A group of BTEC National Diploma in Creative Media students from Coleg Gwent’s Pontypool Campus have been taking a look behind the scenes at the BBC in a two part video conferencing session run by the corporation called Up Close and Practical.
During the first session during November, students got to grips with the important skills of researching, interviewing and storytelling, as they learnt about the different job roles in BBC Wales radio, TV and online services.
Presenter Dr Rhys Jones from BBC Wales programme Rhys to the Rescue, offered students advice on research and interviewing skills before giving the group the chance to put him on the spot in an interview.
After listening to advice from the experts, students put their own journalistic skills to the test by creating and presenting documentaries, which explored issues concerning diverse subjects from sexuality to snow, to BBC presenter Sian Lloyd and BBC producers earlier this month.
“The video conference went brilliantly,” said Media Lecturer Katie Lloyd. “Rhys Jones said he was very impressed with all the students’ questions and Sian Lloyd gave very positive feedback for the documentaries. The students really enjoyed the event, especially the opportunity to link up with other colleges and schools across Wales.”
