Education Feature, October 2017

Celebrating 35 years of diversity OCTOBER 2017

EDUCATION FEATURE The increase in the participation of BME students in UK higher education in the last 20 years is an undoubted success story. The significant increases in higher education are largely explained by the aspirations and ambitions of BME students and their families.

Aiming Higher Race, Inequality and Diversity in the Academy, Runneymede Trust report 2015 ISSU E NO. 1744

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16 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2017

EDUCATION FEATURE

Want to go to university this year?

There’s still time – if you’re quick...

I

F YOU are considering applying to university this year, there is still time to make an application – if you hurry.

Though many freshers across the UK have already arrived at their chosen university or college and are busy making friends, finding their way around and settling in, many higher education providers will accept new students in the first part of the autumn term.

How to make a late application Course vacancies can be found on ucas.com. Check if there are courses available which interest you which have entry requirements that you can meet.

If you are a mature student, remember that universities may use your career experience to assess

your aptitude and suitability for a course.

Use the search tool on ucas.com to help you draw up a shortlist of options as soon as possible – although you will now need to contact universities directly to ask if they still have places available on a specific course, as Ucas stopped showing entries for 2017 after September 30.

Advice is available from a range of sources Speak to a UCAS adviser on Twitter by using the handle @ucas_advisers, by calling 03714680468 or take a look at the videos and case studies on ucas. com. Remember that chatting your options over with friends and family members will help.

Contact the universities and colleges on your

shortlist and speak to the admissions teams. They will ask you for your qualifications and grades, or your career history, and

“ Chatting to your friends and family will help” why you are interested in this course. This is the opportunity for you to ask questions too about the course, the university/college and accommodation.

If the university is able to offer you a place, try to arrange a visit before making your final deci-

sion, and involve those who know you well in the process. If you have already made an application through UCAS for 2017 entry, then sign into Track to add your choice.

If not, then you can make an application direct to the university.

The admissions tutors will help you with this.

Not sure? Take a rain check If you aren’t sure about a course, it might be best to wait until next year.

Applications for 2018 have already opened, and January 15 is the deadline for most undergraduate courses. If you want to apply to study at Oxford or Cambridge, or to study on a course in medicine, veterinary medicine/science or dentistry, the deadline is October 15.

STAY NEAR, GO FAR! STUDY FOR A UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX DEGREE IN THE CENTRE OF CROYDON www.croydon.ac.uk/ucc

APPLY NOW!

Earn while you learn at the University Centre Croydon!

A

t the University Centre Croydon (UCC) we have a wide range of higher education courses on offer for those wanting to study for a degree from this September.

The University of Sussex (one of the top universities in the UK), award our BA (Hons) Criminology, Psychology and Social Justice degree.

London Metropolitan University award our LLB (Hons) law degree, meaning that students get the benefit of online resources from our virtual learning environment and London Metropolitan University’s.

This year our students have gained more 1st class honours degrees than ever before and more of our students now progress to postgraduate study at top universities.

We have made our courses very accessible to local people. Our course fees are very competitive at £6,000 per year compared with over £9,000 per year charged by most universities. This year we are introducing the option for students to undertake a work placement year on the Law degree and on the Criminology degree. Students will be able to apply for the placement year working as a Prison Officer at a local prison. The opportunity includes full training and successful applicants will earn in excess of £30,000 for the placement year. Students will then return to UCC after the placement year to complete their final year of study.

Full partner of the

Croydon College · College Road · Croydon · CR9 1DX T: 020 8686 5700 E: info@croydon.ac.uk UniCroydon

Uni_Croydon

The added bonus of this placement opportunity is that students graduating from this programme can begin working straight away as a prison officer if they wish.

Over the course of the Criminology Psychology and Social Justice degree students will develop their critical thinking skills and learn to examine the environment around them from many different perspectives.

The BA (Hons) CPSJ gives students the

option of entering many different fields of employment or further study; during the second year of the course students will undertake a volunteering module where they will be placed at an organisation (of their choice) relative to one of the fields of study.

The programme is ideal for students looking to go into careers in Youth Justice; Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice, Conflict Resolution, Mental Health, Research and Development and many other fields both nationally and internationally.

The LLB is a qualifying Law degree which offers progression for graduates, to the vocational stage of legal training in becoming a solicitor or barrister.

Whilst learning the 7 subjects of legal knowledge you will also be introduced to practical legal skills such as advocacy and negotiation. Small class sizes ensure that students are given adequate support to develop their understanding of legal issues, along with study skills classes.

Our flourishing student led Criminology Society organises regular events and public lectures designed to supplement student learning and promote the student community.

For more information please contact Amy Croft, Academic Leader – 020 8760 3885 or crofta@croydon.ac.uk

OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2017 THE VOICE | 17

EDUCATION FEATURE

A university making waves APPEAL: Graduate Camille Webley was drawn to Nottingham Trent by the university’s resources and the friendliness of its staff and students

N

OTTINGHAM Trent University (NTU) is the best modern university in the UK, according to the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018.

The university – also shortlisted for the prestigious ‘University of the Year’ title in the forthcoming Times Higher Education Awards – is one of the UK’s largest, with about 28,000 students studying across four campuses. Almost a quarter of NTU’s students are from BAME communities, and over the past five years, BAME UK undergraduate student numbers have increased to more than 5,000.

DESTINATION: Architecture student Somtochukwu Iwuafor came to study at Nottingham Trent from Lagos, Nigeria

Nottingham Trent has been recognised for its student satisfaction and teaching excellence – and its students also love the thriving and vibrant arts and social scene Students and staff come from more than 160 countries, so NTU is a truly global university. And with more than 80 student clubs and societies to get involved with, the university has a vibrant and active student community at its heart.

NTU’s student satisfaction rates are among the highest in the country, ac-

cording to the latest national figures; its satisfaction score of 89 per cent in the National Student Satisfaction Survey was the fifth-highest score amongst mainstream universities.

In addition to this, the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework recently rewarded the university’s outstanding teaching and learning

with the highest possible ‘gold’ rating.

More than 95 per cent of the university’s 2016 graduates were in work or training six months after leaving the university, and almost 80 per cent were in graduate level jobs or graduate entry educational programmes.

Increasingly, employers want to recruit graduates who have real-world work experience, and the university prides itself on delivering courses that prepare students for a successful career and the world of work.

That’s why all of the university’s courses, across every subject area, offer a work experience opportunity.

The university’s specialist careers consultants are available to offer advice on everything from career planning to completing applications and performing at interviews.

NTU also offers an exciting alternative route to a degree and a rewarding career within a chosen industry.

Completing a higher or degree apprenticeship enables students to develop industry-specific work experience ahead of their full-time university peers, all while gaining a matching qualification, earning a full-time salary, and having no tuition fees to pay back.

Nottingham is a world-class stu-

dent destination, with a thriving arts scene and top shopping, international sports facilities, and award-winning nightlife. According to the 2016 NatWest Student Living Index, it is also ranked in the top 10 of the most costeffective student cities in the UK. Camille Webley graduated from the university this year with a degree in product design.

She said: “When I first came to visit NTU, the atmosphere is what drew me in, followed by the friendliness of both the staff and the students.

ENERGY “The resources for my course were also a deciding factor, the workshops were stocked with equipment which was different, in a good way, from other universities that I’d seen previously.”

Final-year architecture student Somtochukwu Iwuafor came from Nigeria to study at NTU. He said: “One of the major factors that influenced my decision to attend NTU is its vibrant student life.

“Having grown up in arguably the fastest-paced city in Africa, Lagos, I became accustomed to finding serenity amidst a bustling environment and, even though I didn’t come searching for the exact kind of energy from back home, I needed an avenue to connect me with an attribute of home, and this is what NTU provided me.”

Visit ntu.ac.uk/opendays to book a place at an open day and find out more about life at NTU

18 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2017

CLASSIFIED

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

With award winning student support, work experience options on every course, and an excellent graduate employment record, we provide an outstanding student experience for everyone who studies with us.

Our aim is to help all our students succeed and enjoy their life at NTU. Don’t just take our word for it - come and see why we’re the Modern University of the Year and how we can help you achieve your goals at one of our open days.

Search NTU open days and book your visit today.

OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2017 THE VOICE | 19

EDUCATION FEATURE

NUS calling for action on race equality for black students Vice-president of the National Union of Students, Amatey Doku, explains why he is working with students and partners to address attainment gap

T

HE NATIONAL Union of Students has always fought for the rights of students to access and shape a just education system.

This year, we secured key concessions in the Higher Education Research Act, ensuring that the conversation this summer was about the broken university funding system.

However, one key area that the Government has not committed to tackling is persistent racial injustices in our higher education system.

The injustices of our education system are clear when it comes to the future of young black people.

Our universities can and must be engines to improve society, but right now the economic background of students entering higher education is still the biggest indicator of their future earnings.

This negatively impacts on black graduates disproportionately.

It has been compounded by replacing means-tested maintenance grants with loans, hiking interest rates and freezing the threshold for repayment below inflation.

Another area where the Government’s plans for the sector have failed to address race inequality is attainment.

From the late 1990s, there has been mounting evidence that ethnicity is a significant factor in students’ degree classification on graduation; in 2015 black graduates in England were 26.8 per cent less likely to receive a first or upper second class degree than their white peers.

“ Injustices in our education system are clear” This is the widest gap, but is also present for students with other non-white heritages.

These gaps cannot be explained alone by entry grades or financial background, which governments have accepted for over a decade.

This attainment gap starkly demonstrates structural oppressions, inequality and discrimination in our universities.

Our members are calling in unprecedented numbers for real action on the attainment

gap, and NUS is working to address these inequalities in universities with academics and professional staff.

I am bringing together our students’ unions and the Equality Challenge Unit, who work to further equality within higher education, to promote adoption of their Race Equality Charter by all universities.

This is one way that we’re asking universities to demonstrate their commitment to a just education system.

The problems that create differences in attainment are often due to a combination of causes within courses and departments. This complexity means it is essential that black voices and action is part of everything we do.

This includes NUS’ autonomous Black Students’ Campaign, which is made up of students who self-define as of African, Caribbean, Arab and Asian heritage, including voluntary officers in most of our higher education member unions.

However, there are black students driving forward all of our work, from course representatives in universities through to NUS’ current black President, Shakira Martin.

NUS has worked to ensure that students are a part of decision-making at all levels in higher education.

This includes students making change on modules and courses through to university governance, and to the UK’s governments.

Where students can make change at every level these oppressions can be dismantled and our education system become transformative and inclusive of all students.

NUS is creating a vision of an education system as a social good that can enrich all of our communities, and our black students – current and future – are at its heart.

PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR FUTURE: NUS vice-president Amatey Doku is working for a fairer society

UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE OPEN EVENTS AT UEL • • •

Find out more about the courses we offer Meet our inspiring lecturers and current students Speak to our Student Support Services

Postgraduate Open Evening: 18th October 2017 Undergraduate Open Day: 21st October 2017 Visit uel.ac.uk/open-days to book your place

20 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2017

EDUCATION FEATURE

Black workers with qualifications are still missing out on equal pay – union STRUGGLE: (left) Even black workers with good qualifications are being paid less than their white peers; (right) Frances O’Grady is calling on the government to publish pay data broken down by ethnicity

TUC calls for more action on pay gap

B

LACK workers whose highest qualifications are A-levels earn 10 per cent less than their white peers, missing out on an average £1.15 per hour.

This new analysis was published by the TUC in advance of the recent national A-level results.

The figures show that while more qualified workers get higher pay, the pay gap for black workers often increases with more qualifications.

Black workers with degrees face a 14 per cent pay gap (£2.63 less per hour), while those with higher education certificates and diplomas face a 20 per cent gap (£2.98 less per hour).

Black school leavers with GCSEs earn 12 per cent less (£1.30 less per hour), and those with no qualifications face a five per cent pay gap (45p less per hour).

Regardless of qualifications, black workers get paid 8.3 per cent less than white workers – costing them an average of £1.15 an hour.

Commenting on the findings,

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Whether they have PhDs or GCSEs, black workers simply aren’t getting paid the same as white workers with similar qualifications.

“As students get their A-level results, the harsh reality is that race will still play a huge role in how much they get paid.

“It is time for the Government to require employers to publish pay data broken down by ethnicity. Then we can see where the problems are and put pressure on bosses to close the pay gap,” Ms O’Grady concluded.

The TUC is calling on the Government to: • Pass legislation requiring employers with more than 50 employees to analyse and publish ethnicity data on progression, employment type and pay; • Develop a comprehensive national race equality strategy; • Work with trade unions to establish targets and develop actions to address racial inequalities in the workforce.

All Degree or equivalent Higher education (below degree level) A-level or equivalent GCSE grades A*-C No qualification

White £13.93 £18.85

BME £13.70 £17.35

Black £12.78 £16.23

Black pay gap £1.15 £2.63

Black pay gap (%) 8.3% 13.9%

£14.63

£12.58

£11.65

- £2.98

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£ 11.68

£10.40

£10.48

-£1.20

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£10.75

£10.03

£9.45

-£1.30

12.1%

£8.95

Data unavailable

£8.50

-£0.45

5.0%

www.chi.ac.uk/jobs

DEPT: SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL CARE Senior Lecturer in Social Work Salary range: £35,550 - £47,722

The University of Chichester is committed to social work education. The Department hosts an expanding portfolio of programmes and was rated third in the UK by students in the 2017 National Student Survey. Local employers and partner agencies work in close collaboration to develop qualifying and post-qualifying courses which meet regional workforce needs and research outputs which promote evidence based practice.

We are looking to recruit an experienced or advanced social work practitioner qualified at postgraduate level. Registration with the HCPC is essential and experience of higher education an advantage. Candidates will have a proven ability to create, design, manage and deliver a range of modules, courses and programmes in an organisational setting. We also expect applicants to evidence experience in at least one, or more, of the following areas: • • • •

Research design, delivery and publications.

Social work law, policy and practice in Children and Families Services.

Social work law, policy and practice in Adults or Mental Health Services.

Practice learning and work place education.

The post-holder will join a friendly, supportive team and be required to participate in teaching, learning and research activities at national and international levels. Personal qualities include the ability to demonstrate resilience and good communication skills when working under pressure. The ability to actively engage, enthuse and motivate students is paramount.

For further information please contact Kish Bhatti-Sinclair, Deputy Head, Department of Childhood, Social Work and Social Care Tel:(01243) 816349 E-mail: K.Bhatti-Sinclair@chi.ac.uk • •

Closing Date: 16 October 2017 Interview Date: 26 October 2017 This post will be advertised externally.

B

ased in West Sussex on the south coast of England, we have a great reputation for providing students and staff with the opportunity to achieve excellence within a stimulating and supportive environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, particularly those from black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

We know that a diverse staff and student mix creates a lively and successful community.

We are continually seeking to enhance our provision to improve the experience of our students, our staff and the local and wider community, investing in large-scale projects across both of our campuses to provide new and improved facilities, including an Engineering and Digital Technology Park opening in 2018. We have an excellent reputation: Professor Jane Longmore, ViceChancellor, confirms “we are justifiably proud to have a reputation for excellent teaching that is intellectually stimulating and which takes place in a community of learning. For this reason we are delighted that the result of the 2017 NSS see us ranked in the top 10 per cent of the sector for ‘the teaching on my course;

and ‘learning community’. The University has been awarded Silver in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Catherine Harper, observed: “We are delighted that the TEF panel noted ‘students achieve excellent outcomes’. Working in partnership with the Students’ Union is extremely valuable to the University, and we celebrate the power of that relationship in informing and characterising our educational provision and strategic direction.” In 2014 and 2017 we were named as the ‘University of the Year for Student Retention’ in The Timesand Sunday Times Good University Guide.

of our many activities this approach enhances University life for all. Alongside our commitment to race equality, we are a Stonewall Diversity Champion working to improving the working environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans staff; are a Level 2 Disability Confident Employer award holder aspiring to be recognised as a Disability Confident Leader; a signatory to the Time to Change Pledge for mental health and the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter for Employers who are Committed to Mental Health.

To advance our aims, we engage in formal training, development and other awareness raising activities for staff and students across the University.

Across the higher education sector, furthering equality and valuing diversity is a matter that continues to deserve the highest priority. We know we can only achieve our inclusivity aspirations through an ethos and culture which seeks to give every individual the opportunity to achieve their full potential within an enabling environment; where the sharing of individual talents and experiences is valued. Our University is enriched by individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and we know that across all

We welcome you to find out more about the University of Chichester and what we can offer you as a student or a member of staff.

Our website: www.chi.ac.uk

OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2017 THE VOICE | 21

EDUCATION FEATURE

Class of 2017: A celebration of black achievement at school and beyond...

Desmond Asante

Deborah Agboola

A-level subjects: Maths, further maths and chemistry Grades: A*, A*, A Destination: University of Oxford, Mathematics BSc

Age: 16 GCSE subjects: Core subjects plus media studies and geography Grades: Two 9s, one 8, four A*s, two As, one B and one distinction (11)

Comment: I am very happy to be taking another bold step!

Comment: I am feeling happy, content and excited. It was quite stressful, knowing that I had so many exams to do and the exams would get more difficult.

I motivated myself and had help from all of the teachers.

They helped me calming down – they made sure that I wasn’t missing out on anything. I would thank the teachers and myself for working hard.

Unique Tappin Chyna Gentles

Age: 18 A-level subjects: English literature, history and sociology Grades: A*, A, A Destination: King’s College London to study English with film .

Comment: My grades are testament to how hard I have worked these 18 years. However, they are simply a milestone – I intend to achieve much more with hard work and motivation in the next few years of my life.

Age: 19 A-level subjects: BTEC business studies and media Grades: A*, A, A Destination: University of Greenwich Comment: It was a tough two years for me after facing many personal problems outside of college, and at times wanting to give up. I continued studying my double business and single media course. I am so pleased with the end result and look forward to studying in 2018, as I’m taking a year out to go travelling.

Maiya John Daniel Afolabi Age: 18 Destination: University of Cambridge, law BA Parents’ message: This is the Lord’s doing and it is marvellous in our sight.

Age: 18 A-level subject: English Grade: A Destination: Brunel University, creative writing BA Comment: I’m still extremely happy with my grade, and especially since I doubted myself a lot. Now, I am looking forward to pursuing a career in teaching and/ or journalism!

22 | THE VOICE OCTOBER 5 - 11, 2017

EDUCATION FEATURE

Initiative with big ambitions

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AUNCHED IN 2012, ‘Your Future, Your Ambition’ (YFYA) started as a small initiative with big hopes – to educate, inspire and encourage school children and young people with limited access mentors, coaching and advice, to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Fast-forward six years, and the award-winning YFYA has gone from strength to strength. With a complete rebrand, national level company endorsements and founder Rashada Harry at the helm, 2017 is set to be their best year yet.

The YFYA event being held today (October 5) will bring together some 900 young people aged seven to 21 and 20 organisations from across the STEM industry at the prestigious Emirates Stadium in north London.

Long-standing patrons including BP, Bloomberg, EY and National Grid, as well as welcomed additions ITV, De La Rue and Cambridge University, will come together for a fun-filled day of inspiring workshops, career advice and

YFYA’s STEM event aiming to inspire young people interactive activities to showcase the breadth of opportunities in the STEM industry.

Rashada Harry, left, YFYA founder, said: “The STEM industry continues to shape the UK’s private and public sectors and plays a pivotal role in the growth of our economy.

“At YFYA, we host these events because we believe young people from all diversity strands are tomorrow’s innovators and trailblazers.

“They bring different perspectives to business and invaluable insight into what is expected from their future employers. Young people are integral to the future of our industry.”

Far from being complacent and riding on its success, YFYA is rapidly growing and expanding into exciting new areas.

With the support of its network, it will be launching a new initiative, YFYA Meets, at this year’s event. This will be a platform which gives young people the opportunity to shadow and gain much sought-after work experience at some of the UK’s top STEM organisations.

Mentoring forms a big part of the YFYA event, as this is an opportunity for role models presently working in industry to share their experiences and give solid tips for those considering their options.

Each volunteer attending the event is a role model at a top STEM organisation, and is someone that the young people can approach and ask questions about real-life jobs, and most

importantly learn about the skills required to progress to the next level and perhaps meet a future employer.

Older attendees are encouraged to bring a CV along and attend the CV workshops happening during the day, as well as the life skills sessions, where they can gain insights into how to dress for their next role, how to be a leader and what skills they already have that will be useful later on in life.

There is also the opportunity to see the technology and engineering under the bonnet of a Formula 1 car, learn the insights into how lighting and TV works, understand in-depth the world of virtual reality and 3D printing, as well as learn about the chemistry behind bacteria on your hands.

Confirmed corporate organisations for 2017 include: BP, Bloomberg, Deloitte, EY, De La Rue, ITV, National Grid, P&G, Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest, Arsenal in the Community, Transport for London, SAP, VMware, Vodafone and many more.

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY: STEM engineers and students gathered at last year’s YFYA event

Welbeck

The Defence Sixth Form College The A level Pathway to STEM Careers in Defence For potential engineers with drive, ambition and ability, Welbeck is where potential turns into bright futures as officers in the armed forces or civilian engineers with the civil service.

Science Technology

Students attain a minimum of three STEM A levels at Welbeck including Maths Welbeck tuition funded by the Ministry of Defence with means-tested boarding fees In 2017, 39% of all A levels were awarded at A* or A and 82% A*-C

Engineering

Choice of over 200 degree courses at 11 Partner Universities

Maths

Starting training salary of circa £25,000 rising to £30,000 on completion of service training

Students receive £4000 per year bursary whilst at university

Visit www.dsfc.ac.uk to order or download a prospectus and book a place on one of our upcoming Open Days.