Curzon News
Autumn 2015
Criminology graduate at global games
22-year-old female criminology student represents Great Britain at the World University Games in South Korea. Georgie Brown, who graduated with a First in Criminal Investigation from Birmingham City University last year competed alongside over 10,000 participants from over 150 countries at the second largest multisport games in the world after the Olympics. Her selection to join Team GB’s archery line up marked the culmination of a remarkable 12 months for Georgie, who on leaving university immediately started applying her criminology degree in a challenging role as a prison officer at HMP Buckley Hall, a men’s prison in Rochdale. “This is a great way of completing a great year; from leaving Birmingham City University to taking up a career working in a male prison, to competing for Team GB at a global level,” said Georgie. “After the pressure of my final exams and managing tough situations as a prison officer,
competing in a sport I love will just be very exciting. I’ve represented Great Britain on many occasions but this will be the first multi-sport games so it’s extra special.”
Georgie Brown
Georgie said her inspiration stems from her older sister Dani, a hugely successful Paralympic athlete, who won gold medals in Beijing and London, also in archery. “I got into archery because of Dani. She’s disabled but archery was a sport she could participate in, and being from an active family it was something we all got involved with.” Georgie said she would encourage more young people and students to get involved in sport. “More young people should take advantage of any opportunity to get involved in sport. From my own experience, being involved in sport has provided me with so many opportunities and has actually helped a lot when it comes to applying for jobs. “Many people worry about fitting sport in around their studies, but I’m proof that it can be done and I think most people will find that their university or college are really supportive. BCU were a great support to me and encouraged me to go on to pursue my dream.”
Academic joins government debate on the environment
University students bag national pop shop title
The Welsh Government has called on an academic from the faculty to help contribute to a pressing debate on the management of natural resources in Wales. Dr Haydn Davies, Director of Research for the School of Law and Assistant Vice Chair of the UK Environmental Law Association (UKELA) was chosen as one of the representatives to the Welsh Assembly’s Environment and Sustainability Committee.
A team of students from the University have won the national Uni Pop Shop 2015 competition.
Dr Davies together with fellow academics Dr Victoria Jenkins from Swansea University and Professor Bob Lee from the University of Birmingham presented evidence to the committee on the Bill, which is currently going through the Welsh Assembly under their devolved powers on environmental protection and resource management. Dr Davies commented: “This new Bill is an ambitious and welcome piece of legislation which could be strengthened to better achieve protection of the environment in Wales. The Bill will introduce a new system for strategic management of resources, as well as a number of duties to strengthen local accountability for the protection of the
environment and ecosystem services. This could potentially be a worldleading piece of legislation.”Sherry
decides to busk.” Gaurav has also filmed scenes at the Bullring, the Library of Birmingham and the Jewellery Quarter. Dr Haydn Davies
Uni Pop Shop is a great way for students to experience the issues and challenges that an entrepreneur faces on a regular basis: from dealing with suppliers all across the country and understanding pricing, to applying an effective marketing strategy. The University is a regular competitor, which is organised by Bath University. Two teams of students from the University took part in this year’s competition which was held in London’s Old Spitalfields Market from 15 - 17 June, with eight other universities competing. The competition was intense, with plenty of
friendly rivalry. The teams from the University had a solid pricing strategy which resulted in University team ‘Current’ striding ahead to claim the win. Rebecca Burke from the Current team commented: “We are really pleased that we had this opportunity to take part in Uni Pop Shop and with the support of the staff, we won! We are really pleased that we can now go on and work with a social
entrepreneur and explore how we can turn this into a real business venture.” Mani Johal, Enterprise Adviser with the University’s department for Enterprise, Innovation and Business Engagement, said: “The students worked really hard and both teams were very diligent in their approach. Uni Pop Shop is a great learning experience for budding University entrepreneurs.”
Inside:
A summer in the ‘windy city’, page 3
Students’ Union and Welcome Week, page 4
Careers and Job Prospects Team, page 6
Travel scholarships, page 8 & 9
German Christmas Market, page 11
A note from the Dean Welcome, and welcome back!
You are joining or rejoining us in our new Curzon Building, the flagship building on our City Centre Campus development. I am sure that you will love your new surroundings as much as we do, and I urge you to take time to explore the building and the rest of the campus. In addition to a range of excellent teaching and learning resources, you will find your new library, together with a variety of high-quality catering outlets. We have also built in a lot of social seating areas, so that you can take some time out to relax and chat with classmates. Explore too the Parkside Building across the road from us, and also Millennium Point, which adjoins Parkside. Each of these buildings houses a range of subject areas, and facilities that we can all use.
I hope too that you will be taking some time to explore the range of exciting activities taking place in and around The Curzon Building. Being in the heart of the Eastside district means that you have all that the centre of Birmingham has to offer right on your doorstep. This includes a wide variety of events included as part of the University’s Welcome Week, while we also have the Rugby World Cup fanzone taking place next door in Eastside City Park. Being in the centre of the city means that that we are able to take full advantage of our proximity to the professional, civic, voluntary and commercial communities to better connect our students with the world of work. We take pride in the ways in which work practice directly informs and shapes our programmes. Birmingham City University graduates enter the world of work
ready to make their mark, and September has seen us celebrating the summer graduation ceremonies with our most recent leavers. These graduates, together with their friends and families, have been enjoying these joyous occasions as they celebrate their success. Wherever you are in your own learning journey, you will be surprised how quickly time passes before your own graduation! In the meantime, enjoy participating in the various events that are organised as you prepare for and settle into your studies and the hard work ahead. I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks ahead, and wish you every success with your programme. Best wishes, Professor Keith Horton Executive Dean Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
Keith Horton, Executive Dean for the Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences
Local businessman honoured for contributions to Birmingham The Chief Executive of specialist financial services provider, Wesleyan, has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate at the University’s graduation ceremonies in September in recognition of his contribution to the finance sector. Craig Errington has led Wesleyan, the Birmingham-based mutual, through a period of significant growth since becoming Chief Executive in 2005 and has helped the organisation enjoy sustained success despite the recent economic downturn. He has worked for the company for over 20 years.
Craig Errington
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“I’m delighted to receive an honorary doctorate from Birmingham City University, one of the city’s finest educational establishments,” said Errington. “The University has a thriving business school and the work they do in preparing students to enter the world of work, taking with them a vital sense of innovation and inspiration, is essential to the development of business in the UK.” Through organic growth and acquisition, Wesleyan has grown significantly in recent years and employs around 1,500 staff, has £6 billion in assets and last year made a £40.3 million operating profit
Recent graduate recognised for life-saving human rights work An international lawyer and Law alumnus who attracted widespread acclaim for his work protecting human rights has been honoured as one of the University’s Alumni of the Year in September. Elshareef Ali Mohammed graduated from the University in 2013 with a degree in International Human Rights and hit the headlines last year when representing Meriam Ibrahim, a Sudanese woman who was sentenced to death because of her Christian faith. “I am very grateful and humbled to receive this award - recognition that will encourage me to continue to enhance human rights in Sudan” said Elshareef. “I was very surprised by the response we had for Meriam as her case had been ongoing for quite a while. There were two sides to my involvement – the legal side, representing her before the court, but just as importantly, campaigning and raising awareness.
When we started to receive more interest in the USA, UK and Europe, it helped to put pressure on the Sudanese government and helped Meriam to stay strong knowing that people around the world were supporting her.” Following an international outcry, Meriam was later freed and allowed to join her husband in the USA. Elshareef now supports a joint programme between the University’s School of Law and the Sudanese Human Rights Initiative to promote freedom of religion in the country, which involves training lawyers and the judiciary, as well as facilitating cultural change. “My aim is to see Sudan’s legal system brought in line with international human rights standards”, added Elshareef. Many lawyers are blacklisted by the government but I will not give up and will continue to raise these issues, and bring about change in the proper way.”
Elshareef Ali Mohammed
Elshareef’s award ceremony took place on the afternoon of Tuesday 1 September at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall. His award will be presented alongside students graduating from the University’s Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences.
BCU Stories
A summer in the ‘windy city’
Groundbreaking Clearing initiative receives national coverage Hundreds of staff from across the University joined forces in August to help man the Clearing hotline, fielding calls from thousands of prospective students. The University also received national press coverage after becoming the first institution in the country to provide places through social media, with offers being made via Twitter and Facebook. Prospective students could send a private message to the University via Facebook or Twitter with their name and contact details, UCAS points (including subjects and grades) and the exact name of the course they’re interested in. “We’ve seen a huge rise in course enquiries from prospective students via social media in recent months and for this reason we’ll be making course offers on Facebook and Twitter during this year’s Clearing period,” explained Professor Bashir Makhoul, Pro-Vice-Chancellor. “On results day, students can often feel too stressed to talk about course options and our Clearing hotline can get very busy. Making offers via social media will mean that enquirers can swerve the engaged tone and get an instant response on whether we have a place for them.”
Radha Chauhan, third-year LLB Law with American Legal Studies student Birmingham City University operates the largest UK to US internship programme in the UK called American Legal Practice (ALP). As part of this module, I had the opportunity to intern in America for nine weeks. I chose to study ALP as I knew an internship would be a great way to gain experience in the legal profession on an international stage and widen my academic and practical experiences. I would also have the unique experience of living and working in the US. Between June and August 2014, I interned at a judge’s chamber in the Chancery Division with Judge L. Curcio in Chicago who specialises in Mechanics Liens. Mechanics Liens is an area of law relating to the security interest in the title to property for the benefit of those who have supplied labour or materials to improve the property.
Radha Chauhan
Cases focused on Mechanics Liens, however, there were many sub issues that arose which meant the work I carried out was always varied. My main task while interning was working on the final opinion memo with the judges’ clerk. I was given the responsibility of writing sections of the memo such as the breach of contract for each party, the witnesses and the claims and defences. These were all new challenges for me, however I relished the opportunity. Alongside my internship I was also able to appreciate and explore the city of Chicago. I lived in an American dorm on the University Centre campus. There is a lot to see and do in Chicago; it is a brilliant city and just like New York, Chicago has its own landmarks. The Bean, the Sky deck, The Cubs team, the Buckingham Fountain, the beaches, Millennium Park, Grant Park and, of course, Lake Michigan. There was always something to do.
My internship will have a lasting effect on me. It has refined my research and analytical skills, given me the confidence to engage with legal professionals and has improved my oral and written communication. It has also broadened my horizons as I had the opportunity to live and work in a different country and I have gained firsthand experience in the largest legal system.
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Events
Hello…
Join us as we hold Birmingham’s biggestever Welcome Fair - and it’s all for you!
It’s time to get excited about beginning your next big adventure, and you’ll find everything you need to get your university life off to the most amazing start at www.bcusu.com! #BringOnBCU
Saturday 19 September The Big BCU Move-In Rugby World Cup: Fanzone Opening Party at Boxxed
A guide to your Students’ Union and Welcome Week
Welcome to the BCUSU family! Here at your Students’ Union we’ve been busy planning the very best events, entertainment and experiences to help you settle into those allimportant first couple of weeks here at BCU!
What’s the Students’ Union?
As a Birmingham City University student you are automatically a member of your Students’ Union and have access to the wide range of fantastic services and facilities that we offer. We are independent from the University and are run by five elected officers. We are all here to create and promote a great student experience for you and all of our 22,500 student members and to ensure that you get the most out of your time with us! Find out more at: www.bcusu.com
Five minutes with Jen
Meet the team Students’ Union President (Jenny) With two years under her belt working for the SU, Jenny is keen to welcome new students to The Curzon Building with a friendly smile. This Law graduate doesn’t mess around when it comes to enhancing your time at BCU. Her main task is to ensure a smooth running of your Students’ Union. Being the top dog is a tough job but if anyone can handle it, it’ll be Jen. Student Development (James) This sports loving, criminology graduate wants to introduce students into his world. James is ready to showcase all the sports teams and societies at BCU and ensure the ‘Free Wednesday’ campaign stays in place to allow all students an opportunity to take part in Wednesday activities. Well, who would stand in his way! Student Engagement (Charlie) Don’t be fooled by her innocent exterior. Charlie, the ex-BCU women’s hockey player, is the frontline for combatting communication barriers between you and your SU. Her mission is to promote cross-campus facility use for all students and develop a unique presence through all campuses. After all, BCU is a big place. Student Voice (Jo) Jo may not look like she has a big voice but during her time in her new role, she is aiming to increase the engagement between student academic leaders and the Students’ Union, allowing more issues to be resolved quicker and more efficiently. Jo’s priority is to get more money in your pockets by supporting the NUS Hidden Cost campaign. What’s not to like? Student Experience (Moustapha) Moustapha is an active and driven member of your Students’ Union. Being a rugby player himself, he knows the importance of getting you out of the lecture hall and onto the playing field. This member of the team is eager to enhance your experience and get you involved in as much as possible. GO MOUSTAPHA!
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What has been your experience with the University and the Students’ Union before you were voted in as President? As a student, I was a course rep in my second year, I played football and was also involved in the mooting and debating societies, so I have been quite heavily involved in the Union since day one. I decided to run for the role of VP Student Voice so I could improve representation at BCU and one of my main achievements was the implementation of the Student Academic Leader scheme which replaced course reps. I was then lucky enough to be elected to the role of President. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for me and I hope that I can make you all proud this year. Can you let us in on any exciting upcoming plans for the coming year at the Students’ Union? The most exciting venture for me is the new pub. The Eagle and Ball is located at the back of The Curzon Building. It is really exciting for us as we have been able to create a brand new design, price scheme and menu. It has also enabled us to really widen the variety of events and activities we run, to cater for as many students as possible. Although that did mean we had to say goodbye to our old bar – I’m sure many students have some memories from good old Lounge North. We have quite a few brand new big things planned but I’m under strict instructions to keep quiet so you will have to watch www.bcusu.com for updates! What do you think makes BCU what it is? The family nature of BCU makes it really special. Despite the large diversity in courses, locations and students, everyone can find their home at BCU. And of course you are all a part of the BCUSU family as soon as you arrive. What do you think about The Curzon Building? Have you settled into your office with the team? The Curzon Building is absolutely fantastic. Everything is brand new and untouched, so I’m excited to see what students think of the design. The officers have their own office this year, which is fantastic for students to just pop in and talk to us whenever they want. We are based opposite the student hub on the first floor, right in the heart of the building. The wonderful thing about students’ unions is that the leadership changes every year, and you as students can decide who leads your union. I am the only second year officer and it is really exciting to have a brand new team with fresh ideas and opinions. We are running a lot of campaigns this year to do everything from raising awareness of health issues to making massive changes across the whole University, so I think this will be a big year for the Union. We want as many students as possible to get involved in what we do. After all, the reason we exist is to benefit and represent the students of BCU. Anything you’d like to say to our new students? My biggest piece of advice to new students is to work hard, play hard. It is a phrase that is used a lot but I think that both elements are equally important. Work hard academically and get your degree but also get involved in sports, societies and events. This is where you will meet lifelong friends and improve your employability for when you are ready to leave BCU. Unfortunately, a degree alone is not enough nowadays.
Sports and societies
Find out everything there is to know about your Students’ Union, university and Birmingham as a whole. Join a sports team or society, gather information and collect shed-loads of freebies, enjoy lots of free entertainment and activities, and sample some of the best food in Birmingham. Whatever course you’re studying, come along and find out why you are a special part of the BCUSU family! Friday 25 September Macmillan Coffee Morning Give it a go: TV presenting
Saturday 26 September Village Fete Sunday 20 September Give it a go: Stratford Upon Avon BCU Try It; Volleyball, Dodgeball, Frisbee and much more Welcome Talk: Meet Your ViceOpen Mic Chancellor and SU President Monday 21 September Give it a go: Giant Operation Give it a go: Give It A Grow Give it a go: International Culture Evening
Sunday 27 September Thorpe Park
Tuesday 22 September Football and Volleyball Give it a go: Canal Boat Party
Wednesday 7 October BCU Men’s Rugby presents Toga Party at Boxxed
Wednesday 23 September WELCOME FAIR! Thursday 24 September Give it a go: Upcycling Session Give it a go: Radio Presenting Give it a go: Go Karting Birmingham ‘Buz’ Tour
Monday 28 September Closing Party with Greg James and Charlie Sloth
Wednesday 21 October BCU Women’s Hockey presents Colourfest at Boxxed
Scratch Media Scratch Media are the student-led media outlets which are part of the Birmingham City Students’ Union Media Groups. Scratch offer huge opportunities for students to enhance and develop their love for all things media – radio, magazine, TV and photography. To get involved, email the media groups coordinator Joshua.Iredale@bcu.ac.uk or drop by the Scratch Production office in The Parkside Building or Development and Opportunities office, first floor, The Curzon Building.
Basketball Badminton Cricket Football Hockey Netball Rugby Union Table Tennis Tennis Swimming Ballroom and Latin Dance Rock Climbing Cheerleading
Extreme Sports Polo Karate Kickboxing Pole Dancing BCU fashion society Dr Who Society Legal Society Mooting Christian on Campus Hindu Society Islamic Society Sikh Society
DJ Society Crafty Bitches Game of Thrones Soc LGBT Magic Society Rock Soc Harry Potter Society Nigerian Society Scratch Media Groups Street Dance And many more…
Got an idea for a society? Not a problem! Your Students’ Union are all about creating new student-led opportunities. It’s as simple as: 1. You have an idea 2. We have the know-how 3. Your sports team or society is born! For more information head to: www.bcusu.com/getinvolved/createagroup/
Eagle and Ball The construction of The Curzon Building also sees the complete restoration of a Victorian pub, The Eagle and Ball, which will offer a unique new home to the Students Union. The Eagle and Ball pub was built between 1840 and 1850 and was known as The Moby Dick when it closed in 2007. The pub has been transformed into a friendly and stylish hub for students and staff to meet and relax, grab a bite to eat and have a swift drink. The pub itself will be run by our students and the Students’ Union as a nonfor-profit organisation. All money made will be recycled back into The Eagle and Ball in order to enhance the experience. Pictures will be revealed on the opening day. Hope to see you there!
Eco For top tips on keeping green, growing your own veg and learning about the environment, Eco are the place to be. This student-led sustainability group is full of green-fingered students making a change to our natural environment one shovel at a time. For more information head to: www.bcusu.com/eco.
Diary Room Ever wondered what the big blue box is on the ground floor of The Curzon Building? Well, your Students’ Union have created it for you to pop in whenever you like to share a few words. If you have a query, comment, advice, worry or problem that you think the team can handle, then pop in and share it. Go in as a group, or on your own; it’s totally, 100 per cent confidential and allows you to get off your chest anything that is bothering you. 5
If you’ve got a question, ASK has the answer
Big hello!
from the Careers and Job Prospects Team The Careers and Job Prospects team in Student Services can help you to develop your employability skills throughout your time at university. Appointments are available at The Curzon Building (Ask Hub, 1st floor). Some of the areas they can help with include: • • • • • •
Making decisions about your future Planning your job search strategy Getting relevant work experience Providing feedback on your CV and job applications Preparing for interviews Changing or leaving your course of study.
Ask is the University’s new student enquiry system - the quick and easy way to get your question answered either online, on campus or on the phone. Ask brings together a number of University services including Finance, Academic Services, Student Services and the Students’ Union to help provide a one-stop-shop for all your enquiries. The friendly Ask team are available to answer your questions either online, on campus or on the phone:
Throughout the year the careers team will be running various events and workshops aimed at improving your employability. These workshops will include sessions such as: • • • • •
Considering postgraduate study Using LinkedIn Creating industry specific CVs Preparing for psychometric tests Mock Assessment Centres.
In order to find out more about our events and to book a place, please go to our events pages https://icity.bcu.ac.uk/CareersEvents.
Online Visit www.bcu.ac.uk/askus On campus Enquiry desks are now available on the first floor of The Curzon Building
We look forward to meeting you…
On the phone 0121 331 7777 Visit icity.bcu.ac.uk/ask to find out more. Visit us: The Curzon Building, 1st Floor, Hub Reception (Ask) Like us on Facebook: Birmingham City Careers and Jobs Follow us on Twitter: @EmploymentZone
New Street Station, John Lewis and Grand Central shopping centre opening day announced Birmingham’s biggest rail station will be open to the public on Sunday, September 20 following its fiveyear £750 million redevelopment. And the Grand Central Shopping Centre and flagship John Lewis department store open their doors to eager shoppers from Thursday, September 24 at 10am. In addition to a striking building in the heart of the city passengers will experience a station with natural light, improved platform access, stunning architecture and better routes through the city.
New Street, which has cost £600 million, and Grand Central are among a series of major developments and £1 billion worth of investment coming through in the city centre this year, which will deliver an estimated 30,000 jobs and economic growth. There will be more than 60 shops and restaurants at the £150 million Grand Central, including the giant John Lewis store.
John Lewis will be the Anchor store at Grand Central above New Street
The cutting-edge facility brings together a number of resources to support the work of students and staff in the City Centre Campus including a help desk, self-service area, high-demand collection area, vending machines and a new cafe. Staff are on hand to provide support in using the new library. Support is also available online, where students and staff can access more than 60 million items. The Curzon Library is open 24/7 during term time, opening times during vacation periods are listed below: The library has:
New Print Centre to open at The Curzon Building The Curzon Print Centre, based on the ground floor of The Curzon Building, will provide a range of features including a Kodak selfservice booth for passport photos, exhibition materials to support staff events and t-shirt printing. Co-located within the Students’ Union retail outlet, the Centre will be fully-equipped with the latest print technology. Other services include binding, brochure printing and University branded gifts. The Centre will also feature a front-of-
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Campus transformation continues with new library opening
house counter, where friendly Print Centre staff will help to provide a first-class customer service. Justin Gough, Print Centre Manager, said: “The Curzon Print Centre is much more than just a dissertation printing service; we are aiming to provide a one-stop-shop for the printing needs of staff and students. With 65 per cent of the student population now located in the city centre, the University has recognised the need to introduce this service in response to feedback from the NSS.
• 4 enclosed bookable group study rooms equipped with a plasma screen in each room • 13 open group study carrels, 4 with plasma screens • 11 bookable individual study carrels including one designated for use by disabled users • 37 silent study spaces • 4 teaching rooms that will be available for study purposes when not being used for teaching • 20 open access PCs located on the ground floor • 4 free standing and movable group presentation screen. Day Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
Open 7am 7am 7am 7am 7am 9am 9am
Close 11pm 11pm 11pm 11pm 9pm 9pm 9pm
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International travel scholarships Our Make a Difference Travel Scholarship Scheme assists first and second year students to obtain funding of up to £1,200 to participate in charitable projects in countries across the world including Mexico, Ghana, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Zambia and Uganda. Whatever the skills you have, there is something that you can do and our students have helped build homes, taught in orphanages, undertaken conservations activities, helped establish social enterprises and worked with under-privileged children.
Why apply for a travel scholarship? For many there is a genuine concern for the well-being of others and a belief that to get the most out of life, you need to contribute fully to society. However, there are other less obvious reasons why you might choose to volunteer and it is understandable to think about what you personally might get from this experience. Some of the benefits of volunteering include: • A chance to develop existing skills or to gain new ones • The experience of working outside of your comfort zone in a different environment • The opportunity to learn more about yourself and your capabilities, and gain more self-confidence • The chance to develop your networking skills by making new friends and developing contacts overseas • The intrinsic satisfaction of contributing to something you feel is worthwhile and which will be valued • Additional material/experiences for your CV and future job applications
Mohammed’s Story Morocco
After the scholarship was granted to me, I started to fundraise via the reputable GoFundMe website. Having raised well over £300 it helped me make a difference to those who needed it most. My time abroad was spent in the city of Marrakech, in Morocco. After a smooth flight, we arrived in a country where it averages 40 degrees Celsius! Our Riad (volunteer house) was in the centre of Marrakech in the small locality known as Bab Doukkala. The first two days were very hard as we were not used to the vast levels of heat and humidity. Nevertheless, after settling in quickly, we learned Moroccan customs and how to think and speak like a traditional Moroccan. This included the art of haggling, even with the taxi drivers! The most memorable moment during my stay in Morocco would probably be the overnight stay at a traditional Berber house. This was one-and-ahalf hours away from bustling and lively Marrakech in the much quieter and more refreshing Atlas Mountains. The sight was astonishing and breathtaking! Our host Khalid was very generous to welcome us into his beautiful home and teach us the ways of the Berber – the Berbers consider themselves to be the original Moroccans and do not speak French as their native tongue. My stay at the Berber house involved learning to make the traditional mint tea and chicken tagine. With no wi-fi in this house, we had the chance to bond with all other volunteers and build up a good relationship which had a positive impact during our projects.
The most memorable project would be the time I spent at the Learning Centre for Children with Disabilities. This centre is a free school for these students to have the same opportunities as anyone else. We spent that time offering support through play activities to engage with these students. I was asked what I hoped to achieve by attending this centre and my reply was “to make a difference”. Working abroad is something I have already considered for a future career within the field of law. My reason for this is because not only would I be doing something I love, but I’d also get the opportunity to integrate with new cultures. There were many volunteers who I spent two weeks living with. We took part in many excursions together as a group such as the trip to Ouzoud Falls and camel trekking in Palm Groves. I will definitely be keeping in contacting with them to expand my social and professional network outside Birmingham. Finally, I would just like to say that going to a different country is a life experience and every student should consider volunteering abroad in the summer!
• Have fun.
What employers say A survey by national volunteering charity TimeBank showed that: • 84 per cent of employers said that volunteering is a way to help people find work • 80 per cent of employers valued volunteering on a CV when recruiting • Over 70 per cent of employers believed that those who volunteer have a better chance of earning a higher salary and gaining a promotion. Source: TimeBank survey 2009
For advice on how to apply, contact Nicole nicole.riley@bcu.ac.uk
Erasmus Study Abroad Programme Students at Birmingham City University are actively encouraged to engage with the Erasmus Study Abroad Programme. The Erasmus scheme enables higher education students in 31 European countries to study for part of their degree in another EU country. Erasmus offers a unique opportunity to strengthen your foreign language skills, enhance your CV, experience new cultures and make new contacts and friends.
Andre Tui BA (Hons) Marketing, Advertising and PR. Erasmus exchange student – Copenhagen Business School
There are also opportunities to study in the USA for one or two semesters in your second year. For more information about which institutes we have links with please contact: Kathleen.donnelly@bcu.ac.uk
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News in and around Birmingham…
Independent Birmingham Independent Birmingham celebrates local independent businesses in Birmingham. Their online blog highlights a variety of bars, restaurants and coffee shops which offer unique and quirky dining experiences. Independent Birmingham offers a 12-month membership card for just £15, entitling you to a year of fantastic discounts at over 75 of the best independent cafes, bars, restaurants and shops in the city. Find out more and read the blog at www.independent-birmingham.co.uk.
Are you a lover of all things hot and spicy? If so, Birmingham Chilli Festival is just for you. Brindley Place will host this year’s event on September 19. The festival will feature live performers and entertainers leading up to the big event which sees 20 brave souls take on the planet’s hottest chillies. Sample and buy the chilli inspired food, drink and gifts and enjoy a great day out.
Birmingham Literature Festival 8 and 17 October http://www.birminghamliteraturefestival.org/
Credit Birmingham Mail 2015
Rugby World Cup Fanzone 18-27 September
Haven’t got tickets to this year’s Rugby World Cup? Eastside City Park will be turned into a hub for rugby fans to be able to watch the matches on a big screen with fairground rides, food and drink. All matches will be shown live in bars and pubs across Birmingham. Bring friends and family along with you, there promises to be a great atmosphere.
Black International Film festival 26-31 October http://www.vtelevision.co.uk/biff/ Fierce Festival 7–11 October http://wearefierce.org/ Britasia TV and Music awards 3 October, Barclay Arena http://britasiamusicawards.com/
German Christmas Market For Birmingham, the highlight of the festive calendar is the German Christmas Market. And for those of you who can’t wait to wrap up and enjoy gluhwein and bratwursts in the crisp chill of a winter’s day, the dates have been unveiled. In 2015, the Birmingham German Christmas Market will take place from Thursday November 12, to Tuesday December 22. A neighbouring Christmas Craft Market sells goods by local traders. The seasonal event - is open from 10am to 9pm each day and has become a huge favourite with residents and visitors. With more than 180 stalls, Birmingham’s traditional attraction is the largest Christmas market in the UK, and the biggest outside Germany and Austria. It forms the centrepiece of Birmingham’s Christmas calendar, attracting 5.5 million visitors a year and generating almost £400 million for the city’s economy. The German Christmas Market is centred in Victoria Square in front of the Council House and stretches down to the Rotunda. A German travel website ranked Birmingham’s market second in all of Europe, beating even those in Dresden and Nuremberg. Frankfurt didn’t even get a mention.
Credit Birmingham Mail 2015
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Birmingham Chilli Festival
Birmingham Comedy Fest 2-11 October http://www.bhamcomfest.co.uk/
Digbeth Dining Club Digbeth Dining Club takes place every Friday and showcases unique street food vendors in an up close and personal approach to dining. With a wide range of dishes from £5-6 each, you can sample the varied cuisines on offer at an affordable price - perfect for a student budget! The frills and expense that comes with restaurant eating has been cut out, just quality, flavoursome food cooked in front of you. Digbeth Dining Club takes place just down the road from The Curzon Building; it is a perfect Friday night treat. Find out more at www.digbethdiningclub.co.uk
The Big Hoot: Why are there owls in Birmingham? It’s all part of a project called The Big Hoot, which is bringing 89 giant owls, each one individually created by artists from Birmingham and beyond, to our city.
Presented by creative producers Wild In Art working in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Hospital, The Big Hoot has brought businesses, artists, schools and the local community together to create a public art trail of stunning owl sculptures to go on display across Birmingham from July 20 until September 27. The idea is to encourage residents and tourists alike to visit parts of the city they might not have been to before, and enjoy beautiful open spaces, inspiring buildings and Birmingham’s cultural heritage along the way. All the giant owls have been sponsored by companies and organisations - at a cost of £6,000 per owl - and at the end of the event, they will be auctioned to raise money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Early estimates suggest they will generate at least £250,000. Wild In Art is a leading creative producer of spectacular, mass-appeal public art events which have so far raised more than £6 million for charities around the world.
Credit Birmingham Mail 2015
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What’s on… 11-21 Sep Metaform 2015 Jewellery Silversmithing and Related Products Venue: School of Jewellery 82-86 Victoria Street Birmingham B1 3PA 14 Sep-16 Nov Punk Rock!! So What? Venue: Parkside Gallery Exhibition Exhibition in the Parkside Gallery. Curated by designer and punk historian Russ Bestley, this exhibition features a range of punk graphic and visual material spanning the past forty years, demonstrating connections, stylistic conventions, patterns of engagement and the evolution of punk’s visual language and identity across diverse regions and cultures.
7 Oct-4 Nov The Live Jazz Broadcast Venue: Recital Hall, Conservatoire Wed 7 Oct: 1:05pm Wed 21 Oct: 1:05pm Wed 4 Nov: 12:30pm Jazz up your lunch break with performances by the very best senior jazz students from Birmingham Conservatoire. Keep your eyes and ears on emerging talent from the Birmingham jazz scene, while being part of an exciting music making experience.
Catch fantastic theatre productions performed by Birmingham School of Acting’s students: The Priory by Michael Wynne Directed by Alexandra Spencer-Jones Venue: Crescent Theatre (Studio) Wed 14 Oct: 7.45pm Thu 15 Oct: 2.30pm, 7.45pm Fri 16 Oct: 7.45pm Sat 17 Oct: 5.30pm www.crescent-theatre.co.uk The Crucible by Arthur Miller Directed by Benet Catty Venue: Crescent Theatre (Main House) Wed 21 Oct: 7.30pm Thu 22 Oct: 7.30pm Fri 23 Oct: 2.30pm, 7.30pm Sat 24 Oct: 5pm www.crescent-theatre.co.uk The Sins of Sor Juana (UK premiere) by Karen Zacarías Directed by Lise Olson Venue: Crescent Theatre (Studio) Wed 21 Oct: 7.45pm Thu 22 Oct: 2.30pm; 7.45pm Fri 23 Oct: 7.45pm Sat 24 Oct: 5.30pm www.crescent-theatre.co.uk
Future Talks: The Future of the Multi-Faith Society Birmingham City University City Talks Wednesday, 21 October 2015 from 6.15pm - 8pm Ground Floor Lecture Theatre The Curzon Building 4 Cardigan Street B4 7BD Birmingham United Kingdom Birmingham City University is pleased to bring together leading experts representing Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and human rights, to discuss current issues facing multifaith communities in the United Kingdom. The event will engage with the political, legal and social conceptions of freedom of religion and cosmopolitanism, and discuss the issues for promoting peace, solidarity and tolerance. The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 necessitates that we understand how this legislation contributes to these aims, and to implement strategies to rectify unworkable policies. 12
The government’s “Prevent Duty Guidance” for specified authorities needs to be debated to ensure that there is a practical approach to help ensure that people are not radicalised to commit criminal acts. A viable human rights strategy should be implemented for the “returning of the radicals,” alongside effective protection for society. We all need to work together to ensure a peaceable, tolerant, and safe society in which everyone is treated with respect for our inherent human dignity. The panel will include: Baroness Sayeeda Warsi Rev. David Urquhart Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi Mr Imran Awan Professor Jon Yorke For tickets and information go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/future-talks-thefuture-of-the-multi-faith-society-tickets-18285935726
OpportUNIty
Student Jobs on Campus has been established for you. We are investing in you by offering you the opportunity to be employed by the University. We will help you build, refine and be able to articulate your skills, knowledge and experience gained by working here to future employers. The key benefits for you are: • You get paid • You become a member of staff of the University • You develop employability skills and learn how to articulate them to future employers • You get to work on campus • You work hours that fit around your studies • You gain experience of recruitment • You work with the university and shape the way it works Don’t waste this fantastic opportunity and register with us as soon as you can on; bcu.ac.uk/opportunity
The Black Studies Association presents
Blackness in Britain 2015:
The Black Special Relationship: African American scholarship and its impact on Black intellectual life in Britain
Friday 30 - Saturday 31 October Birmingham City University Confirmed Keynotes: Professor Patricia Hill Collins Associate Professor Barnor Hesse Professor Gus John Professor Denise Ferreira De Silva Early Bird registration for the conference is NOW OPEN! For registration go to: www.blackstudies. org.uk/conference-and-events/blacknessin-britain-2015/registration The Blackness in Britain conference series is concerned with the past and future histories and narratives of Black populations in the UK and the wider African diaspora. In our second interdisciplinary conference we invite scholars, intellectuals and activists to examine how Black British intellectual life has been influenced by African American scholarship. Despite the absence of Black Studies programmes in British Universities, Black communities in the UK have a long history of community activism that has been deeply engaged with the scholarship of Black America. For full details of the call for papers visit www.blackstudies.org.uk/conference-andevents/blackness-in-britain-2015