Two weeks have passed and it really does feel like a month (or two). We're starting to settle into the course now. We know what to expect. Four hours of shorthand in one day, things like that. By the end, I can tell that we are all questioning our sanity/ will to live. Actually, both of these. I'm getting the hang of it now though. I'm quicker at reading sentences and pretty accurate with the occasional lapse. On Friday morning, I read an outline as 'Peeling balls' instead of 'Peeling bells'. It was pretty hilarious. And proof that you can actually have fun with shorthand, even though it has the capability to destroy your soul.
For me, I'd really like to see if I can pass the 60wpm exam that we have in early November and work from there. With my previous experience, I know that shorthand at speed is a real issue for me and it isn't made any easier by physical limitations. Last time I sat a dictation exam, the speed only at 40wpm. So, if I pass this 60wpm, I'll see whether I can do a faster speed but if I'm unable to it's not something I can really do much about. In interviews, I use a Dictaphone to record and then transcribe afterwards. I've been practising whenever I have the time to learn the theory. I will just have to see how it goes. However, unlike the rest of my class, I'm not too concerned about getting the industry standard of 100wpm. Whatever I can get, will, I'm sure, be useful to me.
Our second exam in November is for media law and this week we have already started to look at past papers, to get an idea of style and what type of things they will ask. Our tutor told us the NCTJ only have a limited number of questions to ask in certain ways. Considering that we have only learnt about defamation and contempt of court so far, we were able to attempt the paper and give informed answers. Basically, it will just be a case of memorising the laws and regurgitating them in the exam much like with Public Affairs (this week, we looked at the council and constitution) and Court Reporting. I'm going to start revising the things that we've learnt so far, to make it easier for when my exams come around.
This weekend, I went out interviewing for my first news story of the course about Heritage Month in Liverpool. I focused on the Bluecoat, an arts centre, on School Lane. They have an entire weekend full of activities exploring the building's heritage. I had to do a vox pop, which is always joyful. Approaching people and asking for their opinions is always nerve wracking, especially when some people aren't willing to give you a quote. I managed to get a few quotes from the public, as well as the Artistic Director of the Bluecoat. Quite alright, since I haven't interviewed in a while. Will write it up today.
Until next week
S.
Sunday 15 September 2013
Sunday 8 September 2013
NCTJ: Week one
The first week of my NCTJ course is offically over! And what a week it has been. I enrolled on Monday and started the following day, 9-5pm. If that was the course trying to ease us in gently, then it didn't really work, I was knackered and my brain was struggling to function by 5pm. If it wasn't, then, fair do's.
And since then, it has been quite impressive how much I've learnt in practically four days. This 'fast track' Diploma in Journalism has certainly lived up to its name (and my expectations) as like I have mentioned previously, it's only 18 weeks meaning that because we finish at the end of January, we need to learn everything for our exams in the shortest possible time, which as you can imagine will be delightful.
For those reading this blog who are considering an NCTJ course, I thought that this would be an ideal oppportunity to explain in detail who the NCTJ are and what they offer:
The NCTJ or National Council for Journalists is a body that provides recognised journalism qualifications through universities, colleges and training centres. Most importantly, a course that is accredited by the NCTJ means that your qualification will be recognised within the media industry. So, if you are thinking about a course like this, please make sure that where you do it has accredition, otherwise it will be a waste of time and money, as you would have to pay extra to take these exams. And I'm sure this is something which you would rather avoid.
That said, what route you choose is up to you, some might go for a MA (which usually lasts a year) and others go for a 'fast track' course. Personally, the reason I chose this course was I discovered through doing a year of journalism undergraduate, that you don't need to spend so much time learning the material. Even though it is much more intense, you learn what you need to pass the exams with a as it filters out anything unecessary. Also, I've been told that it is best to stay out of the industry for the shortest possible time which means that you have a better chance when you enter the job market. Really good advice and definitely something worth thinking about when you are choosing which you want to do.
You can find out more about the NCTJ including which courses are accredited, here:
http://www.nctj.com/
Every course should have the same elements, which are:
-News Reporting
-Public Affairs
-Shorthand
-Media Law
- Options: Sub-Editing or Sports Reporting.
News Reporting is pretty simply learning how to write news stories. What is newsworthy? What is the best angle? How do you structure a story? This exam is notoriously tricky and there is a portfolio you need to submit which includes ten of your best stories.
Public Affairs includes matters of government, the monarchy and public services like education and the NHS.
Media Law explores key aspects that journalists need to know when they writing stories so that you don't end up in court. The court system, parliamentary acts and laws and such are covered here.
Shorthand is a fundmental skill that the NCTJ and employers really expect journalists to have and it is a necessity for when apply for your first job (and beyond). The industry standard is 100 words per minute and it is what we study most on my course because it is such an essential and desired requirement. I have had experience with it before on my undergrad. It's basically a form of text speak based on the alphabet and represented by symbols. I think the hit by Peaches and Herb 'Reunited' best describes how I feel about it, take a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1uvmh75xxs
HAHAHA. I'M JOKING. Of course, it doesn't. I'm not very happy to reunited with shorthand even though I'm picking up a little quicker from my previous experience. It's frying everyone's brain a little ( a lot) and rightly so. It's difficult. And the key is that you need to build speed which takes practice and doing a little everyday. Our first exam is in November at 60wpm. The thought, already, is filling me with so much joy.
Sub-Editing involves not only editing copy (stories) but producing headlines too. We need to use a program called Quark, which we are still trying to get our heads around, but the editing itself is pretty straight forward.
And finally, Sports Reporting, the exam is optional but the classes are complusory. This means learning how to write match reports and watching football matches (Oh dear!) But we have been told that it will help build our reporting skills, which is always a good thing.
So, there we have it. I hope that was enjoyable and useful. I'm practising shorthand and catching up on my media law today (Defamation! Hoorah!).
Until next week
S.
And since then, it has been quite impressive how much I've learnt in practically four days. This 'fast track' Diploma in Journalism has certainly lived up to its name (and my expectations) as like I have mentioned previously, it's only 18 weeks meaning that because we finish at the end of January, we need to learn everything for our exams in the shortest possible time, which as you can imagine will be delightful.
For those reading this blog who are considering an NCTJ course, I thought that this would be an ideal oppportunity to explain in detail who the NCTJ are and what they offer:
The NCTJ or National Council for Journalists is a body that provides recognised journalism qualifications through universities, colleges and training centres. Most importantly, a course that is accredited by the NCTJ means that your qualification will be recognised within the media industry. So, if you are thinking about a course like this, please make sure that where you do it has accredition, otherwise it will be a waste of time and money, as you would have to pay extra to take these exams. And I'm sure this is something which you would rather avoid.
That said, what route you choose is up to you, some might go for a MA (which usually lasts a year) and others go for a 'fast track' course. Personally, the reason I chose this course was I discovered through doing a year of journalism undergraduate, that you don't need to spend so much time learning the material. Even though it is much more intense, you learn what you need to pass the exams with a as it filters out anything unecessary. Also, I've been told that it is best to stay out of the industry for the shortest possible time which means that you have a better chance when you enter the job market. Really good advice and definitely something worth thinking about when you are choosing which you want to do.
You can find out more about the NCTJ including which courses are accredited, here:
http://www.nctj.com/
Every course should have the same elements, which are:
-News Reporting
-Public Affairs
-Shorthand
-Media Law
- Options: Sub-Editing or Sports Reporting.
News Reporting is pretty simply learning how to write news stories. What is newsworthy? What is the best angle? How do you structure a story? This exam is notoriously tricky and there is a portfolio you need to submit which includes ten of your best stories.
Public Affairs includes matters of government, the monarchy and public services like education and the NHS.
Media Law explores key aspects that journalists need to know when they writing stories so that you don't end up in court. The court system, parliamentary acts and laws and such are covered here.
Shorthand is a fundmental skill that the NCTJ and employers really expect journalists to have and it is a necessity for when apply for your first job (and beyond). The industry standard is 100 words per minute and it is what we study most on my course because it is such an essential and desired requirement. I have had experience with it before on my undergrad. It's basically a form of text speak based on the alphabet and represented by symbols. I think the hit by Peaches and Herb 'Reunited' best describes how I feel about it, take a listen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1uvmh75xxs
HAHAHA. I'M JOKING. Of course, it doesn't. I'm not very happy to reunited with shorthand even though I'm picking up a little quicker from my previous experience. It's frying everyone's brain a little ( a lot) and rightly so. It's difficult. And the key is that you need to build speed which takes practice and doing a little everyday. Our first exam is in November at 60wpm. The thought, already, is filling me with so much joy.
Sub-Editing involves not only editing copy (stories) but producing headlines too. We need to use a program called Quark, which we are still trying to get our heads around, but the editing itself is pretty straight forward.
And finally, Sports Reporting, the exam is optional but the classes are complusory. This means learning how to write match reports and watching football matches (Oh dear!) But we have been told that it will help build our reporting skills, which is always a good thing.
So, there we have it. I hope that was enjoyable and useful. I'm practising shorthand and catching up on my media law today (Defamation! Hoorah!).
Until next week
S.
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