BCFE Features in ETBI Newsletter
BCFE are delighted to be featured in Education & Training Boards Ireland Newsletter
BCFE pilot new professional class major award in Early Learning and Childcare
In 2021/22, Ballyfermot College of Further Education piloted a new Level 5 QQI Award in ELC, providing graduates with the professional standards necessary to work in and progress as the new professional standard is rolled out across the sector. The award offers students a comprehensive preparation for working with babies, toddlers and young children in a variety of workplaces including créches, Naíonraí, Forest preschools and child advocacy organisations. From practical training to a thorough understanding of childcare theory and legislation, the course also includes 6 weeks work experience which is central to learning and assessment. As part of its commitment to the new programme, BCFE developed new fully-specified facilities to offer students an authentic and engaging learning environment. The award will continue to run in the new academic year and is part of a suite of awards in the Health and Social Care Department.
Find out about our Health and Social Care courses
BCFE students Inspire with digital exhibition
BCFE celebrated the end of another academic year with the launch of a vast online digital exhibition of student work from a total of 48 courses across all across all departments, including animation, games, music, film and visual effects. The idea of a digital exhibition to showcase students’ work was born out of social distancing restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curated by Caroline Murray and executed by Vivienne Trulock-Hardy, students and teachers from across the college were involved in the success of the online exhibition, an undertaking which BCFE says is a testament to the quality and exceptional standard of teaching and learning at the college.
See our Inspire 2022 exhibition
Showcasing students to industry leaders at IFI
The work of BCFE Graduates was also showcased at the Irish Film Institute (IFI) in Temple Bar, Dublin as part of a special event in May. Students from the BA Hons Visual Media programme and HND programmes in Animation, Film, Game Design and Visual Effects had their work exhibited as part of the event, including award-winning films ‘Death of an Otter’ directed by Tom Farrelly, and ‘Metamorphisis’ directed by Aleksander Nowak.
The showcase was officially opened by BCFE Graduate Seán Cunningham, founder of Studio Meala in County Roscommon, and provided valuable networking opportunities for graduates to meet with industry experts and employers.
Peace, Love and Rock-n-Roll as Rock School returns to live performances
Rock School, established by Moving Hearts drummer Matt Kelleghan in the 1980s, welcomed live performances for the first time in two years in April. Over two nights at the Workman’s Cellar in Temple Bar, Dublin, students from the HND in Contemporary Music Performance showcased original soundtracks which were created and recorded as part of the course.
As well as performing on the night, students were also responsible for organising the entire event gaining hands-on experience in the business, entrepreneurship, management, promotion and financial elements of a career in performing arts.
Throughout its evolution to the current HND course, coordinated by Eamon Brady, has produced well-known performers such as Damien Dempsey, Lucy Blu and Wallis Bird.
Find out more about Contemporary Music Performance at BCFE.