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CAN’T SAY NO TO CONOR!
LONDON 2012 THE GB HOPEFULS GOING FOR OLYMPIC GOLD!
BRITAIN’S TOP UNIVERSITIES SEE PAGE 23
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LIMELIGHT CHATS TO THE RISING STAR
F*A*M*E FOR AA*M*E ME
S EN INV ITUTION UCH INST AND M LE STY MORE
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WE’RE CELEBRATING GREAT BRITAIN! , S N TIO ,
Contents
Enrolling NOW! For our August 2012 programmes Contact our Recruitment Team: Tel: 0208 680 9803/0208 774 4040 Email: londonlc@londonlc.org.uk
QUALIFICATIONS & COURSES
Business Administration Management Health & Social Care Childcare Youthwork Retail Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools Hospitality/Customer Service Housing
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Fully funded courses for unemployed learners aged 19-23. Learners on these programmes may also be eligible for one-to-one support from a mentor
Fully funded courses for unemployed people who are seeking employment
Full/part funded level 2 & 3 work based programmes for people aged 16-23 in full-time employment
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Limelight’s trainee assistant editor
I
n this issue of Limelight – our biggest and best yet – we’re celebrating Great Britain! As a nation we should feel proud and stand tall, because we have inspired so many and invented so much, as you’ll be reminded on pages 14 and 15. We should also feel proud because of our world class universities. Cambridge is the world’s number 1 university and Oxford and Imperial are not far behind it. Page 17 reveals all the British universities flying the flag for us globally. University is not for everyone and so check out the amazing opportunities to earn while you learn on pages 4 and 5, plus pages 10 and 11.
16 YOU LOVE GB – We hit the streets to find out why! 17 CELEBRATING CAMBRIDGE – The world’s best uni! 18 COOL BRITANNIA – Brit style rules! 20 FLAVOURS OF FASHION – From Asia to Africa 22 WANT TRAINING TO BECOME A JOURNALIST? – The Journalism Diversity Fund can help
23 BRITAIN’S BEST UNIS – Check ‘em out! 24 MODESTEP –Say goodbye to dubstep, Modestep have arrived 26 RIVETING REVIEWS – They’re hot, hot, hot! 27 OLYMPICS SPECIAL - Going for gold! 28 CROYDON COLLEGE ADVERTORIAL – Students take a stand! 30 VIEWPOINT – Limelight’s Shaun Marcelle on the importance of self-belief
GCSE Maths
4 NEWSFLASH - News you can use 6 LOCAL FACES GOING PLACES – In the limelight 7 QUESTION TIME WITH…….AME 8 AICHA MCKENZIE – Britain’s best kept secret! 9 CHEEKY, CHAPPIE CONOR – On Maynard mania, Nando’ s and much more! 10 LLC NEWS – No resources? Join our courses! 12 CELEBRATING GREAT BRITAIN – Remember what put the ‘Great’ into GB! 14 GREAT BRITS – They’re simply the best!
A letter from Luke
Enrolling NOW! For our August 2012 programmes Call 0208 680 9803/0208 774 4040 or Email: londonlc@londonlc.org.uk
Editorial team Trainee assistant editor : Luke Thompson, chief sub editor: Roxana Hall, deputy music editor: Peter Bint, celebrity editor: Barbara Bielecka, editorial assistants: Devan O’Donnell, Aishat Animashaun, Tianna Haffenden. Writers/contributors: Andrea Kacayio, Chantelle Phinda, Nicola Maggot Pope, Tornia MakidaCupid, Sophia Wright and Jennie May Thompson. Designer: Shaun Marcelle Editorial director and founder: Adeline Iziren Fashion team Cool Britannia shoot Fashion director and photographer: Jemima Daisy, fashion editor: Jennie May Thompson, stylists: Sean Azeez and Holly Barker, make-up artist: Nadine Anderson, hair stylist: Alice Jones, models: Louise Havercroft, Anna Carter, Chloe Othen and Marina Townsend Chika Couture shoot Designer and stylist: Chika Iwenofu, assistant stylist: Kamara Anderson, models: Ayo Oyefuwa and Zaynah Rashid
There’s plenty of fun in this issue, as we’ve had great chats with the likes of YouTube favourite Conor Maynard and new artist AME, who sings under Gary Barlow’s label, Future Records. We’ve also had a great chat with the creative director for the entertainment at London 2012, Aicha McKenzie, plus we’ve got an Olympics special, focused on British medal hopefuls for London 2012. To finish we have a motivational ‘speech’ from Limelight’s Shaun Marcelle, which is brilliant. Now what are you waiting for? Turn the page and get reading! Enjoy!
Luke
Thank You
The Limelight team want to say a big thank you to our sponsor, advertisers, partners and supporters. They include: The London Learning Consortium, Business and Education South (BELS), Croydon College, Croydon Park Hotel, The Magazine Printing Company, Carshalton College, Juz Lookin, owntherunway.com, JACE Training, Lambeth College and Spiegel International (Germany’s equivalent of Newsweek).
Want to join the team? Then email adeline@risemedia.org.uk DISCLAIMER: Limelight is a lifestyle magazine for young people aged 11-25. The views within the magazine are not those of the publisher - Rise Youth Group Limited, which trades as Rise Media - but of the individual writer. All information in Limelight was correct at the time of going to press.
LimeLight is published by Rise Media
LimeLight 3
News you can use
Whatever your exam results this Summer, JACE Training can help. JACE offers apprenticeships and work based learning in a range of subjects including childcare, playwork, business admin, customer service, IT, and hospitality & catering. If you’re aged 16-18, training is FREE and JACE will help you to find a work placement and work closely with you and your employer so you can learn ‘on the job’ and gain your qualification while you work. For applicants aged 19 and above, there are course and funding options available. All you need to do is find a work placement or already be working in order to apply. So, whatever your age it’s not too late to learn new skills and gain a qualification. JACE courses run all year round and so you can apply whenever you want.
Find Your Vocation at Carshalton College
If you’re a recent school leaver and want to earn a salary, get holiday pay, receive training, gain recognised qualifications and learn job specific skills, an apprenticeship could be the qualification for you. Carshalton College offers a variety in subjects such as accounting, business admin, management (level 5), carpentry, electrical, plumbing, catering, childcare and hairdressing.Visit carshalton.ac.uk or for more information contact: 020 8544 4501. By Chantelle Phinda
The centre improving young lives The Turnaround Centre is a one stop shop where young people and their families can get support and advice from trained professionals, including youth workers, social workers and the police. They helped me tremendously (Peter Bint) when I was down and out by putting me up in hostels. Now they’ve provided me with fantastic long-term accommodation in a secure hostel in Thornton Heath. I can’t thank them enough for their help! I got the opportunity to find out how Croydon Council plan to improve this already useful service. Simon Townend, the council’s head of integrated youth support, said: “ We are always looking to improve the services of the Turnaround Centre by getting feedback from the young people using their services. “We are also looking to do some work with libraries and homework clubs, so young people can access a much wider range of activities.” Want to know more? Please ring 020 8760 5530. By Peter Bint 4 LimeLight
Ready to take the next step?
Limelight Advert 2012) 06/06/2012 Edited by(June a Limelight contributor14:14 Page 1
Earn while you learn with a major training provider! If you’re keen to do an exciting vocational course then check out the new prospectus for 14-19 year olds from major training course provider Sutton and District Training (SDT). The prospectus features a range of courses including construction, hairdressing and sales and marketing. Hospitality is a brand new course available through Sutton and District Training. The course’s units include customer service, basic cooking and food safety. You don’t need to have any qualifications for many of the SDT courses, though some require GCSEs in maths and English or at least a relevant Level 1 or Level 2 NVQ qualification. Terry Paton, 18, took just six months to complete a Level 2 NVQ in Business and Administration at SDT and shortly after completing it, he began working full-time as a data administrator for pensions firm MPNA. “I gained a lot of new skills on the course and it gave me the confidence to find employment,” he said. Enrolment for SDT courses start on August 3 2012. For more information ring: 020 8687 5225. By a Limelight contributor
LAMBETH COLLEGE
Ready to take the next step? Build yourself a bright new future with JACE Training. Telephone JACE on 020 8773 8146, email: info@jace-training.co.uk or apply online at: jace-training.co.uk
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KICKIN’ IT WITH A*M*E!!
Jemima
You can make the news Photo courtesy of Max at FashionFrex.net
Jemima Daisy inspires fashionistas!
S
torming the fashion world with her impressive journalistic skills, 21-year-old Jemima Daisy from Bromley, in Kent, has witnessed the latest trends from every angle. Having worked in fashion since the age of 15, Jemima is now a creative for online fashion network Fashioncapital. “You can come co.uk. With a long list of talents, some of which include across all blogging, photography and sorts of hor- styling, this fashion diva is rible people in set to become unstoppable. Jemima told us that while fashion” she loves her work, “you can come across all sorts of horrible people in fashion and these people just give the industry a bad name.” Having never really got along with education, Jemima dropped out of school to pursue a career. She now attends London Fashion Week every year as well as other fashion weeks from around the world. Her inspiring story has led her to work with an apprenticeship programme run by Fashion Capital. “The programme helps young people who have done their GCSEs, but don’t know what to do,” she explained. With ideas about running her own business, Jemima Daisy is a name fashionistas need to remember!
By Jennie May Thompson
Jasmine (left) and Aishat (right)
Are you interested in beginning a career in journalism but need help funding your training? Are you a British citizen residing in the UK? Do you have the drive and determination to succeed in a demanding and dynamic career uncovering the news and delivering it to your community? Are you passionate about current affairs? Can you think on your feet? Can you work to deadlines? We are looking for people from socially and ethnically diverse backgrounds who need help funding their journalism training. If you think you might meet the criteria and want to find out more about our application and selection process, check out our website: www.journalismdiversityfund.com
Become a journalist with our help
Teenage Olympic torchbearer to teach at a Saturday School
J
asmine Mckenzie will be teaching pupils in Years 5 and 6 at a Saturday school in Purley. The 16-year-old from Croydon is keen to share her passion for maths, art and languages with the primary school pupils. Shocked to have been selected to hold the Olympic torch, after being nominated by her mum, Jasmine said, during an interview with Limelight. “I received an email, but it didn’t actually sink in until the torch was first lit in Greece, that’s when I was like woah, it’s true, I’ll be carrying it!” Jasmine has just finished her GCSEs at school and is hoping to become an architect. She would like to travel around America and attend university in the future. Having recently left Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College, Jasmine is due to attend SFX College, in Balham, this September, to begin her A levels.When asked what she will miss the most about school, she replied: “Being around my friends is what I will miss most… and my teachers of course!” Jasmine will be keeping the Olympic torch she’ll be carrying, thanks to her parents who paid £215 for it. The teenager will be carrying the torch this month (July) in Reading, Berkshire. By Aishat Animashaun
First she came and put the C*O*O*L* back into F*U*N* (well someone had to). From the hard streets of Sierra Leone to the ears of teenagers, she makes us put our headphones on and shut the world out! Limelight: Who inspired you to be a singer? A*M*E: My dad, who was in a band with his brothers, while I was growing up in Sierra Leone. Limelight: Which artists do you look up to? A*M*E: I really look up to a South Korean pop band called Big Bang and Janet Jackson. Limelight: How do you juggle your course work with your career? A*M*E: I left school after Year 11, as I got signed just after my GCSEs. While I was still in school I worked hand in hand with my label, but still managed to get my course work done during the week. Limelight: Who is your favourite male artist? A*M*E: I would probably say Usher, because he’s an ABSOLUTE LEGEND. Limelight: Who is your favourite female artist? A*M*E: I love Nicki Minaj, she’s outrageous, A BREATH OF FRESH AIR. Limelight: Do you listen to rap music? A*M*E: Yeah, I listen to a lot of rap. I love Drake and Wretch 32. Wretch 32’s lyrics are really imaginative. Limelight: Where do you see yourself five years from now? A*M*E: I would like a number one single, a number one selling album and just to be generally successful, making great music.
INTERVIEW
Limelight: How old were you when you moved to London from Sierra Leone? A*M*E: I was eight when I moved to London. Limelight: How is your life different now to your life back in Sierra Leone? A*M*E: In London I have a lot more opportunities than I did in Sierra Leone. Limelight: Well, your fashion sense is quirky and out there. Where do you get your inspiration? A*M*E: I love the 1960s - Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe and my mum, a fashionista, whose style I look up to. I also love going to Camden and Topshop to find pieces to mix and match, to make my own. Limelight: How often do you get stopped in the street? A*M*E: I now get recognised from appearances on TV and so I get stopped about three times a week. Limelight: How old are all your friends? A*M*E: My close friends are my age, 17 or 18. Limelight: Who is your best friend? A*M*E: My best friend is Candace. I have known her since Year 7. Limelight: People say you’re a Nicki Minaj wannabe, what do you say to that? A*M*E: Well, I would say that I’m incredibly different to Nicki Minaj. Limelight: Have you ever been starstruck? A*M*E: I am completely obsessed with Big Bang and I would be incredibly honoured to meet them. Limelight: What label are you under? A*M*E: I am under Future Records, Gary Barlow’s label. Limelight: What would you say to aspiring singers and songwriters? A*M*E: I would say get as much experience as you can, master your craft, KEEP ON GOING AND NEVER STOP! By Aishat Animashaun
LimeLight 7
BRITAIN’S BEST CHOREOGRAPHER TAKES THE OLYMPIC STAGE! Starting out as a Commonwealth champion gymnast and now organising the entertainment for the Olympic Games, Aicha McKenzie is an extraordinary Londoner whose countless achievements include working as a choreographer for the likes of Madonna, Rihanna and Kanye West. Limelight’s Roxana Hall had the privilege of chatting to Aicha…. Limelight: What are you hoping to include in the entertainment during the Olympics? Aicha: A combination of music and dance. We have been casting to get the best dancers and we want to show the world something that has not been seen at an Olympic Games. Limelight: What do you think people will reflect on as they watch the entertainment? Aicha:They will watch it to have fun and hopefully it will give them something that’s different from sports to watch. Limelight: What advice do you have for young people who want to become professional dancers? Aicha: First thing they need to do is train. Then I would say that they should get as much experience as possible, so for example, if they’re a street dancer then take ballet. Limelight: How does it feel to be described as one of the most powerful black women in Britain by Powerlist? Aicha: When I heard the news I felt proud, shocked and honoured. It is very humbling to know that my work is recognised. Limelight: What was it like working with Seal? Aicha: It was great. He was so calming and easy to work with. He inspired my ideas. Limelight: Seal said he loved working with you and that you’re absolutely the best, how do you feel about that comment?
Aicha: Again, it was a great working relationship and we created something good together. Limelight: How did you get to become such a super successful, world famous choreographer? Aicha: I have no idea! I think it’s just down to hard work and of course there’s a bit of luck thrown in too. Limelight: What has been the most fun project you have worked on and what did it involve? Aicha: It has to be the Olympic Games, which I’m still working on. There are lots of fun aspects to the job I do. I get to travel, meet new people and just do something I enjoy. I think it is very important that young people do work they love. Limelight: We’re really inspired by your success and we’re compiling a list of great British people. We would love you to be on the list. How does that sound? Aicha: Oh, thank you! Limelight: So, how do you feel about Britain and are you proud to be British? Aicha:Absolutely! Britain is a fantastic place full of opportunities. I was born and brought up in London and it’s where I first was inspired to do my work. I mean, I’ve travelled around the world but nothing beats coming home. I lived in south London until I was 20 and now I live in north west London. Limelight: Who do you admire and look up to? Aicha: My mother. My mother was a great role model. Limelight: Where were you born? Aicha: St Thomas’ Hospital, in London Limelight: What school did you go to? Aicha: Putney High School, in south London. Limelight: Did you go to university? Aicha: No. I furthered my dance career through my experiences. I went to Pineapple Dance Studios, which really helped start my career.
“I think Britain is a fantastic place full of opportunities”
“I think it is very important that young people do work they love”
Aicha’s Achievements
Choreographed Conor Maynard’s video – Can’t Say No Played a role in James Bond – The World is not Enough Choreographed Kanye West’s perfomance at The Brit Awards in 2006 Presented on Living TV’s Extreme Makeover Choreographed a L’Oreal advert featuring Cheryl Cole Danced with Ricky Martin at the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Choreographed in Milan for Dolce & Gabbana Was a judge on Trouble TV’s Bump N Grind Starred in the film Ali G Inda House Choreographed My Chemical Romance’s performance at the MTV EMAS in Munich Edited by Jennie May Thompson
8
Conor On Nando’s, His Album And Why He Loves Britain! After months of waiting, Limelight finally secured an interview with Conor Maynard, but with Maynard mania on the rise, we only had time for a quick chat! Conor talks to us about Michael Jackson, the Capital FM Summertime Ball and much more! By Jennie May Thompson and Chantelle Phinda
Limelight: When you started singing on YouTube did you ever think that you’d be this successful? Conor: When I first started putting my songs on YouTube the main aim was to get my family and friends to see me. Then when it started to blow up, it was a bit of a shock really. Limelight: What do you like most about being a singer? Conor: Performing live, because of the reaction from the fans, especially when they start singing my songs back to me. It’s an amazing feeling. Limelight: What was it like performing in front of 80,000 people at the Capital FM Summertime Ball? Conor: When it gets above a certain amount of people, say about 20,000 and they know the songs and who you are, it’s such a crazy feeling! The concert was definitely the highlight of my career so far. Limelight: What were you doing when your debut single Can’t Say No reached number two in the UK charts? Conor: I was on tour and I was told by Radio One. It got me so hyped up for the rest of my performances, during my tour. Limelight: If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why? Conor: Michael Jackson. He was the first artist whose music I really enjoyed, while growing up. It would have been great to have performed with him. Limelight: What kind of music did you listen to when you were younger? Conor: Stevie Wonder, because of my parents and then when I got older I listened to R&B artists such as Usher, Mario and Justin Timberlake. Now I listen to Hip Hop artists such as Jay Z and Kanye West. Limelight:: How much do you think fame has changed your life? Conor: It’s very early still, but quite a lot. I have moved away from my family home in Brighton and live alone, in London, but I still see my friends.
Limelight: What did it feel like to win the MTV Brand New for 2012 award? Conor: That was definitely amazing! Just being told I was on the top 10 list was such an honour. For me, winning the award was the most pivotal moment of my career. It was just a great feeling. I was so thankful when I found out that I had won and got half of all the votes put forward. It put me in the public eye so quickly. Limelight: What was the inspiration behind your album Contrast? Conor: I didn’t want to make this album less than anything I had ever done before. It was difficult to choose the songs. I didn’t want a crazily long album, which is why there are only 12 tracks on it. The album has an older, more mature feel to it, than people might expect. It is a contrast to anything that is out there at the moment. Limelight:: What is your favourite song from the album? Conor: That changes every day, but probably Animal. It’s the first track on the album, a real party starter. Limelight: We’re doing a best of Britain themed issue of Limelight, so what do you think is great about Great Britain? Conor: It’s hard to explain. I have been to lots of different parts of the world, but I never want to live anywhere, but the UK, even though it rains a lot. I don’t know what it is about the UK. I’ve got my family and friends here and I get my inspiration from here. Nando’s is one of the great things about Britain. I have a black card for Nando’s. Limelight:Wow, I’m jealous! So what do you order when you go to Nando’s? Conor: I always order the same thing - a hummus appetiser and then for a main meal a chicken wrap with chips. Limelight:What has been the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you? Conor: : I heard Can’t Say No on the radio for the first time while sitting in a taxi. The driver started singing along to it, out of tune. He had no idea that it was me who sang it, I didn’t tell him neither!
LimeLight 9
LLc NEWS
FREE courses for you from September! Calling all jobseekers! Are you looking for employment but need to brush up your skills or learn new ones? LLC are offering free fully funded courses for adults aged 19+, who are interested in finding employment in the following areas: • Adult Literacy & Numeracy • Business Administration • Childcare • Customer Service / Hospitality • English as a Second Language (ESOL) • Health & Social Care • ICT • Youth Work Level 2 Please call 020 8774 4040 for more information.
Are you looking for a job? LLC Recruitment can help you! The recruitment agency is looking to recruit staff either on a temporary or permanent basis for the following sectors: Hospitality • Experienced and qualified chefs of all levels • Catering assistants and kitchen porters who have previously worked in industrial kitchens, silver service and plate waiters Health & Social Care • Care workers who have a minimum of NVQ Level 2 in Health & Social Care Nursery Officers • Qualified nursery nurses who have a minimum qualification of NVQ Level 2 in childcare Teaching Assistants • Qualified teaching assistants who have had a minimum of six months’ experience within a classroom setting Tutors & Assessors • Specialising in Health & Social Care, Childcare, Retail, Numeracy & Literacy, Business Admin, ESOL Please call 020 8680 9803 or email: info@llcrecruitment.org.uk 10 LimeLight
A graduate’s success story - thanks to the LLC!
W
ho says voluntary work doesn’t pay? After gaining invaluable work experience in the London Learning Consortium’s (LLC’s) finance department, Simon Griffiths has now landed the kind of job he’s always wanted! Simon, 24, completed an accounting and finance degree last year and began seeking work as a finance assistant, with a view to working his way up to a senior management role. With a good degree (2.1), from the University of Portsmouth and three weeks’ worth of work experience in accounts to his name, Simon was confident of finding a position quickly. However, despite months spent applying for numerous jobs, he was still no closer to achieving his goal, because employers were asking for a minimum of six months’ experience. In January 2012 he decided a change of tact was needed!
and so he was keen to develop his skills in these areas. Simon said: “I gained a lot from this course as one of the positives was working with a mix of people, including mature students. Through these people I have picked up information about how to deal with different work situations and it’s been really interesting!” When Simon started the course, he told Simon Forzani, LLC’s head of employment services, that he was keen to build on his work experience.
After a visit to the Sutton Job Centre, he heard about the excellent work of the LLC and how their training courses offer the opportunity to learn practical skills employers need. Thanks to LLC, Simon then started a free 15 week, one day a week, business administration course to sharpen up his office and administration skills. He said that many job descriptions state the need for skills in MSExcel and MsOutlook
Simon suggested he volunteer in LLC’s finance department and that’s what he went on to do – two days a week, for six months. “The first week was really tiring, but it was really good to be working,” said Simon. “I learnt loads about the tasks performed within a finance department such as chasing up invoices, inputting data and organising purchasing orders.” Simon also gained invaluable IT experience using popular account-
“LLC helped me gain the experience which led to me breaking into my chosen career”
ancy software Sage. “Although I had used this at university, it was good to be able to use this in a real life work environment, as it helped me secure more job interviews!” he enthused. Simon proved to be a real asset to the finance team. Thankfully, he thought highly of the team too! “The people at LLC were really friendly and helpful. It’s a great environment to work in - I was really lucky to have had this opportunity!” Simon’s hard work and determination have now definitely paid off, as he is set to begin his first paid position as an accounts assistant for Wates Construction Limited, in Leatherhead, Surrey! Simon said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have been offered this position! I really want to thank LLC for giving me the opportunity to do the LLC business administration training course and for helping me gain the work experience which led to me breaking into my chosen career!” LLC wish Simon the best of luck, as he truly deserves it!
If you’re interested in finding out about the training courses and opportunities we have to offer, please call us on: 020 8774 4040 or email: londonlc@londonlc.org.uk
LimeLight 11
Sports
We Brits have invented most of the world’s sports. In fact eight out of ten of the world’s most popular sports are British inventions. They are hockey, cricket, golf, rugby, snooker, tennis, baseball and football – the most popular sport in the world!
The Stratford Development
For centuries Great Britain has parachuted her positive influence across the globe! By Roxana Hall, Barbara Bielecka, Devan O’Donnell, Luke Thompson, Tornia Makida-Cupid and Nicola Maggot Pope
NHS
The NHS was created in 1948. Its advent meant that free medical services became available to all the people of Britain.
B
ritain is not called Great Britain for nothing. OK, if you’re up on British history, you’ll know that the great was put into Britain when England joined forces with Scotland in 1603. But since then this country has more than proved herself worthy of the name Great Britain. It’s all thanks to utterly amazing feats such as starting the industrial revolution in 1750, inventing the telephone, the television, the train and even America’s favourite sport – baseball! Over the next few pages, we will celebrate so much, including the inventions, the traditions and the people who put the great into Great Britain and made us a nation envied and admired across the globe!
The once miserable depths of Stratford have now been turned around and developed into an amazing, upbeat area with a great shopping centre, beautiful modern flats and a fantastic Olympic park for London 2012.
The whole world loves us – especially the French!
Transport
Britons invented forms of transport used regularly in everyday life such as the bicycle, the train and the bus – we probably even invented walking and running!
The Television
Scotsman John Logie Baird invented the television in 1926, but he was not the first to come up with the idea: Russia, America and Japan were some of the countries which attempted to invent the television. However, John Logie Baird was the first person to successfully invent it.
The Pound
“Nobody does it better!”
“Long live the pound!”
We have our own money enough said!
London has been dubbed France’s sixth city because an estimated 300,000 French people live in the capital. Fewer people live in the major French cities of Nantes, Bordeaux and Strasbourg. Opportunities in the creative industries and banking are one of the many reasons the French love our great city. Now the French even have their own “MP for Britain”, after socialist Axcelle Lemaire was elected to one of France’s new overseas seats, based in Kensington. As for the rest of the world , well, 50% of all foreign professionals would consider London if they ever sought a job abroad, according to a survey of more than 160,000 overseas workers. The number was almost twice as many as New York on 28%.
The biggest French cities
• Paris - 2.3m • Marseille - 859,000 • Lyon - 488,000 • Toulouse - 447,000 • Nice - 344,000 • London, England – 300,000!
The Telephone Fashion and Hair
Britain has many of the world’s most influential fashion designers, fashion models and fashion icons. From the funky and inventive bob created by Vidal Sassoon to the elegant and highly sophisticated clothing designs by Alexander McQueen, Britain has truly satisfied the world’s fashion and beauty industries! 12
Alexander Bell is a great Scottish inventor, born in 1847. He created the first ever telephone in 1874. He was clever and able to develop his invention so that we could make long distance calls. Because of him, we now have such advanced phones and mobiles. 13
The Great of Great Britain! William Shakespeare The English Language would not be the same were it not for the British playwright William Shakespeare. William invented and influenced over 1700 words such as swagger, puking, gossip, fashionable,and lonely. We would literally be speaking like victorians if it were not for the great man.‟ “The croaking raven doth bellow for revenge!”
Horatio Nelson Lord Horatio Nelson is one of the bravest British men to have ever walked this earth. He fought in the Navy for 36 years! Nelson picked up many injuries from his battles such as, losing his sight in 1794, losing his right arm in 1797 and eventually dying in 1806. Poor guy! A statue of Nelson was erected in 1843. It stands at a whopping 170ft tall! This man will be remembered as a true British great.
Jonathan Ive You may be asking yourself : “Who is Jonathan Ive?” Well, to answer your question, he is the vice president of industrial design for Apple and best of all he’s British! Jonathan designed many products we use such as the iPhone, the iPad and the iPod - one of the most innovative and revolutionary products in decades. His achievements were recognised with a CBE in 2006 and a knighthood in 2012. Aicha McKenzie Aicha McKenzie is the first ever black British champion gymnast. She competed internationally for 11 years, earning three medals in the 1994 Commonwealth Games before turning her talents to dance and choreography. Her choreography skills have led to her working with world renowned artists including Madonna and Kanye West. Her biggest role to date is her current role as creative director and choreographer for the entertainment at London 2012. In 2005, Aicha founded AMCK an international talent agency which recruits models, choreographers, dancers and creative directors. Now her business turns over millions!
Florence Nightingale Florence Nightingale made a very significant contribution to the world. Despite being disrespected by men and told she would never become a nurse, her strong mind and determination led to her saving thousands of lives and improving the state of hospitals across England. Thanks to these feats, she’s now the most famous nurse in history!
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The Queen Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating her Diamond Jubilee this year because she has reigned for sixty years. Our Queen is also the Queen of 15 Commonwealth countries including Australia, Canada, Jamaica and Barbados. She is also head of the Church of England and carries out an estimated 400 engagements a year. That’s a lot, but some people say she does nothing! At the age of 85 she is doing pretty well for herself and looks set to reign for many years to come!
Dame Kelly Holmes Despite showing great promise as an athlete during her teens, Dame Kelly Holmes gave up the sport and eventually joined the army. But it was seeing Lisa York, an athlete she had raced and beaten, compete in the 1992 Olympics that inspired her return to athletics. And boy did Kelly make a great decision! She now has five silver medals, three bronze medals and four gold medals, including two which she won for running in the 800m and 1500m at the Athens Olympics in 2004. Kelly’s remarkable double gold medals from Athens led to her being named BBC Personality of the Year 2004 and made a Dame in the New Year Honours list of 2005.
The Beatles The brilliant band split up more than 40 years ago, but they remain the biggest selling artists ever. They took music to a new level and dominated the charts in many countries during the 1960s. They have greatly influenced the music we listen to today.
J.K Rowling J.K Rowling is the world’s first billionaire author and she’s British! She wrote the world-wide best selling Harry Potter books, which have been made into several super successful films. Her fabulous writing skills are a big inspiration to many people locally and globally.
Winston Churchill In what is known as one of the bloodiest wars in history, Winston Churchill stood out as an inspirational figure. As prime minister of Great Britain, MrChurchill led us to victory over the Nazis and Hitler during World War 11. In his now famous speech, he declared that: “We shall fight on the beaches.” “We shall fight on the hills.” “We shall never surrender.”
Noel Clarke As a young boy living with his mum on a council estate in London, Noel Clarke dreamed of becoming an actor. Noel not only achieved this goal, most memorably as Mickey Smith in Dr Who Who, but he went on to become an award-winning director. He wrote the screenplay for his debut film Kidulthood, which was released in 2006. Two years later he wrote, directed and starred in the sequel, Adulthood Adulthood. Adulthood grossed more than £1m during its opening weekend in 2008. This feat earned him a prestigious BAFTA award the following year. As a result of the success of Kidulthood, Adulthood, and the BAFTA win, Noel was ranked at number 83 in the MediaGuardian 100, The Guardian’s annual ranking of the most powerful people in the media. Fast Girls, Noel’s latest film release tells the story of two female sprinters who enter the British relay team in the World Championships. With the Olympics on our doorstep the film couldn’t have come at a better time! LimeLight 15
Why I
Britain!
VOX POPS
Chantelle Phinda and Roxana Hall hit the streets of central Croydon - mainly - to find out what people like about Great Britain. Chelsea David Bees, 61, employed, Bromley The armed forces for sure and definitely our history. Also, our historical buildings, our culture, freedom of speech and the royal family. Christine Binns, 59, employed, Croydon Unlike many other countries, we can say what we want and we’re free from oppression.
Did You Know? 1. Winston Churchill was born in a ladies’ toilet during a dance. 2. Portugal is England’s oldest ally. The AngloPortuguese Treaty signed in 1373 is still in force. 3. In 1945, a flock of starlings landed on the minute hand of Big Ben and put the time back by five minutes. 4. The 409 escalators in the London subway cover a distance every week which is approximately equivalent to several trips around the globe! 5. Contrary to popular belief, Big Ben doesn’t refer to the world famous clock. Big Ben is actually the name of the 13 ton bell. The tower itself is known as St. Stephen’s Tower. 6. The London Eye is the tallest observation wheel in the world and each rotation takes about 30 minutes. 7. The River Thames, which flows through London, has over 200 bridges and 20 tunnels. 8. Dying is illegal in the Houses of Parliament.
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Angelica Ahmed, 38, employed, Crawley I would say the people and the variety of cultures throughout Britain.
Nigel Richard, 54, employed, Croydon The NHS, the unemployment service, public transport and London, I guess.
Chelsea Amable, 18, student, Camberwell There are lots of shopping centres here as well as more educational opportunities than anywhere else. Darren Duffy, 24, student and employed, Selsdon The diversity helps to make Britain unique.
Fun Facts and Laws about B ritain 1.The shortest war in history was between Zanzibar and England in 1896. Zanzibar surrendered after 38 minutes. 2. There are over 30,000 John Smiths in Britain. 3. Britain is the only country in the world which doesn’t have the country’s name on its postage stamps. 4. Nowhere in Britain is more than 74½ miles from the sea. 5. Placing a postage stamp bearing the Queen’s head upside down on an envelope is considered as an act of treason. 6 .Richard III died on the toilet. 7. Chicken tikka masala was invented in Scotland.
s I y t i s r e v i n U t s e B s ’ d l r o ? The W ! e s l E e r e h W n i a t i r B t a In......Gre Nine of the world’s 50 top universities are British and standing proudly at the summit is Cambridge – the world’s best university. Cambridge has conquered Harvard, the leading US university, which stood at the top for five consecutive years, according to the QS World University Rankings 2011/12. We are so proud that in the year Britain is celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and hosting the Olympics for the first time in 64 years, Cambridge* has swept Harvard off its feet and again replaced it as the world’s number one university. The eight other universities proudly flying the flag for Britain on the world stage are Oxford (5), Imperial College (6), University College London (7), Kings College (27), Manchester (29), Bristol (30) and Warwick (50). And there are many more British universities doing us proud By Roxana Hall
Chloe - Black fringed jacket, stylist’s own. Croydon Brit vest, Juz Lookin, Croydon, £5 PU hotpants, Owntherunway. com, £12.99. Black soft leather capsule bag, Embellished Truth £115. Tights, Henry Holland for Pretty Polly £8 Watch & shoes, model’s own
Marina Peter Pan dress, LOVE, £28. Black bow brooch, Bodyline.co.jp, $5. Black flatforms, Owntherunway.com, £24.99. Union Jack bag, Juz Lookin, Croydon, £14.99. Belt and socks, photographer’s own
Anna - Polka Dress and petticoat, Vivien of Holloway, £89 and £59. Polka heels, Iron Fist at Fyfo.co.uk, £57.99. Pearl necklace, editors own
Louise - Peter Pan Top & tartan leggings, Owntherunway.com, £18.99 and £9.99. Studded Bracelets Timebomb, in Croydon, both £6.95. Studio Shoes, Michael Antonio, $140
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ritain is a style haven for the fashion savvy. You only have to walk down the high street to see just how remarkable British fashion is! River Island, New Look and Topshop are all examples of brilliant British fashion stores. No matter where you are in the world, British style is seen as desirable. The UK has an abundance of fashion bloggers streaming their style tips worldwide and people are taking notice. Street style has never been as important as it is now and the urban backdrop that makes our fashion spread represents that fact. Us Brits have fun with our clothing and accessories and we’re not afraid to experiment. So what if it clashes? Clashing is creative and there are no rules when it comes to trend setting. What’s seen as a fashion essential one year could be seen as a fashion disaster the next, but who cares? You thought it looked amazing at the time and that’s what matters!
Fashion director & Photographer: Jemima Daisy Fashion editor: Jennie May Thompson Stylists: Sean Azeez, Holly Barker Make-up artist: Nadine Anderson Hair stylist: Alice Jones Models: Louise Havercroft, Anna Carter, Marina Townsend, Chloe Othen With thanks to Croydon Park Hotel for the use of their car park and facilities.
FASHION
Blue Tie Dye Skater Dress- £45
pakistan Fashion Week 2012 Limelight’s Devan O’Donnell attended Pakistan Fashion Week on May 26 2012. He viewed the catwalk shows as well as met some of the models, designers and the event’s organisers, including founder and creative director Adnan Ansari. By Devan O’Donnell
Zaynah Rashid
Pink Leopard Print Cape Dress- £35
Ayo Oyefuwa
Brown Leopard Print Dress- £40
Photos: Eulan George
My point of view
I’m just 12 and for me the catwalk shows ran on way longer than I expected! However, there was a 20 minute break where I enjoyed some yummy vegetarian snacks. I expected to see more models from Pakistan, but they tended to come from different parts of the world, including Canada.
The designers
There were many designers promoting their clothes during Pakistan Fashion Week and unlike some of the models, they were from Pakistan, which raised my hopes of seeing more traditional clothes. The designers included Rana Norman, a very well known designer who had a collection of wedding designs and used male models, unlike many of the other designers.
Plans for the future
The organisers of Pakistan Fashion Week want to expand and have already made plans for the event to be hosted in New York and other major cities around the world. If this amazing event continues to expand they may be changing it to Asian Fashion Week, where even more designers, models and make-up artists will have a chance to play a role in this truly remarkable event. 20 LimeLight
chikacouture.com Asymmetric Pink Bodycon Dress- £25
Baby Doll Dress- £29.99
Teardrop Leggings- £19.99
Photos: Eulan George
India Adams
Wendy freelances as a journalist for major national publications such as The Daily Mirror, Take a Break, That’s Life and Chat. Her success came after she studied a five month NCTJ course at News Associates in Wimbledon, south London, from March to July 2011. Wendy received around £3500 from the Journalism Diversity Fund, which she used to pay for her course fees. “I don’t think I would have had the opportunities that I have now without the
Fund and I would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t have the financial means to study journalism,” said Wendy. Wendy found out about the Journalism Diversity Fund through her best friend who sent her a link to the site. She suggested I apply and I thought, well, I’ve got nothing to lose! As it turned out, she had everything to gain! Check out Wendy’s work at: cuttings.me/wendyoloya
Fact file The Journalism Diversity Fund can help you too! If you would like to become a journalist but can’t afford the course fees then apply today via journalismdiversityfund.com The next deadline for submitting an application is Friday October 26 2012.
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The Journalism Diversity Fund will:
• Pay for the cost of your NCTJ accredited course, which is recognised and respected by editors • Assign you a personal mentor who is a professional • working journalist • Help you obtain a work placement at a leading publishing company • Pay some money towards your living expenses during training
nts stu de
rate
Wendy Oloya
The top ten of The Times Good University Guide is dominated by the usual suspects, including Oxford, LSE and Imperial. If you’re a super high achiever, you’ll probably be tempted not to look beyond the top ten of this Guide. But your best bet is to focus on the best university for the subject you want to study and chances are you may find it outside the top 10. One of the best universities for Law, for example, is Nottingham (20), for media studies it’s Southampton (18), for sports science it’s Loughborough (16) and for accounting and finance, Glasgow (15). If studying in London is a top priority for you then consider University Centre Croydon. Degrees from this new university are validated by the University of Sussex, which is number 18 on the list of the country’s best universities. “We are pleased that we are able to offer degrees from the University of Sussex,” said a spokesperson for University Centre Croydon. “We have been offering higher education courses for 40 years and have a strong record of achievements with a body of successful alumni, including fashion designer, John Rocha.”
b cele
2011 and she is still with Sky. Becoming a journalist isn’t easy and so it’s important to get as much experience as possible is the sound advice India has to offer to anyone keen to work in this exciting field. She credits work experience with helping her secure funding from the Journalism Diversity Fund. She said: “I completed a lot of internships at places such as The Shields Gazette, Gazette my local newspaper in South Shields and The Big Issue, while studying at the University of Edinburgh. These experiences looked really good on my CV and led to an interview for funding through the Journalism Diversity Fund.”
By Nicola Maggot Pope and Sophia Wright
ds Gra
India decided to become a journalist at the age of 17 because she enjoys interacting with people and following current affairs. Ten years on and India has fulfilled her dream - thanks to the Journalism Diversity Fund. The Fund helped India to complete a Masters degree in news journalism by paying her £5,000 tuition fees. She started the Masters course at the University of Sunderland in September 2009 and graduated in September 2010. Commenting on how the Masters helped her to find work, India said: “Before I had even graduated, I landed myself a job at a news agency called North News. I was at North News for about six months and from there I moved to work for ITV Tyne Tees for about five months.” Then India found herself out of work and feared she would never get back into journalism. But fortunately, after five months of job hunting, she secured employment as a video journalist with Sky, in the north east of England. That was in September
If you’re keen to start university in 2013, now is a good time to check out The Times Good University Guide 2012. Limelight presents the top 30 of the 116 universities on this well-respected Guide
ford
ers as it helps you get the qualifications you need. “I spent two years after university trying to get as much journalistic experience as possible. I had lots of debts and at one stage I had seven jobs to make ends meet. Without the Fund I would not have been able to afford my NCTJ course and build on my previous experience. I am of course indebted and very grateful to the Journalism Diversity Fund and its sponsors for the support they have given me to enable me to progress in my career.”
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Sam, 26, from Chelmsford, in Essex, started an NCTJ course in March 2010 and finished it during July 2010. The Journalism Diversity Fund paid for all of his tuition fees totalling in the region of £3000. He now works for the Brentwood Gazette, in Essex, as a reporter. His daily tasks Gazette include finding stories and writing features. When asked whether he would recommend the Journalism Diversity Fund to others, Sam replied: “I would recommend the fund to oth-
• Straight As including an A* are typical
A level grades required for entrance into Cambridge or Oxford • Most other universities in the top 30 require AAB, depending on the subject • Applications to universities fell in 2012 • Universities can now charge fees of up to £9,000 • You can study at the Open University for free if you’re under 25
iversitie Top 30 un
Sam Smith
T S E B S ’ N I BRITA ! S E I T I S R UNIVE Ox
TRAIN YOUR WAY TO A GREAT CAREER IN JOURNALISM!
By Jennie May Thompson, Aishat Animashaun and Luke Thompson LimeLight 23
INTERVIEW
WE ARE NOT DUBSTEP Limelight’s Jennie May Thompson had a chat with guitarist Nick and drummer Matt from Modestep before their gig at Southampton Guildhall. They told her about destroying commercialism, power metal and the Dubstep community… Limelight: So what have you got in store for us tonight at the Guildhall? Matt: Oooh, it’s going to be tasty isn’t it, Nick? Nick: Yeah, lots of flying fists, lots of jumping and bopping around. Limelight: What’s it like supporting Lostprophets? Nick: Yeah, well, it’s a privilege to be asked to support them. I was a big
fan of the band when I was a kid, so just wandering around backstage with them is pretty cool and the rock crowd has been really good to us. Matt: Yeah, we’re really surprised because obviously our two sounds are very different, so we weren’t sure how it was going to go down. The
Lostprophets crowd are quite elitist, but we’ve been pleasantly surprised and welcomed with open arms at every event. Limelight: Oh, that’s brilliant. So how would you describe your new album Evolution Theory?
Matt: Very versatile and eclectic. I think that it’s going to be something that people aren’t going to be quite expecting from us, but you know that’s a good thing because it’s full of different influences from all of us. For example, Nick’s background is obviously very guitar orientated. Limelight: So your new single Show Me a Sign has already reached over 2 million hits on YouTube. What was the inspiration behind the music video? Matt: Well, basically Josh and Tony who are not currently present are completely mental, so it kind of came from their twisted minds. But I guess that the message behind it is about destroying commercialism, and you know having a pop at things. Limelight: Yeah, at the beginning of the video the guy smashes the stereo and it’s really cool. Matt: Not, definitely not. Limelight: Where did the name Modestep come from and what does it mean? Nick: Oh, Josh would normally explain this, but originally the band was called Mode then when we tried to register it on Myspace, Modestep came up and so we thought let’s roll with that. Limelight: Ok, so you kind of just put the two together and it’s nothing to do with Dubstep then? Matt: That’s the problem because we got pigeon holed so early as a Dubstep band we’re trying to move away from that steadily because we’re not just… I mean you
can’t pigeon hole Modestep because we’ve got so many different sounds and influences in our music and our set. But yeah, we had a lot of hatred from the Dubstep community because there are a lot of elitists and a lot are like, ‘eff this, ‘eff that, you’re not really Dubstep, but we never really said we were. Limelight: What music do you listen to and where do your inspirations come from? Matt: You can’t ask musicians that question. Nick: Yeah, well, being a guitarist I love all my blues, Hendrix, Zeppelin and loads of old music, soul and stuff like that.
“A lot of people are like, you’re not really Dubstep but we never really said we were” Matt
“I was a big fan of Lostprophets when I was a kid and so just wandering backstage with them is pretty cool” Nick
Nick
Nick, but also drumming wise, I take a lot of inspiration from power metal like Pantera and even old school Slayer and Thrash metal. Limelight: If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive - who would it be? Matt: Well, for me, definitely Led Zeppelin. Nick: Rage Against the Machine Limelight: Ok, brilliant. Well, thank you for making the time to see me and I look forward to seeing you perform soon!
Matt: Very similar to
Josh
Tony
Matt LimeLight 25
Olympics Special
Reviews DVD
Exhibition
Endurance
The Vogue Festival 2012 Hordes of fashion enthusiasts stood outside the Royal Geographical Society in London with their high heels and illuminated wristbands waiting for the doors of The Vogue Festival 2012 to swing open. The two day event was said to be the highlight of Fashion 2012, launched to celebrate and showcase this country’s extraordinary fashion talent, during the Olympic year. When the doors opened, crowds of people raced down the broad corridors in their Jimmy Choo stilettos to grab the best seats ahead of shows which would showcase the designs of top British fashion designers such as Stella McCartney. There were lots of things to do at the two day event, such as seeing and hearing from the biggest names in fashion, including designers, models, broadcasters, photographers and journalists. There were also opportunities to take part in a Vogue-style photo-shoot and participate in talks such as Too Young? Too Old? Does Fashion have an Age Limit? I would definitely advise anyone who has got the time to visit the festival next year. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.
Mo Farah Zoe Smith
By Barbara Bielecka
Concert Matt Cardle
My first ever concert and it was BREATHTAKING!!!!! I went to the Hammersmith Apollo to see Matt Cardle in concert as I had previously interviewed him. The atmosphere was tremendous and the crowd was singing with appetite. Matt began the concert with The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face. The song got everyone started and they never finished party rocking it up until after the last song, his debut single, Run For Your Life. At the end of the concert Matt broke down in tears of sheer delight as he finished his first tour with a bang. All I’ve got to say is, well done, Matt. By Peter Bint
Live
Modestep
Endurance is a documentary styled film following the ‘greatest distance runner of all time’ and his determination to win Olympic gold in the 10,000 metres at the 1996 Atlanta Games. The inspirational film follows the life of Haile Gebrselassie as he takes us through his amazing life story of growing up as one of ten children in Ethiopia, where he used to run 10 kilometres to school and back each day. This film reminded me that nothing is impossible. Haile had very little while growing up in a rural area of Africa. With him gaining so much and rising so far, I began to wonder how much we can achieve if we put our minds to whatever we want. Endurance first came out in 1999, but has just been re-released (July 9) in the UK on DVD. I would recommend this film to anybody and so be sure to get hold of a copy. By Chantelle Phinda
Upcoming band Modestep started the Lostprophets show at the Guildhall in Southampton, with bags of energy. The crowd jumped around to their melodic combination of bass, electro and slick guitar playing. By the end of their 20 minute long set some of the elitist Lostprophets fans were won over, but it was clear that not all had enjoyed the contrasting support act. Having been a long-time fan of Lostprophets I expected a lot from the band and thankfully they lived up to my expectations. Frontman Ian Watkins paraded the stage in a laser beaming jacket which was complimented by his excellent vocals. Few people sang along to the newer songs. Then they belted out Rooftops which got fans in the mood. Towards the end of their set I found myself dancing and singing in the corner like a crazy person. Anything that can make me react in that way is certainly something great. By Jennie May Thompson 26 LimeLight
LONDON 2012 – THE ONES TO WATCH Wow! Did you ever think you’d see an 18-year-old lift 116kg? Well, I didn’t. Zoe Smith broke her personal best at the European Weightlifting Championships in Turkey, leaving her one step away from London 2012. In October 2010, Zoe won a bronze medal in the women’s 58kg division at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India. This was her first senior international competition and she became the first English woman to win a Commonwealth Games weightlifting medal. Good luck, Zoe.
Dai Greene David ‘Dai’ Greene is a Welsh hurdler who specialises in the 400m hurdles event and competes internationally for both Wales and Great Britain. Dai is hoping to win gold at London 2012, which would be amazing for us as well as him!
Mo Farah is an Olympic legend, no doubt about that. After getting gold in the 5000m during the 2011 World Championships, Mo is looking to win gold in the 5000m at London 2012. After setting the fastest time in the world, Mo is set to demolish the competition at the Olympics. Good luck, Mo.
Lawrence Okoye Croydon-born Lawrence began training full-time in the discus in September 2010, after a promising career as a junior rugby union player. That year he came sixth in the World Junior Championships in Athletics and then in July 2011 he won gold in the U23 Championships. We wish Lawrence the best of luck.
Tom Daley Tom Daley became Britain’s first individual diving World Champion in 2009 at 15. In 2010, he put two golds on his belt at the Commonwealth Games. He also won the synchronized dive with his partner Peter Waterfield in the 2011 British Championships. If Tom wins gold in the 2012 Olympics, then that’s four wins in a row and a big achievement for such a young man. Good luck Tom.
By Peter Bint 27
Advertorial
? ng ni ai Tr or nt me oy pl Em n, io not in Educat Get ready to move on in your life with support from BELS! Picture includes The Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Eddy Arram, Councillor Simon Hoar, Andy Gillman OBE (Ministry of Defence), Carl Parker (Croydon Council), Jason Pemberton-Billing, Dean of University Centre Croydon
Students Stand Against Hate Crime S
tudents of University Centre Croydon are working with Croydon Council and the Ministry of Defence to raise awareness of hate crime as part of their UNICEF Pledge Award. Carl Parker from the Safer Croydon Partnership Unit is working with Performing Arts and Access to Higher Education students to raise awareness of hate crime by sharing their experiences. These experiences will be used as a stimuli to produce a play which will be performed by the Performing Arts students in the Whitgift Centre, Croydon. Foundation for Access student, Jackie Hormby, is very passionate about the project. “As Croydon College is the first Rights Respecting College in the UK, we have been volunteering our time to continue to raise hate crime awareness. This project is encouraging us to become more confident, self-aware and to take responsibility for our own learning. It is also inspiring us to develop our potential as responsible citizens within the workplace, the community and society. This is a successful opportunity that is really taking off.” Parker said the students are always very keen to work towards this awareness project. “I have been working with
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University Centre students for two years now and the students I work with are very engaging and the response is much greater this year. It is very encouraging that students are able to speak up about dealing with difficult situations and find ways of working together.” Access Lecturer, Kathleen Hawke, is also thrilled with the students input. “The students have been amazing so far! They have gained confidence and have been able to showcase their work around the area, in places like the Town Hall.” On Thursday 24 May, the Worshipful Mayor of Croydon, Eddy Arram, presented the students with certificates for their outstanding contributions towards raising hate crime awareness within the Croydon Community and improving their employability skills. Croydon Higher Education College has received approval to use the company title, University Centre Croydon. This highlights the success of the College in delivering university qualifications validated by The University of Sussex. Croydon College is one of the largest providers of Further and Higher Education courses in the South East. It offers more than 350 qualifications. For more information please contact: 020 8760 5914 or go to croydon.ac.uk
y l d n e i fr r u o l Cal team on
6 2 7 8 020
0700
email:info@bels.org.uk
3rd Floor, Surrey House, Scarbrook Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 1SQ
Viewpoint
DON’T GIVE UP Shaun Marcelle
age: 22 status: partner, Danielle and two kids, Marni, 6, Leon, 8 months current position: Managing Director of Modern Dads’ Magazine. The first issue will be out later this year. future plans: Within five years I want the magazine to go global and be doing extremely well, with a dedicated team working on it, plus a steady number of readers and advertisers. I also want to get married to my lady and have a deposit for a house with a garden, so that the kids can go nuts in it!
I
f you’re going through difficulties it’s important to remember that you have the capability to overcome them because life only throws at you what you can handle. As a young person myself, I can truly understand some of the things you go through. I left school in 2005. I wasn’t the brightest spark, but I had some knowledge of the world. Outside of school, I had a lot of issues going on as my parents kicked me out of their home for being aggressive and short-tempered and I ended up in foster care. When I was meant to be doing my GCSEs I was sitting in a police cell twiddling my thumbs, because I thought it would be fun to get into a fight on a bus and then steal the mobile from the person I was fighting. At the time I thought I was a ‘bad man’, but looking back, I realise that my behaviour was stupid and immature. I made decisions that made it easier for employers to say
no. Would you say yes to two GCSEs and a criminal record? Like me, you have good days and bad days, but now and again you have to step back and look at your situation and be grateful for the things you do have, especially your parents or carers. Yes, it can feel like they’re always on your case, but trust me, they only want the best for you. It wasn’t until achieving. I became a parent that I realised how much time and effort it takes to bring Confidence can get you very far in life, so be confident. I reup children! member the Your surroundings can make you “I made decisions that times when see the world in a whole different I had no context. If everyone around you is made it easier for constantly negative then what else employers to say no. confidence in myself. are you supposed to think? There When I was a time in my life when I hated Would you say yes everything – the police, my family, to two GCSEs and a changed the way that school and life. I thought because criminal record?” I thought my teachers and family were telling about me I wouldn’t get anywhere in life myself, I grew in confidence and the that this was true. It’s important to world starting changing around me. use other people’s negativity to drive I’m not saying that things will happen you towards your goals - be hungry, overnight, but having the confidence be passionate and believe you can succeed at what you really want to do, to step outside your comfort zone can put you on the path to where you whether you want to be a doctor or “Successful people want to go in life. Be your own a rapper. Being achieve their goals motivator, push yourself to be the at what you have an interangry or combecause they visu- best est in, analyse people who have plaining about their negativity alise the outcome of got to where you want to be and or the way they what they want to adopt some of the behaviours that resulted in the success they see you isn’t going to change them. achieve, long before enjoy today. Finally, it’s important to inject Your mind and they see it” the same effort and focus you energy will be put into playing Battlefield or makbetter spent visualising what you ing sure your hair looks good, into want and how you’re going to get it. getting an education and building a One of the reasons why successful people achieve their goals is because career – trust me, it will be worth it! they visualise the outcome of what they want to achieve long before they see it. If you have an idea or a plan, be prepared for people around you to tell you that it’s not a good idea, that you should give up or try something else. Most of the time they only have this opinion because they don’t have the confidence to take a risk to better Shaun is available for motivational themselves. Do you think Bill Gates, talks in schools, pupil referral units the billionaire Microsoft founder and foster care homes. To contact him looks back and regrets following his email: shaunmarcelle@googlemail.com own heart and mind? Only you know what you are capable of Thank you to BELS for putting me in contact with LimeLight
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Winner
Part of the Jancett Group – of Best SME Business at Sutton Business Awards 2012
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