21 minute read
Top Of The Class
Dr Ciara Losty at the Olympic Games earlier this year
“PERSON FIRST, ATHLETE SECOND” APPROACH FOR WREXHAM STUDENT
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Dr Ciara Losty, who’s studying psychology at Glyndwr University, worked with Ireland’s athletes following the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games
Dr Ciara Losty, a lecturer in sport and exercise at Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland and who is currently studying an MSc psychology conversion course at Wrexham Glyndwr University, travelled to Tokyo to offer wellbeing and pastoral support in the aftermath of the 2020 Olympic Games to those who had competed for Ireland. She had a dual role: performance psychologist for the equestrians, and managing the decompression
“Ciara programme Team Ireland put in place for athletes who had a had finished competing. Her dual role job was to check in with all at the Games” competitors within 48 hours of their event, to see how things were doing. “It’s all about wellbeing,” says Ciara. “The scheme is for 11- to 19-year-olds”
WALES STEM SCHEME RETURNS
STEM Gogledd is an innovative scheme working to attract young people into STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) learning and industries. Targeting 11- to 19-year-olds in Conwy, Anglesey and Gwynedd, the project launched two years ago and was gaining momentum when Covid-19 took hold. At this point, all communications moved online, and the scheme managed to unite industry and academia to help bring through the next generation of apprentices and employees.
Working with thousands of students and staff at 24 secondary schools across the three counties, the STEM Gogledd team will begin holding face-to-face sessions as it is safe to do so, and is also planning to launch a new podcast.
The scheme aims to increase awareness of STEM
The team is supported by funding from the Welsh European Funding Office and the European Social Fund, and regional manager Dyfed Jones says their aim is to increase awareness and interest in STEM subjects from an early age. ABERYSTWYTH LECTURER GETS EDUCATION AWARD
An Aberystwyth University lecturer has won an award for her outstanding contribution to Welsh medium education. Dr Lowri Cunnington-Wynn from the Department of Law and Criminology has been recognised by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol for her work in developing Dr Cunnington-Wynn Welsh language provision in the department. She was also praised for her efforts to encourage students to study through the medium of Welsh and improving the Welsh language resources that are available. “It is a true honour to receive this award,” she said.
DISASTER DAY CHALLENGE AT ADCOTE SCHOOL
Adcote School has an innovative and award-winning CLEAR Learning programme that aims to help all students develop the core skills of confidence, Students treated “casualties” leadership, engagement, achievement and resilience. Recently, students took part in a Disaster Day Challenge, with support from local first responders. The age-differentiated tasks ranged from treating “casualties” of a simulated road traffic accident to command tasks set by the Army and building an international disaster shelter.
STUDENTS’ FILMS BROADCAST ON TV
Two short films produced by media and performing arts students at Coleg Menai were broadcast in October on BBC2 Wales and S4C. The students were involved in both filming and performing, in partnership with film-making company It’s My Shout, which Students shared work specialises in finding and developing new talent for the film industry. Many students who work with It’s My Shout go on to find employment within the industry.
NEW SHROPSHIRE SITE FOR DERWEN STUDENTS
A Derwen College site has opened in Ludlow at the town’s Eco Park. It’s for day students and will teach work and independent living skills. The new site will replace the current facility in Craven Arms and it offers a more spacious and accessible environment for business students. Students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities or autism will follow a business support and enterprise pathway, which includes teaching, qualifications and work placements.
ELLESMERE WELCOMES PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
You can see Ellesmere in person once again Ellesmere College is hosting open days again, allowing visitors to see the school’s academic, sporting and boarding facilities in person. During lockdown, the school held virtual open days, investing in online tours and virtual chats to sta , but is pleased to be able to do this all face-to-face again. There have been high levels of interest from parents of prospective students, and the college has also had a record intake, including students who transitioned during the academic year.
HARPER ADAMS REMAINS TOP OF THE RANKINGS
Harper Adams University has continued its run as the UK’s toprated modern university in the Harper Adams University Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide for a sixth consecutive year. It remains a top 30 university, and is also rated highest in the country for the amount spent on its facilities, while it came 11th for student experience and 14th for teaching quality. Harper is also the highest-ranked specialist institution. The interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Michael Lee, says: “The results are a fair refl ection and reward for the phenomenal work and dedication of the whole Harper Adams University family.”
NURSING BURSARY AT WREXHAM GLYNDWR
HEIW bursary funding is now available to eligible students on the BN (Hons) children’s nursing course at Wrexham Glyndwr University. The new programme was developed to meet 2018’s Nursing & Midwifery Work with children Council (NMC) Future Nurse standards, and the course consists of 50 per cent clinical practice and 50 per cent theory. The funding covers study costs and may be available to eligible students who commit to working in Wales after completion of their studies.
FLOWER SHOW GARDEN RELOCATES TO QUEEN’S
A fabulous feature garden from the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show has been moved to the Queen’s Lower School in Chester. The school is the lucky recipient of Anca Panait’s wonderful “Flower Power” garden from the Tatton Park show, a legacy that not only matches the school’s love for the outdoors, but it also cements the commitment of Queen’s in providing spaces that e ect and support the wellbeing of their whole community. Anca’s garden is a celebration of colour and the emotions Designer Anca Panai, centre it inspires. Thomas Adams students with the new instruments
The music department at Thomas Adams School in Wem, Shropshire, is embarking on a new and innovative project to allow more Year 7 students access to instruments they would not usually be able to play. The school now has an abundance of trumpets, trombones and clarinets to ensure everyone who attends can experience the joy of music.
Studying music and playing an instrument offers many benefits to a child’s education, including building confidence, strengthening patience and perseverance, and reducing stress.
Developing rugby talent in north Wales
St David’s College in Llandudno and Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) have announced a new rugby performance pathway partnership, designed to develop homegrown rugby talent in north Wales. The new arrangement will give aspiring young players an opportunity to gain access to top-level coaching and award-winning education, as well as access to the WRU’s Welsh Exiles programme.
St David’s College is quickly establishing a reputation as one of the best holistic sports schools in the country. Its head of sport and PE, Dan Lycett, says: “This is
“We’re incredibly proud to be working with the RGC” the first partnership of its kind in north Wales for the independent school sector. We’re incredibly proud to be working with RGC and will be working closely with its coaches to create individual training plans for the pupils on the pathway, allowing each of them to reach their full potential.”
A pathway into rugby at St David’s
MEET THE HEAD Craig Jenkinson is the new head at Abbey Gate College, Saighton
When any leader starts in an organisation, those early days unavoidably fulfil the figurative expectation of being a steep learning curve. When everything begins for real, it’s like opening the front door in a storm. Leaves with hitherto unknown names and faces rush in. Twigs with practical priorities of all shapes and sizes tumble around and gather in the corners. Gusts of others’ emotions blow in and wait for attention.
My first weeks of this autumn term may have been exciting and exhausting in equal measure, but it has been such a joy to be with Abbey Gate’s wonderful staff, as well as our delightful pupils. After all the lockdowns and isolations, it has been so uplifting to see our young people outside in our incredible grounds: playing in larger teams, talking in smaller groups, walking in pairs or just choosing to sit in the shade. I have been here only a few weeks, but our historical buildings and rurality will clearly benefit everyone’s mental Craig Jenkinson and physical health in a way that can’t be underestimated. At a time when safety – both physical and emotional – is so much in our minds, it is fitting to close with the words of one of our pupils: “Abbey Gate College is like a home from home, and the most welcoming school around.”
STUDENTS PRODUCE RECYCLED PICNIC TABLES
Pupils taking part in Rydal Penrhos School’s design technology extra-curricular sessions have been given the task of designing and constructing picnic benches for everyone The tables are now in use to enjoy around the campus. The project received support from Plastecowood in Bodelwyddan, a company that receives plastic waste, mainly from household collections, and reprocesses it to produce recycled plastic lumber such as planks, boards, posts and profi les. Plastecowood donated materials as a show of support and pupils and sta worked tirelessly on the project, and the benches are put to good use every day.
KATE CHAMPIONS KIDS’ MENTAL HEALTH
Shrewsbury Girls High School hosted an evening with broadcaster Kate Silverton to discuss her bestselling book, There’s No Such Thing As Naughty. Kate was in conversation with Kate Silverton Philippa Hall from the Quick Book Reviews podcast and took questions from the audience. Kate has a BSc in psychology and is currently training as a child psychotherapist. The book shares simple and e ective strategies that enable parents to manage tricky everyday parenting challenges.
ROCKING ALL THE WAY TO THE WEST END
Oliver Pearce, a student at St David’s College in Llandudno, has landed a plum role in the touring production of School of Rock. Based on the Jack Black fi lm of the same name, the story follows Dewey Finn, a teacher who poses as his best friend to get a job as a teacher. Oliver, 11, will play Lawrence, the keyboard player in the band in the production. Oliver plays cello and piano, and is part of the National Schools Symphony Orchestra of Great Britain. Oliver Pearce
FOOTBALL FOCUS AT SHREWSBURY SCHOOL
Pupils from St Winefride’s, in partnership with Shrewsbury Town FC and the Premier League Primary Stars programme, were recently invited to try a new 4G training facility at Shrewsbury Town. The mixed team thoroughly enjoyed the day, which was topped by the fantastic and rare opportunity to view and have photographs taken with the Premier League trophy.
Lessons in leadership at The Firs
The Firs School, Chester’s leading independent school for boys and girls aged two to 11, has appointed all its Year 6 pupils to leadership roles such as prefects, house captains and games captains. All Year 5 and Year 6 pupils also “buddy up” with younger children to help them settle into their classes and support them in the playground.
“These roles allow the pupils to demonstrate their interpersonal skills,” says headteacher Rosemary Evans.
All Year 6 pupils are given a role
Deputy head Ian Lloyd and a pupil MICROSOFT SHOWCASE FOR MYDDELTON
Myddelton College in Denbigh is the only private school in Wales to be recognised as a Showcase School by Microsoft. It’s an honour the school has been awarded six years running, and highlights its success in running a full programme of lessons remotely throughout the pandemic.
Deputy headmaster Ian Lloyd is a fan of the Microsoft technology. “It came into its own during lockdown,” he says. “We didn’t miss a lesson, the high standards didn’t drop and that’s been recognised by Microsoft.”
Moreton Hall student stakes claim to place in mountain biking elite
Moreton Hall sixth-form student Ellie Jones proved her status as one of the nation’s most formidable Enduro mountain bike racers this summer, Ellie Jones in action placing first at the Ard Rock Enduro and fourth in the national championships.
Enduro combines the technical and endurance elements of downhill and crosscountry biking. The trails are steep and full of ruts, rocks and precarious drops.
Ellie, who hopes to qualify for the Enduro World Championships, says her biggest challenges are “knowing what you can and can’t do; how to push yourself, but also knowing your boundaries”.
INVISIBLE SHOW AT WOLVERHAMPTON
Students at Wolverhampton Grammar School have been working alongside Midlands-based photographer Sarvjit Sra to practise the art of storytelling through photography. Hearing his motivation and inspirations engaged the students in developing their own imagery, some working towards their A-level personal investigation, others building their own portfolios.
Sarvjit delivered workshops as part of his Arts Council funded-project Invisible: How You See Me, which seeks to highlight the south Asian community’s views on mental health. “I was really impressed with not just the quality of the work but the thought that had gone into creating the images,” says Sarvjit.
The exhibition is open for viewing at the school’s Viner Gallery on 8th November.
The show focuses on mental health
BEE RESEARCH CREATES A SPARK AT HARPER ADAMS
New research by a lecturer at Harper Adams University in Newport, Shropshire, has found that the electrical charge created by visiting bumblebees stimulates some flowers to release more of their sweet-smelling scent.
Dr Clara Montgomery, a lecturer in animal health, behaviour and welfare, says the trait possibly evolved in plants to maximise the effectiveness of the chemicals they release. The electrical charge on a bumblebee – somewhere in the region of 120 picoCoulombs (pC) – is incredibly small but the team found a charge of 600pC was enough to induce a species of petunia to markedly release more scent.
Project leader Professor Daniel Robert from the University of Bristol says: “This discovery unveils a previously unknown type of interaction between insects and plants, a world of elusive electric cues that us humans cannot detect.”
Discovering the secrets of scent
Bryn Williams welcomes the budding chefs
New students welcomed to Deeside chef academy
The Bryn Williams Academy – a partnership between Coleg Cambria and top chef Bryn Williams, from Denbigh – has welcomed the next generation of chefs.
Bryn shot to fame when he won the chance to cook the fish course for the Queen’s 80th birthday celebrations on the BBC’s Great British Menu. He has since written books and appeared regularly on television.
The Bryn Williams Academy blends work experience at his restaurants – Porth Eirias in Colwyn Bay and Odette’s in London – with a level 3 in catering and hospitality. Bryn believes the “incredible industry” has many opportunities for progression and success. “To have the academy back up and running again after a difficult time for everyone is fantastic,” he says.
INITIATIVE FOR ASPIRING DOCTORS
The William Farr Academy is a new initiative that aims to increase the number of gifted Shropshire children from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds applying and being offered places at UK medical schools. A number of institutions have come together to address the need for support for such students: Keele University School of Medicine, Concord College, and Shrewsbury & Telford Hospital NHS Trust.
The academy exists to provide talented pupils from eligible state schools with expert advice and guidance on how to successfully apply to medical school and become outstanding doctors of the future. For more information, email sath.williamfarr-academy@nhs.net.
PARALYMPIC GOLD FOR OLD BRECONIAN
Former Christ College Brecon pupil Jim Roberts won a gold medal at this summer’s Paralympic Games, leading the Great British wheelchair rugby team to victory in Japan. Old Breconian Jim scored 24 tries against top team USA in the exciting final, which finished 54-49. It is the first ever wheelchair rugby gold for Team GB at the Paralympic Games.
Team captain Jim, from Welshpool, attended Christ College from 1999 to 2006 and went on to study architectural design technology at Coventry University. It was shortly after his first year at university that he contracted bacterial meningitis, which led to the amputation of both of his legs.
While in hospital, Jim was introduced to wheelchair rugby and has never looked back. In 2012, he was picked for the GB development squad and made his Team GB debut the following year. Jim now balances his wheelchair rugby career with his day job as a senior architectural technologist. YOUTH ORGANISATIONS IN UNIFORM
Police cadet students from the Royal School, Wolverhampton, were invited to represent the West Midlands Police Cadets The Prince meets the cadets at the formal launch of Youth Organisations in Uniform, West Midlands (YOUWM). Special guests included HRH Prince Edward, who is the Royal School’s patron. He spent time talking with the cadets about their plans, intentions and ambitions in life and about their cadet experiences and journey.
LAURA SCORES FOOTBALL INTERNSHIP
A Wrexham Glyndwr University student has been given an exciting and rare opportunity to take up an internship with the Football Association of Wales (FAW). Laura Davies, a student on the university’s football coaching and performance specialist degree, now has the chance to work with the FAW girls’ participation and engagement manager. Laura is laying the foundation for a career in coaching, and hopes to remain within the football development sector and explore ways to increase female participation Laura Davies within Wales.
COLLEGE AND POLICE BUILD KNIFE DRAGON
Coleg Cambria, North Wales Police, Wrexham Council and other stakeholders have joined forces to construct a three-metre “Knife Dragon” using weapons handed in at local police stations as part of amnesty campaigns. The sculpture is under construction at the college, where students and sta will weld and fabricate submitted items – including blades and knuckle dusters – on to a steel frame. The statue is inspired by the 20ft “Knife Angel” designed by artist Alfi e Bradley, which was unveiled in 2017. Work begins at Coleg Cambria
NEW VENUE TO FOCUS ON NET-ZERO BUILDINGS
The Pump House Knowledge Hub in Shrewsbury is dedicated to helping local organisations and businesses gain and share knowledge, obtain and o er skills training, and collaborate on The Pump House hub solutions to the challenges of making buildings both sustainable and healthy. It’s the brainchild of Evora Edge, a building services engineering consultancy based in Shrewsbury, which is working with the University of Chester on the project. Users of the Pump House’s facilities will pay subsidised rates or be able to use the facilities for free in exchange for contributing to the wider Knowledge Hub project.
What do you specialise in?
I specialise in jewellery and metalwork. My first degree was in glass and jewellery silversmithing, so those are my main specialisms in the applied arts. As my career has progressed, I have focused on jewellery and silversmithing, producing work ranging from precious stone set jewellery to silver tableware pieces. I find the qualities of metal and the almost endless possibilities of what you can create with it fascinating.
How did you get into this career?
My dad used to design and build pre-war racing cars, and I’d play in his garage as a child so I was constantly around metal, tools and workshops. I knew I wanted to do something that involved being able to make things. My current PhD research is studying the effects of childhood exposure to certain materials and how it influences material choice in adult creators.
At Glyndwr I’ve progressed from a technician in glass and jewellery through to senior lecturer and programme leader for the BA (Hons) applied art and MA professional art practitioner programmes. I’ve always been supported by the university to progress in my career, from completing my master’s while I was a technician to working towards my PhD now I’m a senior lecturer.
What are the requirements to get on your courses?
We always look for passion for making, an absolute desire to create. We don’t expect students to already have experience in the materials we specialise in before they join us because it can be difficult to access the specialist workshops required as a beginner. Our applicants have quite varied backgrounds: from traditional art pre-degree courses through to mature students who decorate cakes or embroider in their free time. You tend to find that people who succeed have a strong desire to create, even if they haven’t had the facilities to do so.
We do have standard entry requirements which you can view on our website, but we are open to students who have gone down different routes. Passing exams doesn’t always prove you’re creative. The best thing to do is to come and talk to us at one of our open days so we can find the best route for you.
Expert Cerys Alonso, senior lecturer in applied arts MEET THE
What career opportunities can it lead to?
What does the course entail?
We teach our students traditional craft skills to produce contemporary artwork. Our students get the opportunity to explore many materials including ceramics, metal, wood and plastics.
The applied arts covers everything from tangible products such as tableware, furniture and jewellery, through to sculptural and installation work.
The first year is all about teaching students skills and techniques across a variety of materials, before students specialise in a material of their choice to develop a high level of knowledge and work on individual projects.
A lot of our graduates run their own businesses, so our creative futures modules show them how to cost their work, approach galleries and deal with commissions and contracts.
Students can also expect fantastic facilities, covering a wide range of materials including metal casting, a blacksmith’s forge, wood workshops and also the 3DFASTLAB – our new rapid-prototyping facility for computer-aided design and manufacture.
A lot of our graduates become independent makers and sell their work though galleries and online. Some students go into curatorship, open their own gallery, or go into teaching. Many of our students also go on to further study with “The lovely thing us to earn their master’s. about Glyndwr is Why should people that everyone gets choose Wrexham to know each other Glyndwr University? – it’s like a family” The lovely thing about Glyndwr is that everyone gets to know each other – it’s like a family. We get to know all our students well, and it becomes a creative community where we all support each other. We still have students who graduated many years ago getting in contact to tell us about their latest commissions or projects. In the School of Creative Arts at Regent Street there are so many opportunities to collaborate across the programmes and material specialisms, and we’ve got the most amazing spaces to do that.
Follow Glyndwr’s applied art course on Instagram @SCAappliedart
What practical work can students do?
Applied arts students get two days of workshop activity alongside other activities, including lecture sessions, each week. We set students guided projects so they can learn new techniques – by the third year they’re writing their own projects.
We offer exhibition opportunities at galleries across the region, so students can gain experience and build their creative CVs. We run an event called Ceramics Wales, attended by makers from around the world, where our students and graduates can meet the makers, take part in masterclasses, learn new techniques, and showcase their work.
The students work with di erent materials to learn a variety of techniques and skills
