ICT workshops for Loreto students

The roadshow was attended by all Year 10 students at the college, along with over 20 GCSE ICT students from St Joseph’s College Coleraine.

The afternoon-long workshop included presentations and videos demonstrating the range of career opportunities within the ICT industry, talks and question-and-answer sessions with ICT professionals as well as a range of group exercises. The afternoon was led by Kate McMaster, Project Executive of Momentum, along with staff from the University of Ulster, Coleraine, including Martin McKinney and two former students of Loreto College, Michaela Black (Lecturer) and Debbie Rankin (Postgraduate student).

The course leaders were assisted by Mrs Margaret McDonnell, Head of ICT at Loreto College, Mr Peter McGuckin, ICT teacher, and Mr Keith Elgin (ICT Manager).

Taking part in a range of group activities and watching several interesting presentations enabled the students attending to achieve and up-to-date understanding of the variety of career opportunities available in the ICT industry, through learning about the business of real companies operating in the ICT sector.

Each student received a gift of a Bring IT On pen. The winning teams in the quiz received goody bags and some other teams were given consolation prizes for excellent participation. The quiz included challenging questions such as ‘How many text messages will be sent on New Year’s Eve 2010?’

Mrs Margaret McDonnell paid tribute to the team which delivered the roadshow, commenting that the event had had a lively atmosphere.

“The Roadshow was very informative and thought-provoking,” Mrs McDonnell commented, “and was greatly enjoyed by all the students who took part.”