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February 2014
TV award nomination Page 3
Gloves on for charity Page 5
Uni research shows ‘emotional exhaustion’ in healthcare Page 8
Leading thinkers lecture at Bedfordshire
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Bedford redevelopments A year after redevelopments at the Bedford campus began and with construction work on the new teaching and learning building well underway, Dr Sally Bentley, Executive Dean, talks to Life about the £25m project
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r Sally Bentley, Executive Dean, Faculty of Education and Sport, based at the Bedford campus, is a familiar face to staff, students and visitors alike. Her energy, enthusiasm and wholehearted desire to ensure this is a successful project is clear to see. “Since the old building was demolished last November and the big crane arrived on site, there’s a real sense that the project is moving really quickly,” said Dr Bentley, who joined Bedfordshire in 2012 from Bishop Grosseteste University. “The first redevelopment phase will see the construction of a state-of-the-art teaching and learning building, pictured, on schedule to open at the start of semester two in 2015. “We are determined that the new teaching building is very much a ‘people building’ at the heart of the student experience, with users needs at its core.” To ensure success, staff and students’ opinions and ideas have been heard since before the works got underway – via the regular Senior Users Group (SUG) meetings. SUG – chaired by Dr Bentley – features representatives from all the faculties, key teaching and professional support departments and Beds SU. Dr Bentley said SUG is playing a “vital role”, and has helped with space layout, identifying potential usability issues and solution solving. With increased staff and students, SUG is currently discussing furniture and interior design choices. Numerous staff and student ideas will be incorporated in the building’s final interior design specification (within the planned budget). Tell Us student feedback stated a lack of ‘comfortable’ places for students to sit, work and chat with friends, which prompted a change to the ‘feel’ of the ground floor away from being a walk-through ‘atrium’ towards a warmer-feeling social and informal learning space where people will want to sit and spend time. Staff have also been instrumental in contributing to their offices’ design, which now include private meeting rooms and a kitchen. External visitors to campus will also enjoy better meeting room and conference
Communications Team contacts Nick Sheppard Head of Communications & Events Nick.Sheppard@beds.ac.uk
facilities as the ground floor lecture halls and the atrium will double up as an occasional conference and events facility. The top-floor also has the feel of a post-graduate/CPD centre, being designed for smaller groups and greater learning in a high-quality environment. Academic staff have been key in the choice and layout of the main teaching classrooms – so they support interactive teaching approaches – and in creating configurations of rooms so they can be booked in clusters to support special practice weeks and innovative project work. “I’m really pleased so many people have engaged, proactively thinking about the building as a multifunctional space; questioning how we can use it now, as well as to create a design that will be adaptable for future needs,” Dr Bentley added. “The building will also have the capability to link with adjacent outdoor space and across to the Campus Centre to enable creative events and enterprise activities, as suggested by our performing arts staff.” SUG’s ideas have been put forward for discussion and approval at the Bedford Redevelopment Project Board – also chaired by Dr Bentley. The Board, with representation from Beds SU, Facilities and Estates, and Project Manager Robert Garwood, takes a strategic view on how the works are progressing and makes the final decisions.
Dr Sally Bentley, Executive Dean, Faculty of Education and Sport
Now based at The Atrium, Park Street West, Luton.
Kevin Cunningham Communications Officer kevin.cunningham@beds.ac.uk
Simon Wesson Communications Assistant simon.wesson@beds.ac.uk
Do you have a news story? Please contact the Comms team. 02 Life – February 2014
The Board has continued to drive the project over the last year, and Dr Bentley praised the contribution of Professor Mary Malcolm, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), who chaired the project until she took on another major development project, the University Campus Milton Keynes. Bedford-based students and staff will have noticed more immediate changes, alongside the new development. “We were keen that existing students who might be leaving us before the new building opened would benefit from the investment,” Dr Bentley said. A SiD desk near to the hub social space has been installed, and the hub has been redecorated becoming a more inviting space for break-out between classes and for when the Pub in the Hub opens at night. A new IT suite and a creative learning space have also been opened in P Block. A dedicated ‘hot desking’ room has been created for staff, who visit Bedford occasionally. Offices in P Block have been refurbished and academic staff are being co-located in course teams to aid collaborative working. Dr Bentley praised Alan Burch and Susan Hidirian in Estates who continue to be “instrumental” in numerous office moves. One of the most notable ready-made changes at Bedford is the £1.5m sports hall extension. Now named The Arena, the 300-seater facility is back in use by Bedfordshire Bulls’ teams and is capable of hosting national championship standard games. Dr Bentley concluded: “The Arena is just the start of what promises to be an exciting new era and we are now exploring the possibility of a new gym on campus. “The University is making a serious long-term investment in facilities at Bedford and I’m confident these exciting changes will further enhance the learning experience for current and future generations of students.”
Nick Hamilton-Brain Communications Administrator Nickolas.Hamilton-Brain@beds.ac.uk
Paddy Day Communications Assistant Patrick.Day@beds.ac.uk
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News
How the story of four million non-white people in World War One ‘should be spread across Luton’
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HE influence of the four million non-white people who were involved in the First World War was demonstrated in a documentary shown as part of a special centenary event at the University of Bedfordshire. Around one million people from Britain’s former empire lost their lives during the battles of 1914 to 1918. Last month a feature, Whose Remembrance? – produced by the Imperial War Museum to look at the experience of colonial troops and labourers – was shown to an audience of students, historians and the public. A panel featuring Suzanne Bardgett, IWM's Head of Research, Professor Karen Randell of the University, and community leaders, discussed with the audience how communities in the region should be made aware of the enormous sacrifices made by people from former British
that my ancestors actually made a difference. And we can say that we are in this country by right. Prior to seeing this film, I never knew of our influence.” Professor Karen Randell, Head of Department of Media Arts & Production, added: “There are different histories at play when we discuss war – the historical, the political and the lived experience – which this film engages with and which is so useful to our fuller understanding of the lives of those that served.” Search ‘Whose Remembrance?’ on www.iwm.org.uk for more information. The documentary is also available to watch on You Tube. The event, co-hosted by IWM, Luton Culture and the University, was also attended by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Image courtesy of Imperial War Museum
colonies, who volunteered for service. As she opened the event, Councillor Jacqui Burnett, of the Limbury ward, said that
this history “needs to be shared” with schoolchildren and local communities. “The documentary was very interesting for me, as it showed
l To apply for HLF funding for your own World War One project call 01223 224880, or visit www.hlf.org. uk for more information.
Student TV project nominated for award
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UNIVERSITY student television production team received a nomination for a prestigious award. Centre Stage, which was created by six final-year Television Production Students as part of their final project in 2013, was among three finalists for best entertainment programme at the Royal Television Society (RTS) London Region Student Television Awards, at ITV, The London Television Centre. Recorded in-front of a live studio audience, while simultaneously broadcast on livestream and around the Luton campus, the show featured some of the UK’s up-andcoming talent. It was produced by students Teresa Banks, Katie Shore, Georgia Van Der End, Bryony Dilnot, Sakkina Merali-Piercy and James Clatworthy who used fellow (volunteer) Television Production students to help crew the show, whilst students
Rapper Sandy Minto, who was one of the talents featured in Centre Stage
and guests filled the audience. Filmed at the University’s HD TV studio, the programme also helped raise funds for Rethink Mental Illness. Georgia, who is back at the University studying for a Master’s in Marketing and Communications, said she was delighted to be
nominated, adding she believed the show was a success due to having “such a hard-working and dedicated team.” “We had all worked on previous projects and we were determined to make this one our best.” The winner of the category was a team from the University of
Westminster, who have now been nominated for the national awards. Nevertheless, Kathryn Wolfe, Senior Lecturer in Media Performance and Course Coordinator Television Production, was delighted with the Bedfordshire students’ achievements. “This is a first for Television Production at the University. Never before have we got through to this stage of the RTS awards. “The team worked tremendously hard on the project, which was highly professional. Unsurprisingly all six have gone on to great things with some working on top shows such as Dancing on Ice, and for companies such as Endemol, while two of the team have returned to Bedfordshire to study for a Master’s degree.” To watch the show visit www. youtube.com/thetvlab. Centre Stage can be found under the Magazine Programmes playlist.
Life – February 2014 03
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Scientists close to geneticallyenhancing humans L
ORD Robert Winston has warned of the dangers of rapidly-developing science technology, as scientists move ever-closer to genetically-modified humans. At a special guest lecture last month, world-renowned scientist and fertility expert Professor Winston said “it’s only a matter of time” before scientists can introduce genes to “increase intelligence, or memory, or strength, or height”. “As a species, mankind has never really lost its wish to improve its genetics, and we are under ever-increasing pressure to continue to do so,” Professor Winston said as he described human genetic-modification as “dangerous”, querying whether it should be prohibited. Demonstrating advances in genetic science, Professor Winston showed clips of a geneticallyenhanced mouse running for four
“As a species, mankind has never really lost its wish to improve its genetics, and we are under ever-increasing pressure to continue to do so” - Lord Robert Winston
hours, almost non-stop. And the BAFTA award-winning television presenter said the consequences are “serious” and “need debate”. Professor Winston was speaking in-front of an audience of around
250 students, staff, invited guests and local residents. Turning to the “exponential development” of the human mind in the last 400 years – where technology has soared – Professor Winston pointed out the genes
Leading barrister speaks of the importance of human rights
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ARONESS Helena Kennedy, pictured, one of the UK’s leading human rights advocates, visited the University last month, arguing that Britain must not withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) if it is to continue to be regarded as a free and democratic society that respects the rights of individuals. Baroness Kennedy told a public audience of students, staff, invited guests and local residents that there were many misconceptions about the Convention, often perpetuated by certain national newspapers. “The European Convention on Human Rights is totally separate from the European Union, but many people in the UK seem to think they are connected, and this is a view that certain media outlets do nothing to correct,” Baroness Kennedy said at the fourth Public Policy Lecture. “Human rights are about protecting the basic rights of
04 Life – February 2014
individuals, such as the right to life, to freedom of expression, and to equality before the law.” She suggested by leaving the Convention, it would send the wrong message to Russia, where journalists have been locked up for disagreeing with Mr Putin’s regime, and where laws restrict the freedom and rights of homosexuals. Baroness Kennedy also suggested
some media outlets were guilty of misleading the public the European Court of Human Rights –set up by the Convention – decisions on votes for prisoners and the issue of whole-life sentences. The expert in human rights law pointed out the Court is not saying prisoners, who have been given life sentences, can be released; it is suggesting a review is needed after 25 years. Baroness Kennedy also spoke about her life-long advocacy on behalf of the powerless and vulnerable and her belief in access to justice for all. And the barrister was critical of the government’s plans to cut legal aid, believing the justice system has to be “accessible to all”. Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said the lecture was “inspirational” and he was delighted to welcome such a powerful advocate for justice, civil liberties and human rights to the University of Bedfordshire.
which make-up the modern brain have changed insignificantly over tens of thousands of years – something which creates “an amazing challenge for all of us”. “It’s a threat as what we anticipate with our improving mind is that we will improve the world around us and indeed we have done this consistently. “We are now threatened by all sorts of examples which we are developing. Every single piece of technology has a downside, which is rarely anticipated at the start of its evolution.” Professor Winston also spoke about the history of genetic science, its misuse and the impact it continues to have today. He added that scientists have to be ethically and societally responsible, suggesting they are “not always objective”, “very subjective and can be persuaded by the thinking of the time”. “We must be careful not to impose our beliefs as scientists on people. The idea that science is the absolute truth is nonsense; it’s a version of the truth. I don’t think an aggressive approach to science is either relevant, or appropriate in a proper society.” Professor James Crabbe, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science thanked Dr Pinar UysalOnganer and her colleagues in the Life Sciences department for hosting the “memorable” event; adding the “outstanding lecture showed ‘good’ ethics can only be underpinned by the best science, and that we need to link scientific understanding with wide and continuing debate”.
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iGrad winners celebrated
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EBRUARY is due to be a particularly busy month for Beds SU, and first on the calendar is a town vs gown basketball match. The first in a series of sporting fixtures, where The Bedfordshire Bulls take on teams from the local community, Luton Men’s Basketball will take on LBDL (Luton Basketball Development League) Raiders at Luton Sixth Form College on Friday 7 February – all proceeds from the event go to RaG. Aside from sport, is the small matter of the future formation of Beds SU and the elections! By the time Life goes to press the nominations for the five Sabbatical Officer positions will have already
closed, but expect to see candidates out and about as they battle for students’ votes to be elected as the student representative. As well as the Sabbatical roles, there are also nine student officer roles. Between 24 February and 9 March will be Fairtrade Fortnight, with a series of events taking place from the ever popular cheese and wine nights as well as Fairtrade breakfasts. There will be special offers on Fairtrade merchandise and don’t forget to look out for Foncho the Fairtrade Banana farmer. Keep up-to-date on www.bedssu.co.uk
WENTY lucky international students were drawn from hundreds of entries to be presented with prizes for participating in the annual iGrad survey. The University enjoyed a double celebration as this year it achieved the highest student participation rates in the latest iGrad survey, compared to all other UK universities. International students were asked for their views on a range of issues including the University’s facilities and their teaching experiences. Winners were presented with certificates and a cheque for £100 each by Professor Ashraf Jawaid OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor (External Relations).
This is the third year Bedfordshire has taken part in the externally managed iGrad survey, run by the International Graduate Insight Group (i-graduate). Along with Bedfordshire, i-graduate works with some 1,300 universities across 24 countries. Presenting the awards, Professor Jawaid said he was “extremely pleased so many international students (55 per cent) participated in the latest iGrad survey – the highest of any UK university.” He added: “A preliminary iGrad report has been produced and we have already drawn up an action plan working on issues raised to improve some areas and to further enhance areas where we did well.”
Sharon’s fight for charity T
HE University’s Dr Sharon Black is swapping her sterile gloves for boxing ones over the next few months as she prepares to take to the ring to raise funds for charity. The Principal Lecturer is in training for ‘Train Like A Pro White Collar Boxing night’, where 40 working Aylesbury professionals will be given the chance to be Rocky for the night and take-on a fellow amateur. Dr Black, who previously raised funds for Cancer Research UK by taking part in Stand Up To Cancer day in 2013 (not sitting down all-day), is taking her fundraising efforts to
a whole new level – something she admits she is “nervous/ excited about”. “I had done boxing conditioning training for the last two years but that’s been it. I’m a bit nervous about actually stepping into the ring against someone, but really excited at the same time too. It’s a nervous/excited feeling! “At 40 I have quite bad knees, but boxing has been a great way to get fit and when I heard of the White Collar Boxing event, I thought it would be a brilliant way to significantly increase my fitness and of course raise more money for such a very important charity.
“I wanted something that would push me that bit further and for longer, as everyday people have an epic fight against cancer and this is just a very small part from me to recognise that,” said Sharon. Last year both of Sharon’s parents were diagnosed with the disease within just a few weeks of each other and she is now fully focused to raise as much as she can. “In my field of work, I have seen what research can do. Research is the only way we can beat cancer, so I want to raise as much money as possible,” she added. Sharon’s fight takes place
on March 28, at CPM Thame, Oxfordshire, in front of a 600-strong crowd. The event has been organised by Pegasus Kick Boxing Gym in Aylesbury, where Sharon trains. Built as the ‘ultimate experience day’, ‘Train Like A Pro’ will see four teams of 10 take each other on, in a Ryder Cup style event where each boxer will fight (with headguards) one match for one point. The event is also raising funds for a leukemia charity. l To help Sharon’s fundraising ambitions visit www.justgiving. com/Sharon-Black2014
Life – February 2014 05
National Student Survey
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You’ve got to tell us to make it happen H
ave you been stopped by a student ambassador asking if you’re a final year student?
Please bear with them. They’re simply giving you the chance to have your say on what you like about your university and what you would like to see improve! The annual National Student Survey (NSS) asks final year undergraduate students across the UK to give feedback about their university experience. The survey opened last month and closes on 30 April, so, If you’re a final year student we want to hear from you. There are some great incentives for completing the NSS on campus - you can choose from either a Domino’s pizza voucher or an “I Love UoB” T-shirt plus the opportunity to win a trip to Paris via Eurostar! Alternatively, final year students can take part by logging on to www.thestudentsurvey.com Following student feedback received through the NSS since 2012, we’ve made a number of changes at the University:
The refurbished Learning Resources Centre IT Suite at Luton campus
You Said…We did You ASKED: For a new SU bar in Luton… We OPENED: The sub2 SU bar!
the opportunity to attend a two-week Summer School in China!
You ASKED: For enhanced ICT spaces... We OPENED: A new and improved area in the LRC with new computers and improved social space!
You SAID: You wanted a bigger say in your student experience… We LAUNCHED: Our £500,000 Student Experience Projects Fund dedicated purely to enhancing the student experience jointly with you!
You ASKED: For more silent study space in the Bedford Library… We MADE: The second floor of the Bedford Library is a dedicated silent zone with roaming patrols in place! You ASKED: For a dedicated student support area in Bedford… We INVESTED: £100,000 in the establishment of a brand new SiD area for students at the Bedford campus! You ASKED: For cash machines to be available on campus… We INTRODUCED: Free cash machines in both Luton and Bedford! You SAID: You wanted to be able to travel abroad and experience other cultures… We LAUNCHED: Our study abroad programme giving Home and EU students
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You SAID: For the timetable to be clearer by just displaying the sessions you should attend. We INTRODUCED: Online personalised timetables available through the University website!
You ASKED: For more books in our libraries… We INTRODUCED: More than £100,000 spent in increasing our book stock at library You SAID: You wanted to know what degree locations, and with an additional £120,000 to classification you were on target to achieve… We INTRODUCED: The online award predictor provide greater access to e-books! to enable you to know what degree you are on You WOULD: Like to be able to course to achieve! use the library at any time – day or night. You ASKED: For office hours We OPENED: The to be clearly displayed for your Library is open 24 department… hours a day, seven days We INTRODUCED: As a week at our Bedford standard - the use of office and Luton campuses! hours on staff doors! You SAID: For your student voice to be heard louder… We INTRODUCED: The Beds SU President is a member of the Vice Chancellor’s Executive Group – the University’s top table!
You ASKED: For a place at Bedford where you can socialise and relax… We OPENED: The ‘Pub in the Hub’ at the Bedford campus!
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Student Experience
StEPs projects get underway T
he Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Fund (StEPs) launched in October 2013 - a £500,000 project fund aimed at enhancing the Student Experience at Bedfordshire.
The survey opened last month and closes on 30 April, so, if you’re a final year student we want to hear from you. To have your say log on to www.thestudentsurvey.com
To date, some 130 project proposals have been received from both academic and professional services staff, and students across all the faculties. Nineteen projects have been approved by the StEPs panel to proceed to the next level totalling £291,898 (58 per cent of the total Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Fund). The approved projects are aimed at enhancing the Student Experience both inside and outside of the classroom. Some of the approved projects address academic issues such as “What is Feedback?”: a project which aims to enable students to recognise and actively engage with the various forms of feedback embedded in and situated alongside the curriculum. Other projects seek to provide students with real life work experience such as the “Law Clinic”, or the “Unilever HEAL” project; working in conjunction with external agencies and employers. Several of the approved projects involve using mobile technology to develop teaching and learning. Such as “e-Learning for Adult Nursing Students”: a project which aims to use mobile devices to increase adult nursing student engagement in e-learning and address the theory-practice gap. Amanda Krebs, Assistant Director for Student Experience, said: “StEPs has the student experience at its core, and we would
like to see more student-led project proposals. The panel has decided that the remainder of the fund be reserved for a student exclusive relaunch. The date will be announced at the end of February. “The range and quality of ideas that this initiative has generated has been very impressive, and I would like to thank everyone who has taken part so far.” Details of all the projects approved can be found on the Student Experience Documents Section on In.beds website at: //thein.beds.ac.uk/ documents/sec2 l If you have any questions relating to StEPs please contact studentexperience@beds.ac.uk or speak to your faculty’s Associate Dean for Student Experience.
Student Experience Awards 2014 – who will you nominate?
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ollowing our hugely successful inaugural awards event last June, the second Vice Chancellor’s Student Experience Awards evening takes place at Putteridge Bury on Friday, 13 June. Feedback from last year’s event was overwhelmingly positive and represented a real celebration of the Student Experience and recognition of all the great work undertaken in various forms at the University. The application process is now open for 2014 and will close on 21 March. Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell said: “Delivering the best student experience possible is my number one priority for the University.
“To achieve our ambitions in this area requires hard work and shared responsibilities, from both academic and professional services staff. Therefore it is right that we also take time to celebrate achievement and success. “The 2014 Student Experience Awards evening I’m sure will be a tremendous showcase for students, staff and University partners.” For more information (including categories), and to nominate colleagues who have demonstrated real success in enhancing our students’ experiences, please fill in the form at: www.beds.ac.uk/StEx-Awards All winners and runners-up will be invited to bring a guest to the Awards Evening, with dinner and entertainment included.
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Research
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“Showing empathy and compassion is a fundamental requirement of nursing and it can be very rewarding. Nonetheless, the requirement to be caring at all times can be emotionally exhausting.”
Research highlights ‘emotional exhaustion’ in healthcare profession T
he need to be caring and compassionate at all times is making trainee nurses and midwives emotionally exhausted, and unable to switchoff at home, according to research conducted at the University. Occupational health psychology expert, Professor Gail Kinman, and colleague Sandra Leggetter, a Senior Lecturer in Adult Nursing who has a degree in psychology, led a study which found that the emotional demands of caring for others could lead to emotional exhaustion that also has strong potential to affect their life outside work. A survey of more than 350 trainee nurses from different universities was conducted about the extent to which their training required them to empathise with patients and express sympathy. Also measured were levels of emotional wellbeing and work-life conflict. Findings indicated that many were experiencing low mood, tiredness and withdrawal from friends and family and that
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this was strongly related to the need to be empathic and compassionate. The research received coverage in the national media including The Daily Telegraph as well as specialised publications such as the Nursing Times. “Showing empathy and compassion is a fundamental requirement of nursing and it can be very rewarding. Nonetheless, the requirement to be caring at all times can be emotionally exhausting and lead to worry which can have negative implications for family life and leisure activities,” Professor Kinman said. Co-researcher Ms Leggetter expressed concern that the research showed such negative effects of caring are being seen at a very early stage in the nursing career. She believes nurses of the future need more opportunities to explore the emotional demands of nursing and ways that they can be managed from the start of their training.
“Although we are a caring profession, we often fail to care for our own,” she said. “Although our main focus has to be on providing excellent care to our patients we also need student nurses to develop effective reflective skills to help them deal with the distressing situations that they deal with on a daily basis so that their health and wellbeing is maintained.” The University is already recognised as a centre of excellence for enhancing the emotional resilience and wellbeing of trainee and newly qualified social workers. Professor Kinman revealed that techniques such as ‘peer coaching’ (where people share problems and develop solutions with their fellow workers) and ‘reflective supervision’ (where trainees share their problems with senior members of staff), can be beneficial. ‘Written emotional expression’ (or encouraging workers to keep a record of their thoughts and feelings, “could also be a way forward” she stated.
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News Photo: Adebayo Akinfenwa speaks with Bedfordshire students, Manda Donabi, Chris Daniels and Lorenzo Gosling
Radio presenter talks to students
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Star footballer put through paces during interview
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ULT football figure Adebayo Akinfenwa visited the University last month, as part of an interview assignment with Media Performance students. With live footage being streamed onto the internet from the University’s HD TV studio in Luton, students had the opportunity to quiz well-known faces from the world of sport, music and fashion in front of a live studio audience. Mr Akinfenwa, who discussed subjects ranging from his playing career (which has taken in 11 clubs thus far) to the work he does with inner-city kids, was impressed with the quality of questioning he received. “The students (Manda Donabi, Chris Daniels and Lorenzo Gosling) knew what they wanted to ask and they got their questions across really well, which made the interview really enjoyable,” said Akinfenwa, who currently plies his trade as a striker for League One outfit Gillingham. “They were more meticulous than some of the television interviews I have given. I take my hat off to them because the way the interview had
been set up and the students’ whole demeanour; it had a real life feeling to it.” Other interviewees over the day included singer Josh James, who represented the UK at the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest, and Fashion Designer Kwame Firtz. Kathryn Wolfe, Senior Lecturer in Media Performance at Bedfordshire, added: “This was a collaborative assessment for 70 students from four different courses being assessed in one live event. “Students took on roles from presenting to directing, camera operators to floor managers and sound recordists to vision mixers. “All the TV crew started at Bedfordshire in October, so this is only their 12th lesson in the TV studio – they were absolutely fantastic in their roles, and it’s the first time we added in the extra pressure of a live studio audience and live streaming. We are incredibly proud of their achievement.” l All the interviews can be viewed by visiting the UoB TV page on http://new.livestream. com/.
BC Radio Three Counties Breakfast presenter Ian Lee, pictured below, visited the University last month to speak to students about how they could become the next radio stars. The former Absolute Radio presenter, Ian, was joined by the show’s Producer, Katherine Boyle, as they talked in-detail about how they make the show. Among many topics, the duo spoke about the audience they aim to meet, the organisation needed when arranging interviews with numerous guests, and how there needs to be a trust between the producer and the presenter to cut through pieces in order to present breaking news. After the lecture – which received a fun pre-plug on the Breakfast show where the Breakfast team had visited the University to speak to students and staff about Ian’s upcoming arrival that day – Ian said he enjoyed talking to the students. “It was a lot of fun being an inspiration to the next generation of broadcast journalists,” he said. Kate Ironside, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, added: “It was fabulous having Ian and Katherine here. Our students are presenting their own radio programmes on Radio LaB 97.1FM every day and it was great for them to hear from the horse’s mouth how professional presenters do it. “It has given them so many ideas and is going to be extremely beneficial to them. BBC Three Counties is always so supportive of the University and we very much value their input.”
Music mogul-turned-football chairman shares secrets of his success with business students
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K Dons chairman, Pete Winkelman, took time out in January to speak to budding entrepreneurs as part of the Business School’s Leadership Futures series. Speaking at the Luton campus, Mr Winkelman reflected on his career in the music business, as a CBS Records executive, and the formation of MK Dons. Following his move from London to the Milton Keynes area in 1993, Mr Winkelman recalled the moment that inspired him to form the Dons. “My son was part of the Wycombe Wanderers Academy when he was younger and we had to drive through Milton Keynes to get to Wycombe,” said the MK Dons chairman.
Pete Winkelman, left, welcomed by Tim Priestman, Projects Executive, Business School
“I couldn’t fathom why a city of that size didn’t have a football club, especially as a stadium was in the original plans when MK was first built in the 1970’s. “After relentless work over many years, we now have a football club playing in a fantastic stadium, giving the community something to be very proud of.” Having worked with the likes of Jamiroquai and Victoria Beckham during a highly successful music career, Mr Winkelman revealed nothing could quite match the excitement of football. He added: “Football is a crazy world to be in but the difference a club can make to the local community makes it worthwhile.”
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Uni’s sports science expert plays part in picking Winter Olympics squad
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he University sports science expert, Professor John Brewer, has had a hand in selecting the Team GB Winter Olympics squad that you are currently watching in action in Sochi. Professor Brewer, pictured, who alongside his role at the University is also the Chair of British Ski and Snowboard, was part of the panel that ratified the 19-strong team of skiers and snowboarders, who form part of the GB squad that’s currently competing in Russia. “Picking the ski and snowboard squad was an incredibly tough job, especially as many of the athletes we considered met the Olympic Qualifying standard,” said Professor Brewer, Director of Sport and Sports Enterprise at Bedfordshire. “But the finalised squad we have selected excites me as it is one of the strongest ever. I firmly believe the ski and snowboard team can meet UK
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Artistic talent showcased at student MA show
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Sport’s target of up to two medals, as there are some extremely talented youngsters, as well as experienced competitors, in Sochi.” And Professor Brewer, who was Chair of the British Handball Association for the London Olympics 2012, is hoping a strong showing from the GB bobsleigh team in Russia will aid the development of two Bedfordshire students, Antoe Walters and Ashley Watson, who were in the running to represent GB at Sochi. He added: “By allowing me to take on the role of Chair of British Ski and Snowboard, the University of Bedfordshire has played a role in supporting the country in Sochi – something I am very proud of. “And whilst they’re not part of the bobsleigh squad in Russia next month, Antoe and Ashley will clearly benefit from a successful Olympics for the bobsleigh team, which could mean a duo of local students competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.”
HE crème of artistic talent at the University was put under the spotlight with an exhibition of work by MA Art and Design students. In a first for the Art and Design Department’s new Advertising Studio Gallery Space on Guildford Street in Luton, some 18 students showcased their work, under the title Into Infinity, to an audience of students, University staff and guests. The work, which featured fine art, video art and photography, graphic design and product design, covered a vast array of subjects including; interpretations and understanding of gender, surveillance, and, the triangle as an inspirational shape in art and culture through the ages. Many of the students exhibiting their work on Thursday 23 January mingled with the audience, to talk about their work and inspirations. Opening the exhibition, the University’s Head of Art and Design, Colin Davies, said: “The MA Interim Show at Bedfordshire is always highly anticipated and I’m proud to say our current group of MA students are producing some fantastic work, even at this mid-way stage in their research. I can’t wait to see their final projects.” Colin added: “I am also delighted that we’re hosting our MA Show in our own building for the very first time. We’ve only been in the new Art and Design building for a couple of months and it’s already proving to be a vibrant, creative and collaborate space for Bedfordshire art students and staff alike.”
International healthcare professionals visit Bedfordshire
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CHINESE delegation of healthcare and family planning professionals visited the University last month to learn about teenage pregnancy reduction rates in England. Led by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China, the 21-strong party came to Bedfordshire as part of a three-
10 Life – February 2014
week training programme around the country focusing on family planning and sexual health. Alison Hadley OBE, Director of Teenage Pregnancy Knowledge Exchange at the University, said: “The proportion of young women under 18 falling pregnant in England has fallen to its lowest rate since 1969, which has led
to other countries becoming interested in how we have achieved that.” She added: “With the increase in young people in China spending more time together with their peers, without adult supervision, and the influence of the internet, the delegation was particularly interested in
the steps taken in England with regard to improving sex and relationships education and making contraception services more young people friendly.” Before joining the University, Alison led the implementation of the previous Labour Government’s Teenage Pregnancy Strategy for England.
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Go Green Week… is go
Upcoming Events – February 2014
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o Green Week takes place on 10-14 February and Beds SU’s Green Hub, alongside the University, have been working together to bring many exciting events and promotions. Highlights of the week will include: l UV Party Night l Unplugged Acoustic Night l Smoothie Bike l Feed a 1,000 l Green Film Showing l Grow your own herb pots l Much more! Scott Reid, Green Hub Coordinator at Beds SU, said: “A focus of the week is for students to make green pledges - these can be made in person at our daily stalls at the Luton and Bedford campuses. Alternatively you can find out more by visiting www.bedssu.co.uk/ green.”
Working with the media
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NEW guide to help University staff work with the media has been published by the Communications team. The 18 page glossy document is intended to offer all staff advice on how to work with the media in order to help increase the University’s profile and build – or defend – its reputation. To obtain a copy contact 01582 489779 or read the online edition via in.beds.ac.uk/MARC/press If you receive an enquiry from the media, contact the Communications Team on 01582 743046.
l Inaugural Lecture of Professor Stephen Bax, Tuesday, 25 February, Room PM06, Postgraduate Centre, Luton campus, 6pm – 7.30pm. EVERYONE WELCOME The University is hosting the inaugural professorial lecture of Stephen Bax, Professor in Applied Linguistics.
History comes to life during visit
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ISABILITY Studies undergraduates have been given a taste of the conditions in 19th century workhouses. A trip to the Ripon Workhouse Museum, in North Yorkshire, gave the students an insight to the treatment of those living, and working, in the workhouse during the period of the industrial revolution. First-year student Holly Shaw said the trip helped her to understand in more depth how the “attitudes of society treated people who were of lower class and on the margins of society”. She said: “The Workhouse gave an authentic feel – it was cold, damp and cramped. The trip highlighted how the attitudes
in society have progressed over time. All of these factors helped us within our study as it gave us a greater understanding of how workhouses were ran and how the people lived.” Senior Lecturer, Navin Kikabhai, added the trip was extremely valuable, as it gave students the chance to compare history and today, and its relevance to modern society. He added it was an “important reminder of the way vulnerable people, the poor, people made vulnerable, disabled people, innocents who were under intense scrutiny, control, discipline, and punishment”. l For more on the Workhouse, visit www.riponmuseums.co.uk
Work starts on new £46m Uni library W
ILLMOTT Dixon, one of the UK’s largest construction companies, has been awarded a contract to construct the University’s new library building in Luton. Spread over seven floors, the building will become a landmark in the town centre incorporating 7,400 sq meters of space, connecting to the rest of the University’s Luton campus
via a bridge link to the Business School. Based in Hitchin, Herts, Willmott Dixon’s Northern Homes Counties team commenced building works last month, with the library’s completion expected in September 2015. Look out for a special feature in next month’s edition of Life about this latest exciting University development.
At the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA), Professor Bax is involved in researching language learning, including the use of computers in language learning (CALL), the use of computers in language testing (CALT), and areas of discourse including Computer Mediated Discourse Analysis (CMDA). He also teaches on the MA in Applied Linguistics, and supervises research students. Professor Bax’s lecture will be titled: How do we read difficult texts? New insights from new technologies For tickets visit //sbax. eventbrite.co.uk l Lord Andrew Adonis, Vice Chancellor’s Public Policy Lecture, Thursday, 27 February, G101, Luton Campus Centre, 6pm – 7.30pm. EVERYONE WELCOME Former Minister for Schools and then Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis is now a leading reformer and is trustee of Teach First and Chair of the Frontline programme, which recruits outstanding graduates into social work. Bedfordshire is the lead academic partner in this programme – backed by all main political parties – and Lord Adonis will discuss this, and his approach to meeting the big public policy challenges. For tickets visit www.beds. ac.uk/aboutus/vcprofile/ lectures
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From ‘sofa-surfing’ to award joy A GED 17 Emma Perry was ‘sofa-surfing’ at friends’ houses, before she found residence in a hostel after she left her family home. Today she is on the verge of becoming a teacher, following a hugely successful spell at the University, where last month she was presented a £500 grant for her dedication to her studies. Bedford campus-based Emma was awarded the Steven Henly Award for Outstanding Achievement, which marks the special achievements of one BA Physical Education (QTS) thirdyear student annually in memory of Steven, a Bedfordshire BA PE student who died of a rare form of cancer in July 2008 – just a few weeks after his 21st birthday. The honour marked not only her background before university-life, where she struggled to get the required UCAS points due to the extreme difficulties in her life, but also her continuing efforts today. Emma, who originates from Kent, not only has a full-on study package (which includes much time teaching on placement in Hitchin) but she has also donated her spare time volunteering – teaching at Newnham Middle
Emma Perry, centre, with Zahra and Bob Henly
School, officiating sports in local schools, helping out at the Bedford International Games and feeding the homeless on Christmas Day at The Prebend Day Centre in Bedford. And a very thankful Emma said she was honoured to be receiving such a “special” award, and will
put the grant to very good use – by going on teacher-training courses in football and trampolining, and purchasing study books. “Having to fend for myself was very difficult and there have in turn been some rough times in my life whereby I have had to simply pick myself up and start
Free sport for female staff and students S
PORTING activities are to be put on for free to help encourage female students and staff to be more active. A new three-year programme, Me Time, which has been funded by Sport England, is aiming to break some of the barriers to participate in sport by developing activities that appeal to women, in safe womenonly sessions, run by women The scheme has been setup by the University’s Sport Department – in partnership with Active Luton –in order to address the findings from the national Higher Education
Sports Participation Satisfaction Survey (HESPPS), which showed the University’s students remain below the national average for participation in sport: 44 per cent not participating, with 83 per cent stating they would like to. Julia Lines, Assistant Director of Sport, who was delighted to be launching Me Time, said: “The evidence shows that there is a higher level of inactivity amongst women and in particular the black and minority ethnic groups. Women have additional barriers to participating in sport such as; the activity should be ‘safe’ that there is
cultural acceptability, there is a perception that sessions are for the ‘already fit and active’ as well as a lack of female leaders/ coaches/role models. “The University is keen to promote healthier lifestyles and facilitate increased participation amongst its students, given the nature of some of the HESPPS feedback received, the University is keen to provide access to participation opportunities for women and girls only, close to the campus.” As part of the scheme, women will be trained to lead sessions and encourage others to participate which will ensure the programme continues for many years.
all over again. However, these difficulties are not weaknesses in me; these are the characteristics that make me the woman that I am today. They have made me stronger and therefore drive me to succeed at the important things in life. “Now I am really focussed on making something of my life and progressing as a teacher is my dream. This money will help me so much, and helping me achieve what I want.” The award was presented to Emma, by Steven’s close family, who fundraise each year to help establish the grant with numerous events near their home in Suffolk. His father Bob said it was an honour and a privilege to reward Emma, remarking she showed similar levels of dedication as their son, who immediately thought of how he would continue with his course, despite being given the awful news of having cancer. Sophy Bassett, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education, was equally delighted for Emma, who she described as “a hardworking and motivated student”. “Emma has consistently demonstrated her outstanding dedication to developing herself as a high quality teacher of physical education. “She is also a selfless individual who is keen to give others support and opportunities to engage in sporting, educational and social contexts,” she added.
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