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Apprenticeship Academy Lead | 2025
I mentored Dan during his time on the EAYL Academy. They completed 2 months of discipline-specific technical training to give them the foundational knowledge which they would build on throughout the rest of the academy. They then completed 1 month of non-functional training focussing on security, automated testing and cloud deployments. The last 2 weeks of training they worked as part of an agile team to help develop a 3-tier application which was deployed to the cloud.
Dan has proven to be an exceptionally talented programmer, excelling at picking up new technologies and swiftly navigating debugging tasks. His ability to rapidly start from scratch on new features is impressive and showcases his technical versatility.
Dan consistently is someone who helps others in the team if they are struggling. This is a good asset as often we work in pair programming. He often can explain a technical issue in simple terms, this is a strong asset for project work.
Throughout the academy, Dan consistently exhibited a highly technical mindset, producing top-notch code. While his initial pace sometimes impacted quality, he demonstrated adaptability by improving his work overtime. This growth is a shows a willingness to refine his approach.
To maintain this high standard, I encourage Dan to continue embracing a balanced pace, as it clearly enhances the quality of his output. This approach will ensure that his code remains robust and well-crafted
Additionally, improving communication skills would greatly benefit Dan. Ensuring that his team is always aware of his tasks and any changes in his project involvement is crucial for effective collaboration. By keeping his team informed, Dan can enhance the overall efficiency and cohesion of the group.
Finally, Dan’s constructive interactions with team members are important for fostering a supportive and collaborative environment. By focusing on positive engagement and avoiding a managerial appearance with peers, Dan can contribute to a stronger team dynamic.
In summary, Dan’s technical prowess, ability to adapt, and dedication to improving the quality of his work have made a significant impact during the academy. By focusing on communication and fostering positive team interactions, Dan can continue to excel and thrive in his role.
Sam Harvey | Teacher of Computing at Slemish College | 2024
As a teacher at Slemish College, I have had the privilege of witnessing the academic journey of countless students, and among them, Daniel Adams has stood out as an exceptional talent in the field of Software Systems Development. Currently in Year 14 A-Level, Daniel has consistently demonstrated a passion for computing, logical thinking, and problem-solving that sets him apart from his peers.
Daniel’s journey at Slemish College has been marked by remarkable achievements, with his dedication to excellence evident from his early years in KS3 through to the current KS5 stage. Holding the AS level cup for performance and contribution to computing, Daniel has not only been a consistent top performer but has also showcased a serious flair for the subject.
What makes Daniel truly stand out is his intrinsic motivation and early initiation into the world of programming. Recognizing his natural aptitude for the subject, Daniel began teaching himself programming at a young age, laying the foundation for the impressive skills he possesses today.
In addition to excelling in the classroom, Daniel’s commitment to continuous learning is exemplified by his participation in various summer courses. Engaging in programs such as Cyber First, Kainos work experience for three consecutive years, and Code Camp for two years, he has consistently sought to broaden his knowledge and expertise in computing.
A crowning achievement in Daniel’s academic journey is the successful establishment and execution of his own computing event, Igloocode. Held at Queen’s University, this event attracted over 100 pupils from 20 schools, showcasing Daniel’s leadership skills, programming prowess, and ability to secure sponsorships from industry leaders like Kainos and Liberty IT. Notably, Daniel programmed the entire website for the event, a testament to his practical application of skills learned in the classroom.
The success of Igloocode speaks volumes about Daniel’s vision, organizational abilities, and his capacity to bring people together for a common purpose. It is noteworthy that the event is set to run for the second consecutive year, highlighting the lasting impact of Daniel’s efforts.
In conclusion, Daniel Adams is not only a top-performing student in the field of Software Systems Development but also a motivated and forward-thinking individual. His journey from self-taught programmer to the organizer of a successful computing event is a testament to his passion for the subject and his ability to turn ideas into reality. As he progresses into higher education, I have no doubt that Daniel will continue to excel and make significant contributions to the field of computing.
Alana Donnelly | Teacher of Business Studies at Slemish College | 2022
Daniel has the most wonderful, divergent and abstract thinking style. His instinctive intelligence and good problem solving skills, along with fantastic interpersonal skills and leadership qualities makes him the most fantastic computer programming student. He also has abilities to handle conflicts and work in a team.
Daniel regularly helps me with my own computing abilities, showing both myself and the other students various ways to code something or how to ‘easily’ fix something. He showed himself as a reliable, trustworthy person with a good ability to communicate with people on various academic levels. Based on my professional experience, I appraise Daniel as an intelligent, respectful, purposeful and initiative person and recommend him for any computer related or programming course he may undertake.
I believe that he will not only succeed in this area of study but he will also excel. Daniel has organisational skills that most adults would be envious of and his work ethic is admiral. Daniel also has shown amazing self-discipline, a vital characteristic in the world of coding, by teaching himself several languages and he has the most delightful personality. Daniel would be a total asset to any course or company that has the pleasuring of accepting him.