Alumni Issue 7

ALUMNI Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine

Issue 07

EDGE HILL CHANCELLOR

TANYA BYRON On making clarity out of chaos

Everton Football Star Simone Magill Going Wilde Creative Writer A.W. Wilde

Contents

9

5

03 UNIVERSITY NEWS

05 INTERVIEW: PROFESSOR TANYA BYRON: MAKING CLARITY OUT OF CHAOS 09 A SPORTING CHANCE

11 PROFILE: SIMONE MAGILL

13 PROFILE: ALEX WINSTANLEY

14 GRADUATION 2014

19 35

17 ALUMNI AMBASSADORS 19 PROFILE: AW WILDE

21 PROFILE: PATRICK LINK

22 ART OF EMPLOYMENT: EMPLOYABILITY IN PERFORMING ARTS 24 PROFILE: ALEX PARSONS

24 PROFILE: LUKE SAVILLE

25 PROFILE: SHELLEY STOOPS

26 PROFILE: NIC BOUCHARD

32

27 INVESTING IN RESEARCH

29 ALUMNI SUPPORT: TEACHERS

31 PROFILE – ALEX ARNOLD

32 DELIVERING EXCELLENCE: MIDWIFERY

35 THE LABEL RECORDINGS

11

37 LIVING MEMORIES

ALUMNI

Edge Hill University Alumni Magazine Published by Edge Hill University Editor: Caroline Mitchell Copywriter: Sophie Wilcockson Photography: Stuart Rayner, Daniel Monaghan Design: Andy Butler, Mark Molloy

If you have any comments, changes to personal details, or wish to be included in future editions, email alumni@edgehill.ac.uk or write to Caroline Mitchell, Alumni Team, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP. Alternatively you can update your personal details via the Edge Hill Alumni Network at edgehill.ac.uk/alumni

1 Alumni Magazine Issue 6

Letter elcome to the latest edition of Alumni – the magazine for and about former students of Edge Hill University.

This edition really shows the wide range of careers our graduates go on to after they leave us. We have a writer, a teacher, a mobile app tester, a couple of professional dancers, a footballer and a football coach, and a woman who has changed the lives of sex workers across the UK through a pioneering safety campaign.

There’s also an interview with our very own Chancellor, Professor Tanya Byron, about her early career as a clinical psychologist and her current role at Edge Hill.

We take a look at two of our most popular subject areas – sport and midwifery –seeing how they have developed over the years and what the future holds. We also take a nostalgic look back at our ever-expanding Halls of Residence and ask former students to reveal their favourite memories of living on campus.

As always, we focus on the many ways we support our alumni, and the different ways you can help us. In this issue you can find out about becoming an Alumni Ambassador and about our programme of support and professional development for teachers.

Finally, as if the magazine wasn’t eclectic enough already, you can also read about Edge Hill’s commitment to both research and rock ‘n’ roll!

Please keep your feedback, stories, memories and ideas for articles coming – we always love to hear from you.

Best wishes

News Edge Hill gets Creative

Creative Edge, the latest addition to the ever-changing Edge Hill skyline, was officially opened in March 2014 by broadcaster and alumnus Stuart Maconie. The £18 million flagship development brings Media, Film, Animation, Advertising and Computing staff and students together for the first time, encouraging teaching and research collaborations and reflecting the way the creative industries work in the real world.

As well as industry-standard facilities, including TV and radio studios, digital editing suites, high-spec computer labs, and animation and photography studios, Creative Edge also features a 250-seat lecture theatre, complete with cinema-style surround sound so that students can see how their film projects look on the big screen.

The development of Creative Edge also provides exciting new opportunities for collaborative research. A new Institute for Creative Enterprise brings together related research from across the University, and will act as the interface between academic research and the creative industries.

These new, state-of-the-art facilities have enabled the University to offer a wider range of programmes in Animation and Computing.

Innovative degrees in Games Programming Networking, Security and Forensics; Mobile and Embedded Systems; and Motion Graphics are designed to ensure Edge Hill students stay ahead of developments in these fast-moving industries.

3 Alumni Magazine Issue 7

All rise

Edge Hill has moved up another four places in the Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, making a total rise of 40 places in the past seven years.

This advance in the UK’s foremost guide for prospective students and their parents places Edge Hill in the top three for continuous improvement over the last decade. The Guide also ranks the University joint best in the North West for student satisfaction and in the top five nationally for ‘Cheapest Rents’.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr John Cater, said: “Our rapid acceleration up the league tables demonstrates the University’s growing external profile and reputation for providing an excellent student experience.

“Everyone who works, studies or engages with us knows Edge Hill is a fantastic university with outstanding staff, facilities and student support – and, this year, it seems the rest of the world is starting to recognise our strengths, too.”

Rewarding research

Senior Lecturer in Dance, Lisa Dowler, has won a prestigious award for a groundbreaking research project designed to evaluate the benefits of performing arts on children at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

From Where You Are, a project aimed at aiding rehabilitation through dance, was recently awarded an NHS England Children and Young People’s Award for Excellence in Participation.

As part of the Small Things Dance Collective, Lisa works with children undergoing neurorehabilitation, cardiac or orthopaedic surgery, oncological treatment, or with acute psychiatric conditions.

The project has shown that children who may have been experiencing acute pain or were difficult to engage in other activities and therapies often responded positively and creatively to improvised dance practice and had improved emotional and physical wellbeing during and after the sessions. The project has also benefitted children who have become less active from long hospital stays, empowering them to make choices and take the lead in sessions, increasing their physical activity through engagement in the arts.

The research has been documented through film, narrative and quantitative research and is now influencing practice across Europe.

Home advantage

A unique project in the Faculty of Health and Social Care is helping parents develop the skills to care for children with complex medical needs at home.

The Better at Home project, which is supported by the charity WellChild, aims to provide specialist training for parents in all aspects of home care from using a hoist to coping with emergency situations. Training is based in a new suite in the Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre, which has been designed to replicate an average home.

The Better at Home suite – the only one of its kind in the UK – has standard ceiling, door and plug heights and a range of floor coverings, to aid the transition from hospital to home. It gives parents the chance to build the skills and confidence to deal with their child’s needs in a realistic, yet safe, environment. The suite is also fitted with cameras to enable staff to give parents detailed feedback during sessions.

David Cobb, Head of Professional Standards, who oversees the project, said: “As well as being vital for parents, the Better at Home Suite is also proving a useful resource for Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and Paramedic Practice students. It has a lot of potential for real-world learning, which is essential for increasing employability.”

Interview

Tanya Byron:

MAKING CLARITY OUT OF

CHAOS dge Hill Chancellor, Professor Tanya Byron, is well known for her TV appearances on shows like The House of Tiny Tearaways, her books and articles on parenting, her writing partnership with comedian Jennifer Saunders and her role as Government advisor on young people and the internet.

E

But it is her 25-year career as a clinical psychologist that is the subject of her latest book, The Skeleton Cupboard, in which she gives an uncompromising portrayal of her life as a na誰ve and enthusiastic trainee, and the patients who made her the practitioner she is today.

5 Alumni Magazine Issue 7

Alumni: What made you write this book now, at this stage in your career?

Tanya Byron: I’ve been thinking about writing it for the last 12 or 13 years, but every time I went to write it, the time didn’t feel right or I was busy doing other things.

I think you get to a certain age when you can look back at your younger self and think ‘crikey, was I really like that?’ or ‘did I really do that?’

A: Did you intend the book to be autobiographical?

TB: I don’t think it is that autobiographical; it’s not a memoir as such. I don’t actually reveal a lot about myself or my family in it. The book is a way of looking at my work through the

A: You talk a lot in the book about having a “rescue fantasy” when you started training. Do you still feel like that?

A: You’re very honest in the book about your own struggles as a trainee. Was that deliberate?

TB: I was often only one lecture ahead of what I was dealing with in my sessions with real patients, so I was basically learning on the job and it was difficult. I was always clear that if I was going to write about being a clinician then I would have to include lots about my own ineptitude. I didn’t feel comfortable reinforcing the ‘us and them’ idea about people with mental health issues. We, the practitioners, are often portrayed as so incredibly sorted, so able to manage our own problems, and that’s not true. In the book I just tried to be very honest about my own issues at that time, which were mostly down to arrogance, naivety and immaturity.

7 Alumni Magazine Issue 7

TB: Yes, I do talk about my grandmother’s murder because that was the experience that took me into psychology and wanting to practice as a clinician so it felt right to include it. I’m always very careful about how much I say about myself. I still practice as a clinician and part of that role is not to give too much of yourself away.

stories of the patients I’ve dealt with. Their journeys are intertwined with my journey as a trainee.

A: You do write about your grandmother though [Tanya’s grandmother died after being beaten during a robbery. The perpetrator was a pregnant heroin addict]?

TB: I think if you go into certain professions you have to want to care for people and make things better for them. That doesn’t always happen though, and I talk about that in the book. I learnt during my training that you can’t ‘save’ everyone.

You have to be more realistic about the reality of helping people with chronic, sometimes debilitating, mental illnesses.

In my early 20s I was driven by an idealistic naivety but, as you age, you become more realistic and clearer about the boundaries of your own role and your ability to impact on people’s lives. I still enjoy the job; it’s a privilege to be in a position to help people to change their lives. I like it when that happens. I enjoy making clarity out of chaos.

A: The book is very uplifting but it does cover some quite harrowing cases – teenage anorexics, child abuse victims, dying AIDS patients, people with dementia. You didn’t always cope very well emotionally in the book – are you better at that now?

TB: At my level now I’ve pretty much seen everything. I’m much more experienced, I know much more, and that’s given me a protective layer that allows me to separate work from the rest of my life. After 25 years as senior practitioner, however, there are still moments when I have to deal with something incredibly moving or sad and I’d be lying if I said that I never get affected. But, as my supervisor told me all those years ago, when you get compassion fatigue, you need to get out of the job.

Consultant Clinical Psychologist, writer and broadcaster, Tanya Byron, was appointed Edge Hill University’s first Chancellor in 2008.

The Chancellor is the honorary head of the University, attending on special occasions to perform ceremonial duties such as conferring awards at scholarship and degree ceremonies. In her position as Chancellor, Tanya plays an instrumental part in raising the profile of the University and is an excellent role model for students.

Since then, she has made her

“

We, the practitioners, are often portrayed as so incredibly sorted, so able to manage our own problems, and that’s not true

”

A: Do you ever feel like stepping away from clinical psychology and concentrating on your other work?

TB: I’m very lucky that I’ve been able to do such a wide range of exciting things in my career, but if I was asked to choose one thing and dump

mark on the University through the establishment of a new award, the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which celebrates students who contribute to equal opportunities and diversity, and even had a Hall of Residence named in her honour.

As well as performing the traditional duties of conferring degrees, Tanya is a regular visitor to campus, giving talks to students and attending events relating to her experience as a clinical psychologist.

Dr John Cater, Vice-Chancellor, said: “Tanya is a very committed Chancellor who

everything else, I would choose to remain in clinical practice.

It’s where I started and what I enjoy doing most. I’m still really passionate about it because I think there is still so much to do. There are still stigmas attached to mental health issues. Children and young people’s mental health is still neglected. Society is still very judgemental if young people show their vulnerability through violence or anti-social behaviour. I feel like I’ve got to at least try to help if I can.

Tanya Byron is currently working on a BBC2 series, The Big Diet Experiment, due to be broadcast in January 2015. professortanyabyron.com

inspires our students with her achievements and works tirelessly to raise Edge Hill’s profile nationally and internationally. We are delighted and privileged to work alongside such an outstanding role model.”

Sporting Chance

A We’ve always taken our sport very seriously at Edge Hill University.

Now, a multi-million pound investment in new sports facilities and increasing links with employers and voluntary organisations, both in the UK and abroad, is ensuring our graduates can compete both on and off the pitch.

9 Alumni Magazine Issue 7

Since Sporting Edge opened its doors back in 1997, sports facilities at Edge Hill have always been among the best in UK higher education. The cramped gymnasium and windswept playing fields of old were replaced with a £4 million multi-gym and fitness suite complete with six-lane running track and floodlit all-weather pitches, worthy of Edge Hill’s growing reputation as a provider of innovative and high quality sports degrees.

This commitment to sport continues today with a £30 million development of sports facilities that is transforming the Eastern Campus. Students, staff and the local community are already benefitting from

top-of-the-range 3G soccer pitches, multi-courts, hockey and football pitches, and a new competition-standard athletics track, with phase two of the project well underway.

Students arriving this September will be the first to make use of Edge Hill’s new state-of-the-art sports complex, due for completion in early 2015. New facilities will include a 25m swimming pool, 100station fitness suite, sauna, steam room, aerobics studio, and an 8-court sports hall.

Access to professional standard facilities and equipment is just one of the ways in which Edge Hill is preparing sports students for

Students also benefit from the Department’s close links with the sports industry. A groundbreaking collaboration with Everton in the Community, the charitable arm of the Premiership football club, for example, is providing excellent opportunities for work placements, as well as getting students involved in community engagement, volunteering and research projects.

Edge Hill students also have the chance to experience international sports development through the IDEALS (International Development through Leadership and Excellence in Sport) programme. This lifechanging project sees selected 2nd year sports students travel to Ghana to work with young Ghanaian sports leaders in planning and delivering sports activities in schools and communities.

Head of the Department of Sport and Physical Activity, Dr Evelyn Carnegie, said: “All of these activities are designed to give our students a taste of the varied range of careers open to them. They also offer practical experience of the sports industry to complement their academic studies and ensure they are job-ready on graduation.”

ff to a great start

Sport

employment in the increasingly competitive job market. The Department of Sport and Physical Activity has recently appointed its third professor, Andy Smith, building on its strong research base and ensuring the curriculum is informed by the latest ideas, and that students have the right knowledge and skills to impress future employers.

Some of today’s most successful sportspeople honed their skills on Edge Hill’s courts, tracks and pitches.

Sue Smith BA (Hons) Sports Science, 2003 One of England’s most successful women’s football players with 74 international caps and 14 goals. Sue, who now plays for Doncaster Rovers Belles, regularly provides commentary and expert analysis for the BBC and Sky Sports and received an honorary degree from Edge Hill in 2012 for her services to sport.

Liam Colbon BSc (Hons) Sports Studies, 2006 Rugby League player, formerly with Wigan and Hull Kingston Rovers before moving to London Broncos, where he was voted player of the year two years in a row. Liam currently plays on the wing for Hull FC.

Stuart Stokes BA (Hons) Sport in the City, 2000 Olympic athlete who competed in the 3,000m steeplechase in the London 2012 Games. Stuart, who represented Great Britain in three Commonwealth Games in 2002, 2006 and 2010, is now a full-time PE teacher.

Simon Kerrigan BA (Hons) Sports Studies, 2008 Lancashire County Cricket Club spin bowler who played for the England Lions squad in 2012 and made his Test debut against Australia in 2013. Simon made Lancashire history by recording the club’s best first-class bowling figures since 1953 (9 wickets for 51 runs).

Profile 11 Alumni Magazine Issue 7

Simone Magill 2nd year, BA (Hons) Coach Education

“

I

started playing football at the age of four, when I used to go and watch my older brother play for a local mini-soccer team in my home town of Magherafelt in Northern Ireland. They let me join in eventually and I never looked back.

I played in the boys’ team at school and was spotted by a talent scout for Cookstown Youth. I was the first girl to try out for the team, so I did get some funny looks but that soon stopped once they saw me play. I went on to play for Mid Ulster Ladies in the Northern Ireland women’s premier league. At 11 I had my first trial for the national team and made my debut senior team appearance at 15. I’ve now been capped 33 times.

Although my dream is to make a living playing football, going to university had always been at the back of my mind. It’s always good to have a back-up plan and the idea of coaching appealed to me. I’d got a trial for Everton Ladies, so I was looking in the North West and Edge Hill had a really good course and facilities.

The University has been really supportive with my club training and international commitments.

My tutors have tried to make sure deadlines don’t clash with my international fixtures and have given me additional tuition to catch up if I’ve needed it.

They really appreciate the honour of playing for your country.”

Profile Alex Winstanley Physical Education and School Sport, 2013 PGCE Secondary Physical Education with QTS, 2014

“

’ve wanted to teach PE for as long as I can remember. I was really inspired by my own PE teachers, and I want to have the same positive impact on the life, wellbeing and education of children and young people myself.

I

At Edge Hill I always tried to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible.

I did a couple of placements in schools as part of my programme but I gained as much, if not more, from extra-curricular activities that complemented my studies.

13

Alumni Magazine Issue 7

In my second year I took part in a sports development project in Ghana as part of UK Sport’s IDEALS programme. As well as teaching PE and sports leadership in schools, I also had the opportunity to help representatives from the Rugby League European Federation bring the sport to Ghana for the first time. As a rugby league fan and player, that was a fantastic experience and I returned to Ghana recently to further develop the league.

The day I flew back from Ghana, I travelled to London to take up my post as a volunteer Venue Operator at the London

2012 Olympic Games. It was incredible to have two once-ina-lifetime opportunities in the same year – I learned so much that I wouldn’t have got from a textbook and have some great examples to put on my CV.

I’ve just completed a PGCE and I’m looking forward to getting some international teaching experience while I’m travelling in the summer. It’s all taking me another step closer to my ultimate goal of teaching PE.”

GRADUATION 2014

Graduation 15

S

Alumni Magazine Issue 7

ummer Graduation week 2014 – the busiest Edge Hill has ever seen - saw almost 4,000 students presented with their qualifications in 16 ceremonies across five days and 10,000 guests visit our campus in Ormskirk. During the week, eight inspirational individuals were presented with honorary doctorates, three Chancellor’s scholarships and one Adam Bell scholarship were awarded to third year students for the first time and fifteen outstanding Edge Hill University lecturers, personal tutors and support staff were named winners in the student-led Teaching Awards 2014.

Feature

Ambassadors

17

Alumni Magazine Issue 7

F

rom giving careers talks and master classes to mentoring and offering work placements, alumni play a vital role in supporting our students and ensuring the continuing success of the University.

For many graduates, the end of their studies isn’t the end of their association with Edge Hill.

“We’re very lucky to have built up some excellent relationships with alumni who are able to share their experiences of employment, or are now employers themselves,” says Jacqui Howe, Head of Careers at Edge Hill.

“When people have a great educational experience, they often want to give something back when they leave. Becoming an Alumni Ambassador is ideal because it not only helps boost the employability of our current students, but also opens up great networking opportunities and the chance for them or their organisation to develop long-term, mutually beneficial links with the University.”

Each year, the Alumni Team and Careers Centre presents an Alumni Ambassador award to recognise the contribution that Edge Hill graduates make to the University. This year the award went to Julie Abbott, Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Head of Performance with the St Helens Clinical Commissioning Group, who has been working with Edge Hill for nearly ten years.

“I was the first in my family to go to university, so I know how difficult it can be,” says Julie, who obtained her Master’s degree in Management & Development in 2002 while working for the NHS Knowsley Primary Care Trust. “When the opportunity arose to get involved with the Merseyside Diversity Mentoring Scheme, which offered employability support to students from underrepresented groups, it seemed like the obvious thing to do.

“I really enjoyed sharing my experience and seeing the students develop and grow in confidence, so when the mentoring scheme finished in 2009 I was more than happy to continue supporting Edge Hill students in whatever way I could.”

Since then Julie has provided placements for students, offered constructive feedback to the Business School for the re-validation of the Accountancy degree and is now a member of the Employer Advisory Panel for Finance and Accountancy. Julie has also provided advice to Accountancy students and has been an assessor for the Employability module – giving feedback to students on their presentations.

“I think many alumni are worried about the time commitment of being an Ambassador, but it’s really not onerous at all,” says Julie. “It’s not like people are banging on your door forcing you to do things – you can do as much or as little as you like. I treat it as an extension of my working life; a kind of professional development activity.”

On presenting her with the Alumni Ambassador award, Jacqui Howe said: “Julie is one of our most engaged alumni and most pro-active ambassador for Edge Hill University. She is an active supporter, passing on graduate vacancies and opportunities to us through her networks, and is always happy to take a call from us when we need her help and advice.”

“Getting the award was a very humbling experience and completely unexpected,” says Julie. “It’s not why I do it, but it is nice to get recognition.”

Profile

A.W. Wilde MA Creative Writing, 2012

A book launch in a record shop might sound unusual, but for music industry executive turned Creative Writing student, AW Wilde, it was the perfect way to celebrate the publication of what he calls his “latest release”. he launch of Wilde’s first collection of short stories, A Large Can of Whoopass, had all the hallmarks of a music industry event. Held at Rough Trade West in London, it featured DJ sets from BBC6 Music’s breakfast show presenters, Shaun Keaveney and Matt Everitt, providing a suitably rock ‘n’ roll backdrop to Wilde’s readings from the book.

T

“I just stuck to what I knew,” said Wilde, whose former life as Creative Director at EMI Music Publishing saw him help the careers of Lindstrom, Duffy, Joanna Newsome and Beirut.

“As a self-published writer, I was responsible for promoting the book so I approached it as I would a record launch.”

Wilde, who cites rapper Chuck D and writer Juno Diaz among his creative influences, spent 15 years in the music industry, six of those at EMI. He was responsible for creating the acclaimed Another Late Night and Late Night Tales compilation series and the UK 19

Alumni Magazine Issue 7

releases of the Nike + original running music programme that featured dubstep artist Skream.

“Once I found out about the music industry, working in it was all I ever wanted to do,” said Wilde. “I grew up in a small town in Essex so moving to London to work in the music industry was a dream come true for me. I loved the excitement of hearing a great song for the first time. The first time I heard Rockferry by Duffy, for example, the hairs on my arms stood up and I knew there was a chance she could sell some records.

“I enjoyed the creativity of the job and working alongside passionate people, a handful of whom became close friends. But the industry was severely hit by downloading. When EMI was bought by private equity, the suits’ economics superseded a desire for nurturing artists’ long-term. My father died in the middle of my most successful period and it made me re-evaluate my life. In the aftermath of grief, I decided to follow my gut, rent out my flat and focus on writing.”

Wilde moved up North to Chester and enrolled on the MA in Creative

Writing at Edge Hill University, with the long-term goal of forging a new career as a writer.

“I had written a couple of things before,” says Wilde, “but I was insecure about my writing because I was terrible at English at school and I hadn’t been to university. The Edge Hill course gave me the skills and confidence to attempt to write for a living.

“The short story format really appealed to me.

Maybe it’s because, like song lyrics, you have to pack as much as you can into a small space. It’s a kind of maximal minimalism, you can’t waste anything and you have to know what not to say.

“When you’re writing a novel, the endless possibilities can rub up rough against the sheer amount of information you need to retain – and leave you crumpled on the kitchen floor, asking the dog why you bother. Some days it’s great to start a story you can see an end to – this is a release in itself.”

Wilde is currently working on a novel entitled Deeds that is due for completion later in the year.

“One of the stories in A Large Can of Whoopass is a section of the novel,” said Wilde.

“The two brothers in That Black Leather Jacket and their lives growing up in London are central to the novel’s thematic principle of change, both genetic and through gentrification.

“When practicing in any creative industry, I think it’s important to show that you’re committed to what you’re doing. Releasing a short story collection is, in some ways, a statement of intent.

A statement of intent with a drawing of a soup can on the front.”

For more info about AW Wilde’s work visit: awwilde.co.uk thejudasgoat.tumblr.com wildwriters.co.uk

A Large Can of Whoopass is a collection of 13 short stories about life’s changes and life changers. From the teenager with his first leather jacket, to the kid puberty ruined, to the worshipped reclusive musician and the reflective advertising industry casualty: all of the book’s characters have been absorbed by the dynamics of change.

Profile

“

d never thought about teaching but, when my business went bust, I felt that my woodwork skills and creativity would be a good foundation to teach a subject I’m really passionate about. I’ve always been interested in making things and taking things apart to see how they work, so I felt teaching would be a good way to pass on my knowledge and enthusiasm. If nothing else, I thought I could give young people some useful ‘handy’ skills that they could fall back on throughout their lives.

I

I’d only had two weeks volunteering in a school before the course started so I was quite worried about my lack of classroom experience. Life experience does help, though – years of teaching young apprentices and having four teenage children was excellent preparation for life in a secondary school. As the course was over three years I was able to do several placements at a diverse range of schools and that prepared me for most classroom scenarios.

My background meant that my woodwork skills were pretty good so, when it came to project work, the tutors often asked me for advice! However, the course 21

Alumni Magazine Issue 7

Patrick Link BSc (Hons) Secondary Design and Technology Education with QTS, 2012

When the credit crunch destroyed Patrick Link’s cabinet-making business, he opted to retrain as a teacher – a decision that changed his life as well as his career.

introduced me to new materials and techniques that I’d never seen before and made me realise that doing something well and teaching it well are very different skills.

One unexpected consequence of the course was that I discovered I was dyslexic. I’d always struggled academically but it wasn’t until I enrolled at Edge Hill that someone bothered to ask why.

Edge Hill helped me make the connection between the problems I had with words and dyslexia and, from extra help in exams to advice on job applications, the support the University gave me was life changing. Not only did it help me gain a First Class degree, it also had a positive impact on my own teaching.

My teaching materials are now all dyslexia-friendly and I am better able to support dyslexic students.

I got a job as a D&T teacher at Stanley High School in Southport before I graduated.

Although I felt quite confident about my teaching skills, nothing prepares you for being in control of your first class!

Like most NQTs you have to deal with some challenging situations quite early on and question your own ability.

If you’re faced with a classroom full of disengaged kids, you’re forced to come up

with radical ideas to get them interested. I created a treasure hunt to help with revision, for example, that used augmented reality to convey key concepts and QR codes to link to useful websites. I must have done something right because my students routinely made four levels of progress in the year (compared with the usual three levels), and these were considered the most challenging groups to teach.

I went on to win an Edge Hill Solstice Award for using technology in learning in 2013 and am now an RQT with responsibility for four GCSE classes. I recently won the status of Teach Design Centre for my school due to my passion for D&T and on-going contributions to making the subject ready for the future ahead.

Although I was pushed down the teaching path by the recession, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. Watching young people use the knowledge I’ve given them and seeing the look of pride on their faces when they succeed is incredibly rewarding.

rt

of

employment

No-one has ever said it’s easy to get work in the performing arts, so at Edge Hill, employability skills are built into every Performing Arts programme, making the transition from student to practitioner that little bit easier.

Employability

Chelsea Hotel, Alex and Ros ' Hugo Glendinning

o underline its commitment to producing job-ready graduates, the Department has appointed its first Director of External Affairs and Employability, Karen Jaundrill-Scott. In her role she ensures all students, from dancers to costume designers, leave Edge Hill in the best possible position to secure that all-important first job.

T

Debbie Milner, Senior Lecturer in Dance explains: “We try to create a very strong work ethic and a can-do attitude from the beginning. We also keep an eye on trends in the market; for example, we became aware that many performance jobs were asking for aerial skills. So in 2010, we developed an aerial pathway for all students on performing arts courses. This is in conjunction with Wired Aerial, who have this year employed three Edge Hill graduates.

23

Alumni Magazine Issue 6

“Alongside more familiar aspects of a dance course we have ensured that teaching and entrepreneurship are embedded into the dance programme with opportunities to practice skills in schools and community settings. We want our students to be equipped for any jobs in the performing arts, not just that one performance job.

Ultimately, it’s all about helping them to sustain themselves in their chosen field.”

Another key element is the opportunity to learn from those who have gone on to career success. “We think it’s vital to bring in artists from the professional world,” explains Debbie, “because not only do they inspire our students, they also bring home the reality of working in the arts marketplace.

Our associate tutors also have close links to the industry, as do our full-time staff, who balance academic research with professional practice.”

The University has two highly acclaimed student dance companies, which were established to give students practical experience of all aspects of life as a professional dancer. Edge Hill also houses 12 Degrees North, the North West graduate dance company and training scheme funded by the Arts Council.

“There’s an amazing positive energy about our students,” says Debbie. “They have passion but they are also equipped to take on anything that’s thrown at them and, as a result, many of them have gone on to do great work.”

Let the Alumni Team know where your Performing Arts degree has taken you. Email alumni@edgehill.ac.uk, we’d love to hear from you!

A

lex Parsons

L

uke Saville

BA (Hons) Drama and Dance with Aerial Performance, 2012

“The great thing about Edge Hill is that there aren’t just teachers here, but lots of artists as well.

This isn’t an ordinary university. There is so much creativity going on and opportunities to try different things. Helping to create Edge FWD, the University’s all-male dance troupe, was a key part of my training and gave me lots of ideas. I was introduced to so many people at Edge Hill and it’s really helped me in my career.

Since studying at Edge Hill I have taken part in a number of well-received pieces, both choreographing and performing. I joined production company Earth Fall in February, which is the biggest company I’ve worked for to date. It’s hard work, but fun at the same time and what I’ve always wanted to do.

I’m currently touring with children’s dance and multimedia theatre company, Bombastic, as well as working with Chloe Loftus Dance on some new and exciting projects that make use of my aerial training. I've also been given my first commission to create an outdoor performance that will be touring around Wales in November and, hopefully, appearing at some UK festivals next year too.

I was introduced to so many people at Edge Hill and it’s really helped me in my career.

“

”

I’ve been lucky to receive great reviews for my performances so far, in both regional and national media. It seems every show I’ve done is doing really well, but I always work with really great people so it’s not surprising.

It’s really nice to know that people think what you’re doing is good, it’s a great feeling.”

BA (Hons) Drama and Dance with Aerial Performance, 2012

“I’ve been taking part in singing and drama competitions since I was little. I went to a performing arts school in Leeds from age 11 which was where I first got into dance.

It’s always bothered me that men are underrepresented in dance so when the opportunity to get involved in Edge FWD arose, it was perfect for me. Most of the male dancers at Edge Hill had a lower level of skill than the girls, because they generally don’t start dancing at three years old – I didn’t have a ballet lesson until I was 16. Edge FWD not only helped me improve my technique, it also gave me the opportunity to help change perceptions about male dance.

Edge FWD shows that dance can be powerful, physical and actually very masculine, and male dancers have to be as fit as any other athlete. As a male dancer you’re always lifting female dancers, so it’s great to be thrown around yourself for a change – you have to expect a few bruises!

I really loved the outreach side of Edge FWD, teaching in schools and engaging with the kids.

When I left Edge Hill it seemed natural to look for jobs in that field.

I got a job as a Dance Ambassador with Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures theatre company which involved running dance workshops for young men across the North West and helping to select a cast of amateur dancers for Bourne’s production of Lord of the Flies at the Lowry in Salford. I worked with more than 600 boys during the project and seeing them progress and grow in confidence was really rewarding. I’m now working on the Lord of the Flies project in Bradford – it’s very exciting to be opening and closing the tour.

I never dreamed I’d be working with Matthew Bourne straight from university but the experience I gained from Edge FWD definitely helped my CV to stand out, and the support and encouragement from Debbie Milner made me believe anything was possible.”

Profile wenty years later she is the proud owner of a Postgraduate Certificate in Gendered Criminology, Rights and Justice and has improved the safety of thousands of women in her role as the first Specialist Independent Sexual Violence Advisor for Sex Workers in the UK.

T

So, how did she make the transition from shelf-stacker to high-flier?

“When I was 33 my friend died suddenly and it was a real wake up call for me. I thought “is this really it for me?” My son was three at the time and I wanted a better life for him, and for myself, and I knew education was my only way out.

I saw an ad in the Liverpool Echo for the Fastrack programme at Edge Hill and I knew I had to give it a try. When I started the programme I couldn’t even turn on a computer, but I passed the course and it gave me the confidence to carry on and study for a degree.

I chose Social Sciences because I felt that I’d been held back in life but until I went to university I didn’t understand why. I wanted to know why, as a 25 Alumni Magazine Issue 7

Shelley Stoops Applied Social Science with Community & Race Relations

Shelley Stoops left school at 15 with no qualifications and believing that a series of low-paid, uninspiring retail jobs was the nearest she was going to get to a career. working class woman, I had fewer opportunities. Studying Social Sciences allowed me to articulate what I had always felt.

To get some work experience, I started volunteering at Worst Kept Secret, a Merseyside domestic violence helpline, which was a real eye-opener for me, and when I graduated I went straight into a full-time role there as Helpline Co-ordinator.

We shared office space with a sex worker safety project and I realised that was an area that really interested me. I started working for them so I was out on the streets most nights visiting hostels, taking women to GUM screenings, giving out condoms and offering advice and support.

As part of a pioneering police initiative in Merseyside, I was appointed the first ever Independent Sexual Violence Advisor, working with sex workers in Merseyside to encourage them to report sexual violence and supporting them throughout the prosecution process – a role which is now replicated across the UK. I was the first point of contact for sex workers who had been raped, so I could get a phone call at anytime. I was always available to them because I’d given them my word that I would and they trusted me – I think that’s why the model works.

Since the scheme started in 2006, there has been a 400% increase in cases reported to the police and conviction rates in Merseyside have risen to 83%, 11 times higher than the rest of the country. Rape is no longer seen as an occupational hazard for sex workers.

I now run the SAFE Place Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Liverpool, part of Liverpool Community Health Trust, which is a support service for anyone, male or female, who has been raped. I still go out with the outreach team once a month to offer practical support to sex workers.

It’s not the easiest of careers but it’s extremely rewarding – I’m very proud that I’ve been responsible for taking some extremely dangerous men off the streets and I feel so privileged to have been allowed into these women’s lives.

None of this would have happened without Edge Hill and I’m so grateful for the support and encouragement I received.

Edge Hill empowered me to believe in myself and aim high.

I would encourage anyone who wants to learn to do the Fastrack course – it’s never too late to change your life.”

Former Students’ Union president Nic Bouchard has the sort of job most ‘techies’ dream about.

A

s a technology consultant at industry giant IBM, he gets to test out new mobile devices before they hit the shops.

“My job involves working with new smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices to establish how the capability can be developed before the products are launched in the marketplace,” explained Nic, who became SU president in 2008 and was re-elected in 2009.

“It’s a really fascinating role and IBM is a great company to work for with fantastic career opportunities.”

Jersey-born Nic, who now lives in Horwich near Bolton, worked at Edge Hill after graduating and applied for IBM’s graduate scheme after speaking to the University’s careers advisers.

“I was accepted by IBM and started the two year scheme in 2012, which resulted in me progressing to my present job in February this year,” said Nic.

He is convinced his experiences at Edge Hill provided a powerful springboard to realise

his ambition to work for a blue chip technology business.

“I got so much from Edge Hill – it wasn’t just the degree, it was also being the President and the life skills and career aspirations that I picked up along the way. All this meant I could push myself in my role at IBM,” said Nic. “I’m certain that without these skills, knowledge and experience, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now.”

Despite the demands of his career, Nic returns home to Jersey every few months and is

I got so much from Edge Hill – it wasn’t just the degree, it was also being the President and the life skills and career aspirations that I picked up along the way

“

”

still actively involved in the island’s annual Battle of Flowers floral carnival, which dates back to 1902.

“It’s a major highlight in Jersey’s summer calendar and I still take part in the event as well as going over every few

Profile

Nic Bouchard BA (Hons) Media (Film and TV), 2008

months to help build my family’s float,” explained Nic.

Nic hasn’t had enough spare time recently to enjoy his other great passion – artistic rollerskating. However, the former Junior British Champion insists he isn’t going to hang up his skates any time soon.

“Rollerskating has taken a back seat because of various career and other commitments, but I fully intend to get back into it because it’s a sport I love,” said Nic. “Also, I still play regularly for Ormskirk Hockey Club, which I helped set up while I was at University.

We’re celebrating our tenth anniversary this year, which is a great achievement.”

So what does the future hold for Nic?

“I’m aiming to progress in my career at IBM and develop my skills in service management and people management, as I’m definitely a person who likes to be involved with others,” added Nic.

Research

Investing in Research

27 Alumni Magazine Issue 7

ith a record submission to the latest Research Excellence Framework – the Government’s assessment of research quality – and new professorial appointments across the University, Edge Hill’s research community has never been more vibrant.

W

Increasing diversity, capacity and leadership in research remains at the top of Edge Hill’s strategic agenda.

Continued investment, despite a tough economic climate, has seen the University go from strength to strength, building on existing areas of research excellence and encouraging ambitious new academics to bring their ideas and enthusiasm to Edge Hill.

This year, the University has demonstrated its commitment to research through the appointment of several new professors across all faculties.

These experienced academics have been recruited not only to bring depth and focus to Edge Hill’s portfolio, but also to lead, motivate and mentor other academics and add to the institution’s flourishing research culture.

To ensure its research capacity continues into the future, Edge Hill is investing in grassroots research by funding a cohort of full-time PhDs in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

The first 12 enthusiastic graduates were recruited as Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) in 2013, with a further 12 awards planned for 2014-15.

The aim is to boost postgraduate study and bring the proportion of full-time PhD students in the Faculty up to 50% by 2015.

GTAs are full-time students who are expected to complete their PhDs within three years.

In addition to their studies, they undertake six hours of paid teaching per week on first year undergraduate modules related to their research. This not only gives the GTAs practical teaching experience, but also provides undergraduates with inspiring role models.

Holly White is a GTA in the Department of Law and Criminology. After gaining a First Class degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice, she was successful in her application to study for a PhD.

“I knew that Edge Hill would be able to provide the environment I wanted for postgraduate study,” said Holly.

“The GTA route gives me the opportunity to study for my PhD, gain teaching experience with an excellent team, and share my knowledge with undergraduates.”

Holly’s research analyses elites' ideological policing and discursive narration of the financial, economic and social crises.

“Studying Sociology at A level, I was fascinated by crime and deviance, while A level Law introduced me to criminal law and the injustices of the criminal justice system.

Criminology was the perfect degree for me because it encapsulated my key concern of the manifestation of power and challenging inequality".

“After graduation I decided to continue with my studies because I was passionate about the issues I’d researched, and I wanted to conduct an in-depth analysis of the crimes of the powerful.”

So, what does the future hold for Edge Hill’s next generation of researchers? For Holly White, the experience of being a GTA has only increased her enthusiasm for a life in academia.

“I intend to continue to develop my researching and teaching skills and publish critical and important research,” she said. “My dream career is to work as a full-time lecturer and researcher.”

Are you thinking about further study?

If you are interested in applying for a Graduate Teaching Assistant post, or want further information on studying for a Masters or PhD at Edge Hill, please contact the Graduate School.

Email: graduateschool@edgehill.ac.uk Website: edgehill.ac.uk/graduateschool

Alumni Support

T 29

Alumni Magazine Issue 7

eaching is a challenging and constantly evolving profession.

Keeping up with changes in the education sector and ensuring your own skills and knowledge are up-to-date, as well as advising and encouraging the next generation of learners, can be a difficult juggling act, particularly for Newly Qualified Teachers.

Supporting teachers, at all stages of their careers, is a big part of what we do at Edge Hill. We continue to work with our students long after graduation, providing activities, events and services to help them make the transition from lecture theatre to classroom, support their ongoing professional development, and ensure their own students have the best chances in the future.

NQT Development Programme A free support package for Newly Qualified Teachers (NQT) to help them through the challenging first year and lay the foundations for a successful career in teaching.

The programme includes:

NQT Conferences with guest speakers and workshops led by experts in their field on relevant topics for both primary and secondary Newly Qualified Teachers.

Access to online resources providing guidance on matters such as behaviour management, assessment for learning, phonics and Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Opportunity to take the first steps on the MA Education programme.

Monthly email support bulletins and termly newsletters.

For information visit: edgehill.ac.uk/nqt/about-nqt

Annual Teachers and Advisers Conference A free annual national conference that offers an opportunity to learn about sector changes, attend workshops delivered by sector experts, and network with colleagues in similar roles.

For copies of presentations and notes from previous conferences, or to register for the next one, visit: edgehill.ac.uk/studentrecr uitment/teachers-andcareers-advisers

Policy Unwrapped A series of termly sessions for people working in an education setting to help them stay abreast of sector developments and support their students in HE decision making.

Professional Development Continuing Professional Development opportunities for qualified and unqualified members of the school workforce, including Subject Knowledge Enhancement, Early Years Teacher Status, and Professional Development Modules.

For more information visit: edgehill.ac.uk/education

For your students The Education Liaison and Events Team at Edge Hill University can help you support your students’ decision-making around higher education through:

•

• •

• •

•

Presentations or workshops at your school or college Campus visits Subject-specific four-day residential visits for year 12s.

Students stay in our Halls of Residence and take part in planned activities to experience life as an undergraduate.

Year 12 subject conferences HE Application Preparation Days School and college undergraduate open day

For more information visit: edgehill.ac.uk/studentrecr uitment/meet-theeducation-liaison-team/

What our teaching graduates said…

“There are so many benefits to being part of the NQT programme. You get to keep your links with the University and you’re able to come to drop-in workshops and conferences throughout the year to help with your professional development.

I’m in my third year of teaching and I still have strong links with the University. I’m still able to contact my tutors for help and advice. I can also access the website and get recommendations for places to find teaching strategies and resources.”

Holly Fitzgibbon Year 2 Primary School Teacher

“I get three things from attending Education conferences at Edge Hill.

Firstly, I get a renewal of my energy and vision; it reminds me why I’m in teaching. I also get lots of practical tips and guidance that I can take back and use in the classroom.

Thirdly, it keeps me ahead of the game. I learn about new things coming down the pipeline that will affect teachers and teaching in the future. The conferences are an invaluable way of just being ahead of things in the classroom.”

John Tench Secondary Science Education Teacher

“I picked up a lot from the ‘teach meets’ at the NQT conference. I got lots of hints and tips, particularly about teaching kids with EAL (English as an additional language) and SEN, that I haven’t come across yet but I know I will at some point.

At least now I’ve got some ideas that I haven’t got from my own school, so I’ll be ready and prepared when the times comes.”

Gemma Keith Secondary Science Teacher

Profile

“

s a youngster, I dreamt of becoming a professional footballer, but I got injured, so I decided to get myself educated instead. Part of my reason for choosing Edge Hill was the facilities, which are wonderful, but the course also opens doors.

A

Being a keen footballer, I got involved in the football team and some people from an American company came to speak to us. They gave us an opportunity to go and coach football in the US and I went to California in the summer of 2006. That was my first real opportunity to coach. It reignited my love of football, gave me that spark. So I applied and, after an extremely long, arduous process, got a part-time job with the Liverpool Academy when I graduated, coaching aspiring footballers aged 8-18.

Six years later, I found myself in charge of their international football academy, setting up mini academies all over the world. It was a very exciting opportunity.

It then got to the point where I wanted to take my next step and a friend at the FA (Football 31

Alumni Magazine Issue 6

Alex Arnold, BA (Hons) Physical Education, 2007

Former footballer, Alex Arnold, is following his dream of working in the football industry.

The Director of Coaching at China Club Football LTD spoke to Alumni about his career, the part Edge Hill played and how, as an alumnus, he could help new graduates.

Association) introduced me to China ClubFootball LTD. Coming to China was a huge professional and personal challenge but in terms of the role, it was a massive step up for me. The club is the biggest in Beijing, and probably in China.

It was established in 2001 with two aims: to develop grassroots football and to provide an ‘elite pathway’ for the most talented young players.

I’ve recently been promoted and am now in charge of the whole coaching programme. There are 12 British coaches under me, soon to be 15, then another 50 Chinese assistant coaches. We regularly coach around 4,500 children and have contact with close to 8,000 throughout a typical year. Our youth department is a feeder club for Beijing Guoan FC, which performs in the Asian Champions League and is a premier league team in China.

Forty thousand fans watch them every week.

Being an English coach, and educated by UEFA, you take for granted the way we coach the game, which is very different to the Chinese way. How the children and young players respond to our way is fantastic.

The fact they are being involved in the learning process, to

understand why they are doing things not just how to do it, these things are invaluable because the coach isn’t always going to be there and that’s why we’ve been so successful.

I’m extremely passionate about improving the state of Chinese football and the project I’m involved in here. I also have no doubt that there will be other aspiring young coaches at Edge Hill who could do a fantastic job. So I want to try and give those graduates the opportunity to come out here, perhaps initially for a three-month placement. I’m hoping I can open some doors for them. As well as coaching there is a huge business side with opportunities in areas like web design, media relations and school liaison roles.

It’s difficult to get into football in England. Edge Hill was responsible for getting me the initial coaching experience that helped me get into Liverpool and a career in football. I am certain there are coaches better than me who deserve it but might never get the opportunity.

I hope we can offer them that chance.”

Feature

Excellence

DELIVERING

dge Hill was the first institution in the North West to introduce a Diploma of Higher Education for Midwifery back in 1993.

Today, the subject is one of the University’s most popular – and most successful – degree programmes, producing generations of highly skilled, dedicated midwives to support women all over the world.

E

Resources for learning and teaching have also changed significantly. Gone are the classrooms full of plastic torsos and inanimate dolls; Edge Hill Midwifery students hone their craft on industry standard equipment in a Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre that looks and feels just like a real hospital ward and can be easily adapted to recreate other

environment, and Newborn HAL, to practice the assessment and care of newborns.

The curriculum has also developed to reflect changing societal attitudes towards birth and motherhood.

“A few years ago, the course included a half-day session on breastfeeding; now there is a whole module,” explains

Training for midwives has undergone many changes over the years. Students on today’s three-year undergraduate programme now spend 50% of their time in practice and are continually assessed and graded by the experienced midwives working with them, with the results contributing to their final degree classification.

In the final year of the programme, students are also expected to manage their own caseload of mothers-to-be, under the supervision of a mentor.

Caseload holding allows midwives to provide one-to-one care to women and their families throughout the whole pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal experience. It also gives the midwife the opportunity to use her full range of skills to promote the principles of choice, control and continuity of care.

“Each student midwife has a small group of women who they work with from antenatal care to birth and beyond,” says Catherine McEvilly, Lead Midwife for Education and Interim Head of Department. “This helps them to become autonomous practitioners in the future.”

33

Alumni Magazine Issue 7

environments, such as a delivery suite, an operating theatre or the back of an ambulance. There is also a simulated home suite to practice home births and caring for women and their families in their own environment.

Patients consist of a ‘family’ of cutting edge manikins that breathe, sweat, choke, tremble and cry out just like real-life patients, all controlled by tutors and facilitators via computer.

These include Noelle, the Birthing and Neonatal Simulator, that allows students to experience normal and complicated births in a safe

Catherine, a breastfeeding expert who has worked closely with staff at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust to improve breastfeeding rates.

“We are currently working towards the final stage of Baby Friendly Initiative, a global programme by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to improve breastfeeding standards in maternity care. This demonstrates our commitment towards developing future midwives with expertise in the support of breastfeeding to ensure high standards of care for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers and babies.”

Developments in Edge Hill’s portfolio of Health and Social Care programmes have also had a positive effect on Midwifery training. The Department now works with colleagues in Operating Department Practice and Paramedic Practice courses to give students an understanding of the kind of multi-agency environment they will experience in real life.

We are currently working towards the final stage of Baby Friendly Initiative, a global programme by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF to improve breastfeeding standards in maternity care.

“

One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the Department’s philosophy.

”

“We’ve always promoted an holistic, midwife- led, womencentred approach to birth and early parenthood,” says Catherine. “It’s never just been about delivering babies, we look at maternity care from a public health perspective – if you get things right at the beginning, it can have a positive long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of whole families.”

The distinctive Edge Hill approach to Midwifery training continues to produce outstanding results – last year 21 out of 22 Midwifery students

graduated with first class honours.

“The students who come to us are of a very high quality and they are very committed to the profession,” “Last year there were 906 applicants for 22 places, and this is growing every year. So, the standards for entry to the course are extremely high – we now ask for 320 UCAS points (the equivalent of an A and two Bs at A Level) but we also expect candidates to have a good understanding of womencentred care from the start.”

Despite changing Government priorities and fashions in degree and career choices over the years, Midwifery remains as popular as ever and applications to study the subject at Edge Hill this year again far exceed the available places.

“I think our ongoing success is down to a combination of outstanding student support, an innovative and challenging curriculum, excellent partnerships with NHS Trusts and other organisations, and the diverse strengths of our academic team,” says Catherine.

“Students come to midwifery from a wide variety of backgrounds – some are straight from A Levels, some bring a wealth of life experience – but they all share our commitment to supporting women through this very special experience.”

Best in the North West

Life definitely began at 40 for Edge Hill alumnus Joan Ellard, who was recently named North West Midwife of the Year.

“I left school with few qualifications except some office skills and spent years working in a factory,” says Joan. “Then, when I had my second baby, my midwife was an old friend from school. It made me evaluate my life. She made the experience so special that I decided I wanted to be a midwife too.”

Joan discovered a part-time access course in Fazakerley, which helped her gain the skills she needed to undertake a Midwifery degree at Edge Hill. She qualified a month before her 40th birthday and joined the Liverpool Women’s Hospital in 2004. Ten years later her commitment to women and their babies has been recognised by the Royal College of Midwives.

“The role of the midwife can have a massive impact on someone’s birth and pregnancy,” says Joan, who works in the Midwife Led Unit at the Women’s.

“There is the practical care which is a huge responsibility, you have at least two people’s lives in your hands, and there is the emotional care.

“Ten years down the line, I love it as much as ever. Every day is different, but the one thing that doesn’t change is how rewarding the job is.

It is a privilege to be involved in such an important part of a woman’s, and a family’s, life. The cards and the thanks you get validate the work you do, because it means you are achieving your aim, which is to make such a special time even more so.”

Feature

The Label Recordings Spending the evening in a dingy club listening to the hottest new bands is just a good night out for most students.

For music-loving students at Edge Hill, it’s a way to boost employability and get a glimpse into the highly competitive world of the music industry.

35

Alumni Magazine Issue 7

he Label Recordings, the University’s new record label, launched in 2013, aims to promote new music and give students hands-on experience of all aspects of the music industry from searching for unsigned talent and organising live events to producing videos and distributing tracks.

T

The brainchild of Edge Hill staff Carl Hunter, Clare Heney and Roy Bayfield, The Label operates as a giant work placement, giving students the opportunity to learn about the industry by being part of it. Through a process of mentoring, shadowing and tutoring, volunteers learn the ropes and are gradually given more responsibility. A vibrant community of about 45 students – plus Graduate Trainee, Sara Callan – are now involved in running The Label and have been instrumental in finding and signing their first two bands, The Inkhearts and Hooton Tennis Club.

Carl Hunter, Media lecturer and bassist with The Farm, brings a lifetime of industry experience to his role as Director of The Label and praises what he calls its “punk rock ethos”.

“The Label is designed to support and nurture bands, give them a platform to share their music, help them make and distribute their songs, and equip them with the knowledge and skills to survive and succeed in the music industry.

“We have full backing from the University, which allows us to operate on a not-for-profit basis.

This means the bands are free to concentrate on creating music rather then worrying about the number of units they have to shift. We don’t have to keep any stakeholders happy so there’s no

“

That kind of freedom breeds creativity and innovation and gives bands room to grow and develop a bit before they have to start thinking about making money

”

pressure to be successful – we can treat it almost like an art project.

“That kind of freedom breeds creativity and innovation and gives bands room to grow and develop a bit before they have to start thinking about making money. Hopefully, our bands will eventually move on to bigger and better things, but they’ll do that armed with a wealth of experience and advice which will help them make the right decisions in the future.”

The Label’s first signings are already garnering plenty of media attention. The Inkhearts, from Skelmersdale, have received lots of radio play in the UK and in America, following the release of their first single, Keeping Up.

The Inkhearts’ single was recorded at the legendary Parr St Studios in Liverpool, where Coldplay, Stone Roses, Teenage Fanclub, New Order and many more bands have recorded.

The Wirral’s Hooton Tennis Club have been featured in NME and played on BBC Radio 2 and 6Music, as well as recently signing to music heavyweights

Heavenly Recordings, the record label which discovered Manic Street Preachers, Beth Orton, Doves and The Magic Numbers.

Both bands took centre stage at Edge Hill’s showcase event at the 2014 Liverpool Sound City Festival. The Label presented its own stage of music featuring The Inkhearts and Hooton Tennis Club alongside up-and-coming local acts chosen by student talent scouts. The Label volunteers were also involved in filming and photographing the event as well as with the general running of the day, reviewing bands and writing the copy for a magazine which was distributed to 3,500 people attending the Sound City Conference.

As a member of an internationally successful band with a UK number one single under his belt, Carl is no stranger to the ups and downs of the record industry, and his guidance is invaluable to bands and students alike.

“You have to be tough to succeed in the music industry, whether you’re a working band or behind the scenes,” says Carl. “It can be cut-throat and you can get easily overwhelmed, especially when you’re young. The Label is a gentler introduction to the realities of the music industry for artists and would-be industry professionals.”

For the bands, The Label provides a way to get their music out there with minimum financial outlay and maximum support from industry veterans. For students, it offers the chance to gain experience in areas of the industry they might find it difficult to access otherwise, such as plugging or A&R.

“The Label gives students a really distinctive learning experience,” says Carl, “and provides them

cont.

Living memories Kathleen Sat On The Arm Of Her Favourite Chair - Hooton Tennis Club

with useful skills that might give them that vital first foot on the record industry ladder.

“It’s also good to be associated with success. If Hooton Tennis Club or The Inkhearts make it big, our students can say ‘I shot their first video’ or ‘I mixed their first single’ – it’s all great stuff for anyone’s musical CV.”

Obviously, having a record label also brings added kudos to a university renowned for its ‘cultural campus’ and links with the North West music scene.

“The idea of being involved in The Label has been going down really well with prospective students at open days,” says Carl, “and it’s helping to raise our profile across the region.

Find out more at:

facebook.com/ TheLabelRecordings

twitter.com/TheLabelRec

If you are involved in the music industry in any way, The Label would love to hear from you. We are always looking for people who can share their knowledge and skills with our student volunteers, or give them useful careers advice.

If you can help contact us via the Alumni Team at alumni@edgehill.ac.uk 37

Alumni Magazine Issue 7

Everyone remembers their first student bedroom.

Whether you were in the tutor-patrolled, single sex dorms of the 60s, on the top floor of the infamous Lancs Hall in the 80s or in the en-suite, flat screen heaven of Edge Hill’s newest, high-spec accommodation, that first home from home leaves a lasting impression.

We asked our Facebook community to give us their memories of living on campus.

Playing practical jokes on people, including in the middle of the night swapping absolutely EVERYTHING from the bathroom to the kitchen and vice versa. Imagine waking up and finding shampoo in the fridge and the kitchen table in the showers! That was John Dalton in 2005/2006. Also another favourite was on your birthday waking up to find your door had been barricaded with toilet roll streams and you had to fight your way out of it.

This once happened when we had a fire alarm in the middle of the night.

“

Amy Farrar

”

Edge Hill now has almost 2,000 study bedrooms in 13 Halls of Residence – giving every first year the opportunity to live on campus for the first time ever.

The latest development, Chancellor’s Court, is the University’s most high spec accommodation to date. Lucky students receiving the keys to one of its 508 rooms will live in spacious self-catering flats for four, six or eight people with shared kitchen and dining facilities, complete with fridge-freezer and 32” LCD Freeview TV (license paid by the University).

Each bedroom comes with a flatscreen computer/Freeview TV with internet and standard University software and wireless internet connection – giving today’s students no excuse not to do their assignments.

Add a lakeside or beach view, and you have some of the best student accommodation in the higher education sector.

“

I was in Margaret Bain Hall in 1993/94 with Melanie White, Charlotte Kay and Tammy Gooding. It was quite a bad winter and there was lots of very deep snow. Great fun and lots of snowball fights to pass the time. We got blocked in one morning by a 6ft wide and tall snow ball - it took security quite a while to dig us out! Wonder who left it at our door?!

Diane Melia

”

First ever resident of Crossfield 201 in September 2009!

Having fairy liquid fights in the kitchen on the first night to meet the new housemates, having late nights watching horror movies with cider, walking out and standing in my boxers during a fire drill and christening the ensuite with puke on my 19th birthday! Good times and even better memories that I hope every resident of Crossfield 201 will have!

“

“

Stayed in Katharine Fletcher Hall, 1966-69. At Christmas first years were taken off to the main building for obligatory carol practice, which was met with much grumbling, as you can imagine.

However, after an hour and close to rebellion, we were allowed back to find the whole Hall had been transformed into a winter wonderland. Brilliant! This happened all the time I was there.

Margaret Bauer

1960s/2014 Photos taken by Alice Lapworth, Dance and Drama student, at 10 EM Butterworth

”

Liam Gordon

”

“

My first night in Stanley, thinking I had made a massive mistake and wanting to go home... and my final day, not wanting to leave.

Simon Cornah

”

Alumni benefits

The fun doesn’t have to end when you graduate. As a member of our alumni community you can still be part of University life and access a wide range of benefits and services to help you plan your career, undertake further study or keep in touch with us and each other.

Free online journal access Free access to over 2,700 academic journals plus use of our libraries and study facilities.

Postgraduate fee reduction Save 20% on tuition fees for a range of postgraduate programmes.

Help with reunions Help with locating old friends, publicising your event and finding venues on campus. In the summer months you can even stay in our Halls of Residence.

Alumni Catch-up Day See the latest developments on campus and re-live your student days.

Campus events Career fairs, workshops, networking events and academic conferences – as well as many opportunities for Continuing Professional Development.

Keeping in touch Regular e-newsletters and Alumni magazine (online and hard copy) to keep you up-to-date with what’s going on at Edge Hill.

Visit edgehill.ac.uk/alumni for more details.

Alumni Team, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, L39 4QP

t: 01695 584861 e: alumni@edgehill.ac.uk w: edgehill.ac.uk/alumni f: facebook.com/ehualumni t: twitter.com/edgehill