Connect Magazine (Summer 2014) by University of Cumbria

CONNECT Summer 2014

Kate delivers lecture on her great big bike adventure Also: Success Awards 2014 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; report from UCSU Gary Barlow finds support from graduate Lucy University of Cumbria graduates scoop regional RTS awards

STAFF

04 University chaplain starts the bread-making chain 05 Karen inspires young poets in the Eden Valley 06 Kate delivers lecture on her great big bike adventure 08 Staff profile/John Berry 09 Congratulations!

STUDENTS

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 20 21 22 23 24 26 27

Student success in midwifery awards University students take the lead in mock ‘major incident’ Claudia and George head to Sri Lanka Carlisle Crown Court hosts university mooting competition Vital support for ‘Brathay 10 In 10’ SUEI Silver Award – April 2014 Success Awards 2014 – report from UCSU University students have big designs on textile printing Shortlisted for national award 1 Shortlisted for national award 2 Graduates scoop regional RTS awards SEN/Inclusion conference “a great success” Creative undergraduates set up a sizzling summer exhibition English Society walk Corporate Golf Event Ryder Cup style!

UNIVERSITY

28 29 30 32 33 34 35 36 38

Five star catering hygiene Bring-a-plant-to-work day Expert by Experience’ Conference: Long Term Neurological Conditions University welcomes 13 guests from across the world for our first International Partners and Agents Event University networking project celebrates the success of its business delegates Charlotte Mason College alumni visit Ambleside campus Yarnbombing Emphasis on employability University and constabulary sign further five-year collaborative agreement

research

CONTENTS/SUMMER 2014 ISSUE

39 40

Soilders first, civilians second Systema Naturae: A history of in-animate nature

FOREWORD

If you would like to contribute to the next issue of Connect, please contact a member of the communications team:

lynn.clark@cumbria.ac.uk julie.ratcliffe@cumbria.ac.uk fiona.hughes@cumbria.ac.uk elizabeth.henzell@cumbria.ac.uk The copy deadline for the next issue of Connect is 15 August 2014.

Approaching the end of the academic year is always a time for reflection. In the autumn issue of Connect I referred to the challenges facing us as one of the main providers of teacher education, with the introduction of the new School Direct programme and the resulting, unpredictable, recruitment patterns. The situation was exacerbated by the variations in the allocation of core PGCE places, sometimes with little apparent logic, when the figures were announced by the National College of Teaching and Leadership in November. The reduction in our core primary PGCE allocation and the under-recruitment to undergraduate primary programmes has forced us to implement a primary education review, examining our current provision and resourcing in detail. Sadly, inevitably, staffing levels have to be taken into account as part of the review, and this places considerable stress on those colleagues affected. We are currently in the consultation period for this exercise, following which our proposals and timescale will be developed. One of the main issues at the moment is the volatility of the education training sector – resources that are reduced this year may be required next year, depending on the decisions of the Secretary of State for Education, typically taken at very short notice. Let us hope that next year delivers some stability to the sector and a chance for us to consolidate and develop rather than being forced to constantly react and re-plan. The challenges around teacher training provision have been balanced to some extent by some very positive developments in our HEFCE and NHS provision. The shortage of nurses in the NHS has seen extra numbers allocated to the sector. We have benefitted, and will begin the recruitment of a new mid-year cohort to begin their training in March next year. In the HEFCE area, the government has allocated an extra 30,000 places across the sector this year and, next year, will remove all constraints on student numbers. This is a very welcome and exciting opportunity to develop new programmes and to grow the academic provision of the university, and this process is now well under way through the planning process undertaken by the new departments. Equally important is the steady growth in our international student numbers, from a low starting point but now becoming significant, and in our postgraduate taught programmes. Continued development in these areas is a top priority for the university and it is encouraging to see good progress now being made. Our redevelopment at Ambleside is progressing well, and the new accommodation is already in use. A potential challenge around a lack of student accommodation in the area has been addressed and, in the short term, we plan to house some of the first years who are studying at Ambleside in the Lancaster halls, providing daily transport for them.

As soon as we can open our own new halls on campus, the accommodation issue will be much improved. The opening of the Rural Growth Hub in April provided an opportunity to invite local and national business and community leaders onto campus. Sir Digby Jones, as our guest of honour, delivered an inspiring speech which was supportive and enthusiastic about the role of the new facility. Later in the year there will be a launch event for the entire Ambleside campus, a true celebration of our return to Ambleside and our commitment to a sustainable future for the university there. Also, we held an event on 24 June to launch our new London campus on East India Dock Road, as we see our activity in the capital go from strength to strength. Next month sees our week-long celebration of our students’ success in the shape of the summer graduation ceremonies. Graduation, whether in summer or November, is always a very special event in the university’s calendar, epitomising the very essence of our activities and providing a platform for the promotion of the excellent work that goes on here. We can all be immensely proud of the results, as every member of staff, whether faculty or professional services, has a part to play in the journey of a student from fresher to new graduate—it is a team effort in every way. Colleagues who witness the ceremonies cannot fail to be moved by the sense of pride and joy emanating from our students, their families and friends and it is an occasion at which we can all feel a true sense of achievement. I hope all those with holidays planned over the summer enjoy a relaxing and well deserved break after the hard work of the last year and I look forward to working with you all as we take the university forward into a new semester.

Professor Peter Strike Vice Chancellor

Our Staff

Karen inspires young poets in the Eden Valley

get involved

Children from an Eden Valley primary school have been writing their own poems to help them understand how they relate to where they live.

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The university’s Dr Karen Lockney has been working with year-three and four children at Kirkoswald Primary School to encourage them to express their relationship with the village and their surroundings through poetry. Karen is a poet who is providing a new voice and perspective within the wider and well established tradition of poetry in Cumbria and the Lake District. With a background in teaching and a specialism in teaching English and literacy, Karen is currently a senior lecturer at the University of Cumbria, where she trains the teachers of the future.

University chaplain starts the bread-making chain Chaplain, the Reverend Alexandra Logan, had her hands full of dough as she took part in an environmental initiative organised “We encouraged schools to get by The Anglican and Roman Catholic involved in the Diocese in Lancashire. baking chain too – or get mums and dads Alex is the chaplaincy coordinator at the University Alex explained: “This public baking at home of Cumbria and she staged a ‘public dough-rising’ dough-rising marked the with their children.” at our Lancaster campus on Tuesday 1 April to start of a bread-making chain introduce the ‘Loaves and Fishes’ project. ‘Loaves and Fishes’ was designed to celebrate life, generosity and fresh produce. Ninety towns and villages and over 60 schools from Barrowin-Furness to Fleetwood were being encouraged to organise community meals celebrating fish, sea-food and home-made bread. The project week ran from 7 – 15 June when people from all faiths, or none, came together to share local produce in shore-side picnics, school meals or parish parties.

which passed from person to person, baker to baker, parish to parish and community to community all around Morecambe Bay by early June. “The yeast and sourdough leaven I used was blessed the previous Sunday in the Cathedrals of Blackburn and Carlisle, when the project was launched, and was then passed on through neighbouring parishes including Scotforth, Torrisholme and Overton. “We encouraged schools to get involved in the baking chain too – or get mums and dads baking at home with their children.”

Above: Dr Karen Lockney

Karen has recently been awarded a PhD for her research into poetry.

She explains: "I worked closely with the children, and first of all helped them to look more carefully at where they live, perhaps in ways they hadn't thought of before. “We went out into the village, and discussed what we could see. The children then took photographs and wrote down their observations in notebooks, before returning to the classroom where they turned the experience into poetry."

Each child wrote two poems. One described how they felt about the village in general while, for the other, they described a particular place that was special to them. Greta Ellis, headteacher at Kirkoswald School said: "The children were really inspired by this project with the University of Cumbria. They were incredibly enthusiastic about their poems and were proud to have real audiences for their work." An exhibition of the children's poems was subsequently displayed in Kirkoswald village shop. Karen has recently been awarded a PhD for her research into poetry and she passionately believes that the medium is a powerful tool in helping develop a sense of place for people living in rural areas. She has written over forty contemporary poems that focus on people and places in the Eden valley.

Kate delivers lecture on her great big bike adventure

“Kate presented a slide show about her impressive 4,553 mile bike ride from Texas to Alaska”

University lecturer and ‘outdoor philosopher’, Dr Kate Rawles delivered the first talk to be held in the newly refurbished Percival lecture theatre at the Ambleside campus. Other intrepid travellers featured in the exhibition were paralympian Karen Darke who conquered almost 1,000 miles handcycling in the Himalayas; explorer Mark Beaumont who cycled some 13,000 miles across the Americas from Alaska to Argentina and Andy Brown, who cycled 9,300 miles in just 364 days across three southern continents. Kate, who lives in Ulverston, is a passionate environmentalist and cyclist and explains:

Above: Kate Rawles at the exhibition in Glasgow Riverside Transport Museum, holding her Alves bike, ‘Rocky’, with Ewan McGregor’s motorbikes in the background.

It marked the start of a series of open lectures being launched by the university’s outdoor studies department in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society’s north-west region. Kate presented a slide show about her impressive 4,553 mile bike ride from Texas to Alaska, following the spine of the Rockies and exploring North American attitudes to climate change. She told the story of the epic journey in her book The Carbon Cycle: crossing the great divide, which was published in 2012. The lecture also coincided with the opening a new exhibition in the Glasgow Riverside Transport Museum, entitled Adventurers, which featured Kate’s bike ‘Rocky’ alongside the two motorbikes actor Ewan McGregor used during his Long Way Round and Long Way Down expeditions. The exhibition brought together essential objects belonging to five adventurers who each set out on their own marathon journey, pushing themselves - and their bikes - to the absolute limit.

“Bikes and motorbikes are fantastic facilitators of adventure. If you turn up in a remote town or village in a car, not much happens. But arrive on a bike or motorbike and everyone comes to talk to you. On a bike, you are really IN the landscape you’re travelling through; you smell, hear and feel it quite differently. “For all their simplicity, bikes are amazing technology. I once read that on a flat road with no head wind a cyclist can cover ten miles on a peanut! Cycling is the most efficient way of moving humans around that we’ve ever come up with, so bikes are great from a climate change perspective too. “And they make adventures accessible for ordinary people, like me. Unlike the others in the exhibition, I’m not a great athlete or famous. If I can have an adventure like this on a bike, then anyone can.” Her lecture and slideshow told the story of her trip, cycling across unforgiving but starkly beautiful landscapes, averaging 75 miles a day, passing through deserts, mountains and forests and climbing over 300,000 feet, more than ten times the height of Everest!

Above: Kate Rawles on her trip

Her route took her through Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon and Alaska and along the way she talked to Americans about climate change – from truck drivers, to the Mayor of Albuquerque – to find out what they knew about it, whether they cared, and if they did, what they thought they could do.

“The trip really brought home to me what a wonderful, diverse, extraordinary place planet earth is and made me feel even more strongly about the need to protect it”, Kate adds, “but alongside the fantastic landscapes and wildlife it confronted me with the worst excesses of consumerist culture; North America holds up a mirror to Europe and allows us to ask, is this really worth paying the earth for?”

STAFF PROFILE/JOHN BERRY What do you like to do in your spare time? With two young children I am still looking for spare time! But what time I do have is often spent with Cumbria Youth Alliance, a charity based in Cockermouth which I have chaired for the past two years. We work with a vast range of youth organisations and support them with funding, governance and training. Unfortunately I am looking to step down this year but if there are any volunteers…..

Your job title, how did you end up at the University of Cumbria and when did you start? I started in summer 2011 and was based in Ambleside running a leadership programme for small businesses. In April 2012 I moved to Energus to establish the Knowledge Action Network. Describe your job. I project manage the Knowledge Action Network which supports small businesses to grow through becoming more innovative. We have worked with almost 50 companies providing coaching, peer-to-peer learning and workshops. I was lucky enough to be presented with the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Innovation & Enterprise in 2013 in recognition of my work on the programme. What brightens your day at work? Seeing a business I have supported do well, grow or create jobs is particularly rewarding. We held a graduation event for the programme in March and it is great to see the personal journey that business owners make over the eight months they are involved.

Name your ideal dinner party guest and why I did some research via Google on this and, in a recent survey, Harry Styles came out top. I can’t say he would be my first choice. I suppose the obvious comedians, world leaders and business people would feature. But as this is my dream choice I would invite myself aged around 15, to say “be honest, be yourself and stop worrying what other people may think”.

CONGRATULATIONS! Times Higher Leadership and Management Awards – university scoops two awards!

Name your favourite film and why Surely this should be a top five rather than favourite? I can’t possibly choose just one! As with many people I have a diverse range of favourites from The Wizard of Oz to The Good, The Bad and the Ugly to It’s A Wonderful Life. If my children were to help, I think Despicable Me may feature. I watched The Hunger Games last night which depicts an extreme alternative society. It reminded me how fortunate we really are to live in this part of the world.

The university enjoyed a very successful evening at this year’s ceremony for the Times Higher Education

Tyler George Pate Thursday 22 May Denise Pate’s grandson Tyler George Pate was born on Thursday 22 May, and weighed in at 6lb 6ozs.

Name your favourite book and why This has to be whatever book I am reading at the time – which is usually a thriller. However I really enjoyed listening to the winners of the Radio 2 500 words competition recently. Children of all ages are invited to submit a short story entry and the winners have their stories read out on national radio and win their height in books. There were some fantastic entries from kids with such unrestricted imaginations. I used to love writing stories when I was growing up and it’s a shame many of us lose that creativity as we get older.

Denise is a senior lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery and works on the Fusehill Street campus.

And finally, your favourite or dream holiday destination and why! Over the past few years lots of holidays have involved Peppa Pig, Thomas the Tank and Mickey Mouse! If I were to allow myself a moment of selfishness it would be a few days by the pool with a well-stocked wine rack and a good tapas bar nearby.

Leadership and Management awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The university won in two categories – ‘Outstanding Finance Team’ and ‘Outstanding Student Services Team’ – and was highly commended in the Leadership and Management category. The university’s first award of the evening was in recognition of the finance team’s success in maintaining financial sustainability. Our second award was for the highly successful Head Start project. Then the final accolade of the evening saw the university’s leadership and management team being highly commended for its role in the university’s transformation and progress over the last few years.

Our Students

University students take the lead in mock ‘major incident’

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Policing and forensic science students were given the opportunity to experience how it would feel to investigate a real ‘major incident’.

Tell us about your students’ achievements ...

Student success in midwifery awards The Iolanthe Midwifery Trust 2014 annual awards were announced in April and University of Cumbria student Maureen Wahedi has been awarded one of the student prizes.

With multiple scenarios unfolding over two days, the students were called upon to search, secure and investigate no fewer than three potential murders, one alleged suicide and numerous crime scenes on and around the university campus at Newton Rigg College. The policing students are all volunteer special constables with Cumbria Constabulary, who also provided a police dog team to lend realism to the event.

The awards provide funding for midwives to travel the world to learn and exchange experiences

In April 2014, Professor Helen Cheyne, on behalf of the trustees of the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust (IMT), announced which midwives and students have gained awards from the charity to travel, study, research or otherwise develop midwifery practice for the benefit of mothers and babies. The awards provide funding for midwives to travel the world to learn and exchange experiences, which this year will include issues such as: • • • •

development around breech care care for deaf couples researching birth trauma, induction of labour and fathers’ experiences care for women with drug and alcohol dependency, and those in prison.

Maureen will visit a midwife-led unit in Idstein, Germany. Professor Cheyne said, “I’m particularly pleased to see that our student winners come from all four countries of the United Kingdom, demonstrating that this UK charity reaches all midwives working for women and families, wherever they are.” Above: Maureen Wahedi

The forensic science students were split into teams to handle the increasingly complex incident, which involved crime scenes and ‘bodies’ in the woods, as well as in their own specialist ‘crime scene house’ on campus. The fast moving scenario was managed from an incident room on campus, manned by some of the policing students. Lecturers and exstudents took on the roles of witnesses and suspects. Forensic evidence was meticulously collected at the scenes and transported to the laboratories on campus for analysis by the students.

“Hands-on experience like this is invaluable for our students.”

Ashleigh Hunt, forensic science lecturer and organiser of the event said: “Hands-on experience like this is invaluable for our students. The unique teaching environment allows them to use the knowledge they have gained during lectures and apply them in a life-like setting, whilst working alongside professionals from the Constabulary.”

CLAUDIA AND GEORGE HEAD TO SRI LANKA Students Claudia Newton and George Williams have been very industrious over the last few months, and not only in the area of their studies.

“Being able to make a difference to the lives of young people is something which I feel is the most important thing that has continually driven me on my journey to becoming a teacher.”

Carlisle Crown Court hosts university mooting competition Law students had the opportunity to experience working in a real Crown Court setting when they took part in the finals of their mooting competition.

A moot is the oral presentation of a point of law, which is disputed in mock court proceedings. Essentially there is no ‘right’ answer; a moot is won by the competitor’s advocacy skills and the persuasiveness of the argument presented. Image: Julianna Gallop (left) and Maryam Kayani outside Carlisle Crown Court.

Claudia and George

The pair have volunteered to work in an orphanage in Sri Lanka for two weeks in August and through a variety of fundraising initiatives they aim to raise around £1600 to pay for materials and equipment to take with them for the children there. So far, they’ve organised some highly successful social events, raffles and quiz nights. Claudia is in the third year of BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS. She explains: “I’ve always enjoyed working with children and so, although a challenging career, I felt primary teaching was the one which best suited me as an individual. “The time I spend in Sri Lanka is primarily dedicated to giving as much as I can to the children and their education but at the same time it will help to provide a different aspect to my practice – I’ll be working in an environment that is far removed from any I’ll come across in the UK and I believe the contrast will enrich my understanding.

“Being able to make a difference to the lives of young people is something which I feel is the most important thing that has continually driven me on my journey to becoming a teacher.” While Claudia teaches the children English, George, who is in the second year of BA (Hons) Physical Education, will be organising sport activities for the children and hopes to be able to take out PE equipment, which he can then leave at the orphanage for them to continue to use once he has returned to the UK.

email Claudia at S1101860@uni.cumbria.ac.uk If you’d like to support them by donating

Our undergraduates run their own mooting society, which offers advocacy coaching for all law students throughout the year. This competition began last October with 24 students and, through elimination, two pairs won through to the final; Julianna Gallop and Maryam Kayani appearing on behalf of the appellants and Claire Rayment and Eve Parry appearing on behalf of the respondents.

A moot is the oral presentation of a point of law, which is disputed in mock court proceedings.

The final moot featured the laws of discrimination and the application of human rights in schools. The winners were the appellants, Julianna Gallop and Maryam Kayani, who have previously represented the university at both national and international level and who both have aspirations to become barristers in the future. Julianna says: “The final round was particularly difficult as it was an area of law I was not familiar with. It was definitely nerve-racking, but Maryam and I were thrilled that our research skills, preparation and experience in moots paid off. It allowed me to see what it would be like to handle a real case in the future.”

Her mooting partner Maryam agrees: “Appearing before a judge in Carlisle Crown Court at the final stages of the mooting competition and winning has been an exhilarating experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and look forward to future mooting opportunities.” The university mooting society and competition is sponsored by local law firm Burnetts, who assisted in judging the semi-finals as well as securing the Crown Court and a circuit judge for the finals. Simon Mortimer, Head of Private Client Services at Burnetts comments: “As Cumbria’s largest legal employer, it’s important to us that the young people being educated at our region’s university are given the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to compete with others studying law at universities elsewhere in England and Wales.” Ann Thanaraj is the programme leader for law and is enthusiastic about the benefits these competitions bring to the students. “Advocacy skills are an integral part of the law degree; many chambers and law firms place great emphasis on mooting to develop legal skills, for both aspiring solicitors and barristers”, she explains. “Mooting is one of the most effective ways to acquire legal skills in analysis, interpretation and argument, but most importantly it allows a student to practice their public speaking skills.”

SUEI Silver Award – April 2014

VITAL SUPPORT FOR ‘BRATHAY 10 IN 10’

“We’ve been invited back next year to take part again, and further develop the link between the event and the university.”

Twenty-one sport rehabilitation students gave valuable assistance during this year’s ‘Brathay 10 in 10’ which sees fifteen runners completing ten marathons in ten days, following a route that takes them around Lake Windermere. The students were on hand from morning to night as the all-important rehab team, providing pre and post-run massage support, as well as anything else they could, to help look after the runners. Two of the students, Adam Young and Oliver Howse were so inspired they ran the marathon course themselves on the Sunday. The runners were all appreciative of the massage therapy and its role in keeping them fit enough to complete the gruelling programme of marathons.

Programme leader for sport rehabilitation, Katie Small said: “We’ve been invited back next year to take part again, and further develop the link between the event and the university.” Katie herself was involved in some of the rehab therapy sessions, and hopes to do more at next year’s event. “Who knows,” she considers, “maybe I’ll be inspired to attempt the marathon myself too - just the one though!” For more information about the event go to www.brathaywindermeremarathon.org.uk

Top left: The student team. Bottom left: Students Naomi Dunnet (left) and Aaron Thompson (right) with runner Phil Adams. Above: Students Rachel Ferguson (left) and Zosia Dabrowska (right) with runner Davey Green.

The University of Cumbria Student’s Union (UCSU) was delighted to announce their ‘Silver Award’ accreditation in the Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative (SUEI) – a UK Governmentbacked NUS quality assurance model designed to measure engagement and performance, whilst helping unions to deliver improved outcomes for their members.

UCSU is one of just a small handful of unions throughout the UK to have been awarded the silver level. Four years ago they achieved bronze award status, which in itself was a huge achievement, given the geographical challenges faced. Those challenges remain, but despite these, UCSU is committed to furthering the impact of their work, the achievement of positive outcomes for all their members, and the capacity of UCSU staff and resources to find new ways of representing and supporting members – whether they’re a full-time undergraduate studying at one of the larger campuses, or a distance learning mature student. UCSU’s stated aim is to represent and support students to achieve their ambitions, regardless of location or mode of study.

UCSU Chief Executive Daryl Ormerod has this to say of the new silver award, “We are proud of our progress and performance and this accreditation shows that despite our size and geographical challenges we are up there with the best in the country and our members can take assurance from that and trust that they are getting high quality support and representation from UCSU. “We will continue to challenge ourselves to improve and look forward to achieving even more for our members in the future.” To find out more about UCSU’s projects, services, campaigns and activities go to www.ucsu.me

Above: Daryl Ormerod

UCSU is one of just a small handful of uk unions to have been awarded the Silver level

Student Group Member of the Year Jake Tinsley

Volunteer of the Year Award Nathan Bagnall

This was a new award for 2014, developed to recognises a student group member who has contributed significantly and selflessly to the success of a UCSU sports team or society. Jake has done an excellent job of raising the profile of the group both on campus, engaging students from a range of courses, as well as within the local community.

This award is for a student who has made a voluntary contribution to support others—for example by giving their time to take part in community projects, help local organisations or care for the environment. Nathan was instrumental in setting up one of UCSU’s student-led volunteering projects, that sees student volunteers teach ICT to members of the local community. He also volunteers with Carlisle Youth Zone and in a number of organisations benefitting young people with special educational needs. Lecturer of the Year - Education, Arts and Business faculty Jan Ashcroft

Find out more about UCSU activity, campaigns and projects at www.ucsu.me

Success Awards 2014 – report from UCSU The annual UCSU Success Awards took place on 27 March at the Rheged Discovery Centre in Penrith. Once again, the event was a huge success, and the feedback received from across the university community has been wonderful. The awards are all about recognising and rewarding the achievements of the staff and students who make such a valuable contribution to the University of Cumbria experience. The panel had some very tough decisions to make this year as there were strong candidates in all of the award categories – testament to the diverse array of talents, skills and successes from across our university community throughout the last 12 months.

Special Award Liz Beaty This year saw a one-off award presented to Liz Beaty for her outstanding service and contribution in establishing and developing the University of Cumbria. Liz said, “As a Cumbrian born and bred it has been such a privilege to come back to help to establish a very special university in my home county. I am very proud of our achievements so far and grateful to so many colleagues and of course our wonderful students for making the University of Cumbria so special.”

This award is for a lecturer from the Faculty of Education, Arts and Business who has made a significant contribution to the student experience, through assessment and feedback practices, innovative teaching methods and responding to students’ concerns and support needs. Jan works tirelessly for her students and is well loved and respected by them: “She is an absolute inspiration. She is the reason I chose to come to this university.” Representative of the Year Nicholas Borrett

Community Award Mark and Tony Van Lierop, owners of Hell Below & Co and Concrete in Carlisle This award recognises a member or members of the wider UCSU and university community who have contributed significantly to the student experience. Mark and Tony work with UCSU in developing weekly student events in a safe and secure environment. Lecturer of the Year - Health and Science faculty Elizabeth Bates This acknowledges a lecturer who has made a significant contribution to the student experience, through assessment and feedback practices, innovative teaching methods and responding to students’ concerns and support needs. Elizabeth’s nominations spoke of her immense positivity towards students and her willingness to, “use all resources within her power in order for students to understand a specific topic and feel comfortable around campus”.

This is awarded to a student representative who has made a positive contribution to the student experience, for example, an active campaigner or someone who has strived to make a difference to the experience of fellow students. Nicholas won for his commitment to the academic rep system. He has not only engaged at class level for two years, but has also volunteered to represent students at departmental level, and has delivered training to new reps which has been of considerable assistance in assuring the quality of student voice at their home campus. Student of the Year William Brown The Student of the Year award seeks to recognise those students who have excelled in their studies, and have perhaps had to overcome personal challenges to achieve their success. William had shown incredible courage and determination in returning to study after previous challenges and an absence from study. A nominating tutor said of William, “I would have to say that in over twenty years of teaching in HE, academically his work is the best I have seen in its consistent excellence.”

University students have big designs on textile printing Four final-year students watched their designs spring into life at a local printing works in April. In partnership with printers Stead McAlpin of Cummersdale, the students had been tasked with creating an innovative textile design, with the chance to have it printed up into 20 metres of fabric.

Lecturer Susan Harvey said: “This has been a wonderful opportunity for the students to see their work move through production in a commercial situation. This glimpse into the workings of the textile industry will be invaluable to them as they move into their careers. All of these students are graduating this year and will be displaying their final projects in our summer exhibition.

a fantastic opportunity and an invaluable experience; it has been great to be a part of the industrial printing process from the initial design stage through to the final rotary printing.”

The four winning students each spent three days in the studio at Cummersdale, working on the preparation of their design for rotary screen-printing, becoming involved in colour separations, creation of screens and the design’s final production.

Leah Knight (23) comes originally from Trawden in Lancashire. Her busy and full pattern Tropical Wilderness is based on a jungle theme with inspiration coming from tropical flowers.

Hannah Moss is 21 and lived in Lytham St Annes before coming to Carlisle to study: “With growing up by the sea, I have always been fascinated with the concept and fluidity of water. This fascination became the inspiration for my design A drop in the ocean; I wanted to portray the intricate and delicate detail of the droplets and the soft pastel tones promote this idea of delicacy and softness.”

“The original intention was for Stead to take two students on placement, but when they came to view the work they were so impressed with the standard that they decided to take forward four designs into production. We are very grateful for this opportunity to work with them and would like to thank them for the support they have given the students.”

“Working with the team at Stead McAlpin has been a fantastic opportunity and an invaluable experience.”

With a heritage dating back to 1835, Stead McAlpin manufacture printed textiles for many of the finest home furnishings on the market. Works manager Mark Bradley explains: “We were keen to work with the university to encourage new designers, giving them an insight into a working manufacturing unit. We were extremely impressed by the quality of the designs and the originality of the students’ work and were delighted to encourage and develop their individual projects.

“This partnership was championed by our employees Tony Muir (new product development) and Elaine Watson (studio/CAD operator) and we have been thrilled with the result.”

The inspiration for 48-year-old Julie Logan’s design originated in her love of nature and the woodland which surrounds her home in Hexham. Her print is called In the Garden and has a fresh spring-like feel. She says: “Working with the team at Stead McAlpin has been

Above: Students with their fabric and photos of the process (left to right) Hannah Moss, Leah Knight, Julie North, Emily Bell. Above: Students (clockwise from left) Julie North, Hannah Moss, Emily Bell and Leah Knight

She comments: “I have learned what it is like to work with repeat patterns on a large scale, to see the whole development of pattern from paper to fabric, and the use of many different colours.” Emily Ball (22) from Preston found her inspiration in the industrial revolution in the north of England. “Within Industrial North, I wanted to represent the factories and mill town houses and the colours and shapes that can be found there. I have also been influenced by the work of L S Lowry and the way he used layering to create depth in a scene,” she explains. “Working with Stead McAlpin has been a brilliant experience and to be able to see all the processes involved in printing a fabric in industry has been really interesting.”

Above: Fabric showing the unique legend printed on the selvedge

The fabrics printed at Stead McAlpin were part of the display of work from contemporary applied arts students that travelled to London at the end of June for the New Designers exhibition

SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD 1

Right: Jenn Rawles has been shortlisted for a Student Nursing Times Award.

Winners of the top awards will receive up to £2,000 to further their professional practice either in this country or internationally, in conjunction with their university. Following the judging, Eloise was declared runner-up in her category.

Right: Eloise Eddington

Cavell Nurses’ Trust is a registered charity that supports the UK’s 650,000 student, working and retired nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants who need financial help and support following illness, injury and other difficulties. The Trust, formerly known as Nurse Aid, was established in 1917 in memory of Edith Cavell who died in occupied Belgium in 1915. It has provided financial Winners of the top support worth more than £2.5 awards will receive up to million over the last five years £2,000 to further to thousands of working and their professional retired nurses, health care assistants practice and student nurses in need.

Two of our student nurses were shortlisted for a prestigious national award which recognises exceptional professional skills and potential. Bethany Brockbank and Eloise Eddington were nominated for the UK’s only scholarships for student nurses and midwives, run by Cavell Nurses’ Trust. Bethany was shortlisted for the Outstanding Student Nurse award and Eloise for the Community scholarship. The finalists were chosen by a panel of eminent judges, comprising leading nurses and midwives, including Professor Lesley Page, President of the Royal College of Midwives. Bethany and Eloise were interviewed by the panel, alongside 27 other candidates.

The annual Scholarship Awards aim to recognise exceptional student nurses and midwives in the UK. They are open to students currently studying nursing or midwifery on undergraduate/postgraduate or diploma courses at universities in the UK. The Trust has launched a Centenary Appeal with the aim of raising a million by October 2015 to double the number of beneficiaries it supports. The Princess Royal is president of the appeal. For further information please visit www.cavellnursestrust.org

SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL AWARD 2 This award is dedicated to promoting quality of care within mental health nursing.

Nursing student Jenn Rawles has been shortlisted for a Student Nursing Times Award in the Care Maker of the Year category. This is a prestigious national award dedicated to promoting quality of care within mental health nursing. Mum-of-four Jenn is studying for a Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and has carried out numerous extracurricular activities in this field with the aim of making positive changes to the care mental health patients receive.

The ‘Care Maker of the Year’ accolade is a new category which has been introduced to celebrate the work of nursing students who are appointed as care makers by the NHS to promote the ‘culture of compassion care’ within the service. Jenn, who has been a care maker since the scheme launched in 2012, has also carried out voluntary work with the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Congress for the past three years. The third year student, who lives in Kendal and travels to the Fusehill Street campus for lectures, was nominated for the award by Professor June Andrews, the director of DSDC. Professor Andrews described Jenn as a ‘star’ whose ‘care is of a consistently high standard’.

graduates scoop regional RTS awards The Royal Television Society North East and The Border Centre Annual Awards were held at the beginning of March at The Hilton Newcastle, Gateshead.

Allessandro Baratto’s winning film can be viewed on Vimeo here

Cain Scrimgeour’s winning film can be viewed on Vimeo here

Over 450 programme makers, commissioners, supporters and executives attended the event alongside a host of presenters and celebrities. The ceremony and dinner celebrated all aspects of media production in the region – from television shows to online programmes and video games.

“This is a fantastic achievement for Alessandro, who dedicated and sacrificed a great deal to make this outstanding project. The university’s wildlife and media programme continually produces distinctive films and highly able graduates and Alessandro and his film typifies this.

Winner of the ‘Regional Student Award: Factual’ category was 2013 graduate Allessandro Baratto’s work Arribada, The Arrival, filmed on location in Costa Rica. His entry will now go forward to the RTS National Student Awards, being held in London later this year.

“The blend of wildlife with film and TV production skills is a unique offer that continually creates projects that inspire and challenge, creating graduates ready for the ever changing landscape of the media.”

The judges commented: “This was impressive stuff from the next generation of television professionals. Arribada, The Arrival had stunning visuals and a tight edit; the winning entry was an accomplished and professional piece of work.” Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Allessandro was unable to attend, so university lecturer Mike Mitchell accepted the award on his behalf. He said:

To add to the university’s success on the night, the main ‘Best Promotion or Commercial’ category was won by 2012 graduate Cain Scrimgeour with his film Northumberland National Park by Night. Now a freelance wildlife photographer and filmmaker, the judges were appreciative of Cain’s professionalism and commented: “Promotions and commercials are another important aspect of our creative industries sector. The winner was a remarkable achievement in capturing the aweinspiring view above our heads.”

Image: Mike Mitchell (left) and Cain Scrimgeour.

SEN/INCLUSION CONFERENCE “a great success” A group of students, who are training to be teachers specialising in special educational needs and inclusion, took on the task of organising a conference to widen their professional knowledge, inviting expert keynote speakers who could share with them years of experience.

The conference theme was ‘inclusion’ and speakers representing schools, children’s charities language Right : theand endspeech of one and of the groups therapists student presentations in the were able to share with theafternoon. students their in-depth knowledge of the requirements of children with special educational needs. Isabel Kendal, 19, from Warrington is in the second year of BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS and was one of the conference organisers. She says: “I felt that the day was a great success—the speakers were excellent and provided a great range of information, keeping their audience engaged.

“We’ve all gained a real insight into the profession we have chosen.”

“As an organiser, the part I enjoyed the most was seeing it all come together. We’ve all gained a real insight into the profession we have chosen. I think the day was a great success and I think that without the support or teaching from our tutors (Verna Kilburn and Alison Feeney) it would never have been possible.”

Creative undergraduates set up a sizzling summer exhibition The annual summer arts exhibition staged in Carlisle by final year students from the University of Cumbria was held at the end of May, beginning of June. 5 Degree-level artwork from around 230 students, studying on 12 different courses was on display. At the Brampton Road campus, exhibits included work from students graduating in a wide range of courses such as computer game design, photography, textiles and television production. Illustration and graphic design displays was displayed in the central atrium while in the contemporary applied arts area, printed fabrics, wallpapers, ceramics, lighting and costume were just a few of the treats on show. In the specialist fine art centre at Newcastle Street, Caldewgate, the graduating class of BA(Hons) Fine Art curated an exciting and diverse exhibition.

The interdisciplinary nature of this course constantly produces young artists who work confidently in multiple media, and this year is no exception. Displays and installations included paintings, prints, photography, film and audio. The work was the result of many months of research into areas including the uncanny, memory, language, our shared environment and post-net image production. The students are already seasoned exhibitors, having organised, curated and taken part in group shows in Carlisle and beyond in 2014.

Summer Exhibition 2014 courses exhibiting: • BA(Hons) Adventure & Media • BA(Hons) Contemporary Applied Arts • BA(Hons) Digital Arts • BA(Hons)Event Management • BA(Hons)Film and Television Production • BA(Hons)Graphic Design • BA(Hons) Illustration • BA(Hons) Photography • BA(Hons) Wildlife & Media • FdA Performance, Festivals & Events • FdA The Art of Games Design

all at Brampton Road campus—and BA(Hons) Fine Art at Caldewgate.

1 White ceramics by Hrönn Waltersdottir

3 Rory Laycock with his multimedia display

2 Dressed to kill by Charlotte Hullah

4 Hats for Chelsea Flower Show by Marilyn Wright

Ceramic lights by Dagny Gylfadottir

Professor Robert Williams admiring the horticultural installation Gaia by Rebecca Perry

Whiteness of the Whale by Emily Wheatland 7 8 Work on wood, synthetic material and sheet metal by Ruth Eaglestone from Barrow, looked at industrial landscapes and the history of paper mills in Lancashire. The display was entitled Time and the bell have buried the day.

9/10 Tiled walls entitled Kayakoy by Wendy Abbott 10/11 Ceramicsby Hanna Greta Palsdottir. She developed a glaze which she produced using slate waste from Honister slate mine.

Corporate Golf Event Ryder Cup style! A university team enjoyed a decisive win over Carlisle Leisure Ltd rivals in a golf event organised by five final year BA Hons Physical Education students. The inaugural Corporate Golf Challenge Event was held at Stonyholme Golf Club, Carlisle.

The 5.6mile walk took the group around five hours to complete

English Society walk The university’s English Society had a ‘magical’ time raising money for a children’s charity whose patron is the world-famous Harry Potter author. Students organised a charity walk in the Lake District in March which raised £400 for Lumos, a charity launched by J K Rowling to help disadvantaged children in Europe.

“It is a charity that aims to free children from institutions and from poverty around the world. This is something that everyone can empathise with and is another reason why we chose this particular charity.”

Student Victoria Davies, who organised the fundraiser, said: “We wanted to do the walk so that we would not only be helping a great charity, but also taking the chance to get off campus and do something active with our group.

The 5.6 mile walk took the group around five hours to complete and despite some difficulties with the terrain, everyone finished the walk with a happy and relieved smile.

“The charity, Lumos, was chosen so that we could reach everyone’s interests in the English Society—being JK Rowling’s charity, we knew that everyone loved Harry Potter!

Victoria added: “On the day we did come across a few problems, however, as a group we overcame this and the general relaxed feel from the day proved the hard work had paid off. It was great to see how much impact we can make as a society—we will certainly be doing this again!”

With the support of the golf club manager and Carlisle Leisure Ltd, the event team (Edd Snoxell, Ryan Chapman, Sam Parkinson, Callum Bowness and Thomas Foy) developed a fun packed day that involved a skills-based morning of chipping, putting and driving practice; a foursomes competition between the two teams; an evening meal; and a charity fundraising quiz night to round off the day. The event involved 24 staff from the two organisations battling it out in friendly competition, with the players concerned also staying on for both the dinner and quiz. The quiz attracted many more guests as the finish to an impressive day. The winning team was the university, with a combination of staff and students. The final scoreline of 5-1 in the afternoon fixture was perhaps a tad harsh on their plucky opponents, who are keen to seek revenge in a re-match. Lindsay Sander, programme leader for BA (Hons) Physical Education, added: “The students were excellent role models for the university and delivered a satisfying event experience for all those involved.

“The feedback from everyone was extremely positive. It is a great way for the students to finish their degree on a high by delivering a highly successful and satisfying event which will live long in the memory”. Thanks should be given to Active Cumbria for a grant award towards event costs, and to Cumbria Golf and the Stonyholme Golf Club staff for helping with mentoring the students throughout the process.

Above: The event team (in white shirts) with the Carlisle Leisure team (in blue shirts) and the university team (in red).

The feedback from everyone was extremely positive. It is a great way for the students to finish their degree.

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Bring-aplant-towork DAy 21-29 May

FIVE STAR CATERING HYGINE Our Lancaster, Carlisle Fusehill Street, and Ambleside campuses have all recently been awarded the top marks of five stars for their in-house catering. Local environmental health officers, in line with the government’s food hygiene rating scheme, have assessed them for the scheme, which is aimed at helping consumers choose where to eat out or shop for food. It gives them information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, cafés, takeaways, hotels and other catering establishments. Food safety officers can arrive at any time, unannounced, to inspect a business to check that it meets the requirements of food hygiene law. At the inspection, the officer will check how hygienically the food is handled—how it is prepared, cooked, re-heated, cooled and stored; the condition of the structure of the buildings, as well as the cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and other facilities provided; and finally how the business manages what it does to make sure food is safe so that the officer can be confident standards will be maintained in the future.

Each of these three elements is essential for making sure that food hygiene standards meet requirements and that food served or sold to customers is safe to eat. The hygiene standards found at the time of inspection are then rated on a scale. At the top of the scale is ‘5’ and this means the hygiene standards are very good. For the Lancaster and Carlisle campuses to retain their five stars, and for the new Barn Café at Ambleside to be awarded five stars on its first inspection, is a reflection of the dedication, hard work and professionalism demonstrated by all the university’s catering staff. And of course we shouldn’t forget that the catering team from Aramark at the Brampton Road campus and the staff from Completely Catering at the campus in London have also recently been awarded five stars which means it very much a clean sweep across the board for University of Cumbria catering!

This initiative was organised by Sustainability Manager Andrew Boyd, and resulted in a variety of new plants being added to the horticultural environment at both Fusehill Street and Lancaster.

Fusehill Street Lancaster campus participants: Above: L to R University Chaplain Matthew Above: L to R Elizabeth Dick, David Firth, Chaplaincy Intern Andy Dykes, Wilson, Jane Eccles, Lee Hill, Susan Wright Strategic Communications Manager Lynn Clark and Sustainability Manager Andrew Boyd pose at the Fusehill Street campus, while (top) Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Strike and Director of Finance Kate McLaughlin–Flynn get on with the business of planting.

The day evaluated extremely positively with students commenting:

‘Very useful to have a real insight into living with a spouse with dementia’ ‘Good to hear how health professionals were able to positively impact on individuals with motor neurone disease’ ‘Brilliant speakers – very brave, emotional and informative’

‘Expert by Experience’ Conference: Long Term Neurological Conditions Above: Clients, carers, staff and students shared ideas at the conference Right: Students listen to a keynote speaker

An ‘Expert by Experience’/service user and carer event was attended by pre-registration nursing and occupational therapy students at the Lancaster campus in March. This interactive day aimed to increase students’ knowledge and understanding of the client’s lived experience of being diagnosed with a long-term, debilitating neurological condition and the services and voluntary organisations who offer valuable support. Key note presentations by members of the Neurological Alliance, a coalition of leading health charities and voluntary organisations, including the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Multiple Sclerosis Society, gave health care students an invaluable insight into the nature of neurological conditions, and the importance of timely, inter-professional, client-focused care.

Above and below: Students tour the exhibition stands

Personal accounts from clients who have been diagnosed with a neurological disorder and their carers provided a very powerful forum for debate and discussion. Students were also given the opportunity to view exhibition stands presented by representatives from other condition-specific voluntary agencies including the Alzheimer’s Association, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Parkinson’s Disease Association, the Epilepsy Association and Wiltshire Farm Foods.

‘It was beneficial to get an insight into the stories, thoughts and emotions experienced by both carers and service users’ ‘Very useful to hear the carer’s stories from a different ‘Brilliant perspective’ – great to hear carers’ perspectives’

University networking project celebrates the success of its business delegates Over 70 delegates and representatives from local businesses came together for a dinner and awards ceremony at Energus, Lillyhall to celebrate their involvement in an innovative project. Knowledge Action Network is a university programme which has been supporting local businesses to grow for two years.

university welcomEs 13 guests from across the world for our first International Partners and Agents Event The purpose of the event was to showcase the university and the range of programmes to our agents and partners from overseas, who assist us in promoting our provision to potential international students. Delegates came from a range of European, Asian and African countries, including China, Taiwan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Nigeria and Bulgaria.

involved in the preparation of the International Partners and Agents Event and to the University of Cumbria for an illuminating, wellorganised and very beneficial experience!

The four-day conference, held from 31 March—3 April, included tours of our Lancaster, Ambleside, Fusehill Street and Brampton Road campuses; subject presentations from lecturers; and talks about student support and international admissions.

“Indeed the itinerary and activities delivered were very comprehensive and not forgetting the very warm and hospitable welcome I received from the university—my greatest appreciation for that.”

Guests also had the chance to sightsee in Carlisle and Lancaster, and enjoyed a cruise on Lake Windermere.

Head of International Development, Marion Yates, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity to bring together our valued partners, to showcase our university and our unique region, and to introduce our academic colleagues to them.

Organised by the International Development Office in External Relations, the conference was a university-wide effort, with input from faculties and professional services. One of the delegates, Dr Subhi, of Gradtech Consultants Ltd, said: “First and foremost I would like to express my utmost thanks to all

“Many of the participants had travelled considerable distances and took time from their busy schedules to spend a few days with us. The event gave us the opportunity to strengthen new relationships and identify some excellent new opportunities for collaboration.”an annual basis.

Following the success of this event, it is hoped the university may have similar events on an annual basis.

A further result is the business owners evidencing the creation of 15 new job roles, providing increased employment and strengthening the local economy. Local businesses represented at the event included companies such Twoey Toys, Smith Engineering, Conference Business Agency and Wombat Web Design.

The programme has had an impressive impact on the companies involved, with many reporting improved financial performance.

Sara Young, director of Conference Business Agency Ltd, Keswick received her certificate from Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Strike and commented: “Being part of the Knowledge Action Network programme has allowed me to take a step back from the business, even if for a few hours, which has been most valuable and something I hadn’t made time for previously.

The programme is open to owners and managers of SMEs in the region, with a focus on those that have an interest in the renewable energy, technology, creative and digital sectors. Delegates attend individual coaching sessions and peer-to-peer action groups with like-minded business owners, as well as receiving specialist advice from academics or consultants. The programme has had an impressive impact on the companies involved, with many reporting improved financial performance, new products being developed and increased client enquiries.

“Listening to other business owners and sharing ideas, experiences and issues has been really helpful, encouraging and constructive. It’s also opened up new opportunities and contacts that I probably wouldn’t perhaps have made otherwise.” Programme manager John Berry explained: “The programme brings together a diverse group of business owners and supports them to share knowledge and experience with one another. The value for participating delegates is the divergent thinking which leads to innovative solutions to traditional challenges. “It has been great to bring all the companies together with visitors from the local economy to share the success of the participants.”

Charlotte Mason College alumni visit Ambleside campus

YARNBOMBING When the NHS deployed a ‘yarnbombing’ campaign to tackle the shortage of young blood donors, two of the sites ‘attacked’ were the Lancaster and Fusehill Street campuses.

Twenty ladies who all studied or worked at the Charlotte Mason College paid a return visit to the Ambleside campus.

‘Yarnbombing’ is a form of street art used to raise awareness of an issue or promote a cause. Across the UK, thousands of knitted red blood drops were left in prominent public spaces in this novel campaign by the NHS to encourage 17-24 yearolds to donate blood. The ladies from the Charlotte Mason Association travelled from across the country for their two-day reunion. Ninety-three-year-old Ann Hawkins from Wolverhampton graduated in 1940 and fondly remembered the buildings and the sense of community the campus created. Ann last visited Ambleside three years ago when she also climbed Scafell Pike. Over afternoon tea in the newly refurbished Barn building the ladies reminisced about their time as students between the 1940 and 1967. ‘The Barn’ was originally a physical education, theatre space and dance hall for the ladies of the college. They were delighted to see it continuing to be used as a café and social space for today’s students, as well as new flexible learning areas, reception and library facilities. Julia Topping (Class of 1961) arrived wearing her original college blazer. Purchased from Harrods, the traditional style, dark green wool blazer, edged in yellow and brown, was complete with the Charlotte Mason logo and motto ‘For the Children’s Sake’.

Gateway Manager, Marie Wright explained the phases of the re-development to the group, who were keen to know what each building would be used for. The ladies were also reassured that the many treasured artefacts and archive materials were being kept in safe storage during the building work and the memory of Charlotte Mason would be retained. Development and alumni relations manager, Karen Jones said: “It was with great pleasure that we welcomed our Charlotte Mason alumni back onto campus. The university was founded on the excellent practice of our legacy institutions, which is to be both respected and valued.” Above Left: Ann Hawkins (Class of 1940) Above Right: Julia Topping (Class of 1961) with details of her original college blazer

“In total, more than 8,000 of the striking decorations were specially created by volunteer knitters and supporters”

In total, more than 8,000 of the striking decorations were specially created by volunteer knitters and supporters, who were asked to give up their time to ‘knit one, save one’.

Ann last visited Ambleside three years ago when she also climbed Scafell Pike.

They were left at train stations, on tree branches (to indicate that blood doesn’t grow on trees) and in shopping arcades to raise awareness because the number of 17-24 year-olds signing up to give blood has fallen significantly in recent years, according to the NHS. Young donors are important as they are needed to replace those who can no longer donate each year for reasons such as illness or pregnancy. Staff from NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) hung thousands of the objects in public places throughout March to publicise this important campaign.

Emphasis on employability The careers and employability team have been busy working with local employers, course leaders and teams from across the university to deliver a range of exciting events. Here is a flavour of what the students have been involved in recently.

Further events •

•

Careers Fairs: Lancaster and Fusehill Street on 24 June and London on 2 July Higher Education Achievement Report Employer Consultation at the Business Interaction Centre in Carlisle on 24 June

English and creative writing employability day Students and prospective applicants to the English and creative writing course were invited to spend a day with professionals from across the sector. Journalists, bloggers, editors and content writers shared their experiences and knowledge of the industry with around 60 students from all year groups. Speakers included Terry Lee from Bloomsbury and Kate Feld, editor and author of popular Manchester blog Manchizzle which The Guardian called ‘the pick of Manchester culture and the hub of blogging goodness’

The team would welcome any suggestions for future events, please email careers@cumbria.ac.uk

FLUX A team of six students from the university competed in FLUX, a national student enterprise competition. The team was drawn from a range of courses including business studies students Helena Davies, James Smith and Charles McKerrow, Brathay Aspiring Leader Kevin Goodall as well as those with first-hand experience of setting up their own businesses; Alana Greer an arts student and Yasmin Phair, a sports undergraduate who runs her own sports therapy practice. The team performed very well and came second in their stream but unfortunately were not able to progress to the finals. It was an invaluable experience for the students and we are now gearing up to field a team again next year! Image: FLUX team (l to r) Alana, Yasmin, Helena, James, Kevin and Charles

Creative networking

Army leadership training

Get that (teaching) job

Final-year students and alumni from creative and digital courses at the university grasped the opportunity to meet with local creative industries at an event held at the Carlisle Business Interaction Centre. Over 100 people attended the event, which brought together current businesses in the creative sector with the employees of the future. The event was hosted by the alumni and careers teams in partnership with Freerange Industries with the community of Creative Cumbria, which provides networking, business and knowledgesharing opportunities across a wide range of creative and digital businesses in the county.

Two leadership training days were organised as part of the Career Ahead offer to students across the university. Supported by Bright Futures and run in conjunction with the Students’ Union in Lancaster and the outdoor studies course in Ambleside, these days offered students the chance to take part in leadership development activities. Over 40 students participated in the events.

Now in its third year, this has become a key event in the calendar for prospective teachers. With a focus on securing employment, the conference-like day took place at both Lancaster and Carlisle campuses, and featured talks from school principals, recruitment agencies and experienced teachers.

Image: Members of the ‘industry panel’ (left to right) James Vincent, Fraser Hannah, Leo White, Helen Statham, Sara Gadd, Craig Charters.

Over 100 people attended the event, which brought together current businesses in the creative sector with the employees of the future.

Rachel Kane, a Msc Occupational Therapy student based in Carlisle, said: “It was good to meet other students. I was a bit daunted about attending because I don’t have much leadership experience, but it made me realise that everyone has the potential to be a leader.” Image: group photo (and/or students doing activities)

The event is a great way for students to feel more prepared when applying for NQT positions and also when starting their first teaching post. The event will run again next year and, based on feedback received, will also include a number of breakout sessions and workshops to allow students to engage with a wider choice of topics. Image: Pam Burrows from Lancashire Teaching Agency presenting to students

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University and constabulary sign further five-year collaborative agreement

Research

The university and Cumbria Constabulary have been working in partnership since October 2007, with the university’s policing students serving as special constables with the force during their course. The official signing of the latest collaboration agreement between the two organisations took place at the university’s Business Interaction Centre in Paternoster Row, Carlisle in March. Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Strike and Temporary Chief Constable of Cumbria Constabulary, Bernard Lawson, signed the agreement to continue the highly successful partnership for a further five years.

Temporary Chief Constable Lawson said: “I am very pleased with everything this collaboration has already achieved, and look forward to another successful five years. “It is crucial that we have the best possible officers serving the people of Cumbria, and our partnership with the University of Cumbria is a great way to ensure we continue to employ quality officers.

Executive Dean Professor Robert Hannaford, and Mike Tonge and Julian Parker-McLeod from the university’s Institute of Policing and Criminal Justice Studies were also in attendance. The agreement provides the framework of cooperation between the university and the constabulary which delivers mutual benefits such as additional numbers of special constables, improved academic knowledge and quality of recruits and the provision of academic development for police personnel.

“By bringing together academia and operational policing we can train new recruits and special officers to the highest possible standard.”

Professor Strike pointed out additional positive outcomes from the partnership saying: “Our students benefit from increased employability skills and real hands-on experience; they are fortunate to have a serving police officer seconded to the lecturing team who brings current policing expertise to their learning.”

The university offers a range of policing courses and was the first HE institution to gain approval from the College of Policing to provide the Certificate of Knowledge in Policing (CKP) pre-join qualification. Our Foundation Degree in Policing is a popular pre-join route for prospective police officers, with students going on to work in Cumbria Constabulary as well as many other forces in England and Wales. The university now also works closely with other police forces in the North West as well as Durham Constabulary in the North East. Many of its CKP students have also gone on to join the Metropolitan Police.

Above: (seated left to right) Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Strike and Temporary Chief Constable Bernard Lawson (standing left to right) Julian Parker-McLeod, Senior Lecturer in Policing and Criminology; Victor Robinson, Head of Training at Cumbria Constabulary; The Revd Canon Professor Robert Hannaford, Executive Dean and Professor Mike Tonge of the Institute of Policing and Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Cumbria.

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‘soldiers first, civilians second’ Research looks into challenges faced by returning army reservists Research conducted by lecturer Kevin WilsonSmith has been examining the challenges faced by army reservists returning to their civilian occupations after active service abroad. The overarching result of the research was that reservists still saw themselves as ‘soldiers first, civilians second’ even when they returned to their civilian employment and that they existed in two interacting occupational role identities at the same time. Kevin presented the findings of his research at the annual conference of the British Psychological Society in Birmingham in May where he and colleague Liz Bates also discussed future directions of the research. He explains: “Research on troops returning from war tends to concentrate on post-traumatic stress, but reservists have a much wider range of experiences when they return to their civilian occupations, and some of those can impact on their occupational readjustment.”

Using phenomenological methods, Kevin interviewed 10 reservist soldiers, who have recently returned to civilian employment after active service abroad, about their experiences. Analysing their responses, he found that three interacting themes emerged: the variation in self-identity between army and civilian life; the disruption caused by making the transition; and the process of readjusting to their civilian job. However, he also found that the reservists were able to take positives from their service. He says: “One spoke of his employment as a delivery driver for a supermarket, having come back from active service as an infantryman. In one way having someone shouting at you because there were no apples in their order seemed trivial, but he found it easy to cope with after having faced down someone with a rifle.” Kevin , alongside other colleagues in the applied psychology team, plans to develop a psychological scale that will assess the extent of readjustment and hopes to extend his work to cover retained fire-fighters, special constables and even regular troops.

TRANSITION NETWORK NORTHERN ENGLAND CONFERENCE

Systema Naturae: A history of in-animate nature Robert Williams & Jack Aylward-Williams 2012-2014

In the latest in a series of collecting projects, father–and-son team Robert Williams and Jack Aylward-Williams have turned their attention to the exploration of the ecologies of the everyday.

Systema Naturæ A History of In-animate Nature by

Robert Williams & Jack Aylward-Williams

with Numerous notes from the works of the most distinguished British and Foreign naturalists

VOL. I

They and a small band of collaborators have amassed a collection of quotidian objects found during their regular perambulations over a two-year period. The collecting phase of the project has been based on a series of guiding principles. These objects, images and materials, cultural in origin, must in some way be representations of flora and fauna. The collected material is identified by location, date, collector and other meta-data noted.

Mindful of historical, contemporary and conventional sources (for example: Linnaeus, Buffon, Darwin; popular Victorian Natural History writers such as Goldsmith and Wood; publishers Cassell, Warne and Ladybird; and Wikipedia), the collections are then classified and organised. The arrangement of the collections and the construction of databases makes it possible to view the material comparatively, to regard the material ecologically, anthropologically, culturally and archaeologically.

It is possible to identify emergent patterns and to make inferences drawn from the inter-relationships indicated by the circumstances of their discovery. Robert and Jack have worked together on a number of collecting projects including Thesaurus Scienta Lancastriae (2004-2005), a celebration of the bi-centenary of Lancaster born scientist Sir Richard Owen, and Virga et Lapilla which explored archaeological themes in Stones, Circles, Landscape & Art at Penrith Museum (2006). Other long term projects explored the Underworld in Arca Tartareum (2008), Historico-naturalis et Archaeologica ex Dale Street which translated Gilbert White’s Natural History of Selborne to a residential street in Lancaster, and Bombylus Darwinii (2009) an evolutionary homage for Charles Darwin. Their last major collaboration was Disjecta Fragmen Communitis (2011), a collecting and archival artwork that resulted in the installation of comparative collections of glass and vitreous material, installed within a series of vitrines for exhibition at a national museum of glass manufacturing. www.aylwardwilliams.com

Ever wondered if starting a Transition enterprise is for you? Want to meet others in the region who want to move towards a more sustainable way of living? Find answers to your questions and meet like-minded people when IFLAS hosts the Transition Network’s first Northern England conference at the University of Cumbria’s Lancaster campus on 12 and 13 July. Jointly organised by Transition Lancaster and Transition Kendal, the conference offers a mix of workshops, networking sessions, tours and speakers – including Transition Network founder Rob Hopkins. On the Saturday there will be a range of sessions on the Lancaster campus, while the Sunday will offer the opportunity to visit local eco-projects including eco-homes and a renewable energy project. Tickets to the conference cost £20 (concessions £10). Low-cost accommodation and meals can also be added to your booking. For more information or to book a place, visit the booking page on the Transition Network website.

Teachers’ Pension 2015 Scheme – Change

changing in April ion Scheme will be The Teachers’ Pens d information on including FAQs an ils ta de ll Fu . 15 20 m TPS here. u are available fro yo ct fe af ll wi is how th opposed to career average as The scheme will be xibility around o has increased fle als d an y, lar sa al fin you have any ed retirement. If as ph d an s ion ut contrib ll team by email contact the payro questions, please or on ext. 5793. @ cumbria.ac.uk) (pensionenquiries

Reminder: you number may br library account e changing If you have a un iversity library account you m to come into th ay need e library for a ne w card. From 1 your library acco June unt number w ill be your six-d payroll numbe ig it r. This number should be the your staff ID/li one on brary card. Plea se check your ID the number sh card—if owing is not yo ur payroll num can come into be r you any of the cam pus libraries to photograph ta ha ve a ken and for a new card to be printed. Your library PI N will stay the same, but you to associate yo will need ur new card at one of the au so that you ca to loaders n use it with th e MFD printer/ copiers. If you have m oney on your card for caterin need to have g you will the balance tr an sferred to your Please contac new card. t us by emailin g liss@ cumbr you have any ia .a c.uk if questions or ne ed any more in formation.

LGPS pension changes Send us your stories

If you would like to con tribute to the next issue of Co nnect, please contac t a memb er of the communications team: lynn.clark@ cumbria.a c.uk julie.ratcliffe@ cumbri a.ac.uk fiona.hughes@ cumbri a.ac.uk elizabeth.henzell@ cum bria.ac.uk

The copy deadline for

the next issue of Connect is 15 Augu st 2014.

Your Pension Ser vice has a new online portal, making it easier for members to keep track of their pe nsions and plan for their retirement s. They are offering drop in sessions to assist members who would like to register, full details are available here.

Fusehill Street Carlisle CA1 2HH