Police in Causeway Coast and Glens celebrated with students and staff from Northern Regional College at an event in The Mac on June 4th recognising the work created by students from the Creative Media course.
Throughout the academic year students at the Ballymoney campus have been working on films and animations based on a brief set by the PSNI’s Corporate Communications Department and local officers looking at societal issues affecting young people.
Gemma Wray, lecturer at the campus, explained: “This project represents the combined work of Northern Regional College students and staff, along with the PSNI, over the past 6 months. It has been really great for us to work with the police as real-world clients and they have been very helpful, providing guidance and resources, which were critical to the projects.
“Project-based learning is a fabulous way for students to acquire the skills they need to compete in today’s media industry. Real-world projects provide a professional framework and sense of ownership that allow students and clients to really engage with one other. As well as teaching students the necessary soft skills, like good communication and working to deadlines, it also allows them to build a portfolio of work, which is invaluable when it comes to applying to university, or applying for jobs.
“All the students and staff really enjoyed working on these projects and we hope that with our new intake of students in September, we can work again with the PSNI in the future.”
Inspector O’Brien added: “The overriding intention was for the students to provide a good quality product that we can use on our social media platforms to address issues and themes that are important to young people. It was great working with the students and getting their perspective on some of the issues and challenges that exist and I was delighted to see all their hard work being recognised at the awards event in Belfast. Keep an eye on our social media channels throughout the year to see how their hard work has paid off.”
Ryan Feeney, Head of Corporate Communications for PSNI, said: “This exciting initiative was devised and driven by my department as part of our role in Keeping People Safe. My team and officers from a number of policing districts and departments provided support to the young people during the creation and development of the films, animations and graphics, but credit must go to the students whose filming, production and design skills have very much come to the fore.
“This has been a valuable initiative for all involved with students gaining skills and expertise to help further their career ambitions and police officers building strong relationships to help us deliver policing with the community for the future.”
