘A fingerprint expert can
tell apart the marks of two
digits more easily than
he can differentiate two
people’s faces.’
Colin Beavan
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Megan returned to
college to enable a
change of career. She
was an exemplary
student - extremely well
motivated and produced
excellent assignment work
throughout her two year
programme. She was
rewarded with distinctions
in all units. Her well
deserved DDD grade
enabled her to progress to
Queens University to study
for a BSc. in Psychology.
23
James
McGeehan
NVQ Level 3
Jimmy was a mature
student, he left school
approximately nineteen
years ago with no
qualifications. Jimmy had
a variety of jobs and a few
years ago he got a job as
a kitchen porter. Over the
past few years he did more
and more preparation and
cooking , gathering the
necessary experience.
Jimmy heard about the full
time NVQ Level 3 course
and applied. Jimmys
attendance despite holding
down a full time job was
excellent, he demonstrated
an enthusiasm to learn
and set about gaining and
developing all the skills
necessary to succeed in the
Catering and Hospitality
Industry.
Jimmy thoroughly enjoy
all aspects of the course
and was very impressed
with the fact that the
course was designed to fit
around my working week
which meant I was able
to gain a very beneficial
vocational qualification
whilst maintaining full time
employment.
Jimmy competed at the
IFEX competition and
gained a Bronze Award in
the Senior Fish Category,
a wonderful experience
and fantastic achievement
. Jimmy achieved his full
NVQ Level 3 Professional
Cookery and his numeracy
and literacy in essential
skills.
Jimmy is an excellent
example of someone who
sets themselves high
standards and achieves
them. Well done Jimmy!
Hosp
i
t
a
& Cat lity
ering
David Greer
Professional Cookery Diploma
David Greer – Having achieved
my GCSEs at school and
my college interview (which
involved a practical skills
test), I was accepted onto the
professional cookery diploma
course. I am enjoying the
course and feel that I am
gaining valuable experience.
The training at the college is
as close to the real world as
possible with me preparing and
cooking the food from scratch
on the day of production. This
has helped me to develop
speed, accuracy and ownership
without forfeiting quality. The
skills practical classes allow
me to understand and
Jason Clyde
Diploma in Professional Cookery
Jason Clyde – I enrolled on the Diploma in Professional Cookery
in September 2010 after doing GCSE’s at Secondary school.
I have always wanted to do Catering and was pleased to be
accepted onto the course. I really enjoy learning new skills,
making, tasting and presenting the dishes and foods I
have cooked.
I appreciate there is quite a bit of assessment work to do but I
am up for the challenge. I have been involved with the College
Gourmet nights and find the whole experience inspirational.
Its early days yet but I imagine if I successfully complete the
Introduction to Professional Cookery, I will then do Level 2
and 3.
After working for a while and gaining plenty of experience it
would be my ambition to open my own business. Hopefully by
that time the credit crunch will be over!
develop practical know how
and this helps me to appreciate
the need to present and
fulfil customer needs for a
successful business. I would
strongly recommend the
course to anyone interested
in enjoying learning about
the catering industry as this
is a varied and interesting
programme.
I hope to progress onto the
second level of the programme
and to continue my interest in
Cooking and eventually become
a head chef in a reputable
hotel.
24
Health &
Social Care,
Early Years
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Trudee Stevenson
BTEC National Diploma in Health
and Social Studies
Trudee Stevenson commenced the BTEC National Diploma in Health
Studies in September 2008 having completed her GCSEs at Ballycastle
High school.
her career path was initiated. The Principal of Bushvalley Primary
School indicated that she had never worked with such a gifted student
as Trudee.
Trudee proved herself to be an exceptional student both academically
and in the work placement. During her two years with us she never
missed a submission deadline and her work was of a consistently
high standard, resulting in a full Distinction profile.
This young woman was a real ‘all-rounder’ and was in the enviable
position of choosing from several universities to study for a degree.
Her first choice was inevitably Stanmilllis College in Belfast where she
is currently completing a BSc (Hons) in Primary School Teaching.
Trudee is a shining example of everything that is good about young
people today. She is one of those ‘little gems’ that comes along every
so often in a teacher’s professional life.
Whilst committed and enthusiastic in the classroom, Trudee also
excelled in her work placements – an essential component of the
course. She worked extensively with children, the elderly and young
people with special needs. Supervisors consistently remarked on her
innate ability to care, her common sense and wisdom which was way
beyond her years. In fact, it was at her placement with children that
Henrietta Dickey
BTEC National Diploma in Health and
Social Care (Social Care) Coleraine
Henrietta progressed from
Coleraine College to NRC
(Coleraine Campus) in 2007.
When she enrolled she was
expecting her first child and
gave birth to her son on New
Years Day. Whilst she had
managed every aspect of her
course academic staff felt she
would be best advised to pick up
her studies the following year.
She accepted this advice and
returned to full-time education
highly motivated by her
determination to be successful.
During the final year of her
course Henrietta was to face
a further challenge when her
father died suddenly. It was
testament to her personal
strength that she continued
on to achieve the highest
grades possible – a full
Distinction level profile - in
June 2010. Throughout all of
this she never once missed
any deadline or asked for any
special consideration of her
circumstances.
Henrietta has excellent people
skills. Placement reports
provide clear evidence of a
student who worked intuitively,
sensitively and with great tact
and diplomacy. Her great
strength lay in her desire to help
others in a compassionate and
gentle manner. These personal
attributes combined with her
academic ability made her an
ideal candidate for a degree
course with professional status
where the focus was working
at a close personal level with
people who faced physical and
psychological difficulties.
She was accepted on to the
Bachelor of Science Nursing
( Mental Health) degree
programme and commenced
her studies at the Magee
Campus of the University of
Ulster in September 2010.
Henrietta was an exceptional
student and has been an
invaluable ambassador for
her course and NRC.
She will undoubtedly
continue to achieve
academically and
professionally.
We wish her every
success for
the future.
She is a wonderful ambassador for vocational education in general
and for the Northern Regional College. All her tutors wish her every
success in the future.
26
Student
Governor
Joe Cromie, President of the Student Council
Before coming to NRC I studied at Monkstown
Community School. I achieved 9 GCSE’s A*- C.
These grades got me my place in my current course,
BTEC National Diploma in Media Production. The
course content is fantastic and the facilities, tutors
are great. The course is really enjoyable and has
really inspired me to go to university to study my
BA Hons in Broadcast Production in Scotland.
Who knows maybe one day I’ll be working for the
BBC! As Student Governor I get to meet a lot of
interesting people and help ensure the student
voice is heard. This is a great initiative by NRC
and is defnitely making a massive difference to
the student experience.
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Student Elections 2010
Joe Cromie was elected as President of the Student Council
in May 2010. Joe was previously one of the Deputy Presidents
and having the election before the College term ends ensured
that a President and Governor, was in place from the start
of the academic year. Joe is a second year student on the
Newtownabbey Campus, studying Media Production
This approach also gives continuity and means the new
President is familiar with the College processes.
One Deputy President also remains from last year;
Steven Mullaghan, Coleraine.
The Deputy Presidents for the Student Council
this year are –
Class Representatives were elected across the College and
from these, Campus Student Education and Welfare Officers
(SEWOs) were also elected.
David Sampson (Farm Lodge)
The Student Reps are closely linked with teaching and
learning; they’re an important source of information for
lecturers in classes and departments.
Training for all the Officers of the Council was provided
by NUS-USI. There was also an input at this training from
the NRC Quality Unit and the Northern Bank.
Steven Mullaghan (Coleraine)
Mark Hazelton (Ballymoney)
Sarah Cassidy (Magherafelt)
Charlie Osborne (Trostan)
Dean Colgan (Newtownabbey)
They are also the first point of contact for students who have a
problem, or suggestion about a class as a whole. The Student
Rep acts as a middleman between the students and lecturers.
That might sound like a lot of responsibility for one person but
that’s where the Student Council (SC) comes in.
The SC provide training for Student Reps at the beginning
of each semester and can be contacted throughout the year
for support and advice. If a Student Rep comes across a big
issue that requires attention at a higher level then the Student
Support Manager is on hand to help.
The SCs main responsibility is to represent the students of
the College, and this means all students. Whether you are a
mature student, an international student, part-time, full-time
student or straight from school, the Student Council works for
your interests.
The SC is a student-led organisation, run by a council which
includes student members and an executive. All registered
students of the College have the right to vote and can stand
for elections, which usually take place in October and May
every year. The Council is an affiliated member of the NUS-USI
(National Union of Students – Union of Students Ireland).
From the SEWOs, there are, this year, six Deputy President
positions which means there is a Deputy President from each
campus. The SEWOs sit on the Campus Management team
meetings facilitating two way communication between staff
and students.
VOTE
JOE FO
R
PRES
IDENT
!
28
The Messines
Experience
“I didn’t realise how much history
there is involving Ireland and
World War 1. This experience has
taught me a lot and really opened
my eyes, and I hope to take this
experience back home and use it
to teach others what it’s all about”
Steven Mullaghan
The Messines
Experience
Steven Mullaghan, Deputy
President of the NRC
Student Council, and
Stephen McCartney, Student
Support Manager, took part
in an experiential learning
programme called “The
Messines Experience” in
September, 2010.
Stephen Mullaghan one of NRC’s Deputy
Student Presidents pictured on the recent
trip to Belgium.
The Messines Experience
uses the events of The Great
War (1914 - 18) to engage
participants in learning
about their shared history,
cultural heritage, peace and
reconciliation, and the futility of
war. They travelled to Belgium
with the International School of
Peace Studies, to learn about
the Great War and two men who
were there – each from different
religious backgrounds.
The programme focused on
The Battle of Messines Ridge,
7th June 1917. It was pivotal in
the First World War, and was a
battle in which the Protestant
36th Ulster Division were to fight
side by side with their Catholic
comrades from the north
and south of Ireland. Both of
these regiments had lost huge
numbers in previous battles.
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Through this programme they
challenged traditionally held
attitudes which the Catholic
and Protestant communities
share for one another based on
mistrust and intolerance and in
turn brought these new insights
back to their communities.
“I didn’t realise how much
history there is involving
Ireland and World War 1. This
experience has taught me a lot
and really opened my eyes, and
I hope to take this experience
back home and use it to teach
others what it’s all about”
Steven Mullaghan
Stephen McCartney (Head of Student Support at NRC) pictured
with Janice Armstrong (Senior Health Promotion Officer
– Sexual Health with the Northern Trust pictured at the launch
of ‘The Clinic’ at NRC’s Trostan Avenue Campus, Ballymena.
NHSC Trust opens Sexual Health Clinic
in partnership with NRC
A new Sexual Health Clinic opened this year, at Northern
Regional College’s Ballymena Campus.
Backed by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and
in partnership with NRC, “The Clinic” provides free family
planning and sexually transmitted infection testing for male
and female students over 16 years old.
“The Clinic” aims to provide a unique and accessible service
to students, offering family planning advice, testing and
treatment in one facility. This is the first of its kind in a
college setting in Northern Ireland.
Due to their sensitive nature these issues are often ignored
but “The Clinic provides a safe and confidential place for
students to discuss them.”
“It is a valuable resource for students over the age of 16, who
could potentially need the advice and help of “The Clinic,”
says Joe.
Services at The Clinic run one morning a week and is managed
by Dr Tara Farrington. Those students requiring treatment will
receive it free at “The Clinic”.
With rates of STI’s and teenage pregnancies rising, “The
Clinic” is an essential provision to help reduce the instances
of STI’s and unplanned pregnancies, by improving the sexual
health knowledge of young people.
Joe Cromie, Student President at NRC, says,
“The Clinic provides a confidential space for young people to
have their questions answered and alleviate their worries:
“Many young people who are considering having sex for the
first time, or who are concerned about STI’s, feel unable to talk
about these issues with friends or family. It’s crucial that they
know they can seek advice from qualified professionals.
“The Clinic provides a
safe and confidential
place for students to
discuss their concerns.”
Joe Cromie
Claire Galloway (Clinical Lead Nurse for Sexual Health Services)
pictured with Dr. Tara Farrington (Speciality Doctor Sexual Health and
Lead Clinician for Contraception Services) and Joe Cromie (NRC
Student President) at the launch of The Clinic.
30
Student
Support
Library
Libraries are available in
Antrim, Ballymoney, Coleraine,
Farm Lodge, Magherafelt,
Newtownabbey and Trostan
Avenue.
You will find a wide range
of resources in the library,
many of which will relate to
your course, but some are for
general interest, including
fiction and newspapers.
Journals
We subscribe to more than 70
titles. Current copies of each
journal are displayed on the
display shelves in each library.
Older copies are held in the
archives for 3 years.
Computers
Each library provides a suite
of PCs for student use. Each
PC runs Windows software,
Microsoft Office and is
networked and connected to
the Internet. You will be able
to access your work everywhere
in college. Email access for
students is free and there is
a scanner available for student
use in each library.
Financial &
Welfare Matters
The Northern Regional College
has a range of support funds,
which can help with some of
the financial problems that
may prevent you from studying.
The College recognises that
for some students the cost
of travel or childcare, for
example, may stop you from
joining or continuing on a
course or programme. The
Student Finance Team can give
you advice on financial matters
and help you to apply for any
appropriate grants or awards
that are available. This team
also manages the Education
Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
scheme for the College.
Educational
Maintenance
Allowance – EMA
EMA is a payment of up to
£30 per week paid fortnightly
to full time students aged
16-19 years old. In addition
EMA students may receive a
bonus payment of £100, up to
3 times a year, if the college
attendance and performance
objectives are met.
Care to Learn
If you are a parent between 16
to 20 years of age and studying
a full or part time vocational
course, you may be eligible for
childcare assistance under this
scheme. The child carer must
be a childminder, pre-school
playgroup, day nursery, out
of hours school club or other
registered provider. Costs are
subject to a weekly maximum
amount for each child.
Hardship Funds
Hardship funds are available
to provide financial help for
students aged 18 and over.
All students seeking financial
support , who are in financial
hardship must in the first
instance apply for FE funding
to the Western Education and
Library Board (WELB)
We’re here to
help you and
to make your
time at the
College a
success!
Higher Education
Courses
Full time Higher Students may
apply for a tuition fee loan.
The loan is not means tested
and is repayable. For further
information you can apply
online or contact the Education
and Library Board in your local
area. Online applications and
contact details can be found at
www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
EU national students
If you are an EU national
student or the child of an EU
national, your application for
financial support will be dealt
with by the Students Loan
Company. Contact www.direct.
gov.uk/studentfinance-EU
for further information and
how to apply.
For further information
please email:
studentfinance@nrc.ac.uk
Education Support
To make an appointment with
the Learning Support Unit
or you can visit the Student
Services in your campus or
contact us directly.
Education Support Unit Team
Contact Details:
Sheelagh Canty
(Ballymena/Larne)
sheelagh.canty@nrc.ac.uk
www.welbni.org
Phone: 028 8225 4546
Julie Hemphill
(Coleraine/Ballymoney/
Magherafelt)
julie.hemphill@nrc.ac.uk
Students may apply for help
with fees and/or living costs;
the fund is discretionary and
terms and conditions apply.
Brendan Muldoon
(Newtownabbey/Antrim)
brendan.muldoon@nrc.ac.uk
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
Careers Guidance
The Careers Centre helps
students of the Northern
Regional College to decide,
plan & compete in the global
job market.
From deciding what to do to
fine-tuning applications and
everything in between, the
right Career for you starts
with us.
The Careers Centre can help
NRC students with all aspects
of Career planning & support
to help you get the most from
your experience at the College.
For first year students:
Starting to consider your
career choices in your first
year is made easier with the
wide range of service we have
to offer:
Part time work advice or other
work experience opportunities
will enable you to develop work
related skills and start to build
up the kind of experiences that
will improve your CV.
We can help with application
forms, CVs and interview prep
for part time jobs and other
work experience opportunities
- call in between 9-4 Mon-Fri.
You are welcome to attend
our careers fairs, employer
led presentations and
university workshops to start
to get an understanding
of what employers and
universities want and what
they have to offer.
If you want to start discussing
your career, even if you have
no idea what you want to do
when you leave College, call in
between 9-4 and we’ll be able
to help.
We have well stocked
information rooms open with
plenty of careers material for
you read or to take away.
Attend career activities that
take place within your classes.
Make use of our computerised
software packages, offering
careers advice and guidance
via the internet.
Our careers modules and
tutorials help develop
your career planning and
employability skills
We’re friendly, helpful and
professional. We can help you
from day one of year one and
throughout your time at the
College – whether you have
yet to start thinking about your
options or even if you have well
thought out plans – call in to
see how we can help.
make sure that you prioritise
it accordingly.
To help you consider this point,
think about how much time
you usually put into planning
a holiday, versus how much
thought you have devoted to
your career planning so far?
For further details contact
careers@nrc.ac.uk
Choosing a Career
– Where to Start
Decisions are often hard to
make and there may be a
number of possible and often
conflicting options.
Career Decisions are
particularly important, as an
early choice of Career can
set you in a direction that is
not always easy to change.
Decisions made and actions
taken are forever visible on
your CV and recruiters will
analyse your suitability to their
organisation based on the
directions you have taken in
life, alongside the skills and
abilities you have acquired
along the way.
So never underestimate how
much time you need to devote
to planning your career and
Student Admissions
We are here to help you make your time at the College a
success. You can find a wealth of information by either can
e-mail, telephone or come to see us at one of our Student
Offices or Receptions.
The department provides a confidential, impartial and
non-judgmental service and includes a number of
specialist teams, each one made up of qualified and
experienced staff.
The Student Services teams are:
The Reception Desk (operated jointly with
the Student Offices)
Careers Advisory Service
Counselling Team
Education Support Service
Student Welfare and Financial Advice
32
Freshers’ Week at NRC
Freshers’ week
The College organised a very successful Fresher’s event on each campus at the start of term which allowed students
to gain vital information on key issues relating to College life and personal development.
This is the second Freshers’ event at NRC and each year it just gets bigger and better.
Throughout the week many organistions took time to speak with students and advise them on topics important to young
adults continuing their education. Organisations included local banks, fitness and leisure centres, Samaritans, Road Policing,
Health Promotion Agency, Careers Service, RAF, local councils, driving schools, local shopping centres, and many more
external groups who were vital to the events success.
The event has been a huge success for the students of Northern Regional College and reinforces the dedicated student
support available to them at the College.
http://www.nrc.ac.uk
33
Esse
n
Skil tial
ls
Essential Skills in English,
Maths and ICT
Who are they for?
Anyone, aged 16 and over, who wants to improve
his or her English, Maths and ICT skills.
Contact:
Ballymena
Jacqui Livingstone
jacqui.livingstone@nrc.ac.uk
Ballymoney
Kathleen Mullan
kathleen.mullan@nrc.ac.uk
Newtownabbey
Norma Sleater
norma.sleater@nrc.ac.uk
How will Essential Skills qualifications benefit me?
By improving your English and Maths skills
Essential Skills could:
• Help you to complete the course you are studying.
• Help you to get better results on your course.
• Help you to improve your confidence.
• Help you to get a job.
• Help you move on to higher level courses.
• Get the most out of life
• Develop personally
• Engage with others easily
e-mail: info@nrc.ac.uk | www.nrc.ac.uk
NRC – Ballymena:
Farm Lodge Buildings, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT43 7DF T: 028 2565 2871 F: 028 2563 1353
NRC – Ballymena:
Trostan Avenue Building, Ballymena, Co Antrim, BT43 7BN T: 028 2563 6221 F: 028 2565 9245
NRC – Ballymoney:
2 Coleraine Road, Ballymoney, Co Antrim, BT53 6BP T: 028 2766 0401 F: 028 2766 4529
NRC – Coleraine:
Union Street, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, BT52 1QA T: 028 7035 4717 F: 028 7035 6377
NRC – Larne:
32-34 Pound Street, Larne, Co Antrim, BT40 1SQ T: 028 2827 8855 F: 028 2827 3289
NRC – Magherafelt:
22 Moneymore Road, Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, BT45 6AE T: 028 7963 2462 F: 028 7963 3501
NRC – Newtownabbey:
400 Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, BT37 9RS F: 028 9086 2076
T: 028 9085 5000 Education Support
The Northern Regional College aims to enable people with a
medical condition, learning difficulties and/or disabilities to access,
participate and progress within and from learning programmes,
through the establishment of appropriate support mechanisms.
We are working towards an environment and curriculum which
meets the needs of ALL students. It may be useful to arrange an
exploratory interview to discuss what special facilities might be
needed to enable you to study at the College.
Equality Statement
The Northern Regional College is committed to the promotion of
equality of opportunity in all of its activities. We aim to ensure that
we provide a supportive, fair, inclusive and welcoming environment
for all staff, students and visitors free from any form
of discrimination or harassment.
Designed by: Rodney Miller Associates
This publication is available as a pdf document on our website at
www.nrc.ac.uk. If you require this document in another format that
better suits your needs please contact the Equality Office via email
at equality@nrc.ac.uk to make alternative arrangements.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of information in
this publication at time of going to press.
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Aspire | Aim | Achieve
www.nrc.ac.uk
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