JSC News May 2011
The JSC hold two meetings a year, their AGM in the autumn and another in the spring. The Spring Meeting coincides with their Trainee Seminar which has a dual purpose. For hopefuls wishing to join the JSC it is an entrance exam, for those already in the programme it’s a continuation exam, aimed at identifying fundamental flaws in the background knowledge required to work within the JSC framework.
In the run-up to this year’s seminar we received the resignation of Steve Battle, one of our existing trainees. Steve and his wife have become foster parents and as the situation is new to them Steve decided that it needed his undivided attention. Sad though it was to lose a guy with such a lot of show experience and judging potential his reasons were understood and greatly respected. On behalf of the JSC I have the honour of expressing that respect along with the request that he doesn’t become a stranger. You know where and when to find us Steve, so come along and say hello.
Steve joined at the 2010 Spring Seminar alongside Iain Kirkbright and Stefan Malm who having survived the end of year vote of confidence from the judges were now back to face the exam board yet again. They were joined by two new hopefuls Adam Byer, an author of several articles in Koi magazine and Jamie Johnstone, who despite his young age has at least 6 years experience working within the centre ring at the North East Section’s show. Jamie demonstrated his dedication to the cause by spending the weekend of his 21st Birthday at the seminar, celebrating with the old gits of the JSC instead of his mates back at university.
The Trainee Seminar consists of an exam on the Saturday followed by a day’s practical koi handling on the Sunday. The Saturday is overseen by our Trainee Liaison Officer Christine Woolger and the Sunday by our National Show Committee Liaison Alan Coogan.
The exam contains three separate modules. The first two; general knowledge and benching are devised to ascertain that the student has the necessary familiarity with the terminology and protocols to participate and progress in the judging environment. The final module is a judging competition aimed at identifying potential. At the end of each module the papers are collected and then Christine provides the answers, encouraging dialogue and the sharing of experiences to augment the lessons the answers provide.
The papers themselves aren’t marked until some time later. The timescale depends on Christine’s free time, but the students are told in advance when they can expect the call. Christine speaks to each student individually, giving guidance as well as the final mark.
This year both Iain & Stefan achieved the required mark to continue with the programme with Jamie Johnston joining them to bring the number of trainees back to three. Congratulations to them, commiserations for Adam and our best wishes go to Steve and his family. Here’s looking forward to a great show year in 2011.
