Volume 6: Issue 4
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The Newspaper for BME Students & Young Professionals
Pick Me Up, I'm Free!
MAKE SOME
NOISE The Noisettes talk success, their new album and the art of performing.
In this Issue...
INTERVIEW:
Attorney General pledges commitment to diversity and equality in the legal profession. PG14
FASHION:
Behind the scenes of Edinburgh’s student-run charity fashion show. PG17
Also...
More from Clayton Brown in Ghana PG16 Essential advice for getting into Nursing, Mathematics and Teach careers.
Publications for everyone To see the full range of publications and websites visit www.sugarmedia.co.uk
ALSO Ever wanted to get your CV in front of top recruiters? Visit careerresponse.com Need help in Choosing the right course? Visit educationresponse.com
CONTENTS
Did you know...
The blue whale has a heart the size of a small car and its blood vessel is so broad, that a person could swim through it.
PG14
Welcome to the new and improved Network News! Dear readers,
Welcome to the latest issue of Network News, sadly also the last one for this, the 2008 – 2009 term. With all the doom and gloom announced every day in the press, we sought out the Rt Hon Baroness Scotland, also known as the Attorney General and chief legal advisor to the Government and asked her how best to land on your feet when breaking into the legal profession. To read her advice, and if she thinks the UK will soon see a Black Prime Minister, go to page 14. If you’re a regular reader of Network News, then I’m sure you will have already been waiting for the second instalment of Clayton Brown’s diary from Ghana. This time, he looks at the harsh truth: The problems facing children in Ghana and how fast they have to grow up. As you’ve probably spotted, our cover star for this issue is Noisettes lead singer Shingai Shoniwa. Read our interview on page 30 to find out more about where the band came from and Shingai’s past in burlesque dancing. Then as usual, we take a look at all the careers you should be looking into. This issue, we look at Teaching, the places you can use a maths degree and what kind of careers you should consider if you want to work in healthcare. As always, let us know what you think and keep your eyes on the prize.
PG12
Editor Isabel Appio – isabel@sugarmedia.co.uk Editorial Assistant Jonathan Williams – jonathanw@sugarmedia.co.uk
Published by Sugar Media Ltd, Studio 4 Hiltongrove, 14 Southgate Road, London N1 3LY
12 Event
16 Clayton Brown Part Two
Charitable Choices
Clayton Brown experiences firsthand how generations of Ghanaian children are forced to grow up too soon.
We present the Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show.
13 Interview Striking a Pose Behind the Camera We hear from Sarah Saleh, photographer at Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show.
Features
14 Less Talk, More Action
Is there a lack of positive Black role models in the UK? We explore why there are so important.
Careers 17 Teach UK
Wanda Marshall from educate.org.uk tells you what to expect from your first interview and we find out how to pick the right school.
24 Statistical Probabilities A strong foundation in maths can lead to many careers, including ones in accounting and as a statistician. Network News explores why you should consider the latter as a path in life.
26 Nursing you Back to Health Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare team, so discover why they are so valuable.
27 Making it in Midwifery
Tel: 020 7407 7747 Fax: 020 7407 6800 Email: info@sugarmedia.co.uk www.sugarmedia.co.uk
Here’s a bit more about a career that’ll see you touch dozens of lives each month.
Entertainment
© Copyright Blue Noise Associates Ltd
30 Cover2Cover
Cover image courtesy of Universal Music. Please recycle this publication.
Art Editor: Jon-Paul Daly – design@sugarmedia.co.uk Senior Designer: John Blanco – web@sugarmedia.co.uk
Fashion
15 Promoting a Positive Image
Publishers Isabel Appio & Adam Hayes
Business Development Director Darren Waite Senior Sales Executive Gurpreet Kundi, Bridget Rodricks, Jay Dubois & Irene Oke
4-11 UK News 8 Bupesh Jain Column
With Baroness Patricia Scotland the Attorney General of England and Wales, BME students everywhere now know that the sky’s the limit. We talk to her about her journey.
Network News team
Senior Office Manager Marcia Abrahams
PG13
PG26
Noisy Bunch London-based musical threesome Noisettes have been around for a few years now, but with the success of Don’t Upset The Music, they hit the bigtime. We find out what makes them tick.
NetworkNews.co.uk 3
UK NEWS
Quote of month
“The best way for the injuries not to have occurred was for him to stay in his seat and enjoy the show like the rest of the fans.” - Snoop Dogg denying that he struck a fan during a concert.
Birmingham Apprentices get a helping hand People struggling to find work will now get help thanks to a Birmingham-based Apprenticeship scheme. It would be fair to say that current economic conditions are not the most favourable when it comes to graduate recruitment, and many finalists may be wondering what lies in store as they step, degree in hand, into the wide world of employment. Help is at hand, though, in the form of The Graduate Apprentice 2009 – a Birmingham based scheme managed by Birmingham Future, a networking organisation run by and for the young professionals of the city, and in conjunction with Graduate Advantage. Now in its fourth year, The Graduate Apprentice scheme takes one carefully selected graduate and presents them with the opportunity of a lifetime:
a salaried, year-long placement with three different firms in Birmingham, affording the successful candidate priceless workplace experience, access to a huge range of contacts and, crucially, a foot in the door of the professional community, in Europe’s youngest city. Mirroring neatly the wealth of diverse social and cultural opportunities offered by Birmingham, the three 16 week placements are each unique: the first with Deloitte, one of the largest professional services firms in the world, the second with Matthew Boulton College, Birmingham’s oldest but most forward-thinking and highly decorated provider of further education, and the third with VC Consulting, a small and fast-moving business and marketing consultancy firm. As well as the wonders this scheme can work for the CV, and the immeasurable experience which is to be gained, other benefits of being selected as The Graduate Apprentice 2009 include a year’s membership to Birmingham Future, a VIP invitation to the prestigious Birming-
L-R: Mayur Murali, current Graduate Apprentice with 2007’s winner Jason Norris, Graduate Apprentice 2007
ham Young Professional of the Year awards, and a competitive salary (last year’s salary was £18,000 pro rata). Mayur Murali, current Graduate Apprentice with 2007’s winner Jason Norris, Graduate Apprentice 2007, said: “I applied for the role as the Graduate Apprentice as I was unsure of where my career was heading
as I graduated. I was hesitant to accept a role I was unsure about, so instead I opted for the opportunity to learn more about three separate types of business and then make an informed decision on which suited me best. “It opened doors to opportunities I never knew existed and made my CV stand out from all my peers. I could not recommend
applying to become the Graduate Apprentice more highly.” So if you are tired of reading about nationwide redundancies and limited graduate opportunities, this could be the breath of fresh air you have been seeking. To become Birmingham’s next Graduate Apprentice, visit www. thegraduateapprentice.co.uk and register your interest.
News Briefs Oxford denies £11,000 fee target Oxford University strongly denied claims that it was planning to increase its tuition fees to £11,000. A statement said that it was “not Oxford’s position” and that the vice-chancellor had not been pushing for such a dramatic increase. The denial comes after a recent survey of vicechancellors that revealed many of them were eager to see the cap removed from top-up fees, leading to Universities being able to set their own fees. Oxford’s university chancellor, Chris Patten, last year
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attacked the current cap on tuition fees - arguing that middle class parents should be ready to pay higher levels of fees.
Have you got the talent? Students who didn’t get to enter Britain’s Got Talent will now have the chance to make up for this regrettable oversight – by taking part in Uni’s Got Talent. The nationwide talent competition, which is searching for top acts amongst Britain’s universities, will be holding its grand final in the HMV Forum, London in July. Auditions have been held throughout
the UK as campuses uncover the hidden gems amongst their students. Hollyoaks star, Chris Fountain, who is one of the judges, is looking forward to the chanllenge: “After competing in Dancing On Ice, it is great to be a judge for once!” From salsa singing virtuoso, Saudi Suliman Ahmed (University of Nottingham), to the sensational swing dancing society at Sussex University, the word talent has been interpreted by today’s students with some surprising results. To see some of the entrants, go to www.unisgottaelent.com.
Did you know...
The orbit of the Moon about the Earth would fit easily inside the Sun.
Beyoncé joins new girl band Singer guest stars in children’s TV show as a girl band member. As if being in the UK Top 10, having a multimillion selling album, happily married and a poster child for healthy, curvaceous women wasn’t enough, Beyoncé is now also a kids TV star. The former independent woman who last year put a ring on it recently appeared in US TV show Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! playing, what else, but a singer. Knowles, who in recent years has branched out successfully into acting, did the part to dazzle her littlest fan. “I’m finally able to impress my nephew,” she said, adding,
“Shine is a member of the group The Wubb Girlz (pictured above), which I can identify with having grown up in Destiny’s Child. The Wubb Girlz are all about unity – they sing cool harmonies.” The singer also wrote a new song for her character called Sing A Song. To top it all off, the star has just landed on No. 1 at the American Box Office with her latest movie Obsessed, out this summer in the UK.
News Brief
courses have risen by 10%, the Training and Development Agency (TDA) announced. Many of the applications were for science and maths courses, Jump in teaching applications usually an area suffering from a lack of applications. With the recession looming, it seems While this may seem like a steep rise in applications, many are considering a career in teaching there are still plenty of vacancies to compensate for 13/02/2009 10:21 asPositiveActionConcept1.qxp a solution to their job woes. the Page growth.1 Last year alone, vacancies in primary So far this year, applications for teacher training and secondary schools rose by almost a quarter.
Tired of the usual career prospects? Are you looking for a role with real impact? The Charity Commission regulates, advises and – when it has to – investigates the 190,000 charities in England and Wales. From policy development to parliamentary work, legal casework to large charity liaison, our work makes a vital difference to the effectiveness of charities. With a major change programme underway, we need the very best talent and creativity plus staff who reflect the diversity of the sector we regulate. With offices in London, Liverpool, Taunton and Newport we provide excellent career opportunities for those who want to help build public confidence in the charity sector as a whole. Our staff are our strength – we foster an environment in which individual talent can flourish and teamwork is strong. We offer flexible working arrangements, interest-free season ticket loans and good pension benefits. If you are interested in career opportunities in any of our offices please visit www.charitycommission.gov.uk to find out more. It could be just the change you are looking for.
Who’s that girl: On her latest album, she said her name was Sasha Fierce, but in Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! Beyoncé plays a character called Shine.
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UK NEWS
Quote of month
“The reaction has been amazing and everyone’s so supportive. I’ve just received flowers from Melanie C and Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan and Toni Braxton have all sent me good luck gifts.” – Ex-Spice Girl Mel B talks about how the first night of her Las Vegas burlesque show went. Going places: Bournemouth students Christy Hehir, Felix Bello, Caroline Roglianti, Fawaz Khan, Michaela Högström
Music festival returns to celebrate African culture for 17th year running.
Celebrate Africa in the heart of Liverpool
Africa Oyé is the UK’s largest free celebration of African music and culture and takes place annually in Liverpool. With too many negative representations of Africa entrenched in images of war, disease, poverty and famine, Oyé seeks to redress the balance and highlight the fantastic range of cultures, foods, music and artists that make this great continent one of the most vibrant and inspiring in the world. The festival is also a truly international event that harnesses the spirit of multiculturalism and tolerance. It has played host to artists from nations right across Africa and
also programmes music from South America and the Caribbean with Salsa, Soca and Reggae always a popular addition to the festivities. But Africa Oyé is about more than music. Over 40 stalls selling the best food, drink, arts and crafts and fashion from Africa and beyond will again be present at the Oyé village along with long time supporter ‘News From Nowhere’, one of the UK’s premier stockists of African music, with all the performing artists and much more on sale, it’s a great opportunity to not only take in some of the best roots music around, but take some home with you too. For the first time ever Africa Oyé will also have a beer tent in the festival grounds to keep the adults entertained! Sefton Park, Liverpool, Sat 20/Sun 21 Jun, 12.30 – 9.30pm, free, www.africaoye.com
News Briefs Two-year-old has IQ of 156 A toddler from north London has become the youngest member of Mensa, after being tested by a psychologist. Elise Tan Roberts has an IQ of 156 and successfully named 35 capital cities, counted to ten in Spanish and can recite the entire English alphabet, who is only two years and four months old. She is also able to spell her name and read a handful of English words. Her gift was noticed after she corrected a parent of her playgroup, who claimed a toy was a rhinoceros and the
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toddler corrected her that it was in fact a triceratops. At Mensa, Roberts is in good company. The organisation has about 24,000 members in the UK and Ireland and counts presenter Carol Vorderman, whose IQ is 154, DJ and TV presenter Sir Jimmy Savile and inventor Sir Clive Sinclair among its members.
Students fear harsh job markets Over 25% of final year students are considering further studies to avoid facing the job market during a recession.
The study of 16,000 students, conducted by High Fliers Research, revealed that over half of students thought that job prospects for graduates were slim and that a third did not expect to get a job in 2009. In addition to the problems of finding a new job, this years graduates will also be the first to face higher debts, as they graduate having paid up to £3,000 a year in tuition fees. The managing director of High Fliers, Martin Birchall, said that many students were being left “gloomy and frustrated”.
Did you know...
Because of the rotation of earth you can throw a ball farther to the west than to the east.
Fun nie s Funny stories from around the world.
Going places: Bournemouth students Christy Hehir, Felix Bello, Caroline Roglianti, Fawaz Khan, Michaela Högström
Bournemouth students pitch sustainable tourism Students highlight the importance of sustainable fuels and renewable energy in future tourism. A group of Bournemouth University students have presented their ideas for sustainable tourism at a national show in London. The five postgraduate tourism students explained how new technology can support the sustainability of the tourism industry at the Best of Britain and Ireland Show in London. MSc Tourism and Planning students Christy Hehir, Felix Bello, Fawaz Khan, Michaela Högström and Caroline Roglianti submitted a report and presentation entitled ‘Can new technologies help the travel industry to become more sustainable?’ In the report they highlighted how the future use of green technologies, such as natural energy supply and alternative fuels, can make a considerable difference to the sustainability of the tourism industry.
The report was successfully shortlisted and the group were invited to present at the show’s Sustainable Tourism Stage during the seminar session ‘What happens next? Equipping future tourism professionals to keep things green’. The event was organised by the National Tourist Boards of Britain and Ireland and took place on Thursday 26 March in London’s ExCel Centre. Team member Christy Hehir said: “we were pleased that after the hard work collating the presentation, it was positively received. “The day was very successful and it was a great experience to present our ideas in front of an audience made up of other students, media and industry professionals.” Dr Keith Wilkes, Dean of Bournemouth University School of Services Management, said: “This is very exciting news and we congratulate the students. The selection of their report and presentation as one of the top three submitted reaffirms the quality of tourism education and students at BU”.
----------------------------------------------------------Doddery German: A dimwitted German policeman was arrested after robbing a bank without a mask and using his police-issue handgun, only to escape in an unmarked police car. Following his arrest, a colleague commented: “you think how many failed criminal plans he has dealt with over the years you would think he might have known better.” Blind passion: A partially blind, one-armed golfer has hit his first hole-in-one after being injured in an RE-SIZED DIRECTORY AD
1/5/09
explosion in 1992. Alan Perrin, who was injured while on a training exercise with the Royal Marines 18 years ago, said that he started playing golf as it was the “one sport where the rules are the same if you are disabled”. Kindness costs: A German who pulled over to help a heart attack victim was rewarded with a parking ticket upon returning to his car. The 42-yearold said of the parking warden: “She could see what I’d stopped for and I tried to explain it but it didn’t make any difference. I know traffic wardens have a reputation for being miserable and hard-hearted. It looks like it’s true.
14:33
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020 8920 7777 or visit our website
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UK NEWS
Quote of month
“What a cheek.” – A spokesperson’s reaction when she was told they’d just led a Beyoncé double, not the actual star, around the museum in a private tour.
Fight for anti-racism festival
Londoners campaign to resurrect anti-racism music festival following cancellation.
Two Finsbury Park residents are spearheading the charge for the anti-racism music event, Rise Festival, to be resurrected following its cancellation by London Mayor Boris Johnson. A campaign has been launched this week to petition the Mayor to restore the event. Finsbury Park residents Freya Van Lessen and Mike Barnard want the Mayor to rethink his decision, and are calling for supporters to back their campaign by signing an online petition and joining a group on Facebook called “UpRise: Save Rise Festival”. The campaign group intend to present the Mayor with the petition at his office in a bid to save the festival and reinstate the anti-racism message the Mayor removed when he came to office last year, and are hoping performers, local
businesses and community leaders will join the campaign. Campaign organiser Freya said: “Boris Johnson claims the cancellation is due to a lack of sponsorship; it’s widely accepted he would have had that sponsorship if he had not removed the anti-racism message at the heart of Rise Festival and essentially the essence of what made it such a popular cross-cultural event. As our nation’s capital, London should be setting an example to the rest of the country, showing how people of all ethnicities and backgrounds live together. “We want to make Boris aware of the mistake he has made and hope he will listen to the people he is supposed to serve rather than plough on with his own agenda which does not seem to be in the
best interests of those who voted for him. Our message is: bring back Rise Festival and reinstate its anti-racism message.” Campaign spokesperson Mike Barnard said: “The cancellation of Rise Festival is a travesty and removes an important multi-cultural event, which celebrated the contributions of different communities to the capital and promotes excellent community relations while also giving us the opportunity to see leading musical performers for free. “UpRise intends to prove Boris Johnson cannot just dismiss such an important cultural event on London’s calendar so easily. We want this unique event back!” Sign the Save Rise Festival petition today: www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/ save-rise-festival.html
NETWORK NEWS COLUMN
Bupesh Jain
Bupesh Jain is a writer and journalist, who edits www.thelastreel.co.uk
BAFTA, schmafta Awards shows are always full of backslapping and forced happiness. So why does anyone bother to watch them? Bupesh Jain doesn’t understand either. Jesus. I have just had storm out of the living room. Why? Well that collective industry wank-a-thon known as the BAFTA TV Awards. Just thinking about it makes me angry. It is the first time I have sat down to actively watch an awards show since, if memory serves me correctly, 1996 when Jarvis Cocker, then lead singer of Britpop band Pulp, invaded the stage at the Brit
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Awards during Michael Jackson’s performance of “Earth Song”. At that point I knew this was it. Awards shows really had reached their pinnacle. Never again would such shows be broadcast live without a delay or pre-record when the production team can sanitise the feed for the Daily Mail reading minority. So I avoided such shallow self-congratulatory mockeries until now. I don’t quite know why, but I thought: “F**k it. I might as well give it a try.” It was either that or watching the 50 Greatest Award Show Moments on Channel 4. I could only bear an hour of the horror as, one by one, I saw my favourite shows fail to even be nominated, or if they were, lose out to talentless lime munching bioengineered monstrosities that were let loose from the ITV studios. Channel 5, or Five, just rent theirs from CBS.
The last straw really did come when Charlie Brooker’s brilliant Dead Set lost out in the Best Drama Serial category to Criminal Justice. Yeah, I haven’t heard of it either. Dead Set was actually one of the few shows this last year that could go up against anything produced in the USA and either come out on top or, at very least, be on par. For those who do not know, go buy the boxset, I don’t have unlimited space here. I am sure HMV
or Play or something is having a sale. Lazy people! Expecting me to give you a synopsis. Awards shows are also a time for those weird linking intros, when one or two famous faces are wheeled out to announce the nominees and winners. It is always so awkward because they are usually people who have no idea how to read an autocue, and many of them refuse to wear glasses, so they look like twats when they attempt to deliver their lines with something nearing sincerity. They usually fail, badly, which is so cringe-inducing. How hard is it to say something witty or at least nice, then introduce the video: “Hi, it is great to be here. There are some great nominees tonight and here they are.” Cut to video. Done. Wow. How have I not got that job?
Did you know...
The name of all the continents ends with the same letter that they start with.
More diversity in journalism, demands Channel 4 anchor Channel 4 presenter Keme Nzerem believes media is becoming more diverse, as employers realise the value of hiring from every background. There is a growing realisation within the media that diversity is important, Channel 4 and More 4 presenter, Keme Nzerem, said at the launch of social enterprise People with Voices in Shoreditch, London last month. Zerem, who reported on President Obama’s campaign last year, told an
eager audience of aspiring journalists that a diverse pool of talent can have an influence in the production process resulting in improved output. “I think it’s pretty clear that quantatively and qualitatively we get a better news product if we have a diverse workforce,” he said. “Also, increasingly broadcasters and newspapers want a diverse workforce, but there are a million reasons why that’s not happening.” Nzerem said that diversity in news content only happens “as a result of who is making the decisions behind the scenes, the journalists that are actually doing the work”. Since 9/11 the media has faced greater challenges in terms of how they
represent visible minorities, particularly members of the Muslim community. The Channel 4 and More 4 presenter acknowledged that the market is shrinking in the wake of massive jobs cuts and said that in order to be in contention, black journalists have to be better. Nzerem stressed that the single most important factor for journalists is to be aggressive news hounds and source good stories. “Finding stories is what it’s all about. Be fast, be accurate – that’s the kind of bread and butter. But those that do well are people that bring in stories that others don’t. That’s really difficult to do.” Nzerem was speaking at the launch of People with Voices, a social enterprise involved in journalism training and news
HM Treasury is one of the leading departments in government. The department’s aim is to raise the rate of sustainable growth and achieve rising prosperity and a better quality of life, with economic and employment opportunities for all. The Treasury aims to be a world-class finance ministry, which is: • an excellent place to work, where staff can feel proud to work, can develop the right skills and feel valued for their contribution; • expert at delivery, responding swiftly and effectively to Ministers’ changing priorities and to new issues as they arise; and • skilled at working with and through others, winning respect for the quality of its policy making, its integrity, and its ability to deliver.
Lecture: Keme Nzerem addresses the group.
publishing. Deborah Gabriel, founder of the organisation, said: “I am very grateful to Keme for taking the time to come along and deliver a really interesting, practical but entertaining presentation,” adding, “It’s also inspirational for them to learn from a popular and successful journalist like Keme.”
To meet these objectives the Treasury needs highly skilled, talented people from a wide range of backgrounds, committed to achieving excellence. We are committed to fair and open competition and equal opportunities. Applications from under-represented groups are particularly welcome. Further information about the Treasury is available at: www.hm-treasury.gov.uk
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UK NEWS
Did you know...
Every time you sneeze your heart stops a second.
100 days of Obama – The Verdict
Exhibition touches upon asylum issues New exhibition highlights important stories that have touched the Scottish Parliament since in its first ten years.
Newly-elected President Obama has now spent 100 days in power, with people worldwide speaking up to evaluate his achievements so far. Obama, who still enjoys a great amount of support in the US and elsewhere, said that he was “pleased” but “not satisfied” with his achievements so far. Others were quick to point out that he had yet to live up to the promises made regarding human rights. Amnesty International described Obama’s first 100 days on counter-terrorism policies as “promises for change with only limited action”. The assessment comes as the human rights organisation issued a new 31-page report analysing the US Administration’s actions on security and counter-terrorism. Amnesty’s report welcomes a number of positive developments during President Obama’s first 100 days including the issuing of executive orders on Guantánamo’s closure, an end to the CIA programme of long-term secret detentions, and imposing new standards for interrogations - but also highlights serious shortcomings. The US Congress capped Mr Obama’s 100th day in office by approving a $3.4 trillion budget for 2010 - a move the president said would help to move the economy from recession to recovery.
A travelling exhibition exploring ten people’s experiences of interacting with the Scottish Parliament in its first ten years will open at the Scotland Street School Museum, Glasgow, on Monday 27 April. The ‘Moving Stories’ interactive exhibition combines photography and audio-visual material of ten individual’s stories. Two of the stories included are John Muir who submitted a petition to tackle knife crime following the tragic death of his son, and Rebecca Brown who arranged to do her school work placement in the constituency office of her local MSP. Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP who will welcome guests to the launch, said: “The ‘Moving Stories’ travelling exhibi-
tion is an integral part of the programme of engagement focussed activities that the Scottish Parliament is undertaking to mark its tenth anniversary. The collective experiences of those featured in ‘Moving Stories’ illustrate the many different ways in which people have engaged with the Parliament and its Members. Individually, their stories help us to see what the Parliament means to different people, and what motivates Strong-willed: Amal Azzudin, who campaigned people to interact for the rights of asylum seekers at age 15. with us. “During 2009, the campaigned tirelessly to raise exhibition will travel the length awareness of the problems and breadth of Scotland giving facing failed asylum seekers at people the opportunity to see 15. “What the campaign has the many ways in which they achieved more than anything is can become involved with their raising awareness. That was all Parliament.” we could do,” she said. One of the people featured at the exhibition is Amal Azzudin, Scotland Street School Mua Somalian immigrant who now seum; Glasgow; Monday 27th regards herself as Scottish, April – Sunday 17th May rose to prominence when she
News Briefs Youths soon forced to do community service New plans to help get every young person in the country contributing to their communities were recently set out by Prime Minster Gordon Brown. In a move that is being labelled as forced volunteerism, the Government hopes that, in time, all young people will contribute at least 50 hours of community service by the age of 19. The Government will be exploring how best to achieve
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this goal, including how to build on the platform provided by citizenship education, which all young people study through the national curriculum. To this end, Ministers announced a £146 million funding package to deliver immediate steps to help achieve this goal of community service for all. A new programme for 16 to 19 year olds starting this September will see 20,000 school leavers a year undertake full time community service alongside training, as part of an
Entry to Employment course. This will help develop young people’s skills and employability, help them into work, and improve their role in their local community by giving them a voice, sense of personal responsibility and independence. Prime Minister Gordon Brown commented: “It is my ambition to create a country in which there is a clear expectation that all young people will undertake some service to their community, and where community service will become a normal part of growing up.”
Did you know...
If the population of China walked past you in single file, the line would never end because of the rate of reproduction.
Lib Dems call for £7,000 minimum income for students In an effort to grant students across Scotland better cash flow, members of the Scottish Parliament have called for a guaranteed income of £7,000 for everyone at University. Margaret Smith, Liberal Democrat spokesperson on educational issues, called for this move following what they saw as the Government backing away from their promise to alleviate student debt. Smith said further: “Access to education should be based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay.” She added: “Scotland’s students have been let down by an SNP Government who promised to dump
would be made up of contributions from grants, loans as well as parental contributions. The move comes after the Government did not allocate the amount of money originally proposed, opting for a £30m pot to start the transition from loans to grants. The President of NUS Scotland was happy about the debate being started. “While the scrapping of the graduate endowment was welcomed by students across Scotland as a step forward, that change will have little impact on the day-to-day life of students and does nothing to tackle the issue of financial hardship students face while studying,” Gurjit Singh commented.
the debt and instead have dumped them. Their policy of shifting loans to grants will not put a single penny in the pockets of Scotland’s hard pressed students now, when they need it most.” Welcoming the proposals, Vice President of Liberal Youth Scotland Ruaraidh Dobson said: “At a time when one in three students are considering dropping out due to monetary troubles, it is fantastic to see that the Liberal Democrats are offering real solutions in contrast to the SNP’s broken promises.” The minimum income guarantee
President of NUS Scotland: Gurjit Singh
Black people are twice as likely to have an emergency hospital admission for their asthma* Asthma UK can help you take control of your asthma. Discuss your questions and concerns in confidence with an asthma nurse specialist on the Asthma UK Adviceline, through an interpreter if preferred, on 08457 01 02 03. All calls are at local rates. Information is also available on our website in 25 languages, including Yoruba, Igbo and French. Visit: asthma.org.uk/FAQS *In comparison with white people. Registered charity number 802364
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FASHION
CHARITABLE CHOICES Bennett, it’s much more than just a runaway show. Polly, fresh from singing the National Anthem at the Beijing Olympics, is more than passionate about the project: “We should do this, because we’re students. Too many people sit back and say we can’t make a difference.” In a lesson for every Neighbours-watching, work-shy student out there, this year’s committee, headed by the captivating Joni Mackay, a 2nd year Law student, have secured outfits from Daks, Jaeger of London, Nicole Farhi and we can exclusively announce Betty Jackson. This year’s theme, Revolution, is brought to you with the help of 30 models, 15 dancers acting as “silent story tellers” and popcorn girls dressed as drummer boys. The idea is to take
Fashion week in London has come and gone. There’s always some kind of catwalk show on in Italy, but the next big show is Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show, as Rory J. Crew finds out. If you go to Edinburgh on the 21st of March, be sure of a very big surprise. Cutting a swathe through the discarded Greg’s wrappers and Irn Bru cans, the glitterati will descend for the 6th Annual Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show. This year’s show, a collective effort by Edinburgh students, big name designers and national charities, promises to be the most exhilarating yet. Under the direction of their effervescent creative director, Polly
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people on a journey of “revolt against ourselves”, creating the atmosphere only by the choice of clothes. Whatever this means, Jessie, head of women’s fashion, insists it will be a “very exciting show”. Amazingly, it was at least four minutes before someone mentioned the credit crunch. Is there nothing immune from the increasingly tiresome global economic meltdown? The aim of the show is to revolutionise the way we give, although it probably still involves putting your hand in your pocket and breaking into Mum and Dad’s account. Keen to include Edinburgh as a city, ECFS has collaborated with the networking website Artists Springboard, which provides a platform for aspiring Versaces and Gaultiers. Promising to provide the wackier end of the show, some of the outfits resulting from this collaboration include mother of pearl leggings and a Georgian/Moroccan fusion. Think buxom lady eating couscous. Worry not though,
there’s not a 400lb man called Hamish or kilt in sight. Last years Chairman Eliza Ellerby suffered an angioma, a type of blood cluster. In thanks for their support the Cavernoma Alliance is one of the beneficiary charities this year. Fortunately Eliza made a full recovery and is still involved this year passing on her experience. Other charities being supported include Motor Neurone Disease Scotland and Maggies’s cancer centres. The fundraising target this year is £50,000 and to achieve it, organisers have looked beyond the skinflint student population and invited celebrities and other ‘real’ people. This year’s auction includes a day on a yacht, not in Scotland we hope, and celebrity doodle cards. Fantastically, The Kooks have renewed their support, the after show party will see two members of the Brighton based rock outfit performing a set. This wouldn’t be a fashion show without goody bags and we’re assured they will include clothes, gym passes (apparently Scotland does have gyms ever since caber tossing was banned by the EU) and a drink weirdly called Pussy natural energy. No joke needed. All this has been achieved not only by students willing to be interviewed at 10 in the morning, (although who was worse for wear was debateable) but also by students of all disciplines. Rumour has it there was even a bespectacled maths student milling around in the sea of humanities and social sciences majors. Due to time-conflicts no students from the Edinburgh College of Art could take part. But this hasn’t affected the zeal with which these enthusiastic amateurs have attacked such a massive project. Next time you’re complaining about having those two essays to write by next year and how it will affect your plan to watch every episode of Charmed remember what has been done here. Obviously, the non size-zero lady isn’t singing yet, but with so much talent this will be a show to remember and an even harder one to top.
Right: Sarah Saleh. Below: Sarah’s friend
dancing with her dad at her 21st birthday.
STRIKING A POSE BEHIND THE CAMERA Students and fashion seem like a match made in heaven – after all, we have the time to browse the shops and not only find the bargains, but also the next big trend. As a result of this, and also with a charitable aim in mind, the Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show was launched five years ago.
degree reading History of Art and History of Music.
JW: Which one picture are you most proud of? SS: That’s a very tough question! I am most proud We talk to one of the show’s student photographers, Sarah Saleh, of the ones that capture a moment; about her work for the show and how she got into photography. the fleeting and the candid. The one in the article is one of my favourite and then on with me to University. Jonathan Williams: How did you photos, it’s of my friend dancing It’s still my favorite to use. get into photography? Was it with her dad at her 21st birthday. always one of your hobbies? JW: Do you plan on pursuing it Sarah Saleh: I got into photography JW: Who would you most full-time once you graduate? just a few years ago. During revision for like to photograph? SS: I plan on taking a gap year or A-Levels I saw a friend’s black and white SS: My match. two travelling. Then I’d like to take film photographs and loved the way they a couple of other courses, including looked; they had a really different quality JW: How do you relax your subjects? a photography course for a year or to all of the digital stuff that was around. SS: I try to get them to feel less so to get some formal training. Then So I asked him how he did it, and he self-conscious and have a giggle, I’ll see where it goes from there. showed me the basics of a manual camera. and (depending on who the subject I took the old manual SLR, which is) the best way I’ve found of doing JW: What are you currently my Dad had taken all the pictures of that is to do my special dance at studying at Edinburgh? me and my brother as babies with, them and get them to do it too! SS: I am in my final year doing a joint with me over my trips that summer
JW: The model shoot for ECFS involved quite a few faces, was it done over several days or one, very long day? SS: It took two days over a weekend, plus an extra afternoon later on to shoot the few who couldn’t make the original shoot. It was a pretty timeconsuming project for the whole team, particularly in the planning stages but once everything was set up and shooting started the weekend whizzed by. To contact Sarah, email her on smmsaleh@gmail.com.
NetworkNews.co.uk 13
FEATURE Seeing double: Baroness Scotland with her US counterpart Eric Holder.
Less Talk, More Action
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The order went white male, black male, white female, black female. That might have been a totally incorrect perception, but that was the perception then,” recalls Baroness Scotland of when she started at the Bar. Now the foremost legal advisor to the Government as Attorney General of England and Wales, she has successfully fought against these perceptions, looking to help BME students get into law. Born in Dominica in 1955, Baroness Scotland is not only the first woman to hold the topmost post as Government Legal Advisor, but also the first person from an ethnic minority background. To this end, she has continued the work started by prominent campaigners such as Dame Jocelyn Barrow of the Campaign Against Racial Discrimination and recently opened the Minority Lawyers’ Conference at the Law Society. The biennial event, which took place in late April, aims to give legal professionals from all across the UK the chance to meet and exchange ideas, but more importantly, offers BME students the opportunity to meet role models. She praises people’s willingness to attend the biennial event. “So many people gave up their Saturday to come and talk about issues related to diversity,” praising the discussions on creating a truly equal legal profession. Under the theme “Less talk, more action”, the Attorney General was hoping to inspire those young students that anything they set their mind to was possible,
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Breaking into the legal profession is still considered a challenge. But with Baroness Patricia Scotland the Attorney General of England and Wales, BME students everywhere now know that the sky’s the limit. A few days after the Attorney General opened a leading network event for BME lawyers and barristers, she talks to Jonathan Williams about the changing face of the legal profession and what it takes to succeed. as long as they worked hard. Remembering the beginning of her career, Baroness Scotland remembers a less positive outlook. “When I came to the Bar, someone was telling me ‘The Bar is dead’. There was no future and certainly there was no future for someone who was black or female.” She is quick to add that this is in no way meant to belittle the battles students face today, but that being successful in the legal profession will always be a question of “resilience and courage and determination”. Nonetheless, the world has changed in the last 30 years, with women now making up 45% of Crown Prosecution Service’s senior prosecutors. This is not to say that the battle is won. “History will ultimately judge us on our actions, not on our intentions. At the end of the first decade of the 21st Century is the right time to ask ourselves whether the steps we have taken and have been taking are actually having an impact.” However, promoting the legal profes-
sion to the BME community is not the only issue. The Baroness adds that the continued survival of the Bar relies on “the maintenance of commercial excellence and therefore we just can’t afford to exclude or discourage anyone who has the ability.” Keeping in mind the determination needed to succeed, Baroness Scotland is also positive that it is only a matter of time before this drive propels a black MP into 10 Downing Street. “We are living in an age where anything is possible with hard work. So when people ask if we’ll see a black prime minister in our lifetime, I say: why not?”
“
When I came to the Bar, someone was telling me there was no future for someone who was Black or female.”
More advice on how to succeed: Question: What would be your advice to minority graduates/young professionals who are pursuing a career in the legal profession? Answer: • Work hard. • Nothing worth achieving is easy. • Never let anybody else’s issues hold you back/ become your burden. • Don’t be afraid to believe in yourself, your dreams/talents. Q. What would you say were the four key qualities you had or still have which helped you to succeed in a career in Law? A: • Passion • Courage • Strength • Resilience Q: Any final advice: A: I would recommend every single law student to get involved with a law clinic at university. And if their university hasn’t got one I recommended that they go and make one. Most universities that have done this have seen that those who participate in law clinics do about 25% better than anybody else.
Left: AG Baroness Scotland. Right: Mrs Justice Dobbs DBE. Images ©Seltzer Cole 2009
FEATURE
Did You Know...
Honey is the only food consumed by humans that doesn’t go off.
Awarding Work: Former Brent Mayor Cllr Bertha Joseph, aided by her son and consort, presents Ms Serwah (centre) with a certificate for her community work in 2007. Right: Apprentice winner, Tim Campbell.
Promoting a positive image Black Role models can be found in abundance. There is Barack Obama, Martin Luther King and depending on your political leaning, Colin Powell. Most people would not have a problem coming up with quite a few more if pressed, but as the NARM Project argues, many would find it harder to name several Black British role models. Ms Serwah from NARM tells us why role models are so important, especially today.
B
rent-based, pan-London voluntary organisation BTWSC is working on the NARM project. The project highlights British male role models of African descent from 1907 to 2007, and rebuts the suggestion that there are not enough positive male role models of African descent, and hence under-achievement and the so-called Black on Black crime. NARM, which is funded by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, will produce free resources on role models including a DVD and booklet, a photographic exhibition at Brent Museum, and a microsite. By highlighting British male role models of African descent in various fields and disciplines, not just entertainment and sports, NARM will show that one does not always have to look to America for role models. The public was invited to nominate role models. For the purposes of NARM, the reason for the nomination had to relate to an achievement that was at least 10 years old. BTWSC also had research sessions in schools, where young people contributed to the project and gave their views on role models. A number mentioned family members as role models, others referred to teachers. They agreed that a role model was somebody who positively inspired you. The role models identified for the NARM
project include Leary Constantine, the legendary cricketer who won a landmark colour bar case in the 1940s; Professor Geoff Palmer, who was assessed as educationally sub normal, yet, became a renowned scientist; Tony Wade, of Dyke and Dryden, who, in spite of racist obstacles, set up a prosperous business and made a million at a very difficult time for black business; Sir William Atkinson who turned around a failing inner city school; Carl Palmer, who in the 1960s with two brother set up the business now known as Jet Star, which is the biggest distributor of reggae music; Alexander Amosu, who pioneered the urban music ringtone business; Paul Boateng, the first African cabinet minister; Bernie Grant, the community activist and MP; Superintendent Leroy Logan, who despite his busy schedule, gives back to the community; Rev Carver Anderson of Bringing Hope ministries, who provides support in Birmingham; Ekow Eshun, the first African editor of a mainstream men’s magazine; and a number of unsung heroes. Tim Campbell, the first winner of The Apprentice, is reported to have said that role models are a small aspect of addressing some of the issues, particularly with black boys in the community, and that he’d rather spend a lot more resources opening up educational, business and economic opportunities. We agree that positive role models alone will not solve the
problem of low aspirations or youth crime, and that a holistic approach, including strong families is needed. It is, however, important to have role models, to inspire us. NARM is aware that ideally, parents should be the primary role models for their children. Sadly, society seems to be overlooking the crucial role of parents and families in providing positive roles, and often focuses on role models outside young people’s immediate environment. In addition, the media seems to sometimes confuse role models with celebrities. Although the home and family should provide role models, role models from outside our environment are important because they can inspire us to aim for goals and achieve ambitions which we think are beyond us. As the Guardian journalist Gary Younge put it, “role models work when they help us imagine bridges to a better future”. For example, a child might come from a family of unemployed parents and think that becoming an architect is beyond him. However, reading about an architect from a similar background to his, may inspire and encourage him to embark on his journey to become an architect. For this reason, it important to present positive role models from a variety of backgrounds. However, the role of positive role models within the family cannot be over stated.
NetworkNews.co.uk 15
FEATURE
Did you know...
The Earth weighs 6,500 million million million tons.
Clayton Brown Part 2 Clayton Brown experiences firsthand how generations of Ghanaian children are forced to grow up too soon – with poverty thrusting them into life at a young age.
T
he Ghanaian air stinks of poverty causing you to choke with sadness. In the gutterfilled streets children and young teenagers can be seen working tirelessly in the scorching 30 degree heat. As they carry rectangular boxes or heavy bowls on their heads containing just about anything that can be placed inside and sold – sachets of water, bread, fan-ice-cream (made out of milk powder), toothpaste – their faces express all the suffering, pain and deep depression endured. We in Britain would call it child abuse, but here in Ghana it is called “necessary”. These children and young teenagers have no choice but to sell, sell and keep selling, both in the day and dead of night. Too many parents have no choice but to insist that (as soon as possible) their offspring contribute towards (in every sense of the word) the upkeep of the ramshackle household. For these unfortunates: Innocence and Education has been taken away, robbed, stolen! I know that many of you were hoping that I would answer some of the questions that you may have thought of since my last article. But to concentrate on my own
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experience or the problems that I am facing as a volunteer here in West Africa or Ghana will shorten the story that I have already begun to express. Rather, if I do not highlight various truths, I cannot help those that I have come to passionately care about – the Ghanaian children and young people or teenagers. From the on start I must state that I am not apportioning blame (as I am still not knowledgeable about all aspects of Ghanaian culture). Simply, I am giving you my observations. With that said, I warn you in advance that this continuation of a combination of issues does not make for pleasant reading. At the crack of dawn or around 5am children must wake up in order to fetch water from the distant boreholes or wells. Imagine yourself carrying a bucket containing 20 litres of water on your head. I have tried it and, my god, is it hard work! Then they must clean or sweep the yard before getting ready for school. Actually, that is not exactly true. Many do not even attend school, given their workload. And, if they do, usually it is in the afternoon, so that their hungry bellies can be fed with the free lunch that is provided by the government – a single dish that contains no vitamins or
“
These children and young teenagers have no choice but to sell, sell and keep selling.” even protein – plain boiled rice. Suffice to say, illiteracy is rife and a child aged 13 can often be observed learning in a classroom that is filled with eight year olds. In the eastern region of Ghana, where I stay, too many children and young teenagers can be seen behaving in an adult manner – the stresses and strains of life is all that they can think of. For example: “Will I be fed when I get home after school?” “What can I myself do to get shoes that will protect my feet from the gravel-filled dirt roads?” “Please God, let me not have to work tonight!” Other children do not attend school as they are sold to richer families and in order to work – Child Labour! And, in some cases, this is where abuse occurs. Simply, there is no one to protect them from the evil atrocities that one continually hears about – physical or sexual abuse and even rape,
which again is under-reported. It is a truism that many of these children and even teenagers do not know their HIV status because many adults do not want to pursue or even report the above incidences. Admittedly, Ghana is a relatively peaceful country compared to other African countries and does not suffer from huge tribalism wars but this is simply relative. Or, Ghana is still beset with problems that we in the UK have long since addressed. Even so, I do believe that many of these problems can be solved. Thank God that there is a solution! It makes no sense to continually pump money into Ghana - although too many volunteers and/or organisations do so in order to feel philanthropic, whilst either ignoring the real problems of Ghana or taking the time to understand them. What Ghana needs is an ‘exchange of ideas’. People working in various professions need to come to Ghana not with the sole purpose of telling Ghanaians what to do or how to do things but to ‘exchange ideas’, working practises or to demonstrate to them how to learn how to learn. Only this should result in Ghana becoming truly, an independent country.
news
TEACH
The Essential Courses and Careers Guide to Teaching
TEACH How to get your first Teaching job?
“
You might also be asked to teach a lesson, or part of one. In this case the school should provide you with copying facilities or an overhead projector, but obviously you should check first to see exactly what’s available.”
Wanda Marshall from educate.org.uk tells you what to expect from your first interview.
Make a difference
Teach.
Free Teaching Taster Course
Bath Spa University recognise the importance of building a teaching profession that reflects society's wide range of ethnic and social groups and will be running a free taster course for candidates from a black and minority ethnic background from 18 – 20 May 2009. To help you decide if teaching is the right career, you will learn about education today, spend a day in a school and benefit from practical advice and guidance on your next steps. You need to have a good honours degree and GCSEs in English and maths (plus science for Primary and Key Stage 2/3 courses). For further information and to register please visit our website.
www.bathspa.ac.uk/prospectus/open T: 01225 875875 E: teaching@bathspa.ac.uk
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ADVERTORIAL: Bath Spa University
Teacher Training at Bath Spa University Bath Spa University has a long tradition of Initial Teacher Training and each year a diverse group of trainees are recruited to Secondary and Key Stage 2/3 PGCE programmes. There are currently vacancies in maths, science, ICT, English, music, modern languages, design & technology and RE starting in September 2009. In addition there are a number of subject knowledge enhancement courses which are ideal for graduates whose degree is not fully relevant to the subject chosen to teach. They run prior to the PGCE course and subjects include Physics, Science, Maths, ICT and D&T. Course length varies depending on the subject. Financial incentives You will receive a tax-free training bursary of up to £9,000 depending on the subject you train to teach. If this is a priority subject you may also receive a ‘golden hello’ bonus of between £2,500 and £5,000 once you’ve completed your first year of teaching. PGCE events Bath Spa University regularly holds PGCE events for those wanting to find out more about
becoming a teacher and the full range of PGCE courses on offer. The next one is an open morning on 25 April at the Francis Hotel in Bath. Bath Spa also recognises the importance of building a teaching profession that reflects society’s wide range of ethnic and social groups and will be running a free taster course for candidates from a black and minority ethnic background from 18-20 May. There will also be a free taster course for men interested in becoming a primary teacher from 8-10 June. In addition, on 12 May and 2 July, there will be specific events for those interested in teaching one of the priority subjects – these being maths, science, ICT, music, modern languages and design and technology. For further information visit www.bathspa.ac.uk/prospectus/open, email teaching@bathspa.ac.uk or phone 01225 87562
Before the interview If you are short listed for interview, do some further research about the school. One place you can do this is in Schoolsnet Schools Guide. Another good idea is to visit the school (also to check the journey time) and you can get a good impression of the school by looking at the bus stops around the school at 3.30pm and see how the pupils are acting. You should start to think of questions to ask at the interview think about what you want from the school, as well as what you can offer. Sample questions might include: •W hat kind of induction programme does the school run? •W hat can the school offer in terms
of professional development? • Will I have my own form right from the start? • Will I have my own classroom? Another good idea is to practice answering questions you might be asked. These could include the following: • Why do you want this job? • Describe a successful lesson - why was it successful? • Describe an unsuccessful lesson - why was it unsuccessful? • What could you do to motivate reluctant learners, particularly boys? • What aspects of your teaching practice have you particularly enjoyed/disliked? • Where do you see yourself in three/five/ten year’s time?
You might also be asked to teach a lesson, or part of one. In this case the school should provide you with copying facilities or an overhead projector, but obviously you should check first to see exactly what’s available. On the day itself leave with masses of time to spare, take an umbrella and the contact details of the school in case of emergencies. It is advisable to wear a suit, or at least some sort of jacket/skirt/ trouser/tie combination (as you see fit).
The interview It has been long acknowledged that getting a teaching job is one of the most daunting and old-fashioned procedures. Generally the day (and it is often a whole school day) will include a tour of the school by some pupils, lunch or coffee
with the department you are applying to and an informal chat with the head of the department. You need to remember that you are probably being assessed the whole time and even the pupils who show you round might report back on the kind of questions you asked and your attitude to what you were being shown. The main, full-blown interview is generally in the afternoon, with the head, one or all of the deputies, the head of department and sometimes also a governor. On rare occasions you might have more than one governor and other senior staff present, but that is unlikely for a first teaching post. The main feature of the day is usually the waiting around. After all the candidates (usually there will be about five of you) have had their interviews,
Brighter school careers. Career Opportunities in Schools Teaching and Support Staff If you are looking to begin a career in a school, or look for a new challenge, our high standards in education make Essex one of Britain’s brightest places to start. With over 570 schools in the County, we can offer superb opportunities for everyone from teaching assistant to Headteacher, from catering staff to school Bursar. Visit essexschoolsjobs.co.uk or call 01245 436252 to find out more.
www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk NetworkNews.co.uk 19
TEACH The rewards of teaching Teaching has many rewards, not only the joy of seeing a pupil’s face light up when they understand a complicated subject. It also offers competitive wages, as well as the chance to access to key worker housing. Pay and benefits
the panel will retire for anything up to an hour and a half to reach their decision. All the candidates have to sit in the staffroom and wait during this time. Sometimes you will be sent home and telephoned later that day or the next, but the most common occurrence is that the head will come into the staff room and summon one of the candidates (the person being offered the job) back to the interview room. At this point, the unsuccessful candidates still can’t leave, as the chosen one might not accept the job. You may also get feedback at this stage.
Accepting or rejecting the job If you have been offered the job, don’t take it if you have any doubt about the school or what you will be required to take on or teach. Even if your rationale is “it’s only for a year”, if you’ve taken an immediate dislike to your head of department, it can be a very long year. Obviously if you’re teaching in certain subject areas you may not be able to be too picky, but if you’ve applied to teach English and you are suddenly being asked to teach four periods a week of year 8 history (which you did do at A-level, but
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to teach it would require an enormous amount of extra work), you would have decent grounds for turning the job down. It is at this stage that you can try to bargain for better position in terms of salary. Again, depending on your subject area schools may be prepared to throw in all sorts of “perks” if they really want to recruit you. They may offer you an extra point for retention and recruitment, or offer you a few weeks work in July and then pay you through your August holiday.
After accepting Make sure you read through the contract and to check that it’s what you agreed at the interview, as it’s far more difficult to change things after signing.
“
If you have been offered the job, don’t take it if you have any doubt about the school.”
You may be surprised by how rewarding a teaching career can be. With starting salaries matching what you’d receive in many other professions, your experience and performance can see you achieve rapid progression, and enjoy the financial rewards to match. All qualified teachers are paid according to pay scales, updated each September by the Government. You will start on the ‘main’ pay scale and each year, subject to performance, you will move up a step until you reach the maximum level or move on to a scale associated with a different position or level of experience.
Starting salary Once you have completed your initial teacher training and achieved qualified teacher status (QTS), from September 2008 you can expect to start as a
newly qualified teacher in England and Wales on £20,627 a year (or £25,000 if you work in inner London). Main pay scale including NQTs • London fringe: £21,619 to £31,138 • Outer London: £24,000 to £33,544 • Inner London: £25,000 to £34,768 • Rest of England and Wales: £20,627 to £30,148
Leadership and headship pay scales For the first few years of your career, you might find yourself progressing to a leadership pay scale, or even a headship pay scale. These pay scales apply include: • advanced skills teacher pay scale • excellent teacher pay scheme • leadership group pay scale, and • headteacher pay scale. Where you fit into these scales will depend on your position, experience and location, as well as on your individual school. Compare pay scales.
Teaching benefits In addition to your basic salary, you will also receive a range of benefits, including: • teaching and learning responsibility (TLR) payments – additional money if you take on additional responsibilities • teachers’ pension – the second largest public sector pension scheme in the country, and • holidays – more days than many people in other professions, although don’t be fooled into thinking you’ll have long hot summers in which to enjoy putting your feet up. Teachers work for 195 days per year in school, and do work during their holidays.
Housing and home ownership As key workers, teachers may be eligible to join home ownership schemes for help buying a home. Find out more on Direct.Gov.uk.
UEANewtworkNews:Network News
16/01/2009
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n i a r T h c a e to T
School of Education and Lifelong Learning
Our PGCE programme
Teacher Training
• • • •
(PGCE ‘M’ Level) The University of East Anglia offers the Primary and Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) which leads to Qualified Teacher Status and 60 credits at Masters Level.
Secondary (11-18) subjects: English, History, Information Technology, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Physical Education and Science (with specialisms in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Environmental Science and Physics)
The UEA PGCE involves a combination of schoolbased placements, lectures, practical workshops and group work and has been awarded outstanding OfSTED grades in recent inspections.
Middle Years (7-14) subjects: English, Mathematics and Science
We place great emphasis on nurturing the skills needed for managing the classroom and on developing the ability to teach effectively to a wide range of youngsters.
Important reminder • The University has an active equal opportunities policy and applications are particularly welcome from graduates from ethnic minority backgrounds and those with disabilities; • TDA bursaries are available.
For more information, please visit our website
email: pgce@bath.ac.uk
www.uea.ac.uk/edu/pgce 603342 or Add - Network News592855 Magazine:153.5x265mm 6/4/09 contact us tel 01603 or email eduinfo@uea.ac.uk
View
is well respected nationally, and has received an outstanding OfSTED report has an excellent record of employment for trainee teachers on completion of the course promotes the highest standards of teaching in a stimulating academic environment enjoys a close partnership with a wide range of urban and rural schools where you will develop the skills to establish your own identity as a successful teacher.
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www.bath.ac.uk/education/pgce
Bexley School Workforce More to offer
With the bright lights of central London and the ‘Garden of England’ both only a stone’s throw away, Bexley’s able to offer all the benefits of capital, countryside, coast and continent on it’s doorstep. Bexley’s really strong on the education front. We are passionate about providing environments where our pupils can be inspired to learn, whatever their age. Bexley as a whole is rightly proud to be in a prestige group of local authorities which have seen significant and sustained improvement for seven years running. Professional Development for the Whole School Workforce We believe that on-going professional development for those working in schools is central to further improving the quality of education we provide to our pupils. Schools will encourage you to attend local and national courses to increase your own skills and, of course, their worth to pupils. Bexley signposts opportunities for gaining further professional qualifications, whether as a support worker, teacher, school leader or head teacher.
Listening to you, working for you
What are the schools really like? How long have you got? We’ve literally every kind of school you can imagine in Bexley. Rural, urban, large, small, primary, secondary, special needs, selective, academies – whatever you want from a school, you’ll find it in our borough. Bexley Education Supply Team (BEST) We are now recruiting Primary, Secondary, and Special Educational Needs Teachers for our new supply service: BEST, working in partnership with Supreme Education Plc, the online Teacher Recruitment Consultancy. Teachers will be able to accept day-to-day, short term and long term assignments in the borough online or over the telephone 24/7 through our automated staffing technology. For further details of to pre-register email: www.supreme-education.com or call 07983 854366
To apply for current School Support Staff and Teaching vacancies within Bexley schools please visit our website: www.bexley.gov.uk/schoolworkforce School Workforce Development Team, Children’s & Young People’s Services, London Borough of Bexley, Hill View, Hill View Drive, Welling, Kent, DA16 3RY, Tel 020 8836 8278, email schoolworkforce@bexley.gov.uk
www.bexley.gov.uk
TEACH Teaching – which school? Once you’re at the stage of gaining hands-on experience teaching, it will be time to pick a school. Not only will the choice of school affect your daily life, it will also affect how much you enjoy your job. Choose carefully and see below for a breakdown of schools. There is no such thing as a typical school. The kind of school you choose to work in will make a significant difference to the kind of experiences you will face as a teacher.
Mainstream schools In England and Wales, 90 per cent of children are educated in statemaintained schools, of which the majority are what you might refer to as mainstream or ‘ordinary’ schools. Their prominence means that there are more teaching positions available in such schools than in any other kind. Mainstream schools share a lot in common – for instance, they all receive public funding and are required to teach the National Curriculum but you will find that each school has its own individual characteristics and emphasis. Most visible are the variations in size, location, age group and gender of pupils, presenting both subtly and completely different teaching challenges. Just as significant though is the school’s ethos. Different kinds of schools are run in different ways, implementing different policies and serving different educational needs. For instance, grammar schools select all or most of their pupils according to academic ability – with the intention of catering for relatively high achievers – whereas comprehensive schools are open to children of all abilities. Although rare now, secondary modern
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schools tend to emphasise practical, vocational skills over academic skills, while church and faith schools incorporate more religious and spiritual elements into the schooling of their children. However, perhaps the biggest single influence on how a particular school is run is its headteacher. Individual personalities and visions vary from head to head, but they always set the tone for what happens both in the staffroom and in the classroom.
Other state schools In addition to ordinary mainstream schools, you may be interested in the varied challenges available at other kinds of state schools. These include: • Special schools, which cater mainly or wholly for children with statutory statements of special educational needs. • Specialist schools, which teach the whole curriculum but with a focus on a particular subject area. • City technology colleges (CTCs), which focus on science, mathematics and technology and offer a wide range of vocational qualifications alongside A-levels and equivalent qualifications. • City academies, which are set up as part of a wider school reorganisation or where there is an unmet demand for school places And • Pupil referral units (PRUs), which cater for children of compulsory school age who may otherwise not receive suitable education, focusing on getting them back into a mainstream school.
Independent schools The remaining 10 per cent of children attend independent schools, usually paying fees set by the individual school. Independent schools are not required to teach the National Curriculum and only some are approved by the DfES to cater for pupils with special educational needs. You do not require qualified teacher status (QTS) to be employed by an independent school, but QTS is well regarded and gives you the flexibility of working in either statemaintained or independent schools.
Newly Qualified Teachers start right with Capita Would you make a good teacher?
If you have future plans to be a teacher, nursery nurse, or teaching assistant, or you want to work in school support or SEN we want to hear from you.
Warwick Institute of Education offers Initial Teacher Education courses in:
Looking for a role in education?
• PGCE Early Years (3-7), • PGCE Primary (5-11), • PGCE Secondary (11-19) • PGCE Diploma (14-19) in: – Creative and Media – Society, Health and Personal Development
We offer: Help and advice towards your induction Friendly, professional consultants A large choice of temporary and permanent positions The reassurance of being a Quality Mark company Primary: 0800 731 6871 Over 10 years experience in 0800 731 6872 Secondary: education Special Needs / Support: 0800 731 6873
Call us now:
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Learning to teach at Warwick will provide you with a PGCE from one of the top Initial Teacher Education providers in England PGCE: pgce@warwick.ac.uk or +44 (0)24 7652 8148 GTP: gtp@warwick.ac.uk or +44 (0)24 7652 2918 or go to our website: http://go.warwick.ac.uk/education
Further Education:
0800 316 1332 Setting the standard in education recruitment www.capitaers.co.uk
North Tyneside 3-7 SCITT
School Centred Initial Teacher Training (formerly Langdale SCITT) Interested in working with the most creative, enthusiastic and open-minded people?
What we can offer you is: Qualify to teach children 3-7 years on our one-year programme, based in Wallsend, Tyne and Wear.
What you need to join us is: A degree in any subject, GCSE Maths, English and Science to grade C (or equivalent), some experience with young children, a commitment to teamwork and the ability to be reflective.
• Qualified teacher status • PGCE awarded by Northumbria University • Continuous professional and individual support • Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 placements in selected North Tyneside schools • High quality lectures and practical workshops This is a popular course with an excellent reputation. To begin the course in September 2010 apply early in the Autumn via the GTTR website.
For further information contact Kathy Wesolowski, North Tyneside Early Years Improvement Officer on 0191 643 8561 Kathy.wesolowski@northtyneside.gov.uk
MATHS Statistical probabilities A strong foundation in maths can lead to many careers, including ones in accounting and as a statistician. Network News explores why you should consider the latter as a path in life Statisticians analyse and interpret numerical data to answer questions and provide information and advice on which decisions can be based. For example, they may examine population trends to predict how much new housing is needed and where it should be built, or try to understand why sales of a particular product are decreasing. The day-to-day work of a statistician varies according to their employer, but it includes working with colleagues or clients to decide what kind of data should be collected and how this should be done. Statisticians usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required to meet deadlines. Some statisticians work flexible hours, part time or from home. They are mostly office based, but may also spend time out of the office meeting colleagues and clients, or overseeing projects. Depending on the sector they are involved in, statisticians may spend a lot of time on practical project-based activities as well as on computer-based work. Travel may be required in some jobs. Salaries range from about £22,000 to £53,000 a year.
A statistician needs: • strong mathematical ability • to be able to collect, analyse and interpret data effectively • to understand new facts and ideas quickly • accuracy and attention to detail. The main employers are the Government Statistical Service (GSS), which employs over 1,000 statisticians, and the pharmaceutical industry. Other employers include the NHS, manufacturing and service industries,
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research councils and institutes, universities, local government and the financial sector. There are opportunities in cities and towns throughout the UK.
What is the work like? Statisticians analyse and interpret numerical data to answer questions and provide information and advice on which decisions can be based. For example, they may: • examine population trends to predict how much new housing is needed and where it should be built • assess the effects of pollution on the occurrence of diseases such as asthma • predict the number of flu vaccinations that will be needed by GP surgeries • try to understand why sales of a particular product are decreasing • investigate the link between particular lifestyle choices (such as diet) and disease • study the effectiveness of medications • forecast trends in financial markets. The day-to-day work of a statistician varies according to their employer, but it is likely to include: • gaining a thorough understanding of a project or problem • working with colleagues or clients to decide what kind of data should be collected and how this should be done • checking quality control standards • designing experiments and surveys • collecting data or instructing others on how to do so • using mathematical techniques and computers to analyse the data • interpreting the results • communicating their findings in presentations and written reports • making recommendations based on their findings. Statisticians usually work as members of a team. Those who work as the sole professional statistician in an organisation liaise with clients and professionals such as engineers, educational researchers, scientists, economists, market researchers and managers.
Hours and environment Statisticians are mostly office based, but may also spend time out of the
office meeting colleagues and clients, or overseeing projects. Depending on the sector they are involved in, statisticians may spend a lot of time on practical project-based activities as well as on computer-based work. Travel may be required for some jobs.
• excellent written and spoken communication skills • the ability to explain complicated issues to people with varying levels of technical knowledge • to work well alone and as part of a team.
Salary and other benefits
It is important to: • enjoy working with numbers • like meeting and talking to people.
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and where people live. • A statistical officer in the Government Statistical Service (GSS) may start on an average of £22,000 (£24,000 in London). • Qualified statisticians in the GSS may earn from £40,000 a year. • This can rise to a maximum of £53,000 a year. Salaries in the private sector tend to be higher, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry. Skills and personal qualities A statistician needs: • strong mathematical ability • to be able to collect, analyse and interpret data effectively • to understand new facts and ideas quickly • a methodical and logical approach • accuracy and attention to detail • IT skills • organisational skills • to be good at solving problems • patience
Interests
Getting in There are opportunities for statisticians in a wide range of organisations. They work in many different employment sectors as their work has a wide range of different applications. These include: • government • medical and pharmaceutical research • industry • business and commerce • finance • environmental science • social sciences • life sciences. The main employers are the Government Statistical Service (GSS), which employs over 1,000 statisticians, and the pharmaceutical industry. Other employers include the NHS, manufacturing and service industries, research councils and institutes, universities, local government and the financial sector. There are opportunities in cities and towns throughout the UK.
Jobs are advertised in the national press, in RSS News (the monthly newsletter of the Royal Statistical Society (RSS)), on the website of the Statisticians in the Pharmaceutical Industry (PSI) and on employers’ websites. Details of the application process for the GSS are available on their website. Three-month summer placements and one-year student placements may be available in the Civil Service.
Some employers, particularly those in the pharmaceutical industry, are increasingly looking for recruits with Masters degrees in statistics. For a postgraduate course, candidates usually need a good first degree in a relevant subject. The RSS accredits a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The RSS website has a list of accredited courses.
Entry routes
Training
The majority of statisticians have a degree with a high quantitative content or in a numerate subject. Degrees in statistics are available at many universities, but other relevant subjects, which may be available with statistics as joint degrees, include mathematics, computing, economics and management science. Some other degrees, such as psychology or life sciences, may also have a high statistics content..
Graduate statisticians are usually trained on the job, working on projects under the supervision of experienced colleagues. There may be the opportunity to attend short courses on topics such as using new software packages. Some employers may support part-time study for a Masters degree in statistics. PSI offers an introductory course for statisticians and statistical programmers
new to the industry. It involves six sessions, each lasting one or two days. The RSS offers professional status at two levels. Graduate statistician status is granted on application to graduates of RSS-accredited degree courses and to those who have passed the RSS’s Graduate Diploma in Statistics. Applications from graduates of other courses, who have achieved at least a 2:2, are considered on an individual basis. After at least five years of professional training and development, graduate statisticians may be eligible to apply for chartered status. The RSS website has more information. The regular introduction of new ideas and technology in this field means that statisticians should be prepared to commit to a programme of continuing professional development (CPD). CPD activities, including training courses and workshops, are offered by the RSS.
Getting on There is a formal promotion structure in the GSS, with opportunities to progress to senior levels. In large companies, statisticians may be promoted to management or specialist technical roles. Opportunities for promotion in smaller organisations may be limited, and it may be necessary to change employers in order to progress. There are opportunities for statisticians to become self-employed, working as freelance consultants. Statisticians can also work abroad, for example with Eurostat, the European Union’s statistical office, or for pharmaceutical companies with overseas operations.
Further information Government Statistical Service (GSS) - www.statistics.gov.uk
Maths for life A distinctive broad range of flexible degrees offer you extensive choice for you career. Admissions Tutor: Dr Jim Renshaw School of Mathematics University of Southampton Southampton SO17 1BJ
Programme areas: • mathematics • maths with actuarial science • maths for business • maths for science • maths for arts
Tel: 023 80595154 E-mail: J.H.Renshaw@maths.soton.ac.uk
www.southampton.ac.uk/maths
HEALTH
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Nurses must hold a degree or diploma in nursing recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). These are offered at universities and colleges throughout the UK.”
Nursing you back to health Nurses are an essential part of the healthcare team. They work with patients who are ill or injured or who have problems due to age or disability. As well as providing care for patients and supporting their treatment and recovery, nurses give support and advice to patients’ families and carers. They also promote good health. Nurses work in a wide variety of different settings and their duties vary enormously. For example: • on a hospital ward, a nurse may check a patient’s medical history and devise a care plan, check blood pressure and temperature and observe and record changes in the patient’s condition, give medication and change dressings • in an accident and emergency unit, a nurse may assess patients’ conditions, decide on the order in which they should be treated (known as triage) and treat a wide range of conditions,
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from wounds to heart attacks • in an operating theatre, nurses assist surgeons and other healthcare professionals by preparing and passing instruments, and also by caring for patients in the recovery room • in a GP surgery or health centre, a nurse may run clinics for people with conditions such as asthma and diabetes, carry out health screening, take blood for testing and give injections • community nurses offer care and support to patients in their homes and other community settings. Nurses work closely with other members of the healthcare team including doctors, radiographers, physiotherapists, pharmacists and healthcare assistants. They may also liaise with other professionals including social workers and teachers to make sure patients have all the support they need. Nurses train to work in one of four branches: • adult nursing • children’s nursing • mental health nursing • learning disability nursing. Further information on some of the specialisms within nursing is available in separate articles: Adult Nurse, Children’s Nurse, District Nurse, Health Visitor, Learning Disability Nurse,
Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Health Nurse and School Nurse. Salaries for qualified nurses working in the National Health Service (NHS) start at £19,166 a year.
accelerated training programme leading to a diploma, postgraduate diploma or a Masters degree. Accelerated programmes usually last a minimum of 24 months.
Entry for young people
Before applying for a course, candidates choose which of the four branches of nursing they wish to study. During the first year all courses share a common foundation programme. In the remaining years training focuses on the branch of their choice. All courses are 50 per cent theory and 50 per cent practical, and involve placements in local hospital and community settings. Very occasionally trainee nurses can change branches at the end of the first year. On completing their course, nurses must register with the NMC to be eligible to practise. The NHS and other employers are committed to offering learning and development opportunities to nurses. New treatments and techniques are introduced all the time so it is essential that nurses update their skills and knowledge on an ongoing basis. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is essential in order to remain eligible to practise. Registered nurses may also choose from a wide range of courses to extend their skills in a variety of specialist areas. They may also take a twoyear course to qualify in one of the other three branches of nursing.
Nurses must hold a degree or diploma in nursing recognised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). These are offered at universities and colleges throughout the UK. Each university decides its own academic entry requirements, but all applicants must demonstrate ability in literacy and numeracy, and provide evidence of good health and good character. Candidates for diploma courses usually need the equivalent of at least five GCSEs (A-C) including English and a science subject. Degree course entry usually requires five GCSEs (A-C) and two A levels or equivalent. Full-time diploma courses last three years. Degree courses last three or four years. The minimum age to start training is 17.5 years (17 in Scotland). In England it may be possible to join a nurse cadet Apprenticeship or training scheme. These usually last up to two years and lead to an NVQ Level 3 or Access course pass. This could act as a qualification for entry to a nursing diploma course. Graduates with a relevant degree (for example a health-related or biology-based degree) may apply for an
Training
Making it in midwifery Midwives are part of the foundation of society – if we think about it, we all will have been around them at some point in our early life. They are moral support, helping hand and expert advisor all in one. Here’s a bit more about a career that’ll see you touch dozens of lives each month. There are almost three-quarters of a million births in the UK each year, and midwives are the lead professional at two-thirds of all of them. The midwife is the expert in normal birth – the type of birth that most women have. There are almost three-quarters of a million births in the UK each year, and midwives are the lead professional at two-thirds of all of them. The midwife is the expert in normal birth – the type of birth that most women have. It doesn’t matter what stage of your training you are at: you might be considering whether to become a midwife or not, be half way through your training, or be about to enter the world of work – it helps to have a good idea of what you are aiming for. So what are the skills and competences that a good midwife needs? A good midwife promotes health and wellbeing at all times. He or she is accountable for their practice and works well in partnership with women and their families to give support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period. The midwife’s role is much more than just caring for a woman during her labour however, as vitally important as that time is. The midwife cares for a woman throughout the antenatal period and in the first few days and weeks of the newborn’s life. Good midwives are taught to understand, promote and facilitate normal childbirth. They are able to identify the complications that can arise in women and babies, access appropriate assistance
and implement the correct emergency measures when necessary. Good midwives provide a high level of midwifery care and work in collaboration with other health professionals to ensure continuous support for women who require referral. The midwife can offer advice, assistance and guidance to all women, focussed on a woman’s individual needs. After the birth, the midwife can help to promote breastfeeding. Midwives are committed to developing a woman-centred maternity service providing a vital contribution to public health and an essential investment in the wellbeing of tomorrow’s citizens. Good midwives have the skill of information giving and know how important it is for a woman to be able to make decisions supported
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Midwives are committed to developing a womancentred maternity service providing a vital contribution to public health and an essential investment in the wellbeing of tomorrow’s citizens.”
by evidence-based information. A midwife needs to be able to discuss this information in an unbiased way and demonstrate that they care about and understand the needs of their patient. A good midwife must have highly developed interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with people from a wide range of backgrounds. They should act as an advocate for women and be able to work in partnership with them to develop a trusting relationship. It is in childhood that the foundations of a lifetime of good health can be laid. It is during pregnancy, childbirth and in those precious days and weeks at the beginning of a life that the earliest and most important building blocks are laid. And it is the midwife who plays a crucial role at that all-important time.
NetworkNews.co.uk 27
ADVERTORIAL: NHS SCOTLAND
Top talent, top futures at NHS Scotland When people think about a job in healthcare, they often only consider the clinical roles filled by doctors, nurses and other medical specialists. Yet behind them is a management team responsible for handling finance, directing staff and taking daily operational decisions that influence how the service works. At NHS Scotland, an organisation with 150,000 employees and a yearly budget of £8 billion, the career opportunities for managers are as varied as the challenges they tackle. Since 2005 NHS Scotland has run a graduate training scheme, selecting those with the potential to go right to the top. “A previous trainee described it as a golden ticket, and I wouldn’t disagree,” says Jill Sandford, programme manager for the graduate scheme. “But that doesn’t mean an easy ride. It’s hard work from day one, and our trainees learn on the job, sometimes in areas of Scotland they don’t know well. At the same time they’re knuckling down to an MSc in health and public leadership.” Shazia Ashraf, part of the Scottish Government Health Workforce Directorate’s Employee Experience Team, is enthusiastic about the career
benefits of joining NHS Scotland. “The long-term prospects are excellent. Compared with many other professions job security is high, but that doesn’t mean working life will be dull or routine. You can switch to new paths or disciplines during your career, moving from long-term planning to emergency response, from pastoral community care to ground breaking high-tech science. Some managers choose to specialise in areas like procurement, finance or personnel. The very best become chief executives.” While personal reward is important, true motivation for joining NHS Scotland lies in the intrinsic satisfaction of providing an essential service. Jill adds: “Every person and community in Scotland deserves the best from their healthcare service. Selecting management trainees is part of that duty. As a result our selection procedure is strictly meritocratic. Whatever background or cultures our applicants have, the successful ones share that critical ‘X factor’: a heartfelt passion for healthcare, matched by minds that will make decisions with intelligence and integrity.’ Future leaders and managers are important to the success of the NHS in Scotland. This is more than a job:
“The long-term prospects are excellent. Compared with many other professions job security is high, but that doesn’t mean working life will be dull or routine. You can switch to new paths or disciplines during your career, moving from long-term planning to emergency response, from pastoral community care to ground breaking high-tech science.”
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a career as a leader in NHS Scotland offers you the opportunity to make a real difference. You’ll be on the road to a worthwhile career in which you’ll play a vital role in running Scotland’s health service. Eight places are available. Anyone with a 2.2 degree can apply online for a place on the NHS Scotland graduate management training scheme. Previous trainees included people with degrees in accounting, politics, economics, biochemistry, marketing and textiles and a nurse. This is an unrivalled opportunity to contribute to the success of Scotland’s health service while developing a rewarding career at the same time. It will be hard work and it will be challenging. You will never be bored and you will get a great sense of achievement. Stacy McLaren, one of the 2007 trainees has some sound advice for anyone wishing to join the scheme. “Anyone thinking of applying would need to be really energetic, enthusiastic for the health service and prepared to get their head down and work but it’s extremely rewarding right from the start.”
We need leaders from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to reflect the diversity of Scotland. If this is the sort of career you are interested in – applications for next year open on 2 November 2009, closing on 6 January 2010. For more information go to www.mts.scot.nhs.uk. NetworkNews.co.uk 29
ENTERTAINMENT
NB OU I N S C YH
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C’mon. You know you know them. London-based musical threesome Noisettes have been around for a few years now, but with the success of Don’t Upset The Music and the release of their second album, they have finally hit the bigtime. Network News finds out what makes the group tick. It’s an age-old story. Girl likes music. Girls fronts band. Girl works hard and finally, after many many years of hard slog, makes it to the top. Admittedly, the story of the Noiettes isn’t qute a fairytale, unless you’re one who reads the original, dark and gritty Brothers Grimm stories, full of pain and the odd death. But the band are proof that with dedication, some hard work and the luck that a major car firm features one of your songs in their campaign, you can still make it big with your second album. Not’s not to say that their first album, What’s The Time Mr Wolf?, did badly. Well-
received but not a chart hit, it allowed singer Shingai Shoniwa, drummer Jamie Morrison and gruiarist Dan Smith to tweak their music and come back even stronger. Now Wild Young Hearts is making big inroads, the Noisettes are finally getting the accolades they deserve. But is Don’t Upset The Music, featured in the Mazda advert, any indication of the next album? “Well yes and no,” says Morrison. “It’s an aspect of our new sound - we love all types of music so its all going to end up in a song at some point. The new album has rock and roll, dance/electro, soul, we have ballads. It’s all good.”
And success luckily came without having to change everything about themselves. Says Shoniwa: “I am not here to replicate. We are different human beings and we should celebrate that, and have the courage to celebrate that difference. I try and do what is comfortable. When I want to challenge myself and push the limit then I’ll do that.” And she did get to push herself. While the band is happy to admit that the first album didn’t do as well as they would have liked, they were quick to realise that changing the way they approached music slightly could help matters. “For the new [album], me and Dan took a big decision to stand back and create more space for Shingai and maximise our principal asset, which is one of the most incredible voices in the world,” admits Morrison, who has previously described their principal asset as “great, very flirtatious and wonderful. She’s mad as a box as all great front people are.” Mad or not, Shoniwa certainly has a colourful past. With roots in Zimbabwe, the London girl has a past in the circus and even some experience performing burlesque. “It was great to work out creative routines with the dancers and strippers. It was really theatrical and there would be 1940s and 1950s big band music playing. I would be singing, narrating and partially getting involved as well. It’s all part of being a performer and creating a stage show,” she told a website recently. And her background with the circus helped her along the way with her performance. “It actually fit in quite nicely especially when it’s not quite what you expected your career to be. It really complemented, nicely, coming from a background of wanting to create illusions that come from the imagination. It’s nice to able to paint black and white pictures but it’s also fun to also take people away into the potential of someone’s imagination.” As long as the trio stay grounded and continue enjoying music for music’s sake, we should be taking people away for years to come.
Day one Start as you mean to go on Ernst & Young graduate opportunities From the very first day you’ll be working to help our clients achieve their potential. We’re here to help you achieve yours.
What’s next for your future? www.ey.com/uk/careers
Ernst & Young is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. The UK firm Ernst & Young LLP is a limited liability partnership and a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited.
Holiday time With the current economic uncertainty, many new graduates and young professionals are making the decision to put off going into the job market straight away. You might be considering taking time out to explore the world, work for a charitable organisation or get some work experience in a foreign country. Whether you plan to hike along the Inca trail or help build a school in Africa, knowing that you have travel insurance in place can make your trip of a lifetime much less stressful. If you are working to a tight budget, it’s tempting to make savings when planning your trip. And insurance might not be at the top of your list of priorities – as you’re not planning for things to go wrong. But when you are far away from home a good insurance policy might be just the reassurance you need. Travel insurance can provide cover for a wide range of things - subject to the particular policy’s limits and exclusions. Sold either on a singletrip or annual multi-trip basis, travel insurance policies vary significantly, in terms of both price and cover. So check that your policy meets your needs, rather than automatically going for the cheapest policy. An annual travel insurance policy can be the most cost-effective option for frequent travellers. But, if you are going away for an extended period it might be worth checking the policy terms – many policies have a limit on the number of days you can go away for at any one time. It’s often a good idea to have insurance in place from the day you book your travel. An important part of travel insurance is the cover it provides you in the lead-up to going away. So if you break your leg before you set off cycling around Asia, you can at least be comforted by the thought of having the cash to re-book
when you’re back on your feet! Every year the Financial Ombudsman Service – the free service set up by law to settle complaints between consumers and financial firms – deals with around 2,000 travel insurance complaints. Travel insurance disputes referred to the ombudsman often centre on whether a particular event is covered by the insurance policy and whether relevant information was ‘disclosed’ to the insurance company before the policy was taken out. When you purchase your policy, try to answer the insurance company’s questions in as much detail as you can. If you’re unsure what the policy will cover you for, ask the insurance company to explain. If you are planning on taking part in any ‘white-knuckle’ activities, while abroad check your insurance policy to see what you are covered for. Some activities that you may think are fairly standard – such as bungee jumping or quad-biking– might not be covered. If you do need to make an insurance claim, you should find that your insurance company is able to deal with things quickly and efficiently. But if things don’t go smoothly, and you’re unhappy with the way your insurance company has handled things, the Financial Ombudsman Service may be able to help. To find out more about the ombudsman and its work in settling financial complaints: www.financialombudsman.org.uk Wherever you decide to go… enjoy your trip!
Case study
Paul Neal was sitting on a bench at a subway station in New York when the person next to him started up a conversation. Paul was quite suspicious to find such a friendly stranger in the Big Apple. He looked down to discover that his rucksack – containing more than £2,000 of personal possessions – had been taken. Paul made a claim on his insurance policy but was told that his claim would not be paid as he had left his bag “unattended”. Paul wasn’t happy and brought his complaint to the ombudsman service. The ombudsman looked into what had happened and decided the bag had not been “unattended” as Paul was next to it at the time the bag was taken. The ombudsman told the insurance company to pay the claim in full.
www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
0845 080 1800