Darren was interviewed in February 2011 by 15-year-old Vicki O'Loughlin as part of her transition year work experience placement at NCI.
Do you find lecturers helpful here at NCI?
Yeah I find the lecturers really helpful; I’d say its one of the best things about the college really. They’re all really approachable and they’d know us by our first names. They make our problems seem really easy to tackle and they’re always willing to help.
Because the classes are small, the lecturers teach nearly on a one to one basis so they know our abilities and what we struggle with.
Are you glad you came to NCI as opposed to other colleges/universities?
I am glad I came here; I don’t think I’d integrate well in a bigger college like I did here at NCI. Within a week of getting here I had met a group of people who I’m still good friends with. I like how there are societies as well, because it means you can meet and talk to people with similar interests to you.
I think I’d get a bit overwhelmed in a larger college because of the huge number of people there. Even though the classes are small enough to get attention from lecturers, they’re still big enough so we’re meeting new people all the time.
What’s your favourite thing about being an NCI student?
I suppose my favourite thing about going to this college would be the friendly nature of it, everybody knows everybody by their first names which you don’t really find in other schools. Also it’s a great location, in the heart of the IFSC where we always see people going to their jobs which gives a bit of prospective for our futures.
Is there any aspect of NCI college life that could be improved?
There’s not a lot that I’d change really, more societies and clubs would be good but they can be set up so easily by anyone so that’s not a big problem.
Are there many activities and events organised for students?
This year in particular there are more activities for students in societies. There was a ski trip a few weeks ago which was pretty cool, and the Business Society have a trip to London planned soon, even from planning it we’re meeting new people as well so the events are definitely a good way to make friends here.
How are you liking NCI overall?
I love the college and everybody who goes here, we have a really good time and the classes and lecturers are great.
