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Volume 5 - Issue 3 | January 2009
StudentTimes.org
For Students By Students
On the road with The Mighty Boosh
NEWS | ENTERTAINMENT | CAREERS | COURSES | FASHION
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St. George’s University’s student body represents some of the world’s most passionate medical scholars. Here students gain unique insight into a variety of cultures, ways of thinking and an understanding of how medicine evolves on a global scale. • Students and faculty have come from over 140 countries • Clinical training in the United Kingdom and the United States • One of the world’s most accredited and approved medical programs • $200+ million technologically advanced campus
www.sgu.edu/som 0800 1699061 ext 280
CONTENTS
DID YOU KNOW...
Facetious and abstemious contain all the vowels in their correct order.
PG17
4-10 News 6 Kev’s Kingdom
MINIMALISING THE DAMAGE Kevin Guyan tells how exactly to save Mother Nature from certain death.
11 Jack’s World
GEEKS RULE, OK? Jack predicts that Geeks will inherit the Earth a lot sooner than you might think.
12 Feature
SURVIVING THE RESOLUTIONS
16 Books
GOD OF GONZO Hunter S. Thompson is one of those authors many are fascinated by. With a new movie out chronicling his life, we take a look at one of the best biographies on the man and the legend.
30 Cover2Cover
What is the best way to stick to New Year’s resolustions, asks Jemilla Russell-Clough.
ST EXTRA 14 TV
DEAD GIRL TALKING Life can he hard when you’re dead and sharing a house with
other supernatural misfits. Lenora Chichlow talks about the joys and troubles of playing ghost Annie in new drama Being Human.
The Mighty Boosh are touring the UK. We talk to Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt about the fun of live shows and how being famous saves them from muggings.
17 Showcase
SPRING CLEAN
Published by Sugar Media Ltd, Studio 4 Hiltongrove, 14 Southgate Road, London N1 3LY Tel: 020 7407 7747 Fax: 020 7407 6800 Email: info@sugarmedia.co.uk www.sugarmedia.co.uk © Copyright Sugar Media Ltd Publishers: Ian Thomas, Isabel Appio & Adam Hayes
18 Preview
DEVILISH DAMIEN Peter Stickles loves horror. His passion is acting. So, it was a dream come true when he got to play Vampire Damian in gay cult hit The Lair.
CAREERS 20 Nursing
If you want to work in an environment that’s interesting, rewarding and challenging, a career in Nursing will offer exactly that.
BOOSHILICIOUS
FASHION
PG14
GAY LIFE
Fashion by New Look.
PG20
22 Computer & IT
Even in a recession, everyone needs IT. We give you an overview of the areas you could work in.
24 Teach UK There are many ways to get into teaching. If you want to help develop others skills, why not look more closely at a teaching career.
Welcome back students! With 2009 now upon us and life at University back in high gear, I’m sure you’ll be more than happy to get a chance to kick back and unwind with this new issue of Student Times. But a new year also means that some of you will have tried their hand at New Year’s Resolutions, the dreaded scourge of many who fail to stop smoking/drink less/work out more. So, if that time comes when everything has failed, why not watch some fun, outlandish comedy. The Mighty Boosh perhaps? Why not get yourself in the mood for them by reading our cover interviews with the ultimate Shoreditch locals, Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt. If you’ve always liked your weird a bit more Buffy and a bit less surreal, you could always just stick with BBC Three’s latest hit-in-the-making Being Human. We talk with the lovely Lenora Critchlow, who plays ghost Annie. Of course we haven’t forgotten that February is LGBT History Month. We have a look at one of the oddest gay series out there: The Lair. Star Peter Stickles tells all. And when it comes down to it and you’re still looking for a career, we also can help. We’re jam-packed with information on Teaching, IT and Nursing. All the best and until next time, Jonathan, Editor
PG16
ON THE NEW & IMPROVED STUDENTTIMES.ORG THIS MONTH... BAFTAs for Bashir
We talk to Ari Folman, director of the critically-acclaimed war documentary Waltz With Bashir.
Senior Office Manager: Marcia Abrahams Business Development Director: Darren Waite Senior Sales Executive: Gurpreet Kundi & Bridget Rodricks Editor: Jonathan Williams jonathanw@sugarmedia.co.uk Art Editor: Jon-Paul Daly design@sugarmedia.co.uk Senior Designer: John Blanco web@sugarmedia.co.uk Intern: Nicholas Holmes Cover image courtesy of BBC. Please recycle this publication.
Yes We Can
With president Obama in the White House, we talk to the actress who played little Rudy in the groundbreaking Cosby Show 25 years ago.
Classy Act Ed Byrne jokes around with us as he sets out on his new tour, Different Class.
STUDENT TIMES // 3
ST NEWS Fun nie s
Tales from around the world.
--------------------------------------------Rock ‘n Roll: The best kept secret of our time is finally solved. A Professor from Huddersfield University claims that Stonehenge is an ancient Glastonbury – with the stones set up to offer the best resonance. Young love: A German couple decided to elope to Africa with the Bride to be’s sister – only to be stopped on the way to the airport as all three were between five and seven. Queuing robber: A bank robber in the US patiently waited in line while wearing a ski mask. Police caught the 24-year-old after a brief car chase, where it was revealed he’d committed the robbery with a toy gun. £100Bn error: A 38-year old from Ayrshire got the fright of his life when his Barclay’s online statement showed two £50Bn withdrawals. After resolving the error, the bank offered him a meagre £10
for his troubles. Pumpkin protection: Nigerian motorcyclists have started wearing dried pumpkin shells as helmets, following the introduction of a law on New Year’s Day making driving without helmets illegal. Tarzan gone bad: A sex shop in Australia was broken into, with the only objects stolen being three rubber dolls from the Jungle Jane range – later found abandoned and used in a nearby alley. ILvU2: A 13-year-old in California managed to send 14,528 text messages in one month or one every two minutes she was awake. War of the Worlds: In a fit of mass hysteria that would make Orson Welles proud, thousands of German’s called a UFO hotline on New Year’s Eve after mistaking a Chinese-style balloon for a full scale space invasion. Bitter divorce: A man in America is demanding his estranged wife returns a kidney he donated to her or pay him US$1.5Million.
News Brief
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Selling her virginity for £2.5Million An American student who decided to auction her virginity to pay the tuition fess has seen bidding reach £2.5Million. Natalie Dylan claims that 10,000 men have bid to be her first, but admits that a few have been “wierdos”. Those going into a bit too much graphic detail with their sexual fantasies have been far outweighed by what she calls “lots of polite requests from rich businessmen”. The Family and Marriage therapy masters’ student said she got the idea to auction off her flower, as Monica Geller would call it, after her older sister ended up paying for her entire tuition with three weeks work as an escort. Dylan first gained notoriety when her bid for ‘the one’ was publicised last September. Back then, the highest offer was a meagre £162,000. She defended her move as “completely authentic”, making it clear she wasn’t being forced into selling herself. “I think me and the person I do it with will both profit greatly from the deal,” she insisted.
4 // STUDENT TIMES
Youths bored of life Survey reveals one in 10 think life is “meaningless”. -------------------------------------------------------------------------A new survey highlights how a significant minority of school and University-age youngsters feel they have no place in the world. One in 10 young people feel that life is meaningless, according to a new study by the Prince’s Trust charity. In addition to this, over a quarter of the 16-to25-year olds regularly feel depressed. The Trust’s Youth Index examines how young people feel about life in general. The study, during which over 2000 people were interviewed, showed that those not in work or education were suffering the most. Others were unhappy due to what they saw as dead end jobs (22%) or were generally bored
Cheer up: Life isn’t that depressing.
with their occupation (44%). Chief executive of the Prince’s Trust, Martina Milburn, warned that the results were evidence of “an increasingly vulnerable generation”. “Our schemes help steer young people away from false support systems such as drugs, alcohol and dangerous gangs, giving them new direction. Milburn also went on to highlight the importance of family to anyone’s happiness. “Our report also shows how support from family is key to a young person’s overall wellbeing, yet we come across many young people who simply don’t have this support.” The situation could only be made worse by the current recession, which is predicted to see young graduates have the hardest time in many years finding employment.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”, President Obama addresses the corrupt nations of the world.
Paper-thin haute couture
For one night only: A dress made entirely of tickets may not survive the winter weather.
World Brief
DID YOU KNOW...
There are 22 miles more canals in Birmingham UK than in Venice.
Style has always been a subjective issue, but would even the most fashionconscious celebrity consider wearing a dress made of paper? Students from Matthew Boulton College, Birmingham, were recently given the job of designing such a dress as a promotional gag for an upcoming style fair. Made entirely of tickets, the pink affair might be a bit breezy for the upcoming winter months, so admirers should wait until spring to try out their own creations. Emily Ford-Halliday, Tutor for Fashion at Matthew Boulton College, said: “Working with paper instead of the usual cotton and thread provided some interesting challenges but we’re really pleased with the results.” Noting that the design students shared a hometown with up-and-coming designer Osman Yousefzada, one of the Style in the City organisers praised: “It looks like these talented young designers could soon be following in his footsteps.”
CHINA: A group of Chi-
UK Students compete for £15,000 scholarship
nese academics have attacked Chinese state television news, branding it propaganda. The letter has accused China’s Central Television (CCTV) of broadcasting its news and historical drama with the aim of brainwashing audiences. More than 20 signatories went on to say the media outlet had purposely avoided reporting on certain unrests as well as whitewashing the recent scandal around contaminated baby milk. The letter comes on the heels of the news that human right’s organisation Amnesty International’s website has again been blocked in China.
Ambitious students were recently given the chance to compete for a £15,000 grant to start their own business. Two students from the UK were fortunate enough to be shortlisted for the grant. Mike Quinn, awarded an MBA from Oxford’s Said Business School, and Regis Pradal of LSE’s Management course visited Amsterdam in late November, competing against six others. As part of a worldwide initiative by Meltwater Group, a global software company, entrants were asked to submit a video pitching their idea. The finalists were then flown to the Dutch city, where they again pitched their ideas to a panel and received
--------------------------------------------
feedback, regardless of the outcome. Quinn, whose African Business Partners hoped to help enterprises reinvest to tackle local poverty, said of
Scholarship: Finalists pose with cheque.
the session: “It has forced me to have a hard think and look at the practical steps I need to take to move forward.” The grant was eventually awarded to a group of three students from the UC Berkeley, California, who were developing a lighting system for greenhouses that would offer the best rate of photosynthesis at the lowest cost. If all goes to plan, they hope it to be more efficient than natural light. All three students are currently working on their doctorates and worked on the project in addition to their other academic responsibilities. The Meltwater Scholarship, in it’s first year, attracted 120 entries from which the finalists were then selected.
STUDENT TIMES // 5
ST NEWS World Brief
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Australia: Tourism Queensland is looking for a caretaker for one of its tropical islands, a six month job that will pay almost £70,000. Hamilton Island, the biggest inhabited of the Whitsunday Islands in the Great Barrier Reef, needs someone to sort the mail and work up to 12 hours a month. Also part of the job description is maintaining a blog to promote the island. The hefty salary will only have to pay for leisure and food, as a three bedroom villa is included in the job for free. Applicants should go to www.islandreefjob.com for details on how to apply.
RomComs rot brain It’s now official: Hugh Grant is to blame for all our problems. According to relationship experts at Heriot Watt University in Scotland, romantic comedies, the UK versions of which Grant rules surpreme, create unrealistic expectations about love and relationships. The research criticises that the films show new relationships “to be both novel and exciting yet emotionally significant and meaningful. “Furthermore, relationships were shown to have both highly idealistic and undesirable qualities, but for any problems or transgressions experienced to have no real negative long-term impact on relationship func-
tioning,” the paper went on to explain. This is certainly true of many films, such as Uma Thurman’s recent The Accidental Husband, where she with little consequence leaves her husband at the altar during the climax of the film. Similar problems persist across the genre, with Hugh Grant’s character in About A Boy soon forgiven his lies and deception, only to be reunited with the woman of his dreams. As part of the study, two groups of 100 student volunteers were shown either the John Cusack film Serendipity or a David Lynch movie. Serendipity, also starring Kate Beckinsale, focuses on themes
STUDENT TIMES COLUMN
Hugh you: Hugh Grant the chairman of the RomCom council.
of predestined love and fate overcoming all, while Lynch is better known for leaving a viewer confused and scared, having written the likes of Mullholland
KEV’S KINGDOM
Kevin Guyan is in his second year at Aberdeen University & is the roving reporter for both the Gaudie and The Journal.
Minimalising the damage Kevin Guyan tells us how the minimalist approach could save Mother Nature. -----------------------------------------------------------Not since Paul Tibbets’ sweaty digits rattled over the control panel of the Enola Gay as it lugged itself into position over Hiroshima, has the world faced destruction on such a near-apocalyptic scale. The year ahead sees us face an old adversary: the climate. With the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Copenhagen in December and, after a clearing-away of the post-credit crunch rubble, the subject is likely return to the international agenda, the environment is an issue that will continue to dog our young minds.
6 // STUDENT TIMES
However, before having a go at Mother Nature, should we not first assess our role in this grand charade? In order to break this circle of blame, a meaty assessment of necessity is required. Do I really need a car? How many holidays do I plan to take? What sort of career will I follow? These decisions are only a small serving of the numerous quandaries we roll into throughout life. To save us from ourselves, there’s a simple ideology to follow… minimalism. Minimalism. Minimalism. Burn your belongings: go on, throw them on the pyre in order to protect our future. The needless packaging; the needless products; the sweat of overworked labourers in foreign lands,
Drive, Inland Empire and Twin Peaks. The groups were later questioned and it was found that the rom com students were more likely to believe in destiny.
slaved to their machines of production. Let it burn. This has little to do with going green. Failure to care for our own surroundings is simply bizarre. It would be like living in a regal mansion yet letting the once luscious grounds descend into a state of disrepair. The notion that the climate evolves naturally, fluctuating between highs and lows since the inception of Mother Earth, is not laughable. In fact, it makes a lot of sense. But even if this is really the case, it does not provide ammunition for
Simple: Our future lies in the hands of minimalism.
any green bashers. Why, even if climate change is a fully natural phenomenon, would the human race choose to continue inflicting wanton damage on our own planet? It is all we have. Suckling Earth’s teats dry of coal, oil and gas, whilst raping the forests, poisoning our neighbours and abusing our technological prowess… this is the 21st Century. So students – ignore the climate debate for now. Instead, assess our relationship with Earth. How we treat it and how it treats us. Minimalise.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH “I feel like an old person now. I do! I go to bed at 9.30 every night and I don’t go out or anything”, Britney Spears says she’s grown up.
Job hunting is graduate priority Students graduating this year will face the toughest employment market in two decades, new figures reveal. Due to the economic downturn, leading graduate employers in the UK have been forced to reduce their recruitment targets by 17%. The initial and more optimistic figures were calculated in September last year, at a time when firms were already seeing they would not hit the predicted 11.8% growth for 2008. Martin Birchall, Managing Director of High Fliers Research, who compiled the report, warned that there would be “swingeing cuts” across the sector. “There is understandable panic on campus that this is shaping up to be one of the worst years of the last two decades to be graduating from university. Many top employers have already received a record number of applications for their 2009 graduate vacancies and most have either filled their remaining places or have closed off the application process,” Birchall warned. “For those who have yet to begin job hunting, the chances of landing a last-minute place on a graduate programme now seem very slim.” In addition to fewer jobs being available for 2009 graduates, they have been left with more competition from graduates who were unable to find a position in 2008. A third of the 2009 graduating class admitted that they should have begun applying earlier, but even those who find a job worry about being made redundant in the first year of employment. The situation has demoralised some so much that
SURVEY BY NUMBERS: 5.9% The rise in starting salaries at leading graduate companies in 2009. 50% The number of students who think they’ll have to take whatever is offered to them. 66% The amount of students claiming that job hunting is a high priority for them during their final year. £38,000 The average starting salary for someone hired this year at an investment bank. 6.7% The actual downturn in Graduate Vacancies in 2008, compared to the predicted growth. 24% The percentage of companies who planned to recruit 50 or more Graduates, but fell short of target. 87% Number of Graduate vacancies located in London.
Concern about planned Tory budget cuts David Cameron’s plans to cut Government spending have been criticised by the head of a University think tank. Professor Les Ebdon, Chair of Million+, warned that the Tories’ plan would result in a “cut in student numbers”. The Conservatives announced plans for a proposed 2009-10 tax cut, to be funded by cuts to public spending, limiting growth in budgets to only 1% above inflation for most departments. However, areas such as the NHS and schools would not be affected.
News Brief
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Fingerprinting of foreign students begins they are choosing not to apply at any small or medium-sized companies. However, it is not bad news across the board, as the public sector is now offering 51% more recruitment opportunities than they did in 2007. Additionally, areas such as accounting and the armed forces are still responsible for 20% and 12% of recruitment. Further good news is that many employers expect 2010 recruitment levels to at least be on par with those in 2009.
DID YOU KNOW...
If every person in China stood on a chair and jumped off at the same time...it would knock the earth off its axis!
Foreign students are now being fingerprinted for biometric identity cards after new visa rules took effect. Under the new scheme, aimed at cracking down on abuse of student visas, foreign students will have to visit one of six sites in the UK when they apply for renewal. Fingerprinting will be mandatory for anyone coming from outside the European Union. The tougher rules worry some Universities, as they have become financially dependant on the higher tuition fees paid by those from abroad. Some Universities, such as the London School of Economics, have a higher percentage of students from abroad than from inside the UK. However, the move does serve a purpose. Over the last few years, hundreds of so-called colleges have been closed down for supplying people with false certificates so they can enter on student visas. As of next March, any student travelling to the UK will have to be sponsored by a UK University registered with the border agency to gain entry.
Ebden, who is also ViceChancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, was critical of the move. “This would mean sub-inflation growth in universities and a cut in student numbers and would undoubtedly restrict the chance to go to university for very many younger and older students from families who have never yet had the opportunity to benefit from higher education.” These concerns come in addition to an already expected drop in children from middle-income families applying, as the threshold for bursaries was cut drastically last year.
STUDENT TIMES // 7
ADVERTORIAL: ST.GEORGE’S UNIVERSITY
St. George’s University campus, Grenada, West Indies
Stellar Offerings at St. George’s University St. George’s University is an international centre of education located in Grenada, West Indies. Founded in 1977, the University gives students an unrivalled global educational experience. St. George’s University offers advanced degrees in its Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, and independent and dual graduate degrees in exciting areas of science, public health and business administration. Undergraduate degree programmes are also available through the School of Arts and Sciences. International Perspective • St. George’s University has been home to students and faculty from over 140 countries worldwide. • The University gives students the opportunity to develop the distinctive social and professional skills they need to practise medicine and veterinary medicine on a global level. Breathtaking New Campus •T he wireless-enhanced, state-of-theart new campus is an architectural masterpiece on the southwestern corner
8 // STUDENT TIMES
of Grenada, on a peninsula overlooking the Caribbean Sea. • More than 50 new buildings were recently constructed, including a fully electronic library, laboratories, residence halls, lecture halls and a research institute. Top-Tier Scores • According to a study recently released in Academic Medicine, Grenada was ranked #1 in USMLE Step One and Step Two/CK in the Caribbean for the highest first-time pass rate among all countries with medical schools in the Caribbean over the past 15 years. Grenada – with St. George’s University School of Medicine as the only medical school in Grenada – had an 84.4% pass rate in Step One, outperforming the other countries that had an average pass rate of 49.9% during the same 15-year time period.
Successful Track Records • More than 7,300 medical graduates are pursuing careers in all specialties and sub-specialties all over the world. • About 99 percent of eligible US medical graduates who applied obtained ACGME-approved residences in more than 800 hospitals in 50 states. International graduates obtain postgraduate training in the United States, the United Kingdom or in their home country. • SGU veterinarians’ scores on the NAVLE compare to those of students from US schools, and SGU students gain extra experience by getting hands-on training a year earlier than most programmes. Prestigious Faculty • St. George’s University boasts a low student-to-faculty ratio, giving students the attention they deserve. SGU professors come from all areas of the world to teach an equally diverse mix of students and to help foster an environment focused on a global perspective. • Nobel Prize winners sit on the University’s academic board, while professors and visiting scholars hail from esteemed
institutions worldwide, including Harvard University, The Rockefeller Institute and London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Student-Centred Support Services • Activities in support of student success are deeply ingrained into the ethos of the St. George’s University community, and 98% of students take advantage of its stellar offerings. The island scene sets the stage for an environment of encouragement, support and passion. • The University helps students adapt learning styles to various teaching methods with course tutorials, personal evaluations and seminars in time management, study skills and note taking. Superior Research Opportunities • St. George’s University students have access to the Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation (WINDREF), which organises multidisciplinary research and educational programmes in areas such as medical and veterinary public health, ecology and marine and terrestrial biology.
John Clark, SGU veterinary student & Malawi native
Born to be Wild St. George’s University Veterinary Student Commits to Working with Wildlife Animals John Clark was born in Malawi, Africa, after his parents relocated there in the 1960s to help with the development of the country when it achieved independence from the British. While John completed his senior school and undergraduate studies in the U.K., he attributes his desire to care for animals in the wild to his early years spent in Malawi. “It is hard to actually pin down specifically where my passion comes from,” John remarked. “Anyone who has stood in the wilderness watching a herd of elephants drift by as the sun sets would understand.” John spent quite a bit of time working before he made the decision to attend the School of Veterinary Medicine at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. It was during that time that he realised that he needed to commit himself to work that would be rewarding. “Veterinary medicine will allow me hands-on experience with both animal- and humanrelated problems,” John stated. “That idea of ‘one medicine’ is very important in today’s shrinking world and will be most fulfilling for me to study.” John plans to return to Malawi to practice once he completes his degree – “there is much to do!”
Right: Students of Global Health & Angel Mountain Health Fair
Students Advocate for Global Health at St. George’s University Jeff Donowitz, member and founding president of the Students for Global Health student organisation at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, leads students who share their passion for an international medical perspective. Founded in 2007, celebrating the University’s unique diversity, the club hosts events on global health philosophies and provides student
networking opportunities and international medical experiences for students. Recently, it hosted a forum on the role of the healer in various cultures. Jeff hopes that Students for Global Health continue to foster a multicultural medical perspective at St. George’s University: “to see medical students learn their clinical skills under the auspices of community service has been a fantastic experience.”
For more information on St. George’s University, call +1 (631) 665-8500, extension 413 or 301, or visit www.sgu.edu. STUDENT TIMES // 9
ST NEWS
DID YOU KNOW... Due to precipitation, for a few weeks, K2 is taller than Mt. Everest.
The Fuss with Fees ST gives you an overview of the latest update on top up fees. ---------------------------------------------A leading think tank has called for the removal of the cap currently placed on top up fees. Reform said that allowing Universities to set their own fees would allow them to be less dependant on Government funding. However, in the same report, Reform suggested a one off payment of £13,000 to be made available to everyone, without assessing individual means. This would be in addition to a regular student loan.
The findings were presented by the Conservative University spokesman at an event in London recently. Conservatives were quick to note that the ideas in the report did not reflect party policy, as top up fees will likely be a delicate matter in any upcoming election. The NUS was critical of the report, calling it “extremely foolish”, with other pressure groups condemning the “headlinechasing soundbites” put forth by Reform in their report. Meanwhile… The Liberal Democrats were
cautioned in a recent report that there was “no such thing” as a free University and they should stop opposing tuition fees. While the party argues that this is the only way to increase the number of students from low income families, think tank CentreForum argued that not charging tuition fees would not change this imbalance as, rather than financial issues, it was lack of grades holding many back. The report went on to argue that there was “no such thing as free tuition”, as the fees would only end up being paid out of people’s taxes. “If the party is serious about
STUDENT TIMES COLUMN
JACK’S WORLD Geeks rule, ok? Jack Heal looks at how the geeks will rise up to rule the world. -----------------------------------------------------------It didn’t feel right, watching my grandma jump around with excitement as she beat me at tennis on the Wii this Christmas, but I tried to feel happy for her. She’d successfully enjoyed her first console gaming experience. “It’s not real tennis is it, though, Grandma? If you think you’re so great, try playing outdoors like a proper athlete. What’s the matter, prune face? Ya scared?,” I thought. Yes, I was a tad bitter about losing at virtual tennis to a senior, but when I subsequently got owned at bowling, baseball and boxing, things went beyond ‘a tad’ and I was livid. If
10 // STUDENT TIMES
iPhone: One step away from Douglas Adams dream.
she’d ended up with a lower Wii Fit age than me I think I’d have plunged that cursed remote into my own stomach with rage, like the Japanese Samurai did to avoid shame, although maybe not over a lost Wii Game. However, as I stayed up until the small hours practising my Wii backhand, I reflected upon my earlier defeat and smiled. Well done Grandma. You’ve joined the gaming army. Just another small triumph for geekery. Here’s what really excites me: Wikipedia + eReader + iPhone technology = Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. That’s all it is, isn’t it? A portable, interactive book that can give you information on anything, anywhere, at the pressing of a few buttons. Well, kind of. It has to be Hitchhiker’s Guide Version
widening participation in higher education, it should take most of the £2 billion it would cost to abolish fees at the time of the next election, and use it to raise the attainment levels of deprived school pupils instead,”
CentreForum concluded. A Lib Dem spokesperson agreed that while lack of grades was holding many students back from applying for Higher Education, he added that debts were still “a real worry” for students.
Jack Heal, Maths graduate from Warwick University and Stand-up comedian of the year, Edinburgh Festival 2008 lets rip! :)
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1.0, at the very least. Maybe once some grand ideas of sci-fi have become a mainstream reality, geeks will be viewed a little differently. As the army begins to stretch beyond the beardy, the fat and the twig-armed – I’m in camp three, but it’s only a matter of time and laziness before I sit in the overlapping centre of those three geek circles – stereotypes may well change. One day, perhaps The Simpsons’ Comic Book
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Guy will simply be a nod and wink to times gone by. The change is already being helped by Ozzie Osbourne advertising for the geekiest of past-times, online real-time strategy games. Pipe dreams perhaps, but so were Mr Adams’ ideas when he named his famous five part trilogy. And who knows, maybe next Christmas Grandma will be defeating me in some kind of Better Than Life virtual world.
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OVER
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SPONSORED ARTICLE: Terrence Higgins Trust & Abbott
Let’s Get Tested This month sexual health and HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) launched a new competition to get young people talking about sexual health and the importance of getting tested. The competition, which closes on February 28th, aims to highlight sexual health issues by asking young people aged 15 – 25 to make a short film about getting regularly tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The winner of the competition will receive £2,000 and the opportunity to work with a leading British director or producer to professionally make their film. Having regular sexual health tests is an important part of enjoying a healthy sex life, especially as the number of people diagnosed with HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is rising every year. THT estimates that there are now over 80,000 people living with HIV in the UK. Around a quarter are unaware that they have the virus. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV infects and gradually destroys an infected person’s immune system, reducing their protection against infection. Initially,
registered charity no. 288527
someone living with HIV may show no symptoms as their immune system manages to control it. However, in most cases their immune system will need help from anti-HIV drugs to keep the virus under control. There are a number of other STIs which if left undiagnosed, can also damage your health. Recent figures show that although young people represent only 12% of the population, they account for nearly half of all STIs diagnosed in GUM clinics across the UK in 2007. With that in mind it’s especially important that young people know the facts about HIV and sexual health. What can you do? Of all the ways you can lower the risks you take in your sex life, using a condom is the most effective. Used correctly condoms have one of the highest success rates at stopping unwanted pregnancies and preventing many sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. You can pick up free condoms from places like GUMs and family planning clinics. Why have a sexual health check up? If you’ve ever had unprotected sex then it
* All figures from the Health Protection Agency
might be worth considering getting a sexual health check up at a Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinic. Having regular check ups means that you’ll have a clear picture of your sexual health. It’s also a good idea to get checked out if you notice anything unusual ‘down below.’ STIs vary in their symptoms but a visit to your local GUM clinic might be something to consider if you experience any itching, swelling or redness around your vagina or penis, unusual discharge from your vagina or penis, or pains in your lower abdomen. Most STIs can be cured with no lasting effect to your health if they are dealt with early enough and if you follow the medication instructions. How do I get a test? If you go to your local genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinic you can get a free sexual health check up. You might be able get this service from your doctor (GP) but GUM clinics will protect your confidentiality. None of the results will be put on to your medical records or be sent to your GP. You can even remain anonymous by giving a different name, although if you do give your name this information won’t be passed onto
registered charity 288527educational grant from * AllAbbott figuresUK from the Health Protect Funded by ano. restricted
anyone else. THT also runs a range of services especially for young people, for more information visit: www.tht.org.uk/ howwecanhelpyou/youngpeople/ Where to go for further information and advice If you are concerned about your sexual health then Terrence Higgins Trust is here to help. The people at our helpline, THT Direct, can offer confidential support and advice – and we’ll call you back if you need to call from your own mobile or a call box. Just dial 0845 1221 200 or email info@tht. org.uk. THT Direct is open Monday - Friday from 10.00am – 10.00pm and Saturday – Sunday from 12.00 noon – 6.00pm. Or visit www.tht.org.uk You can also find out more about what it’s like to go and get tested for HIV and STIs by going to www.letsgettested.org.uk. The site has a short film which shows what to expect when you go for a sexual health check. It’s not scary so if you have put yourself at risk get yourself checked out.
FEATURE ADVICE: New Year, new you?
SURVIVING THE RESOLUTIONS Every year, we are faced with the pressure of that new start, a new you. New Year’s resolutions normally involve an improved you, better, stronger, smarter, sexier. But how do you best go about not failing, asks Jemilla Russell-Clough.
T
his year, you tell yourself, you are going to do everything you have ever wanted to do. You’ll start those yoga lessons you’ve always dreamed of, you’ll learn to cook, you’ll embrace your needs, read more books, maybe even travel; all while trying to balance course work with of that improved training regime and eating healthily. All you’ve got to do is keep yourself
motivated for 365 days. This year, the world is your oyster. With a bucket load of optimism and even more energy, you cannot fail. But let’s face it, on top of the everyday pressures of life, is it really important for you to start eating certain foods, or to do that extra half an hour of walking every day? Is the world going to come to a grinding halt if you stop biting your nails? And will you ever be able to use the line “I have just read the latest Stephen Hawkins book on The
Heriot-Watt University Institute of Petroleum Engineering The Institute runs Masters programs in: Petroleum Engineering Reservoir Evaluation and Management GeoSEAD These are challenging courses aimed at graduates with engineering, science and geoscience backgrounds.
If you are interested in the courses starting September 2009, then application forms are available from Anne Mathers Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS Or see www.pet.hw.ac.uk 12 // STUDENT TIMES
History of Science” to the next person you fancy and still look desirable? These are the demons you’ll have to fight every day. “Will it pay off?”, “Can I be bothered?” According to About.com, it takes 21 days for something to become a habit for a person and 6 months for it to become a part of your personality. That means by the end of January you should be able to get up on the cold rainy mornings and force yourself to go to the gym three times a week, and by June you’ll be the super fit body you had envisioned. Right? All sources around will give similar advice, sometime in five, sometime in ten steps. But here is a roundup of the most common tips for keeping your resolutions: 1) Be Realistic: Makes sense really, you won’t ever look like Jennifer Aniston, but if you want a fit body, exercising will make you get what you want. 2) S et these goals, outline them, define them, and write them down. Whatever you want to do, you have to recognise these goals. You have to be able to see them in front of you. Writing them down will help you establish what’s important to you and what isn’t. 3) Set deadlines: For example, say: “By the end of the day I won’t have bitten my nails once”. Keep doing it on a daily basis, as such a deadline can be less daunting than doing a whole month without something. 4) Get support: People flourish when they have support. Tell those closest to you, especially if you’re giving up an addiction such as smoking, drinking or taking drugs. It’s addictive for a reason and, let’s face it; you know it’s bad for you. Telling others also
Top 10 New year’s Resolutions: 1 Spend time with loved ones 2 Get fit 3 Lose weight 4 Stop smoking 5 Enjoy life more 6 Stop drinking 7 Get out of debt 8 Learn a new skill/talent 9 Be more charitable 10 Re-organise life
gives you a support blanket, people will ask you about it and be able to talk you through rough spots. 5) Don’t beat yourself up: If you start having negative associations with your goals, you may as well stop trying to achieve them. You will start resenting what you are doing and then, what’s the point in trying to improve you being when it brings with it so much negativity? Even with this advice, one or more of your resolutions may fall by the wayside. If you really want to change your life around, it shouldn’t be because you feel you have to make a change because of the new year, but because you feel the need for change, period. Best of luck. Whilst credit cards can help with short term cash flow problems and develop a credit rating, they have incredibly high interest rates on unpaid balances, so they have to be managed carefully. If you are disciplined and good at spending within a budget, then you can benefit from some of the credit card deals currently in the market. However, shopaholics and spend thrifts should steer well clear of credit, because it is incredibly costly if badly managed! All others, enjoy!
Money matters:
John Quinlan, student outreach
practical finance tips As a cash-strapped student, chances are you’ve probably not been able to put much aside by way of savings, let alone started thinking about your pension. But you’ll almost certainly have a bank account – and probably insurance for your possessions or travel. The good news is that things usually run smoothly. But it’s reassuring to know that if something does go wrong, there’s somewhere you can turn. Student Times talks to John Quinlan – student outreach officer at the Financial Ombudsman Service – to find out more about the free service that was set up by law to settle financial complaints between consumers and financial firms. John explains: ‘Mistakes and misunderstanding can happen with any kind of business. But money-related problems can be of real concern when you
with over half a million enquiries from consumers about a widerange of complaints – from credit cards to motor insurance. The Financial Ombudsman Service is a completely independent organisation – we look carefully at what’s happened and consider both sides of the story. If we find ‘If you’ve already made a that you’ve lost out, because complaint to a financial firm, of something a firm has done but remain unhappy – the ombudsman may be able to step (or failed to do), we have official powers to get things put right.’ in and help. Last year we dealt
are managing a tight budget. Making a formal complaint might seem a bit daunting. But usually the earlier you contact your bank, insurance company or finance firm to let them know there’s a problem, the quicker they are able to put things right.’
Some complaints recently investigated by the ombudsman Mobile phone insurance
he took out the policy. As the insurer could not prove A second-year student they had done this – or that accidentally left his mobile the consumer had acted phone in a shop. When he carelessly – the ombudsman returned to collect it, it was missing. The phone was insured, told the insurer to pay the student’s claim. but his insurer rejected the claim, saying the phone had Personal loan been left unattended and that A recent college-leaver the claim would not be paid. responded to a marketing letter she received from a loan The ombudsman agreed there company. She was offered a loan was an exclusion in the policy of £5000 which she used to buy for items left ‘unattended’. a car. But she later fell seriously But because this severely restricted the cover, we said this behind with the payments. She complained that she should have been brought to shouldn’t have been given the customer’s attention when
the loan, as she had no income and was reliant on benefits when she took it out. Investigating the facts, the ombudsman decided that the company hadn’t made an error when they offered the loan. The application was in joint names – with her former partner – and was affordable on their joint income. However, though the complaint was not upheld, the company agreed with the ombudsman that the customer was in financial difficulty, and it offered to help her by re-scheduling her repayments.
John’s ‘top tips’ on how to get your complaint taken seriously 1. What’s the problem? Get what you are unhappy about clear in your own mind. 2. Try to stay calm! Even if you are upset, try to stay calm – this will help you to get across your points clearly. 3. Write or phone? Decide whether you want to write or phone and have any relevant policy or account numbers to hand. Make a note of the date, time and full name of anyone you speak to. 4. Keep it brief! Tell the firm what you are unhappy about and how you would like them to put things right. 5. Taking it higher! If you aren’t making progress, say you want to register it as a formal complaint.
The power to settle financial complaints.
Find out more at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or call 0845 080 1800.
REVIEW: ALBUM
TV: Being Human
Cage the Elephant: Back against the wall’
Kentucky: Home of bourbon whiskey, fried chicken and err…….George Clooney! Lest we forget one of 2008’s hottest breakthrough acts Cage the Elephant, who stomped festival audiences last summer with their relentless, incendiary live shows (when asked to define the band’s sound, they’ve called it “A punch in the face”). Cage the Elephant have also been a regular fixture on television with performances on Later with Jools Holland and Channel 4’s Nokia Green Room, as well as a Never Mind the Buzzcocks debut from front man Matt Schultz. Success, it seems, is just round the corner. The Schultz brothers – Matt and Brad - grew up on a hippie commune in Kentucky. In a twist of fate, their parents exchanged drugs for God and expelled all music they regarded “non-Christian”. The young men persevered through these imposed religious rigours and found their spiritual direction in a smuggled Hendrix tape. The rest. Is. History. Originally featured on their acclaimed self-titled debut, Back against the Wall has been reworked exclusively for this single release. Sadly, it fails to measure up to the surrounding hype. Imagine Kings of Leon sans attitude, Rolling Stones minus the fuzz, and Iggy lacking the raw power. It begins delicately, the ride cymbal tip toeing along with a psychedelic guitar hook. So far, so retro revivalist, then. Instead of adding an extra dimension, the plodding southern drawl of vocalist Matt Schultz seems lazy and uninspired. It is evident, as the track builds, that there might be some sprung energy waiting to be unleashed. But no. All trace of rock n’ roll spirit seems locked far, far away. Three minutes of back-ground filler, then. Shame, because their beastly life-force, evident at live-shows, is sucked dry by the studio. Review by Jamie Skey Back against the Wall is released 2 February 2009. For more reviews and music interviews, check studenttimes.org regularly.
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Sunnydale has Buffy and her Scooby Gang, Cardiff has rogue and lovable Torchwood, now Bristol gets its own batch of supernatural oddballs in the new series Being Human. Student Times talks to star Lenora Crichlow about life as a ghost. ------------------------------------------------------------Life as a twentysomething is confusing at the best of times, but imagine you’ve got to cope with being dead as well. Such is the life of poor old Annie, a ghost stuck haunting her fiancée’s house and living with two other oddballs – a werewolf called George
(Russell Tovey) and centuries-old vampire Mitchell (Aidan Turner). When you’re Lenora Crichlow, this is just another day at the office and ghosts, werewolves and vampires are the guys you hang out with. Might seem odd, but when your office is the set of BBC Three’s new drama Being Human and you’re playing Annie, you better get used to it. The actress, best remembered as the titular character from Channel 4’s Sugar Rush, was keen to be part of the show as soon as she heard about it, although she didn’t know what to think at first. “I thought ‘That’s a bit out there!’,” she admits, but was happy to go on a ghostly journey.
“Annie’s very unsure when we first meet her. She’s confined by routine and other people’s approval, and she’s quite insecure and vulnerable, and a little bit needy because she’s at the whim of so many things outside of herself.” Playing a ghost may sound fun, but does come with certain disadvantages. “Annie doesn’t change [clothes] throughout the whole series. I don’t get to do any costume stuff. I got to watch,” she complains, laughing. Watching was something Crichlow had to get used to, as often only Annie’s flatmates are able to see her. Undead Mitchell is the more sympathetic of the two,
ST EXTRA REVIEW: DVD Pineapple Express
Above: Lenora isn’t happy when she’s told she has to wear her character’s clothes off-set as well. Left: Crichlow with Russell Tovey’s George (middle) and Aidan turner’s Mitchell (left).
something of a father figure to her and despite looking about the same age, the 118 year old vampire does have a few years on recently deceased Annie. “He’s so old, he’s been there, done it all, he seems to be a bit more knowing,” Crichlow confesses. Sadly, it’s not that easy with the other flatmate. The actress thinks Annie’s relationship with werewolf George is more like one between siblings. “There’s some bickering at first and they’re sussing each other out,” she admits, adding that they do eventually learn to get along. And just because she’s dead and invisible to almost everyone doesn’t mean that a visiting werewolf will not notice Annie’s charming presence. Hinting at some romance for her character in the third episode of the series, Crichlow admits: “Annie’s really charmed and bowled over at the beginning by Tully, just the attention from a guy who’s a very alpha-male type character, she gets a bit flustered.” Luckily, the 23-year-old wasn’t invisible on set herself and had a great time with both Russell and Aidan. “Both of them were fantastic, we learned a lot from watching each other,” she admits. “We found our chemistry on and off set, which was very helpful, spending that much time together.” Again, luckily the trio got along, as working with people you don’t like could be a bit daunting. “We joked about ‘What if we hadn’t got on?’. It would have been an
“
Annie’s really charmed and bowled over at the beginning by Tully, just the attention from a guy who’s a very alpha-male type character, she gets a bit flustered.”
Pineapple Express is one of those movies you’re either in the mood for or you’ll end up hating. From afar, it may look like one of the many stupid buddy comedies we’ve seen dozens of in the last few years; the type of comedy starring two immature losers with no real goals in life, with no future. But once you watch it, you’ll see that it is much more than that. Dale (Seth Rogen) is our hapless loser/protagonist: Mid-twenties, with a dead end job and a girlfriend about to go off to college, he spends his evenings in the company of weed. One night, he witnesses a murder and leaves behind an incriminating spliff of rare Pineapple Express that only his dealer could have sold him. Terrified, he flees from the gangsters with dealer Saul (James Franco). While the movie at first might look like the usual stoner comedy, you quickly see that there is an additional buddy comedy, or bromance, level to the script. There are a few lines strewn throughout the film that’ll make you smile, that is, if you enjoy a bit of subtext between two straight characters. Of course, scenes where two straight guys show they like each other, through bickering or other means, are almost a staple of the action comedy. No one left Bad Boys (the first or the second) not knowing Will Smith and Martin Lawrence liked each other. Everyone knows that Simon Pegg’s Sergeant Angel loves PC Butterman, of course in a very
manly way. In fact, Hot Fuzz is probably a pretty good companion for Pineapple Express. Sure, Seth Rogen’s script may be a bit sillier than Pegg’s, but the über violent climax of the film is similarly gory to the British comedy. Pineapple Express’s biggest asset, however, is James Franco’s Saul. Who knew, apart from those lucky enough to have seen Freaks & Geeks, that the man could be funny? Far too long has he been cast as the brooding love interest (Tristan + Isolde) or simply stuck with some awful parts (the Spiderman Trilogy). For the sake of moviegoers everywhere, we can only hope that this, along with his well-received role in the upcoming Milk, will lead to better parts for him. So, even if drug comedies aren’t your thing, you should give the movie a try. It’s good for a night in, with some really funny moments and some even better over the top action scenes. Pineapple Express is available now either as a single disk or two disk edition, priced £18 and £20.
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absolute disaster. But we didn’t really have to consider it, because we’re all just good friends. It [three months] would be a long time if we didn’t like each other. Our apartment is in the same block as well, so there’s no escape,” she adds. The next question, of course, is if all the hard work, days in identical wardrobe and cold studios paid off. “We had a screening for the cast and crew just before we wrapped, of Episode 1 at the big Cinema Deluxe in Bristol. Seeing it on the big screen was really exciting. Personally, it exceeded my expectations. “The characters definitely have the potential to hold another series, the writing is just very original and I’ve never been on a series where I’ve anticipated the next edition so much,” the Londoner admits. So, will there be more series of Being Human for Lenora Crichlow? “I’d love to come back and do it all over again.”
What happens if the parents of two eternally unemployed losers get married to each other? You end up with Step Brothers, the newest “odd couple” comedy starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. If you’re a fan of Anchorman, Talladega Nights, Semi-Pro or any of Ferrell’s comedies, then this one’s for you. Student Times is thrilled to offer you the chance to win one of five copies of Step Brothers. Or, if you already own Knocked Up, Superbad and maybe even Freaks & Geeks, then why not add the latest Seth Rogen comedy to your collection. We’ve again got five copies of the two disc edition of Pineapple Express to give away. To win either (or both!), just log onto studenttimes.org and go to the competitions section. Good luck!
STUDENT TIMES // 15
ST EXTRA REVIEW: BOOK
BOOKS: Dr. Hunter S. Thompson You rang: Thompson looking as cool as ever. Insert: The cover of The Rum Diary.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - A savage journey across America seeking the American Dream. Fuelled by drugs, Raoul Duke (an autobiographical character if there ever was one, later played by Johnny Depp) visits Las Vegas and is welcomed by hallucinations and psychedelic drug trips. One of his strangest and most intriguing books, with nightmare terrors and funny happenings. It’s an unforgettable classic.
With Gonzo, a documentary by acclaimed director Alex Gibney, whipping up renewed interest in legendary writer and journalist Hunter S. Thompson, Emma Robins looks at one of the best biographies for the man. ------------------------------------------------------------Until recently only available as an expensive hardback, the acclaimed biography, Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson, an acclaimed biography has finally made it to paperback. Set out in chapters filled with memories, photographs, anecdotes and interviews from family members and friends of Thompson, it tells the unforgettable story of a truly witty and energetic genius. Forget Einstein and Hawking, this is the story of a hell raiser, drug taking and the brilliance of madness. Written by Jann Wenner, founding editor of Rolling Stone and Thompson’s long-time employer, it is so brilliantly written and stitched together that you will feel as though you were actually there, which is of course also the aim of Gonzo journalism, the first-person narrative style
16 // STUDENT TIMES
pioneered by Thompson. Let’s get one thing straight though – don’t expect this to be a book about a genuinely humble and nice journalist who is successful in everything he does. Most of the time Thompson comes across as a monster and unbearable to live with, and from reading other literature on him this is certainly a true account. An eclectic and somewhat surprising group of well-known celebrities and frequenters in Thompson’s life are included, with a memorable and heartfelt introduction by Johnny Depp describing his feelings towards Thompson as a friend. Instead of it being the usual drivel found in other biographies, it gives an insight into how Thompson affected the lives of those around him, whether his impact was good impact or caused events that people would rather forget. Even Jack Nicholson writes about his experiences when Thompson was writing ‘Kingdom of Fear’ with a surprising account from Angelica Houston who had differing opinions on him. If you are a regular enthusiast of Hunter S. Thompson or have read any of his work, then it won’t take you long to realise that some of the unbelievable plot points from
!
God of Gonzo
The Rum Diary – This is the first novel Thompson ever wrote, although it was only published in 1998. In it Paul Kemp, a New York journalist, moves to Puerto Rico where he meets crazy drunks and wild journalists on the edge of quitting. Life seems bleak until he gets to know Yeoman and his beautiful girlfriend. With the tension rising, a clash of personalities and violent uproar seems inevitable.
his books are in fact his own experiences. At first it may seem a mountain of a book, with almost 500 pages and the weight of a brick. Yet, it is a concise and enjoyable read, leaving you with a wellrounded account of when, why and what happened throughout his life. Starting from the beginning of his career as a journalist, through the Campaign Trail, right up to people’s accounts of when they were told of his death, it is a truly stunning read. In comparison to other accounts of Thompson’s life, such as Ralph Steadman’s The Joke’s Over, it provides a much better picture of the person Thompson was, as well as providing an eclectic collection of memories from those affected by him. If you are new to Hunter S. Thompson, the book marks a good starting point in finding out about how influential and devastating he was as a writer and as a person. After finishing Gonzo, it is hard not to feel both anger and regret. Anger towards a man who was so ignorant yet so talented and regret at the way in which such a great life came to a tragic end as a result if his suicide in 2005.
Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson is on sale now.
Rant: The Oral History of Buster Casey
Chuck Palahniuk, best known for his action-fuelled tale Fight Club, is back with arguably one of his best offerings yet. It is not often that you read a novel where the author can paint a vivid picture of the main character without ever letting the reader meet him directly. Following its release, Rant: An Oral History of Buster Casey quickly became a bestseller and it is easy to see why. Over the course of the novel, a mixture of friends, enemies and sexual partners tell us about Buster Casey, the most notorious serial killer of our time. The twist is, this serial killer is already dead and you will be dying to find out how his vicious life came to an end. At first it feels quite peculiar reading random interview entries all stitched together, but you soon become deeply engrossed in the mysterious life of Buster Casey. Each chapter sets out to discuss different aspects of Casey’s life and how his saliva might be to blame for a rabies epidemic ravaging the country. Casey feeds off the rush he gets from the venom of the black-widow spider and often lets the creatures bite him. After leaving his feral hometown for the city he quickly becomes leader of an Urban Demolition Derby, a kind of dodgems without the padding, where Casey begins to transmit his disease. This strange story of the dark anti-hero Buster Casey will make your spine tingle and cause laughter in equal measure. It is a chilling tale of a man so sinister that he feeds from spreading his lethal disease. Although you never get to meet the main character you feel closer than ever to his lethal disease-ridden self. Cleverly pieced together, you will struggle to put the book down despite its non-linear narrative. Newcomers to Palahniuk’s work will enjoy Rant just as much as avid fans and both will surely be thrilled to hear that, due to its popularity, Palahniuk is considering publishing two further books set in Buster Casey’s world. Emma Robins.
FASHION
Left to Right: 1. Sequened top £TBA, Trilby £8, Tights £4. 2. Straw boater £10, Anchor jumper £28. 3. Limited Edition blouse £35, Hotpants £20, Socks £3, Sandals £40. 4. Limited Edition embellished cardigan £35.
SPRING CLEAN
Left to Right: 1. Denim parka £40, Red gingham blazer £35, Shirt £20, Chinos £20. 2. T-shirt £10, Denim shorts £20. 3. Sweater £35,Vest £4, Shorts £20. 4. Jacket £35, Linen shirt £20, Jeans £35, Trainers £12.
WHAT’S HOT THIS MONTH
All fashion by New Look www.newlook.co.uk
Left to Right: 1. Country & Western Boot £54.99, Office. 2. Pink pleat detail dress £35, Dorothy Perkins. 3. Grey donkey jacket £69.99, River Island. 4. Lace Front Shoe Boot £35, ASOS. com.
STUDENT TIMES // 17
GAYLIFE
QUOTE OF THE MONTH “A lot of my peer group think I’m an eccentric bisexual. That’s OK. Being relaxed about sexuality is something you’re born with.”, Robert Downy Jr. gives gay men everywhere hope.
Devilish Damien Peter Stickles loves horror. His passion is acting. Needless to say, it was a dream come true when he got to play Vampire Damian in gay cult hit The Lair, Jonathan Williams learns.
P
------------------------------------------------------------eter Stickles, when dressed as a civilian and not as a scheming, bloodsucking fiend, would be able to pass as a regular guy next door. The American is handsome, with big, expressive eyes and despite his 32 years of age still has a boyish charm about him. “I have this fascination of pictures of kittens dressed up in people clothes. It makes me so happy,” he enthuses. Maybe not what you expect to hear from an actor who plays the head of sex club The Lair, populated by the undead, but obviously playing evil Damian hasn’t robbed him of his innocence. With a third series in the can and a fourth a good possibility, viewers will have plenty of time to get to know the vampires who frequent at The Lair and their foil, journalist Thom, following a trail of bodies with neck wounds to the club. Not even death will stop the regulars from returning for more. “I love that Damien’s otherworldly. I have been killed off a few times and just keep coming back! “He is a character that you can really, ahem, sink your teeth into. It’s not like you are playing ‘the guy’ or ‘the boyfriend’ or ‘friend #2’, he is a deep character with lots of nuances to play with,” the openly gay actor insists, “Plus, wearing the makeup and clothes help liven the performance!” So, how did he end up as Damien? “I am a huge Buffy fan! I heard that a gay-
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themed Buffy-esque show was being created, called Dante’s Cove and I wanted to be involved so badly. The director of Shortbus, John Mitchell [of Hedwig and the Angry Inch fame], knew this and thought I would be a good match for its spinoff, The Lair, so he recommended me.” Dante’s Cove, which was released in the UK last year, is a campy and fun show set in a world of sorcery, witches
Where have I seen him? Shortbus (’06) Plays a young gay stalker who likes to watch. Cemetery Gates (’06) Never free a geneticallymutated Tasmanian Devil. 2 Minutes Later (’07) Lesbian detective investigates the disappearance of a photographer with his gay brother. Meat Weed America (’07) Playing terrorist Bin Smokin’, he has to fight horny nuns in a decidedly odd film.
and scarcely-dressed, tanned men. The scarcely-dressed also applies to The Lair, the tanned, not as such, Vampires not being such a fan of direct sunlight. However, once under cover of darkness, they do engage in some more carnal activities. But don’t the sex scenes ever get tiring? “Of course. There are always concerns when it comes to sex scenes. ‘Will I be overexposed?’, ‘How will I look?’. But the specifics of each sex scene are always discussed thoroughly to make the actors as comfortable as possible,” Stickles says, “I like that.” While The Lair is Stickles first regular television gig, he came to many people’s attention thanks to the already mentioned Shortbus. The story of a handful of New
York youngsters trying to connect both sexually and emotionally, its release was in limbo for several years until receiving a glowing reception at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006. It became infamous for showing sex scenes that weren’t staged and received praise for a cast that improvised much if its dialogue. In it, Stickles played a gay voyeur. “Shortbus was huge for me,” the actor insists. “I, personally, never thought Vamp: Stickles stars in gay Buffy-esque show
GAY LIFE REVIEW: FILM
Milk – It’s good for you! If The Lair isn’t your cup of tea, but you still fancy watching a gay-themed movie this LGBT History month, then why not give Milk a try? The story of the first high-ranking gay official elected to public office in the US, it focuses the last decade of Harvey Milk’s life, his loves, his campaigns and culminates in his assassination. Already receiving rave reviews over in the US, landing on lists as one of the best ten movies of 2008, Milk looks to be the first big gay movie since Brokeback Mountain three
“I have this fascination of pictures of kittens dressed up in people clothes. It makes me so happy,”
years ago. With any luck, Sean Penn will even receive an Oscar nomination for his turn as Milk (only time will tell, as we went to press before the announcements). So, time for bums on seats and go watch Milk as soon as it’s released on 23 January!
it would actually play in theatres! I get recognised for that more than anything.” The recognition would be part of the more pleasant aspects of acting, but there are surely others. “It can be lonely and financially distressing. But, when you land a great project like The Lair or Shortbus it’s all worth it.” Being gay and playing gay in Hollywood can sometimes create problems, or at least boundaries in the minds of those that employ you. ‘Can gay people really play straight convincingly?’ Truth is, they can. Some of Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs of old, such as Rock Hudson, were gay, although not openly. Did Stickles ever regret being more open? “Sure. It was a difficult choice. But after my experience with Shortbus, I couldn’t think of any other way of representing myself.” There are still a few goals left for him to achieve, such as work with some of the names of horror cinema. “I want to work with Peter Jackson someday. Maybe a remake of Dead Alive [known elsewhere as Braindead],” he says, adding, “Or maybe a new Chucky film!” Other horror films the actor rates highly include Aliens, Basket Case, Poultrygeist [about what happens when you build a chicken shop on an ancient Indian burial ground] and the classic Texas Chainsaw Massacre. He also enjoys watching grindhouse films with friends “the crazier the better,” he insists. For now, it’s back to The Lair. “The best part of the show is the amazing, tireless crew. And my castmates who have become incredible friends.” However, he does have one complaint. “We only have a few weeks to produce an entire season. So, the workload can be intense.” But Stickles is happy to stick with Damien, vampires and the mystery of being undead for many more years to come.
The Lair: Season 1. On the prowl. Eyeing up men left, right and centre. Constantly looking for a new victim. Sounds like a good description of regulars at some of the more predatory gay bars the world over, but those who visit The Lair are anything but your average regular. You’ve got club owner Damian, who has a passion for flamboyant clothes, an aversion to sunlight and a taste for blood. In fact, the latter is true for most of the regulars at the club. Inquisitive journalist Thom lands right in the middle of all the sex club hedonism when he begins to follow the trail of good-looking dead bodies with neck wounds. The Lair’s premise of a gay sex club inhabited by horny vampires may put off quite a few of you. Others might think that it’s worth a look, simply for the high camp value that must come with such a ridiculous concept. Sadly, the series is not helped by a terrible script and some truly awful acting along with accents that would make Sesame Street’s Count von Count proud. The show does have two small saving graces. Both Peter Stickles, as head vamp Damian, and Thom’s David Moretti are able to act and speak some truly cheese-laden lines with conviction (and a straight face). For those who don’t care about that and just want to see some flesh, you’ll be treated to
a creepily voyeuristic scene with Thom showering and soaping himself up in the first episode. Best viewed more as Mystery Science Theatre than serious drama, it’s worth renting the DVD so you can sit at home on a quiet night in, pop in the disc and watch with a bottle of wine. You’ll laugh a lot, although probably not at the intended jokes. You might even recognise some of the supporting actors, although you should be careful who to mention this to, with several actors active and retired porn stars. Overall, the show is high on camp and low on brain. Easy watching for those who can stomach it.
Pride in Our Legacy: A celebration of LGBT History Month A FREE evening of talk, music and performance to celebrate LGBT History. Thursday 26th February 2009 7 pm – 10pm TUC Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS
Bourgeois & Maurice Stav B Russell Harris in Company of One VJs Boxikus and Oskur - Behind Bars DJ Qurra - Club Kali and Dum Dum Hosted by LB - UK Black Pride Speakers include Angela Eagle MP Frances O’Grady TUC
free entry - free bar and free food
All welcome! To RSVP please contact sertucevents@tuc.org.uk
This event is brought to you by SERTUC LGBT Network: Fighting homophobia and promoting LGBT equality in your workplace.
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NURSING
The Guide to Courses & Careers
Do you care? Choose a career in nursing. If you want to work in an environment that’s interesting, rewarding and challenging, a career in nursing will give you plenty of scope to do exactly that. Nurses form the largest group of staff in the NHS and are a crucial part of the healthcare team. Nurses work in every sort of health setting from accident and emergency to working in patients’ homes, with people of all ages and backgrounds.
“Personalised learning takes place when there is an education system in which assessment, curriculum, teaching style and outof-hours provision are all designed to discover and nurture the unique talents of every single pupil.”
S
------------------------------------------------------------o, if you’ve got an interest in caring for people, you’ll find a role that suits you in nursing. Some nurses begin their career by working their way up from support roles, which require no set qualifications, and go on to train for a registered nursing degree or diploma, which qualifies them to work as a nurse. Others apply straight to university to undertake their studies. Whatever route you take, you’ll need to gain a degree or diploma in nursing, during which the NHS will support you. For instance, your tuition fees will usually be paid and you will be eligible for a bursary. Once you are part of the NHS, you’ll benefit from flexible working arrangements, excellent benefits and a wealth of opportunities to help you fulfill your ambitions and progress up the career ladder. There are few professions that offer so much in terms of job satisfaction and support, while giving you the chance to enhance people’s lives during their times of need.
Career options To work as a nurse in the NHS, you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), which means you’ll need a degree or diploma in nursing. The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is the largest professional union for nursing in the UK. The RCN represents and supports
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Adult nurses Adult nurses work with old and young adults with diverse health conditions, both chronic and acute. They juggle numerous priorities and use caring, counselling, managing, teaching and all aspects of interpersonal skills to improve the quality of patients’ lives, sometimes in difficult situations. Work may be based in hospital wards, clinics or, increasingly, community settings and you may do shift work to provide 24-hour care.
Mental health nurses
more than 395,000 nurses, health care support workers and nursing students, both in the NHS and the private sector. There are many ways in which you can become a registered nurse. For instance, you can work your way up from being a healthcare assistant (which may not require any qualifications), and progress to apply for a place on a degree or diploma course, or you can begin your professional study after gaining your A levels. Depending on experience and training there are plenty of opportunities for you to rise up the ranks to manage teams, run wards and even reach consultant level, if desired.
These are the areas you could specialise in:• Adult nurses • Mental health nurses • Children’s nurses • Learning disability nurses • District nurses • Neonatal nursing • Health visitors • Practice nurses • Prison nurses • School nurses • Healthcare assistants
As many as one in three people has a mental health problem at some point in their life, regardless of their age or background. Conditions range from personality and psychological disorders to neuroses and psychoses. Nurses who choose to specialise in the mental health branch of nursing – a complex and demanding area – work with GPs, psychiatrists, psychologists, and others, to help care for patients with mental illnesses. Increasingly, care is given in the community, with mental health nurses visiting patients and their families at home, in residential centres, in prisons or in specialist clinics or units
Children’s nurses This branch of nursing involves working with children of all ages who are suffering from many conditions. Children’s nursing takes
NURSING place in hospitals, day care centres, child health clinics and in the child’s home. Like other branches of nursing, care is becoming more community-based.
work as vital members of the primary healthcare team, covering a specific geographical area. They work with a network of organisations concerned with health and can be based in settings as diverse as people’s homes, schools, GP surgeries, shelters for the homeless and medical centres. This is a role that will appeal to those who enjoy one to-one nursing and want to work with autonomy while remaining part of a healthcare team.
Learning disability nurses People with learning disabilities often have a wide range of physical and mental health conditions. Learning disability nurses work in partnership with them and family carers, to provide specialist healthcare. Their main aim is to support the well-being and social inclusion of people with a learning disability by improving or maintaining their physical and mental health; by reducing barriers; and supporting the person to pursue a fulfilling life.
District nurses District nurses visit people of all ages, often in their own homes, GP surgeries or a residential home. Many patients are elderly, others may have disabilities, be recovering after a hospital stay, or have a terminal illness. You’ll need to qualify and work as a registered nurse and then complete a degree-level specialist practitioner programme, which usually lasts at least one Quarter pg ad_01.qxd
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academic year, before you can become a district nurse. This is a rewarding role as you can work one-to-one with patients on an ongoing basis.
Neonatal nursing Neonatal nurses work with newborn babies who are born sick or prematurely. Neonatal nursing training programmes are part of continuing professional development and are normally studied as modules by registered adult and children’s nurses and midwives
Health visitors Health visitors are registered nurses or midwives who have done further training to
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Starting your career in nursing? Students – Join today for just £10 per year
Join today: Online @ www.rcn.org.uk Call us on 0845 772 6100 Or you can text us for an application pack – simply text ST09 followed by your name and address to 88020*
Practice nurses Practice nurses work in GP surgeries as part of a primary care team that is likely to include doctors, nurses, dietitians and pharmacists. In smaller practices, you may be the sole nurse, whereas in larger surgeries, you may share duties with practice nurse colleagues. This role offers much scope and variety for those who have highly developed communication skills, enjoy working flexibly and are organised.
Prison nurses Prison nurses are registered nurses based in prison. They are either employed by the prison service or, increasingly, by the NHS. Quarter pg advertorial_02.qxd
Many prisoners suffer from substance abuse or have a mental health problem, making nursing in this environment challenging. By improving mental and physical health, the care provided by prison nurses may help to lower re-offending rates, and therefore have a positive impact on prisoners, their families and the wider public.
School nurses School nurses are usually employed by a primary care trust, local health authority, community trust or by individual schools. You will need to be an experienced registered nurse before you can apply to work as a school nurse.
There are also opportunities for nurses to work in other areas including: • NHS special health authorities such as NHS Direct and NHS Blood & Transplant. • Private healthcare providers. • Charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support. • Teaching and assessing roles. • The armed forces.
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Why join the RCN? any claims of professional negligence With over 395,000 members the Royal College of Nursing is the largest while working on placement or as a HCA. Access to specialist legal professional body and trade union of nursing staff and students in the UK. protection and expert representation We can provide you with the protection, if you ever require it advice and support you need to make your studies and future career a huge • automatic entry into the Association success. The RCN is the voice of nursing. of Nursing Students, our networking, information and lobbying group for student members, from which you For only £10 a year you have: will receive our quarterly newsletter • access to the largest nursing library in Europe – including the e-library called ‘The Answer’ packed full of the latest news and information about with more than 300 e-books and student nurses and nursing as a whole 400 e-journals on nursing news and theory. This invaluable resource can We also campaign for better pay and be accessed any time, day or night, working conditions for our members, which can help you enormously we have secured over £5 million worth while completing your assignments of compensation during 2008 showing • protection and piece of mind with our commitment to ensure fair treatment of our members and those working insurance cover worth up to £3 in healthcare. million, which will cover you against
Plus much more all for only 84p a month. Contact us today for more information on the full range of benefits and an application pack.
*Texts will be charged at your normal network rate The Royal College of Nursing is the largest professional association and union of nursing staff and students in the UK.
0845 772 6100
www.rcn.org.uk
ST09 followed by your name and address to 88020 (texts will be charged at your normal network rate)
STUDENT TIMES // 21
COMPUTING & IT UK Do you compute?
CISM new ad:Layout 1
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Page A-Master A
The IT workforce is almost 1.2 million strong. The sector is divided into two parts:
Computing degrees at Kingston
• Those working in the IT industry. • IT professionals working in other areas. ------------------------------------------------------------IT professionals typically fill roles in:
Career focused courses Brilliant facilities Attractive and lively location
Look around you – the world runs on IT. Communication, information, entertainment, business; computing is at the heart of it all. And it’s changing at lightning speed. PCs are increasingly fast; games consoles, media centres, Blu Ray players and digital TVs are selling out in the shops. In fact, shops are struggling against online sales. Phones are no longer just for talking on. And the future? We believe computer science will continue evolving and growing rapidly, creating fantastic opportunities for the next generation of computing graduates. With a range of interesting courses, the latest equipment and a real focus on your employability, we’ll help you prepare for your digital future. So get connected at Kingston.
www.kingston.ac.uk/cism/st
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• I T services (eg, internet and web design services) • Technology development • Systems analysis and testing • Programming • J ust under a third of those working inside the industry are employed in other, less technical occupations, for example in:-
• Sales and marketing • Consultancy • Customer support • Management Outside the IT industry, the largest numbers of IT professionals can be found in manufacturing, financial services, retail and the public sector, although there are opportunities in just about every sector. Areas of work include: • Development (ie, creating systems, networks and applications) • Operations (ie, running and improving the speed of access to systems, networks and applications) • User support
Employment trends Four out of ten UK businesses employ IT professionals. Levels of employment in specific IT roles can be distributed as follows: • IT/Telecoms managers 32% • Technical support staff 28% • PC support staff 9% • Systems designers 7%
•S ystems developers 6% •P rogrammers 5% • Software engineers 5% • Operations staff 3% • Networking staff 3% • Internet professionals 2% • Database staff 1%
COMPUTING & IT Graduate recruitment Salaries compare well. The average graduate starting salary in 2005 was £28,095. Salaries were higher again for IT jobs in large organisations. IT professionals tend to be better qualified than the general workforce, with more than half having completed some form of higher education. According to what do graduates do? 2006, based on a national survey conducted six months after graduation, 40% of those who graduated with an IT-related degree in 2004 were working as IT professionals. The most common roles for all new graduates are: • software engineer • computer/IT consultant • computer programmer • systems analyst • computer analyst/programmer • computer operations manager
Graduate perceptions Comments from graduates about what they enjoy most about working in IT reinforce perceptions of a dynamic
industry that is often informal, but always focused on achievement. Highlight include: • Constant challenges and changes • Enormous variety of work • Relaxed work environment • Culture of delivery and getting things done
“The average graduate starting salary in 2005 was £28,095. Salaries were higher again for IT jobs in large organisations.” •P art of a forever evolving and fastmoving industry •E nthusiasm and intelligence of colleagues • Good work/life balance
Gender Women form less than 20% (one in five) of the IT workforce, which is significantly low in comparison with the 45% of the UK workforce overall. Women do, however, have a higher presence in operations and user support technician roles. www.prospects.ac.uk
Engineer your career Competition is high for places in engineering industries so it’s vital you gain an edge on your competitors and that’s why we develop our courses with industry professionals ensuring you get education and understanding relevant to today’s engineering industry. Choose from: • • • • •
Mechanical engineering Electrical, electronic and computer engineering Design and technology Energy engineering Forensic engineering
As the largest work placement provider in England and industry links from Rolls Royce to Network Rail you can be sure you will get the right work experience for when you graduate. To find out more about the courses we offer visit www.shu.ac.uk/ad/aces/engineering
STUDENT TIMES // 23
www.shu.ac.uk/ad/aces/engineering
TEACH UK
The Guide to Courses & Careers
Thinking of going into teaching? Teaching is a wonderfully rewarding career but it can also be challenging and you need to be realistic about what you hope to achieve by entering the profession. You are considering a career that is interesting, rewarding and stimulating. Of course, it can also be stressful and demanding at times, but most teachers wouldn’t do anything else. As a teacher, you’ll get to work with a wide range of people of all different ages and backgrounds – moreover, you’ll also have fun. ------------------------------------------------------------www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk
ADVERTORIAL: Essex County Council
Welcome to Essex Career Opportunities in Schools Career Opportunities in Schools Teaching and Support Staff Teaching and Support Staff There can be few more exciting places to begin
a There can few or more places to begin a career in a be school, lookexciting for a new challenge, than career in a school, or lookofforlandscape a new challenge, thanEssex. The size, diversity and history Essex. The to size, diversity of landscape all combine make this area one of the and mosthistory specialall the combine in UK. to make this area one of the most special in the UK. Get in touch and we'll tell you all about the career Get in touch in and tell you all over about570 theschools career opportunities ourwe'll schools. With opportunities ourvaried schools. With over ranging 570 schools there are manyinand opportunities, from there are assistant many andtovaried opportunities, ranging from teaching Headteacher, from catering staff teaching to schoolassistant Bursar. to Headteacher, from catering staff to school Bursar.
You can now apply online for our vacancies. Youfind can online for our vacancies. To outnow moreapply visit www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk To find out more visit436252. www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk or telephone 01245 or telephone 01245 436252.
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Essex welcomes well qualified, enthusiastic and committed teachers working in all phases of education to join our dedicated teaching force of 10,000 teachers. We recognise the value of, and seek to achieve a diverse workforce which includes people from different backgrounds, with different skills and abilities Essex is a diverse county providing a wide range of educational opportunities to young people and adults in over 570 establishments in a variety of geographical settings. We have one of the largest school populations in the country with well over 200,000 children. Our schools are varied from primaries in country villages to large secondary schools in major centres like Colchester, Chelmsford, Basildon and Harlow. Our aim is to improve the life chances for all children in Essex by raising achievement, developing social and educational inclusion and ensuring the welfare of our young people. Our vision is that every child and young person will have a life of quality, free from
fear, depression and danger, with a sense of belonging, worth and achievement. We want young people to develop a love of learning. To achieve this we need teachers of the highest quality, with ability and imagination, who will inspire and challenge our children to achieve their potential and contribute to their changing world. We hope that our teachers will remain life long learners; we encourage and support them to be reflective practitioners. For full details of the opportunities available in Essex please visit our web site - www. essexschoolsjobs.co.uk. This website gives access to all current jobs being advertised by Essex schools, as well as information about the different career paths available in schools. We also publish a weekly schools jobs bulletin, Jobscene, which may be sent to you free of charge for a term. If you would like to subscribe to this publication, or if you have any general enquiries about opportunities in Essex please email teaching@essexcc.co.uk or contact 01245 436252.
TEACH UK What are the types of teacher-training courses available to you? There are a range of ITT courses available and it is important that you find one to suit your circumstances. What kind of qualifications will you need to become a teacher? You are considering a career that is interesting, rewarding and stimulating. To become a fully qualified teacher in state schools in England and Wales, you’re going to have to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This will almost certainly mean completing a programme of initial teacher training (ITT). Changes to rules for obtaining QTS For all UK trainee teachers, the current limit of five years in which you can be employed as a teacher without having passed the skills tests and obtained QTS has been replaced by a deadline of 31 August 2008. After this date, no one can be employed as a teacher in a maintained school, non-maintained special school or pupil referral unit in England without having passed the skills tests and obtained QTS.
What you need for a QTS Professional attributes: Outline the attitudes and commitment to be expected of anyone qualifying to e a teacher. Expectations relate to the teacher’s ability to: develop professional relationships, communicate with others, understand relevant legal frameworks, and engage with professional development. Professional knowledge and understanding: These standards require newly qualified teachers to be confident in the subjects they teach and to have a clear understanding of how all children and young people make progress. Additionally, they require an understanding of how teachers contribute to the well-being of children and young people and of the variety of influences affecting child development. Professional skills: These standards relate to the skills of teaching, including planning, assessing, monitoring, giving feedback, team working and collaboration. They establish clear expectations relating to the promotion of positive attitudes to learning, discipline and safe learning environments. They are underpinned by the attributes and knowledge covered in the first two sections.
Your Placement Teaching is a rewarding and also challenging career. Pupil/parent behaviour, the national curriculum, structures of school buildings, school culture, community profile are among the issues that can be the cause of either support or challenge for teachers. It may not always be possible to find the perfect school for you at particular points of your career and it’s worthwhile considering how you would meet the challenges that such a situation can present.
When making your decision, question any assumptions you have about what it is like to be a teacher; talk to others in the profession; and even think about visiting your local school. The road ahead may appear a little daunting right now but don’t worry. By the time you finish your course you’ll have all the skills, knowledge and confidence you need for that first step into the classroom. School placements are a vital part of your course. School placements are a vital part of your course, bringing together knowledge of children and their learning, of schools and different educational settings as they are currently organised, and the knowledge gained during the taught course. While on placements, the expectation is that you will show yourself to be as hard-working and committed to teaching and children’s learning as the practitioners you work alongside.
SCHOOL OF TEACHING, HEALTH AND CARE
See Bradford, see the world! West Yorkshire has a long tradition of pioneering in education and Bradford College continues that work. The McMillan School of Teaching, Health & Care bears the name of one of those pioneers who was concerned about the total well-being of children – before Every Child Matters was a Government policy! Twenty-first century Bradford has multicultural, multilingual schools and serving these communities requires resourceful, creative teachers who are sensitive to the beliefs and values of the variety of families represented there. Secure training opportunities We have developed strong partnership schools throughout the whole of West Yorkshire to support your training. We offer courses for all age phases including primary (undergraduate and postgraduate including flexible and primary French), KS2/3 Science, secondary subjects, 14-19 vocational subjects and post-compulsory education. Our primary undergraduate course includes a special placement which is very different from an assessed teaching practice. You
choose to work in any education related field including international locations. Our students have visited Europe, USA, Pakistan, China, New Zealand and Australia! All our post-graduate courses provide Masters level study while being firmly grounded in strong professional practice. Enhancement & Booster Courses If you need to be more confident in your subject knowledge in physics, chemistry, mathematics or food technology, we provide additional courses, many of which attract a bursary. What’s B-NETT? Our employment based teacher training section provides both Graduate and Registered Teacher Training programmes in collaboration with local primary and secondary schools. To find out more Visit the Bradford College website: www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk – and select “Teaching” for more information on the courses we offer.
• Are you a graduate or nearly a graduate in a shortage subject *? • Are you thinking about a career in secondary teaching? • Do you want to know more before committing yourself? • We are offering: -
TASTER DAYS FOR TEACHING Wednesday – Friday 11th, 12th & 13th February @ Kent & Medway Training, The Leigh Technology Academy, Dartford, Kent DA1 1QE This three day course is free. (Applicants are required to send a £20 deposit, refundable following full attendance)
For further details and an application pack please contact: Mrs Heidi King, KMT Administrator on 01322 620518 email hki@leighacademy.org.uk or visit our website www.kmtraining.org.uk * Secondary shortage subjects – Maths, Science, ICT, Modern Foreign Languages, RE, Music, Design & Technology
ASK ABOUT OUR “ROUTES INTO TEACHING” EVENING Tuesday 27th January 2009 STUDENT TIMES // 25
TEACH UK
Support from your university while on placement Each university will have established strong contacts with many schools and nurseries/ early years’ centres. They are very dependent on the ability of the schools and nurseries to take students at the stipulated times; there are many reasons why accepting students may not be convenient; something to bear in mind when allocations to placements are made. Some universities may have a strong emphasis on preparing students for each particular type of setting, e.g. multicultural, urban schools, and will therefore try and ensure a placement in each setting. ------------------------------------------------------------Whilst this may vary from university to university, the following are some of the topics likely to be included: • an outline of roles and responsibilities of
Whatever setting you are in, you will have a university tutor to support and advise you. This may be an internal tutor or an experienced external, part-time tutor. Increasingly schools will have a mentor; an experienced teacher who will have undergone training from the university, and who will play a significant role in supporting and guiding you throughout your placement. the student, class teacher, mentor/tutor • procedures for problems/difficulties – who to contact, necessary paperwork, etc • attendance procedures • guidance notes and/or checklist for your files • examples of planning formats • assessment procedures • examples of observation forms • information on university resources specifically for placement, e.g. the ‘Teaching Practice’ section of the university’s library.
Distance travelled There will usually be a form to complete prior to placement giving details of your term-time address, nearest public transport and any personal circumstances that affect your ability to travel. However, you should understand that you might have to travel to your placement and you should expect a journey time at least equal to the time it takes you to travel to university. You should make the journey first to ascertain how long it will take before voicing any concerns. If
you feel the journey is unreasonable, this should be stated in writing to the person responsible for placements.
Attendance on placements The expectation is that there is 100% attendance for all school experience placements across the year. If you are ill or unable to attend nursery/school at any time you must:• contact the nursery/school as early in the day as possible indicating how long you think you will be away • inform your university/supervising tutor of your absence • inform your university/supervising tutor when you return. • Please note that there is a requirement that PGCE students have a minimum of 90 days in school across the year and you may have to make up extra time in school if you are absent for more than three days.
Faculty of Education
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TEACH UK Observations Observation and assessment of students in nursery/school is a vital part of the whole course, indicating that you are on the way towards meeting the Standards required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Much of this is carried out informally on a daily basis. However, there are, of course, formal
Feedback Feedback should take place as soon as possible after the observation and offer: • a two-way process where you reflect on the lessons together • a copy of the actual observation - notes and a short overview of the lesson’s content, resources and successes • non-judgemental statements • constructive feedback • advice - offered and received sensitively and professionally • alternatives and solutions to emerging problems • a clear indication of strengths, setting clear targets for development.
observation visits, made by the supervising tutor, mentor or class teacher, which are recorded on the appropriate forms, with written recommendations and advice for you to follow. Observations will be based on meeting the Professional Standards appropriate for the placement with a particular emphasis on the following: • appropriate relationships formed with children, all staff, parents and carers • demonstration of progression from teaching small groups to large groups/whole class with employment of successful management strategies • growing insight into and understanding of the ways in which children learn and of the role their languages play in this • progression in monitoring and assessing children’s progress, both intellectual and social • understanding of the importance of reflecting on and implementing equal access to the curriculum, taking into account the issues that may adversely affect learning and progress • completion of all tasks required by the taught courses
• a final reflective review, which addresses your own professional development.
Importance of your file You will be required to keep a file/s throughout the course, in which to record your teaching experiences and your professional progress. These documents are a significant source of evidence for monitoring your school-based progress and the ways in which you link the taught courses to your own teaching. They therefore need to be clearly organised, professionally written and maintained. Writing and maintaining your file can seem a very onerous task. Writing and evaluating session plans, reflecting on your own teaching and curriculum provision, recording and analysing observations and evidence of learning, developing children’s
Make a difference
At Bath Spa University we offer teacher training PGCE courses in a wide choice of subjects for both Secondary and Key Stage 2/3. You will receive excellent support from dynamic and highly committed course tutors, a tax free training bursary of up to £9,000 plus a golden hello bonus in some subjects at the end of your first year of teaching. If you feel you can turn your talent to teaching please join us for a coffee to find out more. We have PGCE events on 10 February, 14 March and 25 April 2009 – see website for full details. We particularly welcome applications from groups under-represented in teaching, notably black and minority ethnic candidates. Tel: 01225
875624
teaching@bathspa.ac.uk www.bathspa.ac.uk/courses/teaching Email:
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For more information see www.new2teaching.org.uk
Can you keep your head and teach with us?
Teach. Are you thinking of becoming a teacher of the future?
profiles, incorporating relevant theory are all part of the file and are all time-consuming. But the aim is that by the end of the course you will have internalised many of these processes by constantly refining your thinking and writing. Maintaining your file will support your progress as a reflective practitioner as you develop: •c ritical insight into educational settings and of being a learner in such settings • professional skills in planning suitably exciting and investigative activities which build on and extend present knowledge • self-analysis, identifying and confidently building on your successes and identifying and remedying ‘failures’ • the links between theory and practice which lead to your becoming an intellectually informed teacher • your understanding of what constitutes an appropriate curriculum for children and to match tasks to children detailed records of required asks (from the taught courses) carried out in nursery/school.
An LA with clear direction, working well together with our schools High achieving pupils who are keen to learn and want to get on Real support for your professional training and development
Are you a qualified teacher?
Come and teach in a Local Authority where Ofsted have found that ‘Levels of attainment at all Key Stages are above the national average and no schools achieve below the government floor targets’. Contact us for details of our vacancies and ‘brokerage system’ for filling these.
Are you a graduate looking to change to a career in teaching? Contact us for details of our very successful Graduate Teacher Programme for graduates wanting to gain Qualified Teacher Status.
Contact us Website: Phone: Email: Post:
www.rbwm.gov.uk 01628 796628 ian.skelton@rbwm.gov.uk Recruitment & GTTP Manager Children’s Services, Town Hall, St Ives Road, Maidenhead SL6 1RF
Abigail Payne
Student Case Study
BA (Hons) Conductive Education Graduated July 2008
Background I have always enjoyed travelling, and always wanted to be a teacher. One year I went to America to teach at summer camp for special needs. After that, I knew that a career within special needs or in that field of work was what I wanted to do. I started to introduce myself into the special needs sector, by getting a job in a mainstream school working as an LSA for a little girl with cerebral palsy. Here is where I was introduced to Conductive Education (CE) as she attended a CE centre once a week. I had also been working part-time with care for adults with learning disabilities. I was keen to get a degree in the ‘special needs’ field, and the University of Wolverhampton was the only university to have such a course. Alongside that I spotted the Conductive Education course. I applied for it, went for an interview, got it, and absolutely loved it from day one.
The course and resources The course was intense, because of the relationships that you build with conductors and service users. The social life is a bit different compared to some students, as the hours from the first day involved practical placement and theory, so our hours are very different, so it does require a certain amount of discipline. Everyone on the course had such a passion for what we did, that friends for life were
made. The provisions at the institute where most of the training takes place are really good. We always received constant feedback, everyone knew your name and you became part of the team. I had good contacts and friends at the university as I stayed on campus the first year, which is good to meet people from a range of areas, who can support you and advise you, as I can them. The library and its resources were also good for studies as CE can be categorised in many areas.
and I provide a group session for them both. Now based in Mauritius where a small CE centre has been set up, I am working as the conductor there alongside teachers and assistants. The contacts I built at NICE were excellent and I thank them all so much for getting me where I am today.
What next? Whilst doing the course, I have gained contacts within CE and worked alongside my studies. Whilst studying for my degree I assisted the running of summer programmes for children in London and the New Forest. During my third year I worked for a few children from The National Institute of Conductive Education (NICE) providing CE based sessions and general babysitting and care. One little boy who was 2 had travelled from Ireland to have CE at NICE. The mother of the child asked me to go and work with her in Ireland training up her carers and helpers, and providing a more intense programme for her son. This being a success I went to Ireland several times during the school holidays whilst still studying for my degree. I have since travelled back to Ireland to not only work with this little boy but another who travels to Birmingham also. The staff at NICE and I have arranged for the boys to get together
Change your future and theirs If you feel that you could make a difference to the lives of future generations, as well as changing the course of your life for the better, then come to a University of Wolverhampton Open Day to find out how. The University of Wolverhampton is one of Britain’s largest and most established teacher training and education providers, with high national ranking and a record of continuing excellence: ■
Grade 1 in OfSTED inspections for primary and secondary Initial Teacher Training for Management and Quality Assurance and Teaching
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In 2007 CEER ranked us 2nd out of 76 UK Universities for teacher trainee employment success
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Excellent undergraduate specialist and joint degrees: QAA assessment score of 23 out of 24
Teacher Training BEd (Hons) Early Primary Education BEd (Hons) Primary Education BEd (Hons) Primary Education with languages
Specialist and Combined Awards BA (Hons) Childhood & Family Studies* (can also be combined with another subject) BA (Hons) Education Studies (can only be studied with another subject) BA (Hons) Special Needs and Inclusion Studies (can also be combined with another subject) BA (Hons) Conductive Education BA (Hons) Education Studies and English *To be verified
www.wlv.ac.uk/sed For more information on our courses visit us on our Open Days: 18 February 2009, 12 March 2009 and 1 April 2009. Book your place by emailing us at sed@wlv.ac.uk
ST EXTRA COVER2COVER: Mighty Boosh
The Best of Boosh “My other Uncle, Boris, was into cryogenics....all my uncles are called Boris – strange.” Julian: “Your coat’s nice, what is it? Polar Bear?” Noel: “Polar Bear! You’re joking. I’m vegetarian, this is soya! It’s Linda McCartney’s new range. You can use the lining as a bur-ger.” “Would you stop going on about your Uncle Boris, I’m going to puke on myself.” “You’re clearly French - you’re a child of the croissant. Look at that nose, it’s like the Eiffel Tower, you’ve got cheeks like the Louvre and a chin like a baguette” “You know I can’t come with you, I have to play the characters when you get there!” “Don’t you hate it when you get in a lift and it’s full of people?...I hate people...”
Booshylicious James Rampton talks to Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt about the fun of live shows and how being famous saves them from muggings. ----------------------------------------------------------If there was any doubt about the immense popularity of The Mighty Boosh, the wonderfully compelling and original comedy double act comprising Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt, that was removed last summer when tens of thousands of fans congregated at the Hop Farm in Kent for the inaugural Mighty Boosh Festival, featuring Noel and Julian’s band performing alongside such rock legends as the Charlatans and Gary Numan. The screaming hordes of Boosh-istas had come to pay homage to their heroes. But it was not just “civilians” who revealed themselves as enormous fans of the Boosh. Noel takes up the story. “For
30 // STUDENT TIMES
the finale of the Festival, people from all the other bands were going to dress up as our characters. But there was a curfew at 11pm and we ran out of time before the finale. Tim Burgess from The Charlatans, who was going to dress up as the Mod Wolf, was so disappointed. He looked like he was going to cry. It was like saying to a kid, ‘You can’t go to the zoo, dad’s car’s broken.’ He was devastated!” The pair, who won the Perrier Best Newcomer Award in 1998, were certainly very excited about returning to the live arena for the first time in two years. “Live comedy gives you a particular buzz,” beams Julian, 40, who hails from Yorkshire. “It’s so instant. You get a reaction straight away. Having spent a lot of time making television recently, you hunger for that immediate response. It’s great to find out what people think of your material right away rather than months or even
years later. You can improvise as you’re going along, which is a real thrill too. Live work is incredible, and when it goes well, nothing can beat it.” Noel and Julian have been performing together since they started setting out on weird and wonderful journeys together upstairs at a north London pub in the late 1990s. They have come an awful long way in the last decade, and in the past couple of years their popularity has reached a new level. The Boosh have gone stratospheric. “It has been amazing,” says the always flamboyantly dressed Noel, the astonishment clear in his voice. “The only way I can measure it is by the people who come up to us in the street. It used to be just cool kids, but now it’s cab drivers and chavs, which is great because it means you’re appealing to more people. In the past, when I got into taxis, the cabbies would always ask, ‘Who are you?’
“Last time you gave me a pie, I cut into it, and birds flew out of it, hitting me in the face and chin. I was confused. It was a trick pie.”
Now they immediately say, ‘The Mighty Boosh!’ Chavs come up to me and say, ‘That show is sick.’ It doesn’t sound it, but apparently that’s good! They don’t stab me, so that’s fine – ‘Don’t touch him, he’s on telly’. When you dress the way I do, it’s great to have things like that to save you!” The pair will remain popular because they never rest on their laurels. They are always searching for new ways to make us laugh. “This business is quite ephemeral,” Julian concedes, “and you have to maintain a healthy cynicism about it. There is a ‘Flavour of the month’ aspect to it, so you have to keep moving on and mutating. We’re never precious about work, we never say, ‘Right, that’s it, that is the crystallised form of the Boosh.’ We’re interested in constantly trying different things.” Noel chimes in that, “It’s vital to keep changing. If we kept doing the same thing, we’d soon get bored and the audience would say, ‘We’ve seen that – next!’ Fortunately, there are loads of new places to take the Boosh. We’ve never had a day where we’ve said, ‘We haven’t got any ideas today’.” I can’t wait to see what they come up with next. Can you?
You’ll be shaken and stirred.
Much of the engineering and science taking place in the Ministry of Defence would not be out of place in the latest James Bond film - and yet it is a reality. Technologies of breathtaking speed, power and capacity; providing a decisive technological edge. We are: The Ministry of Defence, Defence Engineering and Science Group. Organisation Description: Central Government. The DESG is the team of thousands of engineers and scientists within the MoD. DESG offers you many benefits including: 1. Probably the very best graduate development scheme for engineers and scientists available in the UK – fully accredited by IMechE, IET, ICE, RINA, IoP and RAeS 2. Massive investment in you. Over and above your salary, the investment in support of your personal professional development will be around £20,000 per year! 3. An accelerated path to Chartered status in your engineering or science profession; with the DESG it’s possible for you to achieve professional Chartership in just four years. 4. A truly rewarding career. MoD projects are fascinating, valuable, unique and sometimes highly classified. Degree Disciplines required: A multitude of engineering disciplines - also sciences with an emphasis on Physics. Applications: Apply on-line via our website (Click ‘How to Apply’) See www.desg.mod.uk for closing date. Undergraduate Sponsorship: Visit our website (Click ‘Student Opportunities for details).
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St. George’s University’s veterinary medical program emphasizes hands-on learning, teaching students how to both treat patients and grasp what it means to affect lives. • On-campus Small Animal Hospital and Farm • $200+ million technologically advanced campus • Faculty, students and animals drawn from around the world • Clinical training in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Ireland and Australia
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