The first cohort of students I taught to be journalists have officially flown the nest.
After 18 intense weeks of study in the middle of a global pandemic, 7 students have completed their NCTJ and are setting off on their next chapter.
It’s been a hugely rewarding experience. Getting to know them, monitoring their progress, making memories, and finding new and exciting ways to breathe life into Teeline Shorthand. No really, it actually was exciting for a moment there.
They have completed modules such as Court Reporting, Media Law, Video Journalism and more. They’ve bonded as a group and had their first taste of life in a bustling news room. Some even had their work published in a number of national and international publications which is testament to their work ethic and determination.
Some days we plugged away at three hours of Teeline shorthand drilling exercises, some lessons we did Buzzfeed quizzes, identified the funniest headlines, and who can forget the fiercely competitive Kahoot? Sheesh, they’re seriously out to win!
With E-portfolios finally complete they’re off to write their next chapters. Whether that’s in the news room, comms, PR or elsewhere, I’m confident they’ll all take a host of new skills on the journey. I hope they all keep in touch as they progress in their careers. It’s been a real pleasure.
To the NCTJ Journalism Diploma Fast-track class of 20/21 thank you for coming to this press briefing. My name is Jane Brown 😉
Good luck.
Kate Reilly James 