Reputation for Special Courses at BCFE

Students stated they came to the College because of the specific courses offered.

Student (27) It has changed my life and I hope I can get into the Illustration or Graphic Design course so it can continue to help and make me a better artist and person. I hope that it can continue, especially in the art field in courses. This place is a gem, and I'm sure that if people would realize how amazing it is, everyone else in the country would support it.

Student (37) BCFE is great. As a media student, it has really helped me get a good idea of the field I wish to pursue when I finish my time there. I've heard rumors that the HND courses may be discontinued and I think that would be a shame

Student (64) I have always gotten a good response from industry professionals when I mentioned I attend BCFE for a sound engineering course. I believe that the college's reputation for the music and film industry is one of its strongest strengths and believe that it will become a vital part to finding work in the future.

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6.11

Student Survey Conclusions

The following is a summary of the findings from the student survey for Ballyfermot College. They are grouped as in the previous chapter to address the three key questions central to the research.

6.11.1

How and why was HE developed in BCFE?

While the student survey was not intended to provide answers as to how and why higher education programmes were developed within Ballyfermot College it is interesting to note that students independently chose to attend the College because of the types of programmes that had been developed there. Students chose to attend BCFE because of the courses offered and because the college had a very good reputation. More than 40% of students surveyed completed higher education courses at BCFE and almost 80% of BCFE students felt it was a third level education college.

Student (71) …has one of the oldest and best Game Design courses. There is a hands-on focus, rather than a ‘learn by rote’ academic approach found in other courses.

Student (69) BCFE is a college that focuses on alternative courses e.g., the rock school that no other colleges have. It gives people the opportunity to focus on their main area of interest instead of settling on something they are 'kind of' interested in.

In keeping with findings from the teacher survey, which stated that courses had been specifically developed to attract students, 51.82% of students chose the college because ‘it had the type of course they wanted’. Many students (67.59%) believed Ballyfermot College had contributed significantly to the development of the cultural industries in Ireland and had an excellent reputation for the courses and programmes it delivered, particularly in the creative arts and media. Finally students expressed the belief that BCFE provided the specialist type courses that gave them an opportunity to enter industries they were interested in.

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6.11.2

Have these HE Programmes been successful?

The student findings overwhelmingly suggest the programmes developed and delivered at Ballyfermot College created an advantage for learners. One of the most important things was how the College helped support individual confidence building for many students who otherwise would not have continued in education.

Student (19) BCFE College helped me to get contacts in the music Industry and gave me industry knowledge providing me with the confidence and experience needed to give me a strong advantage entering into the competitive world of music management.

Student (4) I amtruly grateful that BCFE has given me a chance to go back to education and study a subject that not many colleges have. I have learnt a lot of researching skills and a lot about business in the sector I would be looking to work in. These are things I did not expect to learn and were a bonus

Students also felt smaller class sizes and close student teacher interaction gave them a greater chance to learn in a more intimate environment. Students were also attracted to attend the college because of the type of courses offered and the reputation the college had for the delivery of these courses.

Again a lack of resources was highlighted by the students. Almost all of the students surveyed felt that Ballyfermot College was disadvantaged particularly through the lack of resources and student grants for those continuing to HE level. Students felt BCFE was disadvantaged as a result of not been given proper recognition for what it did. These findings seem to suggest that had Ballyfermot College being given appropriate resources and management structures the College may have become even more successful than it already is. It is also interesting to note that students also believe the College was not afforded the official recognition it deserved and how this perception mirrors that of the teachers.

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