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

Kate Lumaban is a past student of Massereen Community College. She is currently studying the BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care after previously completing the Certificate in Childcare and Education. Kate joined the National Diploma as it was equivalent to 3 A Levels. This will enable Kate to progress to Higher Education and pursue her dream of going to university to study nursing. Kerrie Thompson is a past pupil of Cullybackey High School and is studying the Level 2 Diploma in Childcare and Education. Kerrie has always wanted to work with children and was accepted on this popular course due to her school profile and GCSE results. Kerrie's ambition is to become a midwife or a social worker in the future but first she wants to secure her place on the level 3 Childcare course at NRC. Marie Claire Graham is studying on the Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Early Years after successfully completing a NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. Marie Claire would like to progress to Stranmillis College next year and study for a Bachelor in Education so she can peruse a teaching career. http:// www. nrc. ac. uk Health & Social care, Early years Best Student in the School of Early Years & Social Care Student Profile: Rachel Kirkpatrick Rachel was an excellent student. Her attendance and punctuality throughout the course were exemplary. She worked consistently hard and produced work of a very high standard achieving 18 distinctions. She is a quiet student who participated really well in class. Throughout the course Rachel proved to be a diligent and reliable student who was always well organized and submitted her coursework on time. She has demonstrated a genuine interest in people. This is particularly evident on placement when she was working with children and vulnerable adults. Rachel went on to study psychology at the University of Ulster. Student Profile: Laura Wilson Laura progressed from Ballycastle High School to NRC in September 2007. Throughout her two year programme she maintained exceptional levels of diligence, commitment and enthusiasm to every aspect of her course resulting in the achievement of a full distinction level profile. Laura demonstrated advanced communication and people skills. She was always most personable, upbeat and diplomatic. This was evidenced through work placement reports which were excellent and reflected her compassionate understanding of others, maturity and clear ability to work meaningfully and professionally in challenging, pressured environments. There was a great naturalness in the way she worked with others and this quality with her academic success enabled her to progress to Higher Education. Currently Laura is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at the University of Ulster. Childcare Staff and Students Venture onto the Slopes NRC Childcare Students had the opportunity of a life time when they flew out to spend two weeks working in the ski resorts of Les Portes du Soleil in Geneva in February. This unique ongoing partnership has been developed between Childcare lecturers Pearl Dunlop and Susan Broadbent at the Northern Regional College, Ballymoney and Jack Frosts, a peripatetic nanny service covering the ski resorts of Morzine, Avoriaz, Montriond, St. Jean d'Aulps and Chatel. Jack Frosts is owned and managed by Ulster woman Gill Mc Neice, a qualified children's nurse, who has been providing winter childcare for over ten years. During their time at Jack Frosts, the students cater for the childcare needs of families on skiing holidays ranging from meeting the children from ski school, bringing them to meet their parents on the slopes, organizing craft and music activities, outdoor events such as snow Olympics, sledging and even a Yeti Hunt! Sam Bradley is a past pupil of Cambridge House Grammar School and is currently studying the BTEC National Diploma in Health and Social Care. Sam joined this course with 11 GCSE's. He chose the vocational route due to the coursework aspect and he felt this was a better learning environment for him. Sam wants to progress to University in Northern Ireland and complete a degree in Nursing. FACULTY 3