ISSUE 6
SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE
AUTUMN 2010
Fighting fatigue
IKEA design Open for business
CONTENTS
3.
Black history
4 .
Fighting fatigue
6.
Kitchen Designs
8.
New business
10.
Bright sparks
12.
Football focus
14.
News round
16.
Solent people
18.
Spitfire commemorated
19.
New appointments
Welcome In the opening pages of Oliver Twist, Charles Dickens writes of the, ‘…experimental philosopher who had a great theory about a horse being able to live without eating and who demonstrated it so well that he got his own horse down to a straw a day, and would most unquestionably have rendered him a very spirited and rampacious animal upon nothing at all, if he hadn’t died…’ This edition of ISSUE coincides with the publication of Lord Browne’s report on the future funding of the higher education sector, and the recent announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the outcomes of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR). The 40% reduction in funding announced in the CSR, means that the public contribution to the funding of universities will be greatly reduced or even entirely removed from many courses, and to an extent not found anywhere else in the global industrial economy. A major reduction in the unit of higher education funding in Britain effectively began in the early 1990s as participation rates began to rise to the levels of other comparable developed countries. Today, universities currently receive some £3000 less per student than they did 20 years ago. Without the fee contribution made by students since 1998, the gap would have been even wider. Now the proposal is to make students, and not the state, carry the major share of the necessary investment. For our part, we strongly believe that all who have the ability to benefit from higher education should have the opportunity to do so, and entry to our universities should not be governed by an individual’s ability to pay. And that is the essential test which we shall apply to the emerging new funding regime.
HOW TO CONTACT US: Send your news, views, queries and comments to: the Press and PR Officer, Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton SO14 0RB T. 023 8031 9040 E. press.office@solent.ac.uk
Designed and published by: Southampton Solent University’s Marketing and Communications Service. Printed by: Cedar Press.
At a time, therefore, when some in Britain are openly questioning the role of universities, their cost and even the value of a degree, I hope you will share my pleasure in reading about the many and significant ways that our students and staff contribute, not simply to the economy, but to the general good of the larger society in which they study and work.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Van Gore
?????? | ISSUE 6
Black Icons A pioneering nurse of the Crimean War, a revered statesman who led the struggle to end South Africa’s apartheid regime, and the US President are just a few of the iconic figures being celebrated through a stunning exhibition of illustrations at Southampton Solent University. As part of the city’s Black History Month, former BA (Hons) Illustration students, Edward Brown and Ryan Gillett, teamed up with members of Southampton’s black community to produce the exhibition, inspired by Black History Month 2009. The illustrations celebrate black people of significance throughout history including Mary Seacole, Martin Luther King and Oprah Winfrey. Black History Month organiser, Don John, said: “The Black Icons exhibition is an example of successful collaboration between Southampton Solent University and the city’s black communities. “These works have contributed substantially
to the aims and objectives of Black History Month and have established a foundation for further work in the future.”
Terrace until Saturday 8 January 2011. Admission to the exhibition is free of charge.
The images have already been used for magazine covers, editorial pieces and large-scale digital backdrops at a musical performance. Peter Lloyd, BA (Hons) Illustration course leader, said: “Black Icons demonstrates the virtuosity and ingenuity of our students and the illustration medium. Ryan Gillett and Edward Brown have produced a fantastic body of work.” Black Icons will run at Southampton Solent University’s Concourse Gallery, East Park Autumn 2010 | 3
ISSUE 6 | ??????
‌ There are increasing concerns over human safety, environmental damage and commercial loss due to watch officer fatigue ‌
4 | Autumn 2010
RESEARCH | ISSUE 6
Project Horizon It’s one of the world’s most pressing maritime safety issues and now ground-breaking research being conducted at Solent University’s Warsash Maritime Academy is due to lift the lid on some of the key questions surrounding the causes and effects of seafarer fatigue. University. He explained: “There are increasing concerns over human safety, environmental damage and commercial loss due to watch officer fatigue, with the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch citing it as a significant cause of collisions and groundings. But very little is known about how watch patterns – for instance, six hours on, six off and four on – influence performance. “By placing experienced deck and engine room watchkeepers in our simulators, we can see the effect of different watchkeeping patterns on levels of fatigue in European waters over a seven-day, 24 hour period at sea and in port.
Maritime regulators, ship owners and trade unions all have a stake in the findings, which will be the first to focus specifically on officers’ watch patterns. Although research has been carried out on tiredness and performance in other industries – including aviation and road transport – far less focus has been levied at the commercial shipping industry, where seafarer fatigue can have huge consequences on the health of officers, passenger safety, commercial loss and the marine environment. The €3.78 m two and a half-year Project Horizon – funded by the EU and supported by leading companies and regulatory bodies – sees Warsash Maritime Academy working alongside Sweden’s Göteberg Chalmers University of Technology to measure the effects of fatigue during simulator tests on seafaring volunteers.
During the tests, volunteers take part in simulated seagoing and port-based operations on bridge, engine and liquid cargo handling simulators, while researchers measure brain activity to evaluate the impact that fatigue has on the decisionmaking and performance – including concentration and judgement. The data will be assessed at the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University, with the ultimate objective being to develop a fatigue management toolkit and to make recommendations to shipping companies and seafarers on improving work patterns. Serving deck officers and engine room watchkeeping officers, involved with handling oil cargoes and watchkeeping on tankers, have been signing up to the project from all over the UK for eight-day stints, where they re-enact voyage scenarios in the simulators. One volunteer said: “It’s surprisingly realistic and interesting to think about how tiredness can affect various cognitive tasks.” Former ships’ officer, Professor Mike Barnett, heads up the project for Solent
“We’re very hopeful that the study will provide some scientific basis for fatigue prevention programmes, which is absolutely vital for the shipping industry.”
Partners in the project European Community Shipowners’ Associations; Netherlands-based European Harbour Masters Committee; Intertanko; Charles Taylor & Co (Standard P&I Club); Bureau Veritas; UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Maritime and Coastguard Agency; European Transport Workers’ Federation represented by the Anglo-Dutch maritime trade union, Nautilus International.
Autumn 2010 | 5
ISSUE 6 | ??????
Designs on
IKEA
They are stunning images worthy of a spread in a high fashion magazine – but look closely and you can see straws, bowls and spoons adorning the faces styled and photographed by Solent students, Kimberly Langstone and Lauren Glenis. The BA (Hons) Fashion with Photography students scooped first prize in a competition sponsored by industry style icons, IKEA, for students at Solent, as well as China’s Shanghai University of Engineering Science. The competition was launched for the two universities following a similar event last year. In 2009, Solent University hosted a summer school for Shanghai students, exploring the impact of culture and influence on design, fashion and lifestyle. IKEA – which has worked with Solent University design students before – was delighted to launch a new competition, exploring its theme, ‘Honest kitchens for real life’. The stunning Art and Design student images and designs have been exhibited in Solent’s concourse gallery, and are to be displayed at the IKEA store in Southampton, as well as at the Shanghai University of Engineering Science. IKEA’s Hannah Pringle was among the judges. She said: “The students’ images showed huge imagination, which made them great fun to judge. 6 | Autumn 2010
“The standard of work was exceptional, demonstrating both creativity and innovation. Kimberly and Lauren’s joint photography project really caught our attention. Their breathtaking images would look perfectly at home in the spread of a high fashion or interiors magazine.” Runners-up Daniel Chierighini, BA(Hons) Product Design and Marketing, and Katie Allen, BA (Hons) Illustration, also shone with Daniel’s flat-pack table design – Social Island – demonstrating a spacesaving solution to a real-life situation. Mark Jones, Southampton Solent University’s Academic Leader, External Development for the University’s School of Design, said: “Exposure to projects like this helps to develop students’ creativity and prepare them for working in industry. “It has also been interesting working with students from China studying similar design courses. It has given our students a real insight into their culture.”
?????? | ISSUE 6 This page: First prize images by Kimberly Langstone and Lauren Glenis Top Left: Runner up, Daniel Chierighini’s ‘Social Island’ Middle: Katie Allen’s third prize illustration Bottom: image by Kimberly Langstone and Lauren Glenis
… The standard of work was exceptional, demonstrating both creativity and innovation …
Autumn 2010 | 7
Open for Business As 30 new businesses can testify, Solent University is a springboard for innovative entrepreneurs. Now, two new courses will help even more students to succeed in flying their ideas and creating their own companies. Business School director Dr Simon Brown and Enterprise Manager Stephen Brown are experienced practitioners whose unwavering and enthusiastic support has helped students set up their own businesses in areas ranging from tree surgery to web design. With the University’s focus sharply on ensuring that students get the best possible chance to succeed in the workplace, the Business School is set on turning entrepreneurial ideas into action. 8 | Autumn 2010
“The new units – Capability for Innovation and Plan to Succeed – are part of an ongoing programme which tests different business models to devise the best ways to nurture entrepreneurs. Mentors from the local business community, work placements and curriculum sessions are used in the most effective ways,” explained Simon. “Of the 68 companies which were set up over a two-year period, at least 30 are still trading, which is an impressive
success rate. Most of these businesses remain in Southampton; that’s great for the local economy.” In the past few months, Simon and Stephen have identified around a dozen more potential businesses from Solent students, including iPhone apps, fashion design and practical aids for the equine industry. “These students are demonstrating innovative solutions to everyday life.
Many are already innovative and creative, with a good understanding of communications and managed risks. Our role is to develop their confidence and channel them into business. “We’re also providing opportunities in the social enterprise sector, which will grow and provide alternative approaches to local problems,’’ added Simon.
… These students are demonstrating innovative solutions to everyday life …
Dragon’ s Den star inspires students Dragon’s Den star and Yo! Sushi founder, Simon Woodroffe, gave a rare insight into his business acumen as he launched the University’s Solent Sparks Entrepreneurs Student Society. More than 100 business-minded students and staff heard how Simon made his fortune promoting rock groups and sushi bars in the UK and the USA. His business portfolio now includes hotels, radio, property, merchandising and spas. He said: “A big part of building a successful business is finding out what you’re good at and being passionate about it. When you’re obsessed, you’re in the zone. “It’s not hard to make money, but it can be hard to make the sacrifices needed to run a successful business. You have to be willing to step out of your comfort zone and take risks.”
Solent Sparks Entrepreneurs Student Society president, James Headspeath, said: “Simon was incredibly inspiring and motivating and he was full of advice for future entrepreneurs.”
Business minded student entrepreneurs with Simon Brown, Director of the University’s Business School (L- R James Headspeath, Dean-Demi Jagger, Simon Brown and Gemi Giwa Autumn 2010 | 9
ISSUE 6 | ??????
… I developed confidence, professionalism and communication skills …
Many employers will know that Solent students are bright, and for those taking up internships, it’s full beam ahead as they notch up their credentials. We put some of them under the spotlight. Sarah Murray – One year paid Sports, Tourism and Languages Enterprise Centre internship, with MA, Solent University. During her internship, Sarah organised events, conferences and international visits. She said: “I developed confidence, professionalism and communication skills. Afterwards, I landed a job as Account Executive with PR and Marketing Communications agency, MCC International, which is at the forefront of setting the IT and science agenda.” Jack Lam – One-year paid Business Information internship, Solent University. During his internship, Jack’s data analysis helped to inform key marketing decisions. He said: “I sharpened my analytical skills and landed a job as a test engineer for a 10 | Autumn 2010
small software house, as well as studying for an MA in Business Information Technology.” Mel Lewis - One-year paid Alumni Relationship Management Intern, with MA, Solent University. Mel was keen to stay in the region after graduating, where her career ambitions knew no bounds. Through her internship, she developed the University’s alumni database and social media sites and produced broadcast and print copy for its website and publications. She said: “I was able to make the role very much my own. During graduation week, I interviewed one of my radio idols Scott Mills. I’m now a Sports Producer for BBC
Sussex, making quick on-air decisions and judgements about radio content. The internship, and MA, gave me a grounding in the kind of juggling skills needed to succeed in broadcast. Michelle Chai - Second-year BA (Hons) Writing Fashion and Culture, spent her summer gaining valuable insights into the fashion industry. Michelle’s enviable internship at more! was the result of a determination to get her foot in the door. She said: “At more! I got to put some looks together in my first fashion shoot and help select the final images for the magazine. If you really want to succeed, you have to work hard.” Bright Sparks (L- R J Sarah Murray, Mel Lewis, Jack Lam, Michelle Chai
?????? | ISSUE 6
Bright
SPARKS
Autumn 2010 | 11
ISSUE 6 | RESEARCH
NEWS IN BRIEF
Abbey Road BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance students headed to the famous Abbey Road Studios for an enviable recording experience, which included working with a 65-piece orchestra. Students Hannah Hurst, Erika Aleksaite and Sander de Vries were selected to work with film music producer Graham Walker and composer Mike Moran to record their work. They were given three days of expert tutorial assistance by TV composer Richard Heacock at the legendary studios in London.
New bridge simulator The University’s Warsash Maritime Academy’s brand new six-bridge simulator is taking training for sea-going navigators to a new level. Fitted with the most up-to-date electronic chart equipment, the simulator is playing a major part in preparing navigators for 2012, when changes in legislation will put an end to paper charts for most ships. It can create some of the most complex and hazardous vessel traffic situations that seafarers are likely to meet. Students will be able to practise the emergency procedures that could avert disaster at sea and develop an awareness that will help them to stay in control of a constantly changing operational environment.
Serious about the business of
football
When it was launched by the former Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe MP, the Lawrie McMenemy Centre for Football Research (LMCFR) represented the crystallisation of the University’s research into and practice of the business, social and scientific aspects of the sport. One year on, it’s been hailed as one of the most important football research centres in the UK, embedding itself firmly within the football industry. Its world-class research has received national and international broadcast, newspaper and magazine coverage. Requests have been received for training and education from around the world and staff have been at the forefront of international conferences. Meanwhile, Solent students, armed with the skills needed to sustain and develop the sport, have been hired by established football clubs, including Southampton, Portsmouth, Brighton, Reading, Birmingham City and Fulham, as well as Spartak Moscow and Klepp Elite. Others are working with the Lithuanian Football Federation and the Premier League, while the number of students on Solent’s industry-standard Certificate in Professional Football Management and Administration has trebled. “The intention of the LMCFR was to draw attention to our activities both in the academic and professional communities. We wanted to be the first point of call for football-related education, research and consultancy – and I think we’re well on our way to achieving that,” said LMCFR Director, Dr Richard Elliott. Through the research centre, staff have
12 | Autumn 2010
been able to disseminate research and provide an expert voice for the media. Industry professionals have given guest lectures, offered advice and provided vital links which might not have otherwise existed. For Saints legend, Lawrie McMenemy, it’s vital that the University is taking a lead in the sustainability of the sport at a global level. “It takes great faith to put your name to something. Lawrie has been far more than just a name in terms of his involvement in the Centre, however. He has been extremely proactive, passing on details, facilitating introductions, attending events, and generally raising the profile of our work,” said Dr Elliott. LMCFR high spots: Jonathan Williams, Academy Coordinator at Everton Football Club, joined the Centre. A graduate of the Centre’s Certificate in Professional Football Management and Administration, he has a wealth of experience in youth football administration. Jonathan is solidifying links between the Centre and Everton Football Club, and the broader industry. The LMCFR signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kick4Life, which delivers a health and education initiative for vulnerable children in southern Africa.
Supported by England manager, Fabio Capello, it is Southampton Football Club’s international charity of the year. Kick4Life is working closely with the LMCFR to promote initiatives and evaluate ongoing funding programmes. The LMCFR’s partnership with Reading Football Club saw the employment of four Football Studies students on internships, with one being offered a permanent post as performance analyst for the club’s academy. AFC Bournemouth kicked off their pre-season with fitness testing under the scrutiny of LMCFR board member Dr Stewart Bruce-Low. Manager Eddie Howe said: “We’re lucky to have the use of Solent’s facilities. The testing that is carried out and the state-of-theart facilities are a real help to me and the team.” The Centre hosted a research seminar on ‘Football, Hooliganism and Public Order Policing’, with senior police figures. Dr Elliott wrote for the media about foreign players in the Premier League. He said: “The involvement of foreign players in the Premier League is an issue which continues to bubble beneath the surface of media reporting on the game. Foreign players have become a convenient scapegoat whose involvement can largely act as a distraction, or even an excuse, when England fail to perform in, or worse, qualify for, a major tournament.” Centre member Oscar Mwaanga published research analysing the justifications for using sport as a tool for addressing issues relating to HIV/ Aids. His work appears on the UNsponsored international platform on sport and development. Solent’s Sports Journalists have formed a news team to cover web, audio and video coverage of Team Solent in the Southampton Senior Cup at St Mary’s stadium, under the watchful eye of LMCFR sports journalism expert, John May.
AFC Bournemouth undergo pre-season fitness training at Solent’s Sport Science labs. Autumn 2010 | 13
ISSUE 6 | JOURNALISM
Broadcast
News
Most of his friends were pondering the performance of their favourite Power Ranger when a six- year-old Ricky Boleto was pretending to interview former Prime Minister, John Major, on his fantasy news programme. Now in his twenties, the Solent University Journalism graduate and self-confessed geek is keeping today’s youngsters newssavvy – as presenter of the iconic kids’ current affairs show, Newsround. “It really is my dream job. As a child I was a news geek who preferred Newsround to Neighbours. I ran pretend radio shows in my bedroom, talking randomly about John Major. I didn’t know who he was, but I had heard about him on the news so I thought he was important,” explained Ricky. Through his role on BBC’s Newsround, Ricky is now a pivotal part of a programme with a passionate drive to engage children in current affairs. Recognising and representing young people is close to Ricky’s heart. As part of the broadcast pathway in the last year of his Journalism degree, he spent three weeks working on the BBC’s youth-orientated Liquid News. Soon after, he landed a full-time Channel 5 researcher post where his youth – and consequent flair for new technology and social networking – gave him his first big break. “My boss wanted a youth programme presenter. It was 2006 and social networking was really taking off. Channel 5 wanted someone who was actually using Facebook. I’d been working really hard as a researcher, but it took some faith for my boss to put me on screen. At 21, I was the youngest on-screen presenter they’d ever had,” said Ricky. His talent was spotted by the BBC 14 | Autumn 2010
Newsround team and, following an audition, Ricky was offered his dream job. “I love it. It’s so varied. Sometimes I’m dealing with hard news and other times entertainment, but always to appeal to kids,” said Ricky, whose jobs have ranged from interviewing pop star, Pixie Lott, to going down the sewers in a bid to explain where post-Christmas food fat ends up. “Covering Australia’s bush fires in 2009 was very moving. I talked to kids who had lost relatives, homes and pets in the disaster. More recently, I did a piece about special effects. I was wearing a metal suit and conducting electricity. It looked like lightning bolts were running through my hands.” Ricky hopes he will continue to inspire future news journalists from a very young age – and that Newsround will encourage them to consider studying journalism at University. He chose Solent after going to an open day and “picking up good vibes”. He also got the opportunity to study at Malaga University, Spain, on the university’s Erasmus programme. “Solent offered a solid journalism degree, which gave me opportunities to go out, write reports and edit. The support and equipment – from TV cameras to editing software – is brilliant and being able to do all that stuff gave me a real advantage. I’m proud to be a graduate of Solent University and I’m delighted to be using my journalism skills to get youngsters engaged in the news.”
JOURNALISM | ISSUE 6
NEWS IN BRIEF
Cowes crew The University’s external TV and Film Production centre, Solent Productions, wowed the yachting fraternity with spectacular coverage of the 2010 Cowes Week. A group of 12 students filmed interviews and events on shore and provided coverage of more than 40 races every day, which was broadcast on ITV, BBC, Eurosport and the Cowes Week website. Cowes Week Sales and Marketing Director, Martin Warner, said: “Solent Productions provided us with fantastic support and media content. Daily news release videos and highlights packages brought the event to life for hundreds of thousands of fans across the globe.” Successful Social Work Southampton University is one of only 14 institutions to fully meet national requirements set out by the General Social Care Council (GSCC) and the National Health Service for its social work degree courses. A further 61 institutions met the requirements but were asked to make some improvements, and two were found to be at risk of not meeting requirements. The GSCC hopes the transparent approach to inspection will help drive up standards and enable students to make more informed choices about where to study
Autumn 2010 | 15
ISSUE 6 | SOLENT PEOPLE
Pop art Illustration course leader, Pete Lloyd, swapped a safe job in shipbuilding for art. Now Pete’s work hangs in the halls of the most influential figures in popular culture. He’s exhibited for the ‘Platform for Art’ London Underground poster campaign and he has collections in Hochschule de Kunst, Berlin and the Royal College of Art, London …
Despite this meteoric rise in the art world, Pete insists that, just like his students, he’s still learning … was quite a brave move, but I saw it as a journey; something to strive for. Turning point In 2000 I won a British Airways Travel Scholarship to research and document the famous ‘Day of the Dead’ in Mexico. I was fascinated by folklore and its role in modern society, and my original plan was to visit Korea’s international festival of masks.
Beginnings I left school with no qualifications and started working as a sheet metal worker in the shipbuilding industry in my home city of Liverpool. I’d always been good at drawing and I had a good imagination, but I had never seen art as something you could make a living from. Even so, I was attracted to the lifestyle and eventually I gave up my job and sold my car so I could go to college. I went on to study printmaking at the Royal College of Art, where I won the Augustus Martin Award, which was very encouraging. To leave my safe job for an uncertain future 16 | Autumn 2010
Initially, I was disappointed. The festival had become Americanised – like a commercial Halloween. Instead, I followed a crowd to a packed stadium where I witnessed Lucha Libre (free fighting). It was an explosive cocktail of traditional values, folkloric traditions, mass entertainment and political activism. The wrestlers were muscly men in feather boas, spangly pants and wonderful masks, which the crowd emulated. I decided to create my own iconic wrestlers for print. The flamboyant costumes inspired me to use a vibrant Latin palette and materials such as diamond dust and glitter. And then The prints caught people’s imagination. I went from being a postgraduate art student to ‘artist’. The price of my work doubled overnight. I was taken on by a Bond Street gallery and my work started
appearing on wine bottles. A couture fashion company even used my designs in a range available in Selfridges. Famous customers After a private view, a woman who had been taking photos on behalf of a client told me that David Bowie had just bought one of my prints. Missy Elliot, Holly Johnson and British artist Peter Blake (The Beatles, ‘Sgt Pepper’ album) all have my work. My work still develops In 2006 I was invited to the Frontier Days Rodeo in Cheyenne. I was told to dress in Western style. I kitted myself out like a rhinestone cowboy and everyone else was in white shirts and jeans. Despite that, they were very welcoming and I was transfixed by the event. For the resulting cowboy prints I added digital technology to the usual hand-made processes, which was a first for me. Why I love Solent I started teaching at Solent University on the Illustration course in 2001. It’s a hugely enjoyable experience, which has added another dimension to my life. The students continue to be an inspiration to me. They are creative and surprising. I feel we are all learning together.
SOLENT PEOPLE | ISSUE 6
Managing
extremes
Clockwise, top left : Rob Burton, Professional Kitesurfer, graduate Johana Skyes-Davis, BA(Hons) Extreme Sports Managment student, Lucas Gates
Rob Burton, Principal Lecturer (Events, Outdoor and Tourism Management), explains why extreme sports are big business competition and more about skill development. The performance of tricks with a group of like-minded people is important. Often, extreme sports are associated with high levels of risk; but they also have a strong culture closely associated with ‘street’ fashion and music.
Beginnings I taught sailing, windsurfing and kayaking for a kids’ holiday company whilst I was an undergraduate. I did a master’s in Leisure Management followed by a season as a windsurfing, sailing and waterskiing instructor. I went on to work full time as an outdoor education teacher at a school in Saudi Arabia and while I was there I competed in a sponsored windsurfing series. I still enjoy the ‘speedier’ outdoor adventure activities and I regularly go cross-country and downhill mountain biking, as well as off-piste skiing and high-performance dinghy sailing. Why Solent? I joined Solent University in 1998 to teach on the Maritime Leisure Management degree, the forerunner of the extreme, watersports and outdoors courses. It enabled me to draw on my practical and academic background and gave me the opportunity to develop the Extreme Sports Unit. What’s an extreme sport? Extreme sports grew out of the counter culture movement of the 1960s, with early growth linked to surfing, skateboarding and BMX. Extreme sports tend to be participated in by individuals rather than teams, where the emphasis is less about
And the business bit? Extreme sports have become increasingly commercialised by multinational companies, such as Quicksilver and Red Bull. Some see it as exploitation, but commercialisation also enables extreme sports athletes, such as snowboarders, surfers and skateboarders, to become global superstars and multi-millionaires. People’s tastes and exposure to new sports are becoming increasingly diversified as a result of high-mediaprofile events and extreme sports channels. Individual athletes and organisations are thriving as a result of the public consumption of extreme sports products, such as magazines, clothing, equipment, hardware such as bikes, and boards, and the provision of activities. Developing and understanding these sports and the business entrepreneurial skills needed to manage their growth and development gives graduates a real industry advantage. Good students are … … those with open and enquiring minds, with a genuine interest in outdoor/
extreme/lifestyle sports. Students need to combine and balance the demands of academic studies and research with furthering their practical understanding and skills in activities through their own participation. ‘Work hard; play hard’ is an apt motto for students on the extreme sports course. Real careers for extreme sports management students? Our graduates can start their own business and work within international brands, to provide event organisation and provision. Some will become professional athletes, instructors and coaches. Current students have a range of plans, including setting up a heli skiing company, becoming a professional racing car driver, a sponsored mountain bike dirt jumper and producing extreme sports television programmes.
Autumn 2010 | 17
ISSUE 6 | PUBLIC ?????? ART
Spitfire salute Designed and flown from Southampton, it was one of the most stirring sights during the Battle of Britain 70 years ago – and now the Spitfire is to be commemorated in a piece of public art overlooking the city’s cenotaph. A Solent University-commissioned temporary installation, featuring the legendary fighter plane, is to form a striking image on the north side of the Sir James Matthews Building and overlooking Watts Park – home to the city’s annual Remembrance Day commemorations. The digitally printed installation, entitled ‘360˚ Roll’, shows a Spitfire completing a barrel roll above the Hampshire countryside. ‘360˚ Roll’ was created by artist, Ray Smith, whose work has been at the centre of urban regeneration schemes throughout the UK. His painting of a Spitfire in the stages of a roll – ‘Roto Relief’ – forms part of Southampton City Art Gallery’s permanent collection. The artwork for Solent University celebrates an important moment in Southampton’s history and evokes the dynamism of the plane and the heroism of the pilots in the Battle of Britain. But it also explores the space that the plane 18 | Autumn 2010
makes while performing the roll. Ray Smith said: “The effect is to create a real sense of space above, around and below the plane. It is as if everything has stopped for a fraction of a second, with the aircraft suspended in mid-air rotation. It is a moment of stillness and quiet which gives time for reflection at some distance from its history!” The Spitfire was designed by RJ Mitchell at the Supermarine Aviation works in Woolston and was first flown from Southampton Airport. The celebrated designer is the namesake of one of the University’s buildings, where much of its technology research and lecturing takes place. Spitfire flights, including the infamous dog-fights to out-manoeuvre enemy planes to escape almost certain death, were once a familiar sight across Hampshire’s skies, but the number of local people who can recall those days is gradually dwindling.
Southampton Solent University’s ViceChancellor, Professor Van Gore, said: “This is in all senses a moving image. Ray Smith has created a significant new artwork that pays tribute to one of the region’s most iconic feats of engineering. The Spitfire has a pivotal place in our national and local history. It is important that people remember the sacrifices that were made by a young generation in the pursuit of peace; and it is very fitting that this image will be shared by the University with the city of Southampton.”
Pictured above: Ray Smith’s proposal for the north wall of the Sir James Matthews building, Southampton Solent University.
PROFILE | ISSUE 6
New Appointments
NEWS IN BRIEF
Following the retirements from the University in recent months of Professor John Latham as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, and Dr Keith Johnson as Pro Vice-Chancellor (External Development), three new appointments have been made to the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor. Professor Jane Longmore has been promoted to Deputy Vice-Chancellor from her previous role at the University as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic). Jane will lead on academic matters, and the Strategic Development Programme. Before joining Solent in 2007, she was Head of the School of Humanities at Greenwich University. She has also worked at St Mary’s College (University of Surrey) as Head of Historical, Social and Cultural Studies. She studied history at the University of Oxford, gained a PGCE from the University of Durham and was awarded her Doctorate in 1983 by the University of Reading. Dr Mike Wilkinson joins the University from London South Bank University (LSBU) where he was a Pro Vice-Chancellor. Mike established strategic collaborations with overseas universities during his time at LSBU and he is a visiting professor at the National Academy of Education Administration, Beijing, China. His research interests include leadership in Higher Education and widening participation. He has responsibility for the University’s Faculty of Technology, Warsash Maritime Academy, student recruitment and commercial partnerships.
Mike studied Natural Sciences at Trinity College Cambridge, where he obtained a PhD in synthetic organic chemistry. He worked for Imperial Chemical Industries plc for 21 years in leadership roles in R&D, Marketing, Export & Licensing, Strategic Planning, Logistics and Business Management. Dr Richard Blackwell joins the University from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) where he worked on policy and practice in learning and teaching, and knowledge exchange at national level. He secured funding for 14 strategic projects at regional level, two institutional mergers, three new university centres and four regional lifelong learning networks. He has also worked for the Higher Education Academy and University of Nottingham. He is a trustee of the Society for Research into Higher Education and a member of the editorial board of HE Quarterly. Richard’s role at Solent focuses on advancing skills, strategies and partnerships; fostering social, community engagement; and enhancing student satisfaction and employability.
Ernie’s accolades The University’s eco-float, ‘Ernie’, has been shortlisted for a second national award for helping to spruce up one of Southampton’s student neighbourhoods. After winning the Local Government Chronicle Local award earlier this year, the project has been shortlisted for the Times Higher Education Awards for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’. Ernie and a team of residents and volunteers from the University, Students’ Union, City Council and Central Baptist Church work together to keep the Polygon tidy when students move out of their rented houses at the end of the academic year.
Legend’s UK premiere Following a successful debut at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, a film about a little-known tenth-century Hampshire legend had its UK premiere in Southampton this summer. The mayors of Eastleigh and Southampton joined the cast, crew and civic dignitaries for the premiere at Southampton’s Harbour Lights cinema. Directed by Solent University lecturer, Gela Jenssen, the 15-minute film tells the legend said to be behind the origin of the city of Southampton.
Autumn 2010 | 1 Autumn 2010 | 19
Graduate Jobs South (GJS) ISSUE 6 | ??????
Register for FREE to • Reduce your recruitment advertising outgoings • Recruit highly skilled individuals to grow your business • Complete the recruitment process quickly and efficiently • Reach over 50,000 students and graduates • Promote your company and opportunities
www.graduatejobsouth.co.uk Supported by:
2 | Autumn 2010