Best Performing Arts Student 2009 Student Profile: Ashton Kelly In my years at the Northern Regional College, I have developed a passion and love for the subject I was studying; Performing Arts. When you mention Performing Arts, people automatically think it is purely a practical course. Although this is true, to some extent, there are also academic units involved and these are interesting in themselves. Most people struggle to get up for school in the mornings, but I personally couldn't wait to get stuck into the tasks each day brought. I couldn't wait to see the enthusiasm pouring out from the tutors and students. Although the course must be taken seriously, there was never a day we didn't laugh uncontrollably, as did the tutors. The tutors really made the course something to look forward to. Their knowledge and creativity inspired me thus helping me to become the person I am today. The course gave me a " zest" for life and my only regret is that I am now finished and had to move on. I am currently studying a HND in Performing Arts in Belfast and hope to go on to University after completion. None of this would have been possible if I had not been part of the team at NRC. I am grateful for the course developing my confidence and the influential people that helped me to be the person I want to be. Student Profile: Michaela Elliott Although the National Diploma in Performing Arts is hard work, with sometimes, a lot of written work and evaluating, I really enjoyed it. I learnt that the evaluating allowed me the chance to reflect on my practical work and therefore improve as I went along. Anyone interested in the course would have to be prepared to work hard and have a keen interest in the Performing Arts: dance, drama and music. The work can be difficult to grasp, but once you get into it, its great fun. I made some really great friends through the course and together we helped each other through. After completing the two-year course, I didn't feel quite ready for University. My tutors recommended the HND in Belfast and following some research I applied and got accepted. I am enjoying the course but still keep close links with Ballymoney and look forward to going back to see their shows. Best Media Student Student Profile: Sade Ali This single- minded young person has gone on to achieve the highest award possible from her BTEC National programme - three Distinction grades, and has gained entry to the prestigious Game Art course at DeMontfort University. Sade is a student who impressed with developing powers of study, diligence in submitting work to excellent standards, and effective class and team work during the 2 years of her programme. Facing personal challenges in oral communication, Sade's quick wits, bright intelligence and her developing creativity permitted her to make most effective pitch presentations to wow her audiences of lecturers and classmates - possible the sternest judges of all for any student. Sade developed a highly focused approach to her studies and faced study challenges with a positive mental attitude permitting her to effectively tackle logical right- brain subjects with the same excellent outcomes as those left- brain creative subjects which come more naturally to this aspiring young Game Artist. Sade's diligent study has allowed her to make the most of her opportunities while studying at Northern Regional College, and she receives this award today for her committed hard work culminating in a triple D award in BTEC National Diploma in Media Production ( Games Design). Sade's achievement is the highest possible in the National Diploma scheme and the quality of her work has been acknowledged by her University in their award of a Scholarship to her in recognition of her high BTEC award, and further extended by an additional bursary in recognition of the excellent attendance record Sade achieved at Northern Regional College. This exceptional student is regarded by her tutors as their best student ever and they take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge her qualities of hard work, diligent effort and lively entertaining personality, and to pass to her their personal best wishes for the future. BBC correspondent Jeremy Mitchell being interviewed by NRC Television students. NRC Television student Andy Reid preparing for a live BBC broadcast of the Milk Cup. Top Performing Arts Student Student Profile: Matthew Doherty Matthew is a friendly, outgoing person who is honest and hard working. He is highly motivated, always polite and a good timekeeper, who has the ability to get the best out of all he endeavours to do. During Matthew's time on the National Diploma, he showed a natural ability in all aspects of the course but was particularly talented in drama. In all performances he was involved in, Matthew won the hearts of the audience with his charm, charisma and, vulnerability on stage. Matthew was a very reliable, enthusiastic student, always enhancing any group he worked with, experimenting with creativity and using good powers of analysis. He has the ability to use initiative and work as a member of a team. He took on board any challenges offered to him, always with a calm, well-organised approach to his work. Often he even took over the role of director and was fundamental in the designing of lighting and sound for end of year productions. Matthew's marks were usually Distinctions, his work was always submitted on time and to a very high standard, and he had a very positive approach to his studies. Matthew is now studying a Bsc Hons in Business and hopes to eventually combine his degree with his Performing Arts studies.

http:// www. nrc. ac. uk Best IT Students 2009 Top IT Student Student Profile: Ritchie Irwin Ritchie Irwin obtained a remarkable overall result of three distinctions, the highest award achievable. Throughout the two years of the course Ritchie demonstrated a disciplined and mature approach to his work. He was a good role model for his peers and frequently provided assistance to his fellow students. Ritchie is currently furthering his studies in computing at University of Ulster, Coleraine. Achievement in IT Student Profile: Seanin Ledgewood Seanin joined the National Diploma for IT Practitioners in September 2007 ( aged 19) from employment after she decided she needed a career change. Seanin settled well into full-time education and applied herself diligently to her studies. She worked diligently always giving her best and was both popular with her fellow peers and staff. She completed the course and gained A BTEC National Diploma for ICT Practitioners in June 2009 with 3 Distinctions ( equivalent to 3 A level grades " A"). She is currently at University of Ulster Jordanstown where she is studying for a BSc.( Hons) in Computing. Joseph McCluskey who graduated with an HND in Computing pictured with his Mother Mary T McCluskey and Meghan McIlhatton. HND Computing - The successful HND Computing students who graduated recently at Galgorm Manor Ballymena, pictured with their tutor Bobby Tennant. Leon Graham who graduated with an HND in Computing pictured with his Mother Joanne Graham. IT Photo order: Stephen Bell ( Class Representative HND Computing), Alex Hagan ( Class Representative National Diploma IT Practitioners), Lewis Anderson ( NRC Student Governor), Samantha Nelson ( Class Representative National Diploma IT Practitioners) and Christopher Osborne ( Class Representative National Diploma IT Practitioners) Absent: Jonathan Henry and Eva Mary McCaffrey Stephen Bell, after successfully obtaining a First Diploma for ICT in June 2007 and a National Diploma for IT in June 2009, enrolled on the Higher National Diploma in Computing with Multimedia. Favourite subjects Web Design, Programming and Computer Platforms. Alex Hagan joined the National Diploma for IT Practitioners course in September 2008 after completing his GCSEs at Ballyclare High School. Favourite subject Spreadsheet Design and Web Design. Lewis Anderson joined the National Diploma for IT Practitioners course in September 2008 after completing his GCSEs at Ballee High School. Favourite subjects Programming and Web Design. Lewis comments " The national diploma course provides me with the opportunity to develop skills which will prepare me for employment." Samantha Nelson joined the National Diploma for IT Practitioners course in September 2009 after completing his GCSEs at Parkhall College Antrim. Favourite subjects Spreadsheet Design and Computer Systems. Samantha explains, " The national diploma course allows me to be more independent about my learning and there is a lot of guidance about career choices in computing." Christopher Osborne, after obtaining a Distinction in First Diploma for ICT in June 2008 he joined the National Diploma for IT Practitioners in September 2008. Favourite subject Programming. Christopher comments that the best bit about NRC is the friendly and helpful staff. Jonathan Henry after successfully completing a First Diploma for ICT in June 2009 he joined the National Diploma for IT Practitioners in September 2009. Favourite subject Computer Systems. Eva Mary McCaffrey joined the First Diploma for ICT in 2009. Favourite subject Web Design. Eva wants to progress to the Higher National Diploma in Computing with Multimedia at the Ballymena Campus. FACULTY 2 14