Notes

Kieran Sharley

I started the second year of the Btec level 3 extended diploma in IT in September. One of the units I am currently studying is 3D modelling with the program Autodesk 3DS max. I have developed real enthusiasm for the introduction to this subject. To the effect that I have downloaded it at home using my college account so I could develop further skills. I have quickly picked up working with editable polygons and ways to perform actions such as using arrays or using modifiers such as the cloth modifier with the garment maker to create clothing on a character. I challenge myself to go above and beyond the assignment brief content for unit 41 (3D modelling) as I have wanted to create a scene I am proud of and could use in a personal portfolio. Additionally, I do not feel like doing the minimum is worth doing as it does not prove that I have the capabilities I feel I should have.

I have enjoyed college far more than I did school as I found it more engaging due to the units being of interest to me. I practiced some programming skills at school; including Python and Unity. I am enthusiastic about my learning, and often develop skills in my own time as well as caring more about the quality of the work I submit.

One of my other favourite subjects, other than 3d modelling is programming. There are 2 units that involve programming using Visual basic. Event driven programming is one, and the other is object oriented programming. I have enjoyed both units equally throughout the course, as I find setting myself the challenge of creating a program with specific uses and then afterwards finding where I could have improved either, by using less code or different code very satisfying. Overall the feeling of achieving something with programming that I set for myself to do is great as it shows I am improving. So far in the last few months I have learnt a lot about classes, event handlers and arrays; These have all helped me along the way to a point where I feel quite confident in my abilities with Visual Basic as a whole.

Another unit I have been interested in this year is client side customisation. This second year has included an introduction to Adobe Dreamweaver and I have been taught HTML5 in depth. I enjoy client side customisation as it allows me to be more creative while still learning a useful skill. I have been using the skills I have learnt so far to create small websites for specific topics, and have recently begun to use Dreamweaver as a means to create my portfolio.

I have many interests that mainly stay within the category of computers such as video games but I also enjoy extreme sports such as snowboarding, high diving and scuba diving. I currently have two jobs; one job involves me cleaning in an office block. I have many responsibilities whilst I am there. I am required to lock up when leaving including activating the alarm as well as locking the car park after leaving it. I am also a kitchen porter at a cafe in Emsworth. My job involves washing up in and efficient and speedy way. Responsibilities also vary to include other helpful tasks.

I have decided to apply for university after I looked into the courses available. I have always been interested in developing computer games. I have been an avid gamer since youth and always wanted to work in a team to create a game of my own. I originally hadn’t quite decided on university progression, or whether to pursue an apprenticeship. The course I have applied for would be a great opportunity for me to progress and develop my skills whilst working in a team with other like minded students.