Over thirty pupils from St Rose’s High School, Beechmount Avenue and St Genevieve’s, Stewartstown Road had straighteners, tongs and make up brushes at the ready when they battled it out in the annual Vocational Enhancement Programme Hair and Beauty Challenge at Belfast Metropolitan College’s Whiterock Campus.

The Year 11 and 12 students from St Rose’s and St Genevieve’s are currently studying for the CEA Occupational Studies qualification which gives them the opportunity to sample a career in hair and beauty using the college’s recently refurbished salon facilities before committing to a City and Guilds full time qualification.

Since September the girls have been developing their hair styling skills and learning to create different looks after conducting internet research, reading hair magazines, watching demonstrations by celebrity hair stylists to keep up to date with celebrity trends. Students from the VTCT Theatrical and Media Makeup course were on hand to give the contestants make up applications to match their chosen looks and speak to the pupils about the makeup courses available at the College.

The Whiterock campus has been providing vocational programmes to schools in the West Belfast area for over six years. Tutors Jacqueline McConnell, Fiona Warnock and Claire Collins decided that the two schools should participate in the hairstyling challenge to demonstrate their new skills and show how much they have learnt since September. Speaking at the event Jacqueline McConnell said:

“This competition is a great opportunity for girls from both schools to show their skills; it also instils a little excitement and fun into the course. The aim is to create a look that will be judged by the teachers and tutors with prizes awarded to the best styles. The girls are at the age were celebrities have a big influence and many of the girls are basing their look on music and film personalities. The girls are really excited and we are looking forward to the craic and see how much the girls have achieved.”

 Angela Wallace, a teacher at St Rose’s High School said:

“We are delighted that our students are participating in the Hair and Beauty Competition.  It has encouraged their creativity and developed their skills in creating new styles. It has given them an insight into the world of work and has provided them with realistic, practical experience. Our students are very keen to participate and love showcasing their talents.”

First prize was awarded to Natalie Robinson and Leane McErlean (St Rose’s) with Bollywood makeup by Louise Ward. Additonal prizes were awarded to Hannah Barnes and Jolene McFarlane (St Rose’s), skater girl make up by Sarah Kearns, Samantha McAnoy and Kerry Pyper (St Rose’s) with Moulin Rouge make up by Orla Walsh and Aisleyne Devenney and Caoimhe McCauley (St Rose’s) with make up by Claire McCann.