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November 2019 - Edition 83
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3
Introduction
November Issue
This Edition: page 6
October 2019 - Edition 82
Our Halloween spooktacular event brought you all out in costume, to find out what went on and who wore what, visit page 19!
A commitment from the University Learn all about what Bucks New University can do for you.
Contributors Tao Warburton • Brooke Pilbeam Christina Demetriou • Athena Pickering Joanna Bouzegzi • Tamsin Grainger • Nellie Hughes Karl-Kevin Kljavin • Millie Wardman Vincent Assolutissimamente Zuzanna Majewska • Wiktoria Grzankowska Ellie Freeman • Sarah Jackson • Emily West Jade Mather • Georgia Miller • Rukhsar Hussain Nikita Miller • Lex O'Neill • Vincent Okih Hannah Brennan • Joana Pinheiro Tomasz Siemieniuch • Jordan Penning Cosmin Vulpe • Kamil Lesniewski • Charlie Hickey Alex Ditchburn • Kia Wing • Abby Gray Oli Gunson • Charlotte Batterbee Want to see your name in the list above? Want to have your writing or artwork on show to thousands of people? Get involved. Email editor@thebucksstudent.com
Advertising
page 8
Rusty's radio They're back with a new team, new gear, and a new attitude - find out how to listen or how to get involved yourself.
page 13
"London" We share the incredible latest photography set from our very own film and television student, Zuzanna Majewska.
For all advertising and media enquiries please contact the Students’ Union Communications and Marketing department. Simon McDowell - simon.mcdowell@bucks.ac.uk Articles in this newspaper do not necessarily represent the views of Bucks Students’ Union but are that of the specific author. View this edition online at bucksstudentsunion.org/communications.
Mo x RAG takeover I moustache you if you are coming to this fantashtically hairy event - come along to have some fun and raise some money.
© 2019 Bucks Students’ Union
If required, this document can be made available in different formats. Please contact Bucks Students' Union for more information.
page 20
page 23
Employability Our Training and Development team take you through three top tips to enhance your employability to get you the job!
4 November Issue
Sabb update
By Christina Demetriou, Tao warburton, Brooke Pilbeam
AN UPDATE FROM YOUR SABBS Christina Demetriou Vice President Student Involvement
Tao Warburton President
Brooke Pilbeam Vice President Education and Welfare
While the buzz from Freshers’ has thankfully been going strong, we know that around this time things might start to get a little challenging, hence the launch of the #UniGotThis campaign. It was amazing to see so many students getting involved and sharing their tips on how to make life at university that little bit easier!
Where to begin?
Hi Everyone – can’t quite believe I am writing another update, how time is flying at the start of this term! It won't be long until our first term break and I hope you are all getting on okay.
Throughout October a variety of events and activities were held in support of Black History Month. To start off we shared a series of motivational quotes from the students’ choice of most inspiring black figures in politics, music, science and general history. We had the honour of welcoming back our alumni Rhona Noel to teach her Caribbean fusion Waistline Workout class, which was fully sold out. Everything was rounded off with a Globetrotters event including a performance from the AfroDance team and Jamaican food from the local Blue Lagoon. Positive actions to drive inclusion and celebrate diversity will not stop there, thanks to the success of our three BAME focus groups and the appointment of a new BME officer, which will generate new ideas on how to make life better at Bucks.
The Student’s union is creating massive change with the Leadership Academy which was flooded with applications, so thank you to all who applied and good luck to you all in the process of narrowing the number down to 25 students. We also have the Bucks Award where you can check your employability status, such as how many skills sessions you have been to or how much volunteering you have done to keep improving yourself. You can come down to the office on the ground floor of North wing to see how you’re getting on.
We held our student rep training at the end of October and it was great to see all of our new reps and school officers’ together for the first time. I am really looking forward to watching them represent you and the wider student body.
As well as this, we have also held our elections for the remaining executive officers and have got some great leaders elected into these positions - I can’t wait You can also keep up to date with all our great to work with them all! We are also in the process of opportunities through union council which is where you counting our referendum vote - thank you to everyone get to have your say about what is going on. If you have that voted and we will keep you updated on the results. any issues, we can hear what you have to say there! If Lastly don’t forget your Sabbatical team hold monthly you have any concerns make sure you come along. Union Council and Tea Parties. This is a great way for On a happier note, in November we have a lot going you to hear what we are up to and for you to raise any on, from Movember to RAG week to even alcohol problems or successes – we always want to hear about awareness week. Make sure you try to get involved as what you guys are doing and for you to let us know much as possible. When I was a student I made the best how we're doing.! memories by just throwing myself in. If you want to find out more, you’re more than welcome to pop in to my office and ask, my door is always open.
Get in touch: Christina: christina.demetriou@bucks.ac.uk Tao: tao.warburton@bucks.ac.uk Brooke: brooke.pilbeam@bucks.ac.uk
Bucks Vpsi
Bucks SU Pres Bucks Vpew
@BucksSUVPSI @BucksSUPres @BucksSUVPEW
Editor's update Joanna Bouzegzi
Hi, i’m Joanna, your second editor for the Bucks newspaper. We are almost two months into this academic year so hopefully all freshers have settled in and those who have returned have fallen backinto routine. By this point, many of you would have already tried to get involved by either joining societies, sports teams and/or attending socials. If you haven't, don’t fret! There is still plenty of time to get involved. For those of you who have, write about your experiences
Hi Athena here, I am one of your editors of the newspaper. Hopefully, you have settled into university life well and joined many societies and made plenty of new friends. If you haven’t there is always time to join a new society and sports team where you will make friends for life. There are a variety of societies for everyone to join; there is something for everyone, where you will make new friends, develop skills and find a passion for something you may not have realised you had. Since the last edition, so much has happened from fund raisers to Halloween and Remembrance Day. This academic year has definitely begun and time is going so quickly as there is always so much going on. Since my
first year here at Bucks, each year is flying by and it feels like I haven’t been here that long at all, before I know it, it’ll summer once again. Advice I would give to anyone, whether you are in your first, second or third year, is to take advantage of any opportunity that is put your way because you will discover more about yourself and most likely make memories that will last with you forever. I took the opportunity to write articles for the newspaper and it has been one of the best decisions I have made since being here, it has given me confidence in my writing and I have made many friends with students with similar passions that I may have not have met if I didn’t take that opportunity.
and send them in. We encourage everyone to write and get involved with every edition that’s published. As a small sneak preview of the next edition of the newspaper, we will be looking for all your Christmas and seasonal holiday related content – we'd love to hear how your flat does Christmas dinners, or how you handle being back at home, or even staying at University during the holidays – write in and let us know!
Athena Pickering
If you still want to sign up and write for the newspaper you still can! Send us an email editor@thebucksstudent.com and come along to one of our newsgroup meetings. We are always looking for people to write articles - these articles don’t have to be just about university life, they can be about anything you are passionate about. If you see either of us on campus, please come and say hello! We've enjoyed the first few papers this year, and hope to see you writing for the next.
November Issue
By Athena Pickering, Joanna Bouzegzi
5
Editor's update
6 November Issue
A commitment from the University
Why Bucks needs you
By Tao Warburton
Will my feedback make any difference?
JM: Yes it will because your feedback really matters. The student voice is valued and important to us. I read every single student comment from NSS 2019 because we care about the opinions behind the data. We're proud to be in the upper quartile for student satisfaction, and we want to do better still. Academics are working on action plans for each course in response to the NSS and student feedback throughout the year. TW: Yes absolutely. It will allow courses to change and improve which in turn makes life easier for you and future students. Even if you’re giving feedback about non-academic courses, your feedback allows us to make life better for students at Bucks. What about when things are tough and I’m struggling with my studies? Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education Julie McLeod and Students' Union President Tao Warburton sat down to talk about everything Bucks – what the University is like, how it can support you and why your voice is valued and important. What do you think makes Bucks different? JM: A Bucks education will work for everyone in our richly diverse student community, regardless of background or circumstance. We want you to feel at home, intellectually challenged, and supported with the resources and any help you need. We’ve been transforming lives for 127 years and we’re ambitious for each and every one of our students. We take great pride in all our students go on to achieve. TW: Simply put, the community. From lecturers to friends outside of classes and helping each other, I believe Bucks is different because it is truly a home away from home. Will going to university be worth my while? JM: Together with the Union, we’ll work hard to ensure you get the full benefits of higher education in exchange for the effort, time and money you invest. We’ll give you an excellent student experience, and make sure you’re getting value for money. We also care about meeting our social responsibilities to you, our people and society. TW: We work closely with the University to ensure you receive a great student experience, including raising any issues you’re facing. We also complement your academic studies through the Big Deal which provides lots of free recreational, sports and skills development opportunities to boost your experience. There’s so much going on and it doesn’t cost you a penny!
Does the University care about what I think? JM: We absolutely care, and we will always put you, and your student experience, first. Your opinions count at Bucks and what you think is important to us. We want your voice to be heard, and we’ll always listen and get back to you on any concerns you raise. You can talk to your tutor or email talktous@bucks.ac.uk to get in touch with the University’s senior leadership team.
JM: Your wellbeing matters as much to us as your grades, and we’ll make sure you get support and guidance when times are tough. The University offers counselling and we also provide you with 24/7 online support from the Big White Wall for any mental health and wellbeing issues you might be facing. Please talk to someone and let them know you’re having a difficult time so we can help you.
TW: You can come and talk to our Advice Centre which is an independent service that keeps everything completely confidential. You can talk to them about TW: Yes and there are so many different ways to have anything, from finances to your studies to even life at your say. You can speak to your Course Reps or School home. So whatever is on your mind, let it out, and from Officers who are there to represent you. Why not come my experience it really does help. along to Union Council meetings which are open to There’s so much competition for jobs – what’s on offer everyone to find out what’s going on and for us to to help me stand out when I graduate? hear from you. You can also visit the Advice Centre or pop into the Students' Union and talk to me, JM: Our courses are designed around your needs, to Brooke or Christina. make sure you’re ‘work ready’ when you leave Bucks. We talk to employers to find out what skills they expect Is it really safe to speak up? Will my grades be affected and tailor our curriculums to give you opportunities if I talk about a negative experience on my course? to apply the theory you learn in real-life situations. JM: It is completely safe to speak up, and I assure you that there will no repercussions if you do so. We want to know what you think to help us improve your experience at Bucks, and those that will follow in your footsteps. It's important to us that you reach your full potential, and so please let us know about anything you feel might be holding you back. TW: You will have no repercussions. The SU is there to make sure your voice is heard. If you speak up, those negative experiences will change for you and for future students. We want you to have the best possible time here and so, will support you every step of the way.
TW: The Big Deal aims to enhance your studies and build skills with free skills programmes designed to boost your employability. There is also the Leadership Academy and our Bucks award which allows you to enhance your skills through one-on-one sessions to allow you to develop your best possible self. There is also our volunteering programme which is a great way to get valuable experience for your CV, and you can make a real difference at the same time.
The University and Students' Union want your feedback, you can tell us what you love, or want to be improved, anytime by: emailing the University at speaktous@bucks.ac.uk;
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A commitment from the University
November Issue
We promise that we will do our best by you: • We appreciate that life’s easier to manage if you get your personal timetable before your studies begin. And we won’t mess you around: if we need to make any changes, you’ll get advance notice. • We understand that it’s important for you to be able to plan your time effectively, and will make sure you have all assessment deadlines at the start of each semester. • We know that quality feedback is key to your continuous improvement. So you’ll receive feedback on your submitted work within three working weeks. We’ll let you know when you hand in your work if there are any changes to this turnaround time. • We appreciate that it’s frustrating when you can’t get an answer to your questions. And so you’ll receive replies to your email enquiries within a maximum of three working days. • We know that sometimes you want face-to-face advice, and that you need to know when and where you can drop in to see your tutors. So we promise they’ll always be available for a minimum of two hours at specific times each week in term time. The University works in close partnership with Bucks Students’ Union which supports our commitments to you. We’re committed to working together to give you the best student experience at Bucks.
Professor Nick Braisby, Vice-Chancellor
Tao Warburton, SU President
speaking to your course/personal tutors, course reps or elected sabbatical offers; attending Union Council meeting; or visiting bucksstudentsunion.org/union/feedback
By Tamsin Grainger, Nellie Hughes, Karl-Kevin Kljavin, Millie Wardman, Vincent Assolutissimamente
Rusty's Radio is back, back again... Rusty’s Radio is back in full force this year with a brand new team and a new partnership! After a small break earlier this year, Rusty’s Radio is now partnered with Wycombe Sound to re-launch our 24/7 online station and take us further than ever before. With our grand come back at this year’s Freshers’ Fair, it was great to see so many people interested in the radio. You might have seen Wycombe Sound at the Fresher’ Fair or even spoken to them as they roamed around, recording the fair and mingling with all of you. Our first meeting had a great turnout of students full of great ideas for what they wanted to do with Rusty’s Radio and the ball hasn’t stopped rolling since! We’ve had people interested in everything from hosting their own show to wanting to work with audio corrections for prerecorded broadcasting. After getting everyone to have a think about what they’d really like to do we had a team meeting with Pippa, one of the presents from Wycombe Sound and went through what it’s like to present a radio show and the best tips for you once you’re actually on air. This year we have two wonderful station managers, Karl-Kevin Kljavin and Priyam Mantri who are joining in as fresh as the rest of the team so Rusty’s Radio really is brand-spanking new this year!
Monday
Schedule
Tune in. Listen up.
8 November Issue
Rusty's Radio
Following on from setting up show proposals we have gone on to have two training sessions on how to broadcast out of Rusty’s studio and use the equipment we have so you’re as prepared as you could ever be. Not only that but everyone has been over to Wycombe Sound for a tour of the studio and to record their on-air show promos. Luke is the man with the mic to get all your promos recorded, sounding great and on air and it’s been great to see everyone take to it so well, even after a few nervous starts. Our team have also been able to go over to Wycombe Sound and sit in to watch any of the radio shows they want and talk with the presenters to get the best tips for their very own shows or just to have a chat and get to know the team. We have so many great shows already on air, from Talking to Tamsin’s chat show to One and A Half Experts’ K-Pop and Anime show. We have also had Aaron and Phoebe have a live broadcast of the Jam Night event on their first Alternative Sounds show. The open mic event saw local talent performing live in The Lounge and broadcast live on Rusty’s Radio including interviews with the artists between set changes. For our teams first week live on air, there has been so much happening and it has really been a success. One of our station
Tuesday
Wednesday
managers, Karl-Kevin has found being a “manager is a very exciting and amazing experience” and that “you get to meet new people and make long term friends". He and our other station manager Priyam have both taken to their roles and responsibilities and have been really supportive of the team. There is still so much room here at Rusty’s Radio whether you want to host your own show, be a part of an interview team or record live music and interviews. There’s plenty of opportunity so don’t worry if you feel you’re too nervous, Millie from One and A Half Experts said she felt, “definitely nervous before we went on air but as I got into it, it was really enjoyable.” Vincent, who co-hosts with Millie has said, “it's a fun and new experience and I'm looking forward to seeing where we can take it.” There is still so much room here at Rusty’s Radio whether you want to host your own show, be a part of an interview team or record live music and interviews. With tailored training and guidance from award winning presenters and full access to all the tracks that Wycombe Sound carry it’s a great time to get involved in student radio. So make sure you...
Thursday
Friday
1-2pm
11/2 Experts
Debate show
2-3pm
11/2 Experts
Debate show
3-4pm
11/2 Experts
Debate show
4-5pm
Harvey & Kai
Nebverse
5-6pm
The Mix
Harvey & Kai
Nebverse
6-7pm
The Mix
Harvey & Kai
Nebverse
7-8pm
Alternative sounds
Talking to Tamsin
Union chat
8-9pm
Alternative sounds
Talking to Tamsin
Union chat
...tell a friend
Don't miss your opportunity to vote and affect the country's future
You can be registered in your home town, or you can register to vote in High Wycombe or wherever part of the local region you live in to study at Bucks. As you will all be aware, a General Election will take place on Thursday 12 December, where Brexit is likely to be a main topic of conversation. You must register by midnight on 26 November to vote in the General Election on 12 December. However, there are so many issues to consider in Britain’s first Christmas election since 1923 and I am keen that as many Bucks students as possible are registered to vote.
It may not seem as you go about your day-to-day lives that a General Election could have a great impact on what you do but everything from the sports fields you enjoy playing on to the town centres, we all use, to the NHS we will rely on at some stage, are shaped by the decisions of our political leaders. This is your opportunity to influence the future of this country. You may not also feel very politically motivated but for many of you this will be your first chance to vote and from here your enthusiasm and interest in the country’s politics could grow. By voting now, we can slowly but surely begin to have an impact on what the future holds.
Did you know that around 75% of people aged 65 and over will vote in this election but only around 42% of 18-24s are expected to do the same?
Finally, I think we should all appreciate how fortunate we are to have the opportunity to vote and have an influence in the decisions which are made around us, in a democratic society. This is not a right enjoyed by everyone around the world.
We need to vote if we want to effect meaningful change on issues that matter to us all.
So, I’m sure you’re now thinking, how do I register to vote, or check that I am registered?
Well, to be able to vote in High Wycombe, you have to be registered on the Wycombe District Council Electoral Register. Students can be registered to vote at both their term time and home addresses if they are in different local authority areas. Visit gov.uk/register-to-vote to get on the local electoral register or update your details. You will be required to provide personal details including your date of birth and your national insurance number. If you choose to vote at your home address and this is not in High Wycombe, you will need to arrange either a postal vote or proxy vote with the council where your home address is located. Bucks Students’ Union is supporting the National Union of Students’ ‘Got 5’ campaign to make sure everyone is registered to vote. It is working hard with the Electoral Commission to achieve this. Plus, if you register, and you want to encourage others, use #RegistertoVote on social media and include @buckssu to tell us all about it.
November Issue
By Tao Warburton
9
Register to vote
10 November Issue
Inclusion fund
You're included
By Julia Crooks
Everyone's included! Here are some of the ways in which the Inclusion Fund can help:
Here at Bucks Students’ Union, we are incredibly proud of the Big Deal which enables you all to take part in social, training, sports and a great range of other activities, completely free of charge. The Inclusion Fund is an extension of our financial support to members who might still be prevented from participating in Big Deal activities due to personal or home circumstances. For example, students who have childcare needs and cannot afford to stay on after lectures for a yoga class because they need to get home to collect their children or a student with a disability may need help with travel costs to attend an event.
1. Childcare/caring costs: We can provide help with the costs of childcare/carers for those who are attending any of the activities offered by The Big Deal as well as:
Receipts for any costs applied for will be required before any funds are paid out. The fund is also limited to £100 per applicant per year.
• course representative meetings • campaigning for sabbatical/other Students’ Union posts • meetings which you are required to attend in your capacity as a committee member of a Students' Union club/society • Students would be expected to have claimed for child care costs under their student funding as far as possible and full receipts will be required for any extra childcare/carer costs from a registered childcare provider or registered carer.
For more information about the inclusion fund as well as find out more on how to apply go to: bucksstudentsunion.org/support/advice/inclusionfund
The Students’ Union Inclusion Fund is a discretionary fund designed to be as flexible as possible so that we can help you with all sorts of issues, if those issues are 2. Travel costs: Travel costs may be included as part preventing you from taking part. You can apply for help of the Big Deal but if your circumstances/disability to attend a series of activities or to attend a one off event. mean that you cannot use the free transport on offer, or there is no free transport we will consider funding transport under the Inclusion Fund to attend any Students’ Union event or activity as above. • Students must be registered with the University’s Disability Service and upon application, we will ask your permission to verify this.
3. Other non-specified costs. We understand that you may have individual circumstances which do not fall into the above categories so even if your costs do not fit one of the above descriptions email us at suinclusion@bucks. ac.uk and we will consider your request.
This is a discretionary fund so we cannot guarantee every application will be successful. You can always pop into the Students' Union Advice Centre at either High Wycombe or Uxbridge if you have any questions about the Inclusion Fund, or email: suinclusion@bucks.ac.uk with your enquiry.
inc fun Look out for the inclusion fund logo on our posters!
Hi! We are first-year students on Film and TV Production course, making a documentary film for our assignment. It will be a film about groupies and fans of bands and artists. We want to show how it was in the 60s/70s and how it has changed now. We would like to interview a few fans, especially the ones who like go to concerts and like to interact with artists on social media and beyond. If you would like to participate in the project, please contact us on Instagram: @vickyjnim @suz_maj, or on Facebook: Wiktoria Grzankowska or Zuzanna Majewska.
November Issue
London
By Zuzanna Majewska
11
London
12 November Issue
Wear it pink
You wore it pink! From Monday 14 – Friday 18 October, Bucks New University and Bucks Students' Union came together to take positive action towards a great cause. ‘Wear It Pink’ is a campaign which Bucks Students’ Union has proudly put on year after year now, in order to raise money for the charity Breast Cancer Now, as well as to raise general awareness regarding breast cancer. Both students and staff alike did their part during this week long campaign, uniting all of our campuses together in the effort to educate and make a change. Our clubs and societies showed their support to the campaign by wearing pink clothing to their sessions and gathering donations. In addition, we set up spin bike stations at both our High Wycombe and Uxbridge campus and set a target to cycle 550km in recognition of the 55,000 people who are diagnosed with breast cancer per year. To put the target into perspective, High Wycombe is 544km from the city of Rotterdam.
By Christina Demetriou
68 students and 13 staff members cycled during the week, helping us surpass our target and reach a total of 579.8km! Everyone pulled together and did their best to dedicate their time and effort at any point possible, including multi-tasking on laptops from the sabb team. A special mention goes out to Men’s Hockey Chair, Nathan Edwards, for cycling a total of 35km! We would also like to thank everybody who donated and helped us raise a total of £129 for Breast Cancer Now to support the amazing work that they do.
BUCKS WARDROBE
AVAILABLE NOW! Baseball tees, t-shirts, chunky zipped hoodies, fleeced sweatshirts, core and zipped hoodies.
Available online or by calling into the Students’ Union offices. bucksstudentsunion.org/shop
So much to do, so much to see
Come and enjoy our FREE activities courtesy of the Big Deal
Half way through the term to the winter break and we are excited!! We have something for everyone planned in this next month and we hope you make the most of all the FREE activities before your welldeserved rest over the festive season. Coming up this month we have all these great opportunities for you: Afternoon Tea and Backstage Tour
Paediatric First Aid This FREE training course will give you a certificate in Paediatric First Aid. A two day course that focuses on emergency scenarios that face those looking after young children and infants. You will understand the role and responsibilities of the paediatric first aider, will be able to assess an emergency situation safely and be able to provide first aid for an infant and a child.
We have a diverse and varied programme arranged for you and you can attend as many sessions as you like at any Bucks campus. Also available to book for December, we have:
• Award for Personal Licence Holders • Autism and ADHD Awareness Sessions • Winter Wonderland
This incredible FREE opportunity involves exploring the backstage secrets of show business – tread the boards and see the auditorium from the star’s point of view. After your tour, relax and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea.
• Introduction to British Sign Language • Dick Whittington Pantomime • Christmas Tree Decorating
Cookery Class The first few weeks of term may have been all about the take away but now you can learn how to cook simple, quick, healthy and tasty meals! Learn how to make sure you eat properly and to a budget in this FREE session.
If you need any support to enhance your academic experience, pop into one of the Students’ Union offices and we will be more than happy to help wherever we can. Maybe you have something different in mind? If you have an activity or skills session that you would like to take part in, please do not hesitate to get in touch! We love hearing your ideas and providing opportunities that you want! Contact us at surecactivities@bucks.ac.uk or pop in and see us in one of the Student’s Union offices.
Public Speaking Level 2 You will develop confidence, address nerves and learn how to deliver engaging speeches in a friendly environment that will enable you to try out techniques and develop your personal style. Ideal for those who have done Public Speaking Level 1, have experience of speaking in front of an audience or are naturally more confident. And… it’s FREE and looks great on your CV!
You can book onto any activity through our website so be sure to keep an eye out on the Bucks SU ‘What’s On’ page – don’t miss out by not reserving your place early on!
Self-Care Week Throughout the week Talking Therapies Hillingdon will be delivering FREE bitesize sessions on how to look after yourself whilst you study. Sessions are just an hour long and will cover topics such as ‘Challenging Negative Thoughts and Worries’, ‘Procrastination’ and ‘Relaxation and Self Care’. Emergency First Aid This training course gives you a certificate that is a must for any CV! You will learn the role of the First Aider, how to manage an emergency, communication and how to administer first aid for a number of injuries. This course would normally set you back around £100 so why not get it for FREE now!
November Issue
By Sarah Jackson
13
November activities
14 November Issue
Your chosen officers
Representing you... Your chosen officers Here at Bucks Students’ Union, we want to make sure your voices are being heard and that you are having the best possible time at University.
Student reps have the ability to instigate change and improve their course for future years. To become a Student Rep, you must submit a nomination and then be elected into the position by your peers on your course. There is also the opportunity to earn up to £100 for completing the work required in this role. If you are interested in becoming a Student Rep, please contact surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk to see if the position for your course is still available.
Representation at Bucks ensures that you are getting the most out of your academic experience and provides the opportunity to initiate change. Your representation team is made up of four members of staff: Brooke Pilbeam (Vice President Education and Welfare), Matthew Kitching (Deputy CEO), Mark Sweeney (Student Experience Manager) and Ellie Freeman (Student Engagement Coordinator). We also have a number of student positions to ensure we are not making assumptions on the student experience and are receiving feedback directly from you.
A step up from Student Rep, we have School Officers. School Officers oversee the student reps across several courses in their school and look for common themes across the years and courses. The School Officers are the only positions that is not democratically elected. Students submit an application and then undergo an interview process to be chosen for this role.
At the forefront of this are Student Reps. The Students’ Union has a network of 200 student reps, providing a credible student voice to feedback to the University.
YOUR SCHOOL OFFICERS
Art, Design and Performance
Aviation and Security
Business, Law and Computing
Health Care and Social Work
Human and Social Sciences
Media and Creative Industries
Nursing and Allied Health
Becky Thick
Josh Bimpong
Rianna Williamson
Stephanie Webb
Natasha Neal
Scarlett Thomas
Lisa Connell
In addition, the Union has created a network of Executive Officers, who work to ensure underrepresented groups at Bucks still have the opportunity to express views and concerns. In order to become an Executive Officer, students must be a member of the group they are representing and submit a nomination and manifesto on our
website, where they must then be approved by a member of the representation team. Alongside our Student Rep elections, the Executive Officer candidates campaign for your votes to be elected into the position.
YOUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
BME Students’ Officer
Disabled Students’ Officer
International Students’ Officer
LGBT+ Officer
Mature Students’ Officer
Women’s Officer
Postgraduate Students’ Officer
Josh Bimpong
Robin Tomlin
Karlo Pigac
Leo Farrell
Darren Hannay
Kia Wing
Giulio Magliano
Our Part-time Officer position is still available. If you are interested in applying for this role, or would like more information, please come in for a chat or get in contact: surepresentation@bucks.ac.uk
We can be found on the ground floor of North Wing in the High Wycombe campus or in UX1.03 in the Uxbridge campus . Elections for all Executive Officer roles for the year 2020/21 will re-open in March 2020.
15
Film Review.
October Issue
Monday 11
November Issue
16
11 Nov - 17 Nov
BUCKS STUDENTS' UNION IS OPEN SEVEN NIGHTS A WEEK. IF YOU DO NOT SEE AN EVENT LISTED BELOW, CHECK ONLINE NEARER THE TIME!
Tuesday 12
18 Nov - 24 Nov Wednesday 31
Wednesday 13 Wednesday 20
Friday 26
Saturday 23
COMING
Thursday 14
Friday 15
Sunday 17
Saturday 16
A NIGHT NOT T
Tuesday 26
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23 NOV:
TO BE MISSED
Wednesday 27
Sunday 1
Sunday 23
November Issue
Tuesday 19
17
25 Nov - 1 Dec
VISIT BUCKSSTUDENTSUNION.ORG/WHATSON OR SEARCH: BUCKS STUDENTS' UNION ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE INFORMATION.
October Issue
18
Recommendation
The venue is open seven days a week and sometimes it is difficult to decide which nights to go to - you may end up missing out on something amazing! Here are my recommendations for the next few weeks for those of you who like to experience something a bit different! Another year, another Halloween. This year saw the return of Bloodshed, but with a twist! The car park was transformed into a bigger, longer, windier, scarier maze than last year, filled with scare actors, CO2 cannons, blood, skeletons, clowns, and cobwebs. Adding to the creepy sound effects and thick fog, were multiple dead ends, causing you to spend longer in the maze so the scare actors could get closer! With twists and turns in every direction, it was unknown to where
your path would take you, with the ultimate thriller at the end of the maze. This was of course the huge inflatable silent disco dome, which proved to be a graveyard smash once again, for those who survived the maze. DJ OneF was back in the Main Room supplying everyone’s favourite commercial tunes with some Halloween mixes thrown in, and in the Lounge was DJ Glenn-D new to Bucks, covering for DJ Hotshot with
hip hop, trap, dancehall and afrobeats. We also had three sets from fire performers and stilt walkers down the queue and on the stage, adding to the spooky atmosphere. Over 1,000 of you came to this Halloween themed Frat House, and we hope you liked this maze better than last year! Look out for a special announcement coming soon for our first ever Christmas Ball on Friday 6 December... Bingo Lingo will be there!
November Issue
Rusty's
19
Rusty's recommendation.
20 November Issue
Mo & RAG takeover
By Jade Mather, Georgia Miller
My name is Jade Mather and I am this year’s Movember ambassador.
My name is Georgia Miller and I am this upcoming years RAG ambassador. This year, the charities voted by you for RAG are, Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support and Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
There are many activities and events which run throughout the year in order to raise funds for our amazing charities. Some of the events we obtain are, Movember is a men’s health charity focussing on sporting tournaments, bake sales, a raffle and many mental health, prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Throughout the year, students and staff come together more. If you are interested and are looking to gain The charity looks at ways to tackle these issues and to raise funds in order to support and create awareness that extra experience in volunteering, then please ways to reach out with men suffering from them. head over to the SU office to find out how you can make of the importance of our chosen RAG charities. For me this charity hits quite close to home as last yourself involved. year I lost my grandfather due to cancer. I think the Hillingdon Autistic Care and Support provide that hardest part about this disease is the effect on that Wednesday 27th November our RAG ambassador and extra support for autistic people, families and also person. Movember provides a huge support network professionals. They also give the opportunity to our Movember ambassador are doing a joint takeover and generates a large amount of funding towards the autistic people to enhance their hidden talents and in aid of RAG and Movember. The two have planned a research into testicular and prostate cancer. skills and to be an active individual within their party games themed event, with lots of games to take community. you back to your childhood party days! The event will Over the course of November, I will be running the also be about celebrating the work done for RAG and Thames Valley Air Ambulance bring their expertise, campaign putting on a number of events, challenges Movember over that month, with lots of performances and running the Bucks team of boys, who are growing equipment and treatment of the hospital to the scene of an emergency. This is vital as somebody within our from clubs and societies. Its suggested a £4 donation moustaches. This year the campaign is off to a flying and the theme is dress to impress, so grab your best start, with it only being a few days into November we local community may be in urgent need of a service have raised almost £400! dress and come and support! like this.
#MULTISAVE
TOTUM IS THE UK’S NUMBER ONE DEDICATED STUDENT DISCOUNT AND IDENTITY CARD (ID)
WE ARE TOTUM DOWNLOAD THE APP AND GET THE CARD TODAY TO START SAVING INSTANTLY!
A. GET TOUM B. USE IN SHOP C. SAVE MONEY D. GOT IT YET?
TOTUM.COM @WEARETOTUM Details correct at time of release (June 2019) See online for T&Cs
Bucks Students’ Union
Advice Centre Got a problem?
ADVICE CENTRE We help you find a solution! Tell us what it is
MONEY
Please call to make an appointment at either campus for a face-to-face, telephone or Sk
ADVICE CENTRE If you have problems in any of these areas we can help: ADVICE ADVICE CENTRE ADVICE CENTRE CENTRE High Wycombe Campus:
Uxbridge Camp
Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, F Located: Room N0.03, ground floor, North Block Located: Room 1.03, fi YOUR PERSONAL LIFE Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: 01494 605 to make an appointment at either campus for a face-to-face, telephone or Skype appointment. Evening appointments are available outside of standard opening hours at High Wycombe Mon-Thur contact us to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you. igh Wycombe Campus: Uxbridge Campus: hursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm MONEY COURSE ISSUES YOUR PERSONAL LIFE INTERNATIONAL MONEY oom N0.03, ground floor, North Block Located:YOUR RoomPERSONAL 1.03, first LIFE floor STUDENT ISSUES Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: 01494 605 180 Please call to make appointment at either or cam to make an appointment at either campus for a face-to-face, telephone or Skype appointment. suadvice@bucks.ac.uk bucksstudentsunion.org/advice an appointment at either campus for aanface-to-face, telephone S us for a face-to-face, telephone or Skype appointment. Please call to make ments are available outside of standard opening hours at High Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 5pm to 7pm. Please High Wycombe Campus: igh Wycombe Campus: Campus: Campus: Uxbridge Camp contact us to arrange an appointment at a time toUxbridge suit High you. Wycombe Uxbridge Campus: Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm hursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm Monday to Thursday INTERNATIONAL LEGAL ISSUES Located: Room N0.03, ground floor, North Block oom N0.03, ground floor, NorthLEGAL Block ISSUES Located: 1.03, floor floor, North Block ACCOMMODATION Located: Room Room N0.03,first ground Located: Room 1.03, fi INTERNATIONAL Located: Room 1.03, first floor STUDENT ISSUES Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: 01494 603 016 Phone: STUDENT 01494 605 180 603 016 ISSUES Phone: 01494 Phone: 01494 605 Phone: 01494 605 180 suadvice@bucks.ac.uk bucksstudentsunion.org/advice Evening appointments are available outside of standard op ments are available outside of standard opening hours Evening at High Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 5pm to 7pm. Please High Wycombe Mon-Thu YOUR PERSO MONEY ng hours at High Wycombe Mon-Thurs: 5pm to 7pm. Please appointments are available outside of standard opening hours at us suit to arrange contact us to arrange an appointment at a time to suit you. contact us to arrange an appointment atcontact a time to you. an ap intment at a time to suit you. LEGAL ISSUES
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Please call to make an appointment at either campus for a face-to-face, telephone or Skype appointment. COURSE ISSUES ACCOMMODATION COURSE ISSUES ACCOMMODATION
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Phone: 01494 603 016
Phone: 01494 605 180
suadvice@bucks.ac.uk b suadvice@bucks.ac.uk bucksstudentsunion.org/advice Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm suadvice@bucks.ac.uk Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm,bucksstudentsunion.org/advice Friday 9am-4.30pm cksstudentsunion.org/advice INTERNATI LEGAL ISSUES Located: Room N0.03, ground floor, North Block Located: Room 1.03, first floor
STUDENT I
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ACCOMMO
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Are you work ready? Read our top 3 tips! Whatever you’re studying and whichever year you are in, it is important to consider throughout your time at University how you are going to make yourself competitive once you have graduated. There are many support services and staff just waiting to help you, so be sure to make the most of it! Our top 3 suggestions are simple, easy to access and will make you stand out from the crowd: 1. Big Deal skills session We offer around 5,000 hours of training a year through the Students’ Union, all completely FREE courtesy of the Big Deal. These sessions can be course complementary, cover transferable skills for any industry and are all delivered by qualified instructors. Some are formal qualifications and others you will receive a certificate of attendance.
2. My Bucks Career
We keep a record of the sessions you attend and can present you with your Bucks Award – a record of all your achievements with us – so you have all the information ready for your CV. Scheduling a session with our Training and Development Department will help you articulate your SU experiences in a way that is relevant and attractive to prospective employers.
The Careers and Employability Service at the Uni are able to give advice on writing your CV, application processes, interview skills and assessments centres as well as personalised career advice. You can find them on the first floor of the North Wing at the High Wycombe campus and they are at the Uxbridge campus on set days throughout each month.
All of our skills sessions are available to book through the What’s On page of our website or if there’s something you think would improve your employability prospects that isn’t on there, you just need to get in touch.
There’s also a vast array of free resources through My Bucks Career, which you can access through the University’s website using your Blackboard login and password. Whether you want to participate in online training around resilience or negotiation skills, take If you’re not in your final year, you may want to consider part in a mock interview or find a CV template that suits applying for our Leadership Academy 2020/2021 where you - My Bucks Career can help. All the resources are will agree a personal development programme with you completely free to you while you are a Bucks student to encompass all of the above and much more. so make the most of it! There’s a specific section for our Nursing students too.
Imagine the feeling of walking out of graduation, straight into a job – Bucks Students' Union can help make that happen!
3. Apply for graduate schemes Joining a graduate programme may be a natural continuation of your course for some of you and others may just need more information. These schemes can provide you with a foot in the door to many large organisations, either in an industry of your choice or just for you to gain basic transferable skills such as communication, leadership, management, or finance. Many of the scheme deadlines are around this time of year and they are accepting applications now for next year so don’t leave it too late to apply. You can find deadlines for graduate schemes at savethestudent.org or brightnetwork.co.uk – there are many other websites, just search ‘graduate scheme deadlines’. It’s a busy time of year for everyone but how great would it be if you could enter the new year knowing that you didn’t have to find your graduate job whilst finishing your degree? Get your application in early and it could all be sorted by the time you finish Uni. Good luck! We really can offer something for everyone so if you ever have any questions or concerns about life after Uni, you just need to get in touch with us at the Students’ Union.
Drop an email to sutraining@bucks.ac.uk to find out more, or to get started with our three top tips!
November Issue
By Sarah Jackson, Emily West
23
Employability
24 November Issue
Pregnant at University
What to expect when you're expecting Life is tricky and no matter how well you plan it out, the universe always finds a way to throw you a curve-ball when you least expect it. What happens when your studying at university and you fall pregnant? Well the first thing is obviously, making the right decision for you. This is going to be a delicate stage in your life so you don’t want to rush into making any brash decisions because of what people around you expect you to do. It’s YOUR body so take YOUR time! Now if you do decide that you are comfortable having a baby whilst studying then you should look into how you will balance out the two, as a new parent and as a student. At this stage it is important to notify a member of staff about your pregnancy and for students studying on a tier 4 visa they should contact the Student Center and/or the Compliance team in marketing and student recruitment, for more information. If international students would like more guidance they can also refer to the Home Office website for further advice. The reason we ask you to inform the university about your pregnancy is because we can not help you in anyway unless you notify us about your circumstances, and what we should prepare for, to make your experience studying at Bucks as comfortable as possible. Once you have informed us about everything the senior school register will make the necessary adjustments in terms of your study schedule and any changes that need to be considered. However don’t worry about your information getting out, it will only be given to the necessary parties who need to be informed. If you do not wish for someone to know about your pregnancy then we will of course respect your privacy, however once again, this can only be done if you let us know.
By Rukhsar Hussain
What could you expect? Pregnant students should expect risk assessments to be completed as they are a necessary part of university policies. Yes this sounds a bit daunting but all this means is that the university will check out any risks or hazards that could occur and how they can prevent them so that you and your baby are out of harm's way. You can also find further details about health and safety at http://hse.gov.uk/mothers. Pregnant students are also entitled to ‘interruptions of studies; consideration of mitigating circumstances claims; consideration of claims for extension to coursework assessment; amendments to program schedule where flexible and alternative means of assessment where flexible’. These amendments have been made to put your needs first and finding solutions on how we can better help you during your pregnancy. Furthermore same sex parents expecting a child can receive support and some time off for hospital appointments, as well as maternity support leave to bond with their child, but you should plan this with the senior school register 15 weeks prier to your babies arrival. Expecting farther’s are also entitled to have paternity-related absences for 2 weeks with 56 days of their child being born. Additionally parents looking to adopt can also be granted time off from their studies but again they must inform a member of staff from their course and the senior school register to arrange this. Remember you’re not alone and here at Bucks we will try and support you to the best of our abilities, whether that be for emotional support or support in finding out more information for your situation, you are always able to contact our wonderful facility members, that are always happy to help. Contacts Multi Faith Chaplaincy: tel on 01494 603 024 Email: multifaithchaplaincy@bucks.ac.uk Counseling Centre: tel on 01494 605018 Email: counselling@bucks.ac.uk Accommodation Service: tel on 01494 603 063 Email: accommodation@bucks.ac.uk Bucks student union advice centre: tel on 01494 603 016 Email: suadvice@bucks.ac.uk Additionally you can contact course enquires: tel on 01494 605060 Email: advice@bucks.ac.uk For further health and safety information go to: bucks.ac.uk/students/health-and-wellbeing and hse.gov.uk/mothers.
Horsin' around BoJack Horseman stars Will Arnett, after starring in
and as it is only a part one it ends on a
the popular sitcom "Horsin' Around" in the late 80s
major cliff-hanger, as two journalists
and early 90s, BoJack Horseman struggles with his
are trying to figure out what happened
deteriorating popularity, depression, addiction, and
to one of the characters in the show
maintaining the relationships with those he cares
who has died, which leads them to
about, but can't seem to stop hurting. Season 1 starts
mistakes from BoJack's past which is
when his agent Princess Caroline (Amy Sedaris) hires Diane Nguyen (Alsion Brie) to write BoJack's memoir. The other main characters are Todd Chevez (Aaron Paul) who is BoJack's best friend and Mr. PeanutButter (Paul F. Tompkins) BoJack's old sitcom rival. This is an animated comedy/drama created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg. This is one of the greatest TV shows of all time, every season ends on a haunting or uplifting note that brings a tear to your eye. It’s one of the most comedic but also darkest shows on television - its ability to manage comedy and tragedy to create a perfect blend is unmatched. It is a very experimental and stylistic show, for example, one episode is totally silent where BoJack can’t talk, another episode is a long monologue from
when part one ends with them coming close to discover these mysteries. Now that BoJack has stepped onto the path of recovery and becoming a better person, it will be interesting to see his reaction to his past mistakes getting out. In conclusion, I’d give Season Six part one an 8/10 for its comedic and dramatic prowess, it’s memorable main and side characters who are just a joy to watch; it has fabulous themes
BoJack. Also, in a different episode, the story focuses
and story arcs. Its incomplete
on a flashback by two people from their perspectives
at the moment but Season Six
on the main cast changing their names and looks.
part two will come out on Netflix
Towards the end of Season Five, it blurs the line
on January 31, 2020 with another
between reality and fantasy making BoJack and the
eight episodes while Season Six
audience simultaneously question what’s real or not,
part one came out October 25.
culminating in a psychedelic musical number and a
2019 with eight episodes.
tragic note. Season Five ends with BoJack going into rehab after that arc, but I strongly urge anyone to watch the whole show before season six, the journey is worth it for every second. Season one may be a little bit less in quality then the rest of the show but only because the creators and writers were still defining the tone/theme of the series. Season Six literally picks up the moment season five ends, with BoJack entering himself into rehab and finally starting an authentic journey to better himself. Princess Caroline deals with having an adopted baby and balancing that with her work life. Diane Nguyen deals with her depression while doing her reporter job and having new boyfriend, Guy, with her. Mr. PeanutButter deals with his new relationship with Pickles Aplenty (Hong Chau) and Todd Chevez deals with his step dad coming back into his life. Overall Season Six is just as amazing as the rest of the show
November Issue
By Ben Daly
25
Bojack Horseman
26 November Issue
Taekwondo
By Nikita Miller, Lex O'Neill, Vincent Okih, Hannah Brennan, Joana Pinheiro
Welcome to Bucks
Taekwondo As Chair and Coach of Bucks TKD 2019/20, I’d like to introduce you to what we do as a society. If you don’t know anything about Taekwondo, it is a Korean martial art which started in 1955, making it the youngest martial art in the world. Taekwondo has a lot of similarities to kickboxing, but kickboxing can be a lot more brutal when it comes to fighting in the ring. Taekwondo is great for improving coordination, discipline, determination and confidence. It also helps with fitness, self defence skills and strength. It is also a fun and engaging way to learn about Korean culture. We will be training throughout the year, with some students working towards earning new belts, some training for competitions, and others just joining in to learn some new skills and have fun.
Although there are some different styles of Taekwondo, we are an all inclusive club. Whether you have experience in any style of Taekwondo, or if you have none at all, there is space for you in Bucks Taekwondo! Everybody is welcome to come and give it a go. It’s not as scary as it might seem. We’re not like the typical martial arts groups you may have seen in videos or films, that’s far too serious for me. We like to have fun whilst learning all these new tricks and skills, it’s not super serious. We are hoping to enter the brand new BUCS Taekwondo Competition when it opens in early 2020. With opportunities to enter other competitions outside of BUCS too. We also hope to be hosting some fantastic skills sessions, open to everybody, whether you are a member of the society or not. Keep your eyes peeled for them in the hopefully not too distant future.
Some of our members had something to say about the society:
We are still looking for someone to fill the committee position of Welfare Liaison. The position is open to all of our members. So if you are at all interested in trying something new, and helping people in the process, please get in touch.
“I was hesitant to start Taekwondo, as I am not a very active person, but Nikki is a great coach who encourages me to achieve my best. Now I can finally have fun while getting fitter. Also it’s completely Our sessions are every Thursday, 7:30pm free to join, so why wouldn’t you want – 9pm. Room E1.101, next to Beats. to come and give it a go.” – Lex O’Neill, Come along and bring your friends! We Secretary. are a friendly and enthusiastic bunch, “Enlightening, it awakens something looking for more people to enjoy this inside you, that you couldn’t see before.” – fantastic sport with. Vincent Okih. If you have any questions, please don’t be “I really enjoyed my first session, even afraid to get in touch. though I had no experience I didn’t feel lost. Nikkita is a great teacher, and makes Instagram: @bucks_taekwondo sure to explain everything in a way that Facebook: Bucks Taekwondo is easy to follow.” – Hannah Brennan, Treasurer. Email: buckstkd@outlook.com “I always look forward to Taekwondo classes, they’re super fun and exciting!” – Joana Pinheiro.
BNU Boxing Putting the fun in fit We are the Bucks New Boxing Society, and despite getting rough on the punching bags, we’re very welcoming to newcomers no matter what their previous experience in any fighting background. The Societies main goal is to introduce all students to the world of boxing and promote fitness through fun, whether that’s practising some killer moves or having a friendly spar in the ring with our amazing coach Stuart Scott helping you every step of the way. This year we’re proud to have made a grand return with a skyrocketing number of over 100 sign ups in October! Going strong six weeks into the first term, we still have new members joining every session. This means you could make a great friendship every time you walk onto those mats. There have been some amazing responses! Ines said “I Love it! I’ve met more people because of boxing. It’s a really good way to let out my pent-up energy while having fun at the same time. There’s also that sense of being in a team. We’re all there trying to achieve the same goal” ‘Aviation Chair’ Jordan said “I really enjoy the technical aspect of boxing, and the coach is perfect as he teaches you from day one not to get into bad habits. If you drop your hands or move your feet the wrong way. It’s Perfect.” Cosmin had to say “It’s been great, I love coming. Great for fitness and I learned a lot. I would love for there to be longer sessions.” Kamil said “Boxing Society is much more than an hour of fitness. This is a training preparation by a coach who put so much effort to teach you everything you
need to be the best. I already know it’s gonna be a long adventure with High Wycombe Warriors Boxing” Our Society consists of our Chair; Evangelos Dodopoulos, Secretary, Tomek Siemieniuch, Treasurer, Felix Monteiro and of course our Welfare Liaison Shannon Batchelor. However, we are always looking for more members to step up! You can always reach out to us if you have any questions to do with the sport or any future socials coming your way! Our individual contact details are always available on the Students’ Union Website. Our committee is making big plans towards the future, including trying to organise our own fight night charity event, even more socials including November’s Paintball trip! Making sure we will be hitting those volunteering hours by helping the community and travelling to Croatia as a society for ‘I Love Tour 2020’. Our sessions are weekly at the Warriors Boxing Gym every Thursday, transport is provided to and from the Warriors Gym, meeting outside the SU at 5.30pm. The session itself runs 6-7pm alternating between fitness, boxing technique, learning new movements and controlled sparring. If you’re interested in joining our society of 2019/20 or wanting to try a free killer session! Feel free to contact and follow us via our social media below: Instagram: BNUBOXING Facebook: BNU BOXING Email: bnubxng@gmail.com
November Issue
By Tomasz Siemieniuch, Jordan Penning, Cosmin Vulpe, Kamil Lesniewski
27
Boxing
28 November Issue
Bucks FC
My
By Charile Hickey, Alex Ditchburn
Bucks FC
Incredible!
experience so far
management of the event and all who show up. That goes for freshers and My experience so far with this group returners, everyone plays their part in of Bucks FC boys has been incredible. making social nights great fun. I’m sure From debating about even turning up the alcohol helps, especially for those that to the trials at the beginning, to now are a little more introverted, but you can’t having attended every social event on a feel uncomfortable with these people. Wednesday. This gives a clear indication of how welcoming the boys have made me Those in charge have even made the effort to get those that can’t drink for religious feel, as well as the other freshers in the squad and even those that aren’t currently purposes involved in socials to increase cohesion within the group and make in one of the four teams. everyone feel just as welcome as the next Starting with the trials, the fellas did a guy. great job making the most of a difficult Onto game days where I find myself in situation. To have so many numbers the Bucks FC second team and what a turn up and to have only been granted team! Unbeaten start of the season and a access to one pitch, I can only imagine massive cup win last week. The boys in the how difficult this made things for them. second team get on like a house on fire and Having said that, the trials were great fun as everyone was there to play football I’m excited to wake up on a Wednesday morning to go and put in the graft and I can confidently say there was alongside this group of legends. The away plenty of football to go around. The trials day journeys have also been plenty of fun. also provided the first opportunity for Freshers are required to sing a song of the universities freshers footballers to their choice on their first mini bus journey socialise, which I and many others did back and if I was in front of any other plenty of. group of people there’s no chance I would Next up for me and my Bucks FC family have been willing to do so but I knew it was the first social and every other social was all a giggle and I couldn’t take myself since, which have all been such good too seriously, so I enjoyed something I nights. It’s as if they get better every thought I never would. week. I keep telling myself there’s no In terms of volunteering I know our topping last week, but we keep doing it. chairman Travis Hoey played a part in I’d say this is down to the planning, the
the Cycle for Breast Cancer and many of the other boys from Bucks FC took part to help the University reach its target. I only wish I wasn’t ill that week to have contributed more. I have signed up to our next volunteering event which is the WHC Big Sleepout and we are continuing to try and raise funds even while you are reading this. Again, this is something I likely would never have considered doing if it wasn’t for how well the senior Bucks FC members sold it and if I wasn’t going
with this group of people. I really can’t wait which is a credit to the Bucks FC boys. To finish off. I’m sure many of the freshers that turned up to the trials that day walked away not realising that they had just made friends for life. In just under three years I’d say they could recall meeting these pals of theirs that they’re now graduating alongside, and I’d say that’s pretty remarkable which to me is what makes Bucks FC special.
Badminton
What is Bucks Badminton Team all about?
The Bucks badminton team is made of singles and doubles teams in both women and men’s divisions. We are currently training and playing towards the goal of promotion in our respective leagues. If you think you have what it takes to join the team, come down on a Tuesday afternoon at 4.30pm for the sports for fun session and one of our captains, Jordan for the Men’s team or Cait for the Women’s team, will invite you to our teams training session if they think you’re ready! Training sessions are on Tuesday 5.30 till 7pm and Sundays 1.30 till 3.30pm in the sports hall. If you’re not selected don’t worry, keep coming to SFF and come and support us at our all our games which take place on a Wednesday. The teams progression this year? The teams this year have progressed extremely well in just one months’ worth of training. The Men’s team have had to completely start from scratch this year as all the players from last year graduated, however they are currently joint second in their division which is fantastic. The women’s team is currently improving the squad from last year where they hope to get promoted at the end of this season. One goal that both teams are working towards especially is winning Varsity, with the Roehampton badminton team withdrawing from the Men’s division this season but is still putting a team together for varsity, this has given Bucks the upper hand with more match experience and training time and we will be ready to take on Roehampton next year! The team will always strive to continue to improve and develop, on the Sunday 27 October, members of both teams attended the Yonex Masterclass at Wycombe badminton centre, which was delivered by Singles Men’s world champion Peter Gade, known for his deception shots within the game.
This was a great opportunity for our team to really further develop our skills and understanding within the game of badminton. It was a fantastic experience to play with Peter and gain vital tips to improve our game, one tip being to always play the shots using wrist power and contacting the shuttle late. With many teams, coaches attending from all over the country and even the world it was great to represent our team and Bucks New University at this great badminton event. We are also are potentially partnering up with the Wycombe badminton centre, known for training the top English players in the sport. They will be able to provide our team with world class level coaching, knowledge and experience within high level match play and invite us to more exciting events. This is exciting times for the squad, and we welcome anyone to come and try the sports for fun sessions and see if they have what it takes to join the team!
Join our social media Facebook: BNU Badminton club Instagram: bucks_badminton
November Issue
By Jordan Penning
29
Badminton
30 November Issue
Cheer
"Cheerleading... That's not a sport!"
We are the BNU Swans and we are your resident cheerleading squad! This year we are super excited to work harder than ever before and show people the amazing things we can do! Before that is done, we have something we would like to talk about.
hard. Have you ever thrown your teammate as high as you possibly can, all whilst trying to revive yourself after kicking out six jumps in a row? We have and it’s hard.
In most places, cheerleading often lacks that positive stigmatisation that it deserves. Although it is not as popular as sports such as football or basketball, it is still a sport and that should be recognised.
Just because we like to have an outstanding physical appearance before our competitions, it doesn’t mean we don’t spend hundreds of hours perfecting a routine that is over in two and a half minutes.
Blood, sweat and tears goes into pulling stunts. Our awesome Pom Dance team may shake Pom Poms but even that comes with hard work, timing, teamwork and musicality.
Just because we like to sport a big sparkly bow and glittery outfits, it doesn’t mean that we don’t break bones; lose our patience; get knocked out; throw up; or want to give up but we keep going. The buzz you get running onto that mat at a competition is so exhilarating that it is like nothing else.
Have you ever tried lifting someone’s entire body weight - whilst they pull a split - in mid air? We have and it’s
Very hard.
By Kia Wing
When you hit that ending pose, and your whole team erupts into cheers, you know this is your family. All of those hours finally become worth it. All of the struggling, long nights, early mornings and over-ran rehearsals… you thank yourself for getting through. Cheerleading is a sport, a hard but very rewarding sport. If you would like to be a part of the BNU Swans, find us on social media below, or email us at: swanscheersquad@gmail.com Facebook: BNU Swans Social Page 2019/20 Instagram: @bnuswanscheersquad Twitter: @BNUSwans
Recycling Plastics The what's what guide
This letter does not necessarily represent the views of Bucks Students' Union.
Given the problems with recycling plastics - that it is only recycled around 7 times, and, according to National Geographic (2018) 91 percent of plastics is not recycled. Production of plastic is increasing, so what different types of plastics are there? Plastic 1 is Polyethylene (PET) which can be recycled. It is found in bottles and food containers. However, it does contain a carcinogen (antimony), which means that the longer a liquid is left in a PET bottle, the most likely antimony will be released. Plastic 2 is High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) which is believed to be safer than PET and is used for food and drink packaging. Although some suggest that some chemicals it contains mimic the hormone oestrogen. It is also recyclable. Plastic 3 is Polyvinvyl Chloride (PVC) this is not recyclable and is used as cling film for food. It is believed to be unsafe and linked to allergies in children and environmental pollution. Its use can leach biphenol A (BPA), cadmium, mercury, phthalates, lead and dioxins – many of which are toxic chemicals or heavy metals that can disrupt the endocrine system and worse (so don’t use it to wrap your food!)
Plastic 4 is Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) used in carrier bags, etc. and is thought to be a safer type of plastic. It is difficult to recycle, so best to avoid buying things that use it as packaging. Plastic 5 is Polypropylene (PP) which some studies actually suggest is one of the two most common microplastics found in human and animal bodies and the environment. It is used for food packaging and drink containers and is not entirely suitable for recycling. Plastic 6 is Polystyrene (PS) which is used for drinking cups, packaging and more. It is not easily recyclable. When used for hot or oily food, it can leach styrene which is toxic for the brain, and central nervous system, affecting other organs including lungs. Plastic 7 is ‘Other’ and is not recyclable. It is often used in ‘reusable’ plastic drinking bottles and included plastics not under the other numbers. It also includes bioplastics, as well as Polycarbonate (aka Lexan, Makrolon, Makroclear). Disturbingly, despite being reduced in use due to its containing BPA, which can cause damage to chromosomes in female ovaries, reduced sperm count, early puberty, behavioural changes and changes to the immune system, type 2 diabetes, impairment to brain and neural function, obesity, breast and prostate cancer and metabolic problems.
References and more information: National geographic: nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment Waste4Change: waste4change.com/7-types-plastic-need-know My website: graymoose.com/abby/index.php/myths-a-legends/life/palm-oil/environment/272-recycling Best in packaging: bestinpackaging.com/2012/02/02/recycling-packaging-material-with-an-aluminium-component
November Issue
By Abby Gray
31
Student opinion
WHAT’S YOUR PASSION? The Bucks Student newspaper is looking for current students to write articles - if you’re passionate about a subject, we’d love to hear from you. Can’t think of what to write? No problem! Join us at a Newsgroup meeting and we’ll give you a topic to write about. Our meetings are in the Study Lounge (near Beats, opposite the Dance Studio) - email editor@thebucksstudent.com for a time and date. Not only will you get your views and opinions out there, but being able to say your work has been published will look fantastic on your CV. For more information email the student editors, Athena and Joanna, on editor@thebucksstudent.com.