news | events | updates ISSUE 1 SEPT 2010 Welcome to the Newsletter from your Students’ Union. welcome to city college norwich. This is the brand new Students’ Union Newsletter, which was formerly VOLUME. Nexus is written by students for students. It is about student achievements, college news, information about events and stories that we feel are of interest to you. If you have a story or a
comment that you want published in Nexus then fire an e-mail to studentunion@ccn.ac.uk.
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Welcome to September 2 010, this is a everyone, to fresh start fo some to mee r t new people others to get to focused on th e year ahead what ever it , is the studen ts’ union is h help you. An ea r to d we are doin g that by kick off your term ing with a fresher ’s fair. So if yo just starting u’re college or if you’ve just re then check o turned ut the fresher s’ fair from th 13th-17th Sep e tem Check out pag ber. es 5 & 6. Nexus is des COMMUNICATIONS igned by and for students so if you are & PUBLICITIES a budding jo urnalist or are snappy w ith a camera OFFICER or even like to send them in write short st , or come in ories to the studen ts’ union offic e.
Hi, I’m Tom Grant and I’m your Students’ Union President. I’ve been at College now for three years; I’ve studied in the Hotel School and the Sixth Form Centre. I was previously the Events Officer and my team and I organised the Winter Ball. I then went for the role of Vice President because I wanted a new challenge and wanted more of a managerial roll within the Union. This gave me a taste for sabbatical life which of course tempted me to go for the position of President. I spent 6 years of my youth within the Air Training Corps and rose up through the ranks, gained more qualifications, and learnt how to be a good manager and leader. We’ve got a lot planned for this year but I would like to see more. If you have any ideas for what you think would make a great event then please don’t hesitate to contact me or another member of your Exec. …Or if you want a more hands on approach; then why not sign up to be an Executive Officer in the Union? Please remember: This is YOUR Union and it’s what YOU make of it!
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Who we are
EVENTS OFFICER
Hi my name’s Andrzej Kaznowski, I have just finished my GCSE Course, taking 5 subjects. Next year I hope to be going onto an A level course taking 4 subjects. I was a part of last year’s Student Union Executive Committee, and I am going to be on this years as well. I am the Entertainments / Events Officer, so I help organise (with an amazing team) events and trips such as balls and Alton towers. My job is to give students the opportunity to have a relaxing time at one of my events, get away from the stresses of your work, and just enjoy yourself, thus giving you a better all-round college experience.
Hi I’m Arron Gatley and I’m societies officer. I'm 18 and I have been studying at City College for 2 years now. I am currently studying GCSE’s. I hope to be taking A level in politics, law, history and ppsychology. I am a down to earth guy and am approachable with any queries that anyone may have. Any ideas of societies or clubs you may have contact me.
ENVIROMENTAL OFFICER
CLUBS & SOCIETIES OFFICER
Hi Im Elliot Page, I've been in the Students’ Union since November 2009, with the intention of voicing student opinions and raising College standards higher. I currently hold two roles, as Further Education Governor and Environmental Executive Officer. Since appointment to office I've run successful pilot schemes, made student parliament amendments, and taken the voice of the people who voted for me to MP's, a Baroness and local business leaders to make sure your voice is heard. This year you can expect to see me aiming higher than ever, that means more recycling, more speeches and more out of the box ideas.
Hi I am David Roberts and I am the disabled mature student studying a degree in Computing. I believe that disadvantaged and disabled students need a voice which is why I became your Disabled Students Officer. DISABLED STUDENTS OFFICER
LGBT OFFICER
Hi, my name is Nik and I'm the LGBT officer for the Students Union. I wanted to be the LGBT officer because I thought that there was a real lack of awareness at College. I felt that if I were to take the role, I could work to change that. So over the coming months I'm going to be working hard with the SU to make life simpler for all LGBT students, for example re-starting the LGBT Society, and working with the Events officer on some LGBTfriendly events. I want to contribute toward making the college a welcoming, safe place for everyone.
VICE PRESIDENT
My name is Luke Bounsall and I am currently the Men’s Welfare Officer at City College Norwich. I decided to go for the post because first of all, it is something I am interested in and I will contribute massively to it. Secondly, it will contribute to my CV for when I go to medical school. I have many ideas for the post, including having Jeremy Kyle coming to the college. I believe it will be good working for you and I hope you will enjoy and value what I have to offer the college.
TOM HOLLICK Hello there, my name is Tom Hollick, and I am your Vice-President for this year. I have been a student here for three years now, from studying GCSE’s to raise my number of grades, to this year finishing my last A2 exams. I studied subjects such as History and Geography, and found my time here highly enjoyable. As such, a part of me still wanted to be here, and having gained the experience of three years study at City College, I am proud to try and give something back to the college, the staff and its students.
Vacant Positions: 14-16 year officer H.E. Officer Campaigns Officer Women’s’ Welfare Officer Mature Students’ Officer
SPORTS OFFICER
Hi my name is Lewis Bean I’m 19 years old and I am Sports Officer in the Students’ Union. I am now going into my fourth year of studying at the college. I would like to introduce new sports into the college however I would like your help deciding what you would like to see. I am very approachable and I am very friendly so if you have any ideas pop in to the office or send me an e-mail and I will make sure the college has plenty of sports for you all to enjoy.
Hi, my names Ben Cronin and I am the Further Education officer here in the Students’ Union, As your Further Education Officer, it is my responsibility in dealing with Further Education students’ concerns, aspirations and problems with Further Education courses at City College Norwich. As FE officer, I will liaise with the Further Education Governor of the College’s Corporation Board, on any matters arising which relate Further Education in the College. I will also set up a number of projects relating to the Further Education students’ education, welfare and social needs at the beginning of the year.
INTERNATIONAL OFFICER
MEN’S WELFARE OFFICER
FE OFFICER
One of my roles will be focusing on providing support for international students as well as improving their intergration into Norwich and the UK. I also want to represent the growing number of international students and provide ways for them to engage with the Students’ Union
IMPORTANT ISSUES The cuts to education, and what we can do… With the election of the new Coalition government in May, the country has had to brace itself against the possibility and real fear of cuts. Not just cuts that would see big earners taxed more, or unnecessary expenditures removed, but cuts to everything. Education, Defence, Pensions, Government spending, support for those looking for work, the expansion of National insurance and the loss of jobs in the labour market. As students, the cuts that will affect us most will be Education, which involves the possible scrapping of capped University costs, meaning that a University may soon be allowed to charge whatever they feel like. Another is the cuts to FE and HE (further and higher education), involving around 25% of the Educations department funding being removed to help deal with the deficit, meaning that roughly a quarter of our budget will possibly be cut as well. Now some may argue that this is necessary to help deal with our deficit left behind from other government, but cuts to Education mean a possible loss of skills and jobs, two key components for our recovery as a national economy. At the college we have experienced cuts to our budget, and the Students’ Union, in conjunction with the Principalship has insured that no course will be cut, and that there is substantial damage limitation for the students and staff at City College, so that the effects of cuts will not stop the education process at CCN. With your guaranteed place at the college, you don’t have to worry about having hours cut back or lessons lost and your education can continue unaffected for the most part. As the Students, you automatically become a member of the Union, and as such, have a right to speak your mind to us, and that will come in very useful over the next few months, plans will be going ahead to recruit students to join us on the National Demonstration, to help fight against the cuts, and spread the message countrywide that we will not stand for them. We intend to take our message to the Capital, in order for the Government to see the damage that the cuts will cause to not only the recovery process, but also the lives of individuals and their families. We will be holding a fund-raiser for the demonstration during Freshers, in order to help fund the travel to and from London. So give a little, and gain a lot! Thank you for your time, and I hope to see you on the picket line!
Tom Hollick Vice President of the Students’ Union
Another big issue is the cuts to EMA... We have already had one major cut, when the EMA bonus payment was scrapped. The National Union of Students (NUS) is currently running the ‘Fix it Back it’ campaign; this is to fight against further cuts to the EMA. Although there are no demonstrations planned at the moment, we are sure there will be as it’s pretty clear that the Government is making a lot of cuts. We as FE students know that the EMA is essential to us; it gets us to college, helps us buy materials for college and helps with food and other living expenses. Surely with fewer jobs around they can’t expect us to go out and find what isn’t there!? We need to raise funds in order prepare for Town Take Overs and/ or National Demonstrations. We know that most, if not all of us, don’t have spare money to give; however, surely 50p isn’t too much. 50p from 16,500 students is over £8000 and is plenty for the SU to put on something big that will most certainly make the Government listen! We need to make this known – we must not lose EMA! Tom Grant-Jones President Students’ Union Join the Facebook group, search: ‘Fix it back it! The NUS campaign to fix and protect EMA’
With some familiar faces on the discount list, as well as some exciting new discount partners, 2010/11 is looking to be the strongest discount package yet. All discounts advertised are exclusive to NUS Extra and offer students savings across a wide range of categories, including Fashion, Travel, Music, Food and Drink, Essentials and Technology
New discounts * Game - various offers online * Virgin Media - Broadband and mobile deals * Comet - 5-20% selected items * Bench - 10% online and instore * Gio Goi - 10% online * BSM Driving School - £2 per hour lesson * Boots opticians/D&A opticians - £5 eye test * Dominos Pizza - 25% off on £20 spend online * IPC Media - up to 52% off magazine subscription
Returning discounts * Miss Selfridge - 10% online * Oasis - 10% instore and online * Superdrug - 10% off instore * Warehouse - 10% off online * Orange - free SIM and £10 credit * Apple - up to 15% * Amazon/Amazon MP3 - 5% * Staples - 10% instore * Pizza Hut - 20% off on £15 spend * CrossCountry Trains - 10% discount online * Ticketmaster - exclusive savings
As well as these fantastic deals, we are pleased to welcome Odeon Cinemas back on to NUS Extra with an improved deal of 25% off the student price for 2010/11.
AND MANY MANY MORE.....
Why bother, Global Warming’s not real, right? I’m not going to try and tell you global warming is true, or that it is false. I’m not going to present a doomsday theory, or say everything is ok. What I want to talk about, indeed what I’m elected to talk about; is taking action. Ergo, here’s an argument, I believe, no matter what happens to the world; that proves we have to change our behaviors. Look at the table at the bottom of the page. There are four extreme eventualities that all global warming scenarios fit into. Firstly the bottom right corner, states that: if we don’t invest in measures to protect against global warming such as renewable energy, it’s no problem, global warming doe sn’t happen, so society continues unscathed. Until the oil runs out that is. Secondly in the top right box, if global warming is true, we run a risk of any and all the issues. As there is no infrastructure in place to help humanity. Global Warming
If Global Warming's true
If Global Warming's false
Sea levels may or may not rise, but there will be droughts regardless, which means famine. There will be collapse in industry as resources run dry. Both lead to conflict, and mass migration as people fight for resources. Undeniably this is the worst outcome. Now to the bottom left, Global warming doesn’t happen, which is good. But we wasted all that money on renewable energy and recycling didn’t we? Wrong, now the world runs on sustainable energy, electricity is cheap and plentiful. Lastly the most commonly discussed outcome is we invest in counter measures— but the fact we have established measures and counter measures, makes global warming manageable. Think of it as a lottery ticket, each has a negative effect, but the negative of taking no action far exceeds those of taking action. Try it yourself, draw out the Take action
There is cost, but with infrastructure in place, society continues and copes
There is lost financial cost, unnecessary green structure and produce, however the sustainable energy supports the worlds dwindling fossil fuels.
table below and put in your own view of what the future may be like, I assure you, the taking action column is always the more positive of the two. So what do you do? Spread the word, spread the understanding of this argument, and set an example. We need to change public policy and that only changes when enough people demand it. And in the age of information that can happen. So I’m asking you, someone who I’ve never met but my fate is still tied to. If you think I’m wrong, tell me. But if you think I’m right and you too pick the ‘Take action’ column. Then do, take action. Because anything less, by picking ‘Take no action’, intentionally or not, scares me. And should scare you, because we only get to play this game once. Think it won’t happen? Maybe. How lucky do you feel?
Take no action
There is catastrophe, sea levels rise over 20ft, society collapses, as does business, and government. Famine and war is common. And definitely no education.
There is no cost, and no problems, however global fossil fuels are ever decreasing and may soon cause wide-spread travel problems.
I looked out of the door. A sunny morning with a cloudless sky, the air smelling sweet. I turned to look at the mirror behind me, round with an oak frame. I looked into it intensely, and touched my skin, soft and supple yet firm. I could see the light brown freckles scattered across my cheeks and nose, my lips red as roses, my big bright brown eyes and my hair soft and silky and as rich as honey, a light orange colour. I grabbed my cream cardigan, wrapped it around my waist and walked out, closing the heavy oak door behind me. I could see the children in my street running around, playing and having fun. I noticed a group of girls standing around in a circle giggling whilst spying at the boys who were playing football, laughing the laughter of innocence. I walked down the path looking at the trees and the bright blue sky. I felt free, the sort of freeness you only get from a warm summer’s day; I heard the soft hum of a bumble bee as it collected pollen from the sweet smelling flowers; I could feel the heat of the sun on my skin and the light breeze rushing though my hair, lifting my dress ever so slightly. As I walked down the dusty footpath I could still hear the faint sound of children’s laughter. I strolled up to the old wooden gate and jumped over it. I looked around; I was in a green meadow. Flinging off my sandals and felt the blades of grass between my toes. Standing there bare foot with my arms in the air, my head facing up towards the sky, my eyes closed, feeling the gentle wind coursing through my hair. I looked down at the emerald coloured grass with hundreds of yellow and purple flowers like little precious jewels sparkling in the sunlight. I sat down crossed legged on the grass and watched the birds flying high in the sky. A butterfly fluttered around me. It was so small with pastel colours of lilac and powder blue. It landed on my knee but suddenly a gust of wind blew it away. Clouds seemed to cover the sky and the wind
grew stronger. Feeling colder and less energetic, I got up from the ground and started the walk back. I could feel myself walking more slowly than usual, almost drained. Taking the cardigan off my waist and put it on, wrapping it around me tight. Upon reaching the old wooden gate and decided to open it instead of jumping over as I had earlier that day. As I pushed open the gate I could feel my arm shaking with the weight. The wind was strong and hitting my body hard. The trees were howling with the wind rushing quickly through them and it was cold. The strength of the wind made me feel weak and fragile, solid clumps of soil whacking and stinging my legs. I stopped and looked down at my legs, almost as if they were somebody else’s. They were pale, paler than normal, with red blotches where they had been hit. I carried on walking home. It was getting darker and the street lights were starting to come on. Despite the wind, there was ice in the air. Walking up the road expecting the children to be just heading into their homes but instead I saw a couple getting out of a car with a baby in a car seat. I kept walking. The sky was almost black. Not quite able to make out the stars since the light was too bright from the lamp posts. It was quiet except for the owl who was hooting away. I walked up the path to my house, reached out for the handle and noticed strange marks on my hands. They were dark and spotty like a rash. It must just be the lighting out here. Just as I put the key in the lock to opened the door something cold landed on my nose I looked around and saw snow was starting to fall. I push the open the door and put the light on in the hallway, closed the door and turned and faced the mirror. I looked into it intensely, and touched my skin. It was dry and covered in lines. My eyes looked tired and weary, my hair as white as snow and then I looked at my hands. There were brown spots on them. It wasn’t the light; they were liver spots. I looked back in the mirror and sighed “Where did the time go?” Written by Lauren Donaldson
IF YOU ARE STILL WAITING FOR AN APPLICATION FOR EMA TO BE ASSESSED THEN CALL THE EMA HELPLINE ON 0800 121 8989 OR POP INTO THE COLLEGE ADVICE SHOP.
YOUR SHOUT
Time
Freshers’ fair 2010 Freshers’ fair is a fun filled week of freebies, information and a chance to get involved with something new, there is going to be music, food, expert advise on whatever you need to know. Come and check out the wide variety of stalls and freebies.
NCC Road Safety Team Credit Union Norfolk FA Voluntary Norfolk Christian Aid Armed Forces Careers Office Endsleigh Insurance Riley's Swinton Insurance Barclays Bank Norfolk Health Trainer Service (stop smoking/healthy eating etc) The Matthew Project (alcohol & drugs)
Events for september Fresh Intro Wednesday 15th September 21:00 - 02:00. @ mustard. tickets £3. for more information visit the Students’ Union office
Duke of Edinburgh Award Cocoabean Recruitment Your C-Card Scheme First Buses Home Instead - volunteering Norfolk Constabulary NUS STA AMD Driving School And many many more........
Clubs & Societies
Enrichment w/c 6th September - Induction w/c 13th September - Induction w/c 15th September - FE Awards w/c 27th September - Sexual Health Awareness Week
Awareness Weeks Throughout the course of the academic year are a series of awareness weeks covering diverse areas such as alcohol awareness, volunteering and entrepreneurship. Forthcoming weeks this term include Sexual Health Awareness Week , Mental Health Awareness Week (from Monday 4th October) and Get Moving Week (from Monday 11th October). Keep a lookout for other awareness weeks coming soon! Get Involved We’d love you to join in with all our Enrichment activities. If you’ve got opinions then join the Debating Society and take part in
What’s Enrichment? So what’s Enrichment all about? As a new student at City College Norwich, you might think that your studies are the be all and end all of student life. Well that’s where you’re wrong! Enrichment at City College Norwich gives you the chance to develop new skills and talents whilst keeping you healthy, safe and happy. It’s also a good opportunity to make new friends and have fun. Some of the activities take place in your tutorials but others form part of awareness weeks or are activities you can sign up to or simply drop in for. the 2010/11 Debating Matters Competition this December. Get qualified with British Red Cross First Aid Training and receive a certificate. Or help to support your fellow students and become a mentor instead! Drop in The Enrichment Team is based in the Advice Shop and we’re always pleased to talk to students about Enrichment activities. We also run the Your C-Card Scheme for free condoms and lube for young people aged between 13 to 24 years of age with no questions asked. Just drop into the Advice Shop and speak to an Enrichment Coordinator to find out more.
You can also pick up a Chlamydia screening kit or suggest an idea for an Enrichment activity, awareness week or fundraising event. The Team So who runs all these things? The Enrichment and Events Team is led by Vicki Sherratt. There are three Enrichment Coordinators, Louise Chiu, Charlie Thompson and Niall Baxter plus the Events Apprentice, Rosy Dive. So if you’ve got an idea for an Enrichment activity then get in touch! Call us on 01603 773 135, email enrichment@ccn.ac.uk, look out for the weekly What’s On @ City College Norwich emails or simply pop into the Advice Shop for a chat.
Your Welfare Out of the many students around City college there is large amount of disabled students, these may be wheelchair bound or like myself able bodied and most days looking like a normal able-bodied person. City College embraces the need for disabled students and has excellent facilities for them. If you are a disabled student do not feel isolated there are many activities and sports on offer and in no way should you be treated any different to other students. If you have any issues regards disability in and around the
college or just want a chat then feel free to contact me either via the Students Union office or via email: d9roberts@student.ccn.ac.uk I am also looking for disabled students who would be willing to take part in a disability audit of the college to contact me via the same method.
David Roberts Disabled officer
AROUND CAMPUS opening times are 9.30-2.00 last food orders at 1.30 Monday-Friday.
SECOND HAND BOOKS The Students' Union have a Second Hand Book Shop where you can either buy or sell your books. Buying Are you looking to buy textbooks? We have over 2,000 books on our database, from just ÂŁ1.00 in most subjects! If you want to buy some books from us, then just come into the office, email us at
studentunion@c cn.ac.uk or give us a call (01603 773077) and we can check our database for you and let you know. Selling Have you just finished your course or need some extra cash? If you have books which you don't use any more, then come into the office and simply fill out a form, stating how much you
want to sell the books for and a few other details. We will then put this into our database and get back to you when your books are sold. We have a range of subjects from English, Maths Psychology, and Sociology to Health & Social Care, Business Management, Travel & Tourism
Excellent Low prices, Fantastic results. Opening Times (term time only)
Solutions Beauty offers an extensive range of treatments in our relaxing beauty spa at fantastic prices. Why not treat yourself to our spa treatments, massages, aromatherapy, stone therapy, and sun beds, Jacuzzi or St Tropez tanning. We also offer nail services from a basic manicure and
pedicures To book an appointment, please call us on (01603) 773 228
Monday 9-6pm Tuesday 9-9pm Wednesday 9-6pm Thursday 9-9pm Friday 9-6pm Saturday 9-3pm
Visit Solutions Hair Salon at City College Norwich for everything from simple cuts through to colouring treatments, perms, hair straightening or a complete hair makeover. At Solutions you will receive individual and stylish cuts in a vibrant and friendly environment – all at a great discount to high
street prices. To book an appointment, please call us on (01603) 773 229
Puzzle time
EASY
INTERMEDIATE
HARD
Who said it? 1.“We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.” 2. “I dream of an Africa which is in peace with itself.” 3.“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character.” 4."Whoever undertakes to set himself up as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods." 5.“In a time of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act” 6. “It matters not how long we live, but how' FIND OUT ANSWERS IN NEXT ISSUE.
FRESHER’S FAIR MAP