news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
February 2011
The Hive Worcester Library and History Centre is named p.4-5
In this issue:
National Coach
Sports lecturer named GB Blind Football coach p.6
Go Green Week p.8 From hospital ward to exhibition Museum@WRI p.10
feature
NARN tree bears research fruit The latest edition of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education marks the culmination of three years of research led by a University of Worcester academic. All 20 papers in this special edition of the peer reviewed journal are the product of a research project designed by Dr John Peters and jointly led with the University of Bolton. The project brought together colleagues from 17 English Universities to research their practice in enhancing the student experience through Personal Development Planning [PDP] and e-Portfolio use. It was funded by £200,000 from the Higher Education Academy’s national teaching fellowship projects scheme. ‘This was ground breaking work which developed research capacity amongst a group of learning developers, many of whom had never undertaken research before,’ says Dr Peters. ‘The success of the project is demonstrated by the vibrant community of researchers it has created and is borne out by the quality of the papers in this journal.’ The project’s full title, the ‘National Action Research Network on Researching and Evaluating Personal Development Planning and e-Portfolio Practice’ proved too long for many members and was quickly shortened to ‘the NARN,’ represented by the ‘NARN tree’ [top corner].
She adds: ‘it has been a pleasure and a privilege to lead on this national project, to share the project research journey with all the NARN members and to have the opportunity to work with and be inspired by such enthusiastic individuals! Their passion and their interaction through the broader learning development community shows real dedication and commitment to improving students’ experiences of learning through PDP in HE. We are all indebted to Dr. John Peters who conceived of the idea to create the NARN in PDP and e-Portfolio Practice, without which none of this would have happened.’
Elizabeth Symonds, Team Leader for the Learning and Teaching Technology Unit at the University of Worcester, who contributed Worcester’s specific article to the special edition, says her project ‘proved invaluable in advising staff on how to utilise our e-Portfolio most effectively for learning and teaching.’
Dr John Peters was the University of Worcester’s first National Teaching Fellow. He is Deputy Head of Academic Development and Practice and Principal Lecturer in Higher Education at the University of Worcester and Associate Director (Research) for the Centre for Recording Achievement.
John Hilsdon and Andy Hagyard, co-editors of JLDHE remarked: ‘we are delighted to present this special edition. We are confident that it will provide a much-needed enhancement to the evidence base for PDP and make a significant contribution to the understanding of PDP and e-Portfolio practices in the HE sector. In addition, it tells informative and constructive stories of a collaborative and supportive network of committed professionals. We believe that these stories show how ways of working across institutions and regions can evolve, and can lead to an inspiring example of a community of practice.’
For further information on the Journal Special Edition see: http://www.aldinhe.ac.uk/ojs/index.php?journal=jldhe&page=index
Sue Burkinshaw, the project leader from the University of Bolton comments: ‘The project set out to develop a body of scholarly knowledge capable of informing more effective implementation of PDP for students. Each member’s research contribution reveals a rich picture of the experience of PDP within different HE situations and with different groups of learners. These pictures serve to illuminate how engagement with varying PDP practices and processes can enhance the overall student learning experience.’
2 / FEBRUARY 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
For more information on the project see: http://www.recordingachievement.org/research/narn-tree.html
The original NARN project team at their first meeting at the University of Bolton, 2007
COVER STORY wELCOME
welcome W
elcome to the February edition of News & Views, featuring a roundup of news, achievements, launches and milestones from the past month at the University of Worcester. There’s a definite feeling of spring in the air in this issue. Although telltale green shoots are only just beginning to emerge through the grassy gardens of St John’s, new buildings, new initiatives and new programmes all get a mention here.
This issue features a hat-trick of news relating to new buildings and campus developments. Our cover story takes a sneak peek at the Worcester Library and History Centre as its name, The Hive, was recently announced.
We are also privy to artist’s impressions of a brand new exhibition that is due to be housed at City Campus. Museum@WRI will be an exhibition celebrating the history of medicine, with collections of medical equipment, documents and uniforms being put on display for the first time. And finally for those of you still trying to keep up those healthy New Year resolutions, there is now the opportunity to take a health MOT at the McClelland Centre - the University’s own Health and Wellbeing Centre, based at City Campus. As always, we need your news, so please keep us informed via: newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
NURSING AND MIDWIFERY TRAINING RECEIVES THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE RATING IN A RECENT INSPECTION The news comes just days after the Royal College of Midwives warned that more midwives were needed as services across the UK were at breaking point.
The NMC inspectors commented: “There is effective partnership working and all programmes are developed and delivered collaboratively with local service providers.”
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) rated the University’s provision as ‘good’, the best possible grade, in all five areas of its Annual Monitoring Review, particularly noting that the University attracts excellent applicants to train in midwifery. The 30% rise in applications in 2009/10 has been followed by another 30% rise in 2011.
Jan Quallington, Associate Head of Institute (Quality and Student Experience) of Health and Society, said: “We are delighted to achieve ‘good’ in all aspects of the report, which includes resources, admissions and progression, practice learning, fitness for practice and quality assurance. A perfect five puts us among the best providers of midwifery education in Britain.”
contents FEATURE NARN tree bears research fruit
2
COVER STORY The Hive
4
news Nursing and Midwifery Training Receives Highest Possible Rating 3 Artwork Inspired by Worcester Cathedral Goes on Display 6 Worcester Sports Lecturer Named GB Blind Football Coach 6 Professional Development in Leadership & Management 7 Health and Wellbeing Centre Open for Business 7 Why bother? 8 Dealing with Debt 8 Go Green Week 8 Top Flight Netball Club Backs Worcester Arena 9 Schoolchildren Explore the Science Behind Sport 9 In memoriam 9 New Exhibition in Former Hospital Ward will Celebrate History of Medicine 10 Snippets of news and dates for your diary 10 Conference notes from the largest Science Education conference in Europe 11 Dragon tamers 12 The Lifelong Learning Network draws to a close 12 HOWZAT! 12
sTAFF FEATURE Beyond the Classroom: Dr John Dutton
13
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / FEBRUARY 2011 / 3
Topping out and announcing ... 24th January 2011: The Joint University and Public Worcester Library and History Centre
The Hive
has a name. It is ...
The Hive will be Europe’s first fully integrated public and university library. Its new name was officially announced at the site’s ‘topping out’ ceremony in January. This traditional ceremony celebrates the point in the building process associated with the completion of the main superstructure. Developed as a joint initiative between the University and Worcestershire County Council, The Hive will provide a vibrant educational and cultural centre for the City, the Region and the University. It will provide an excellent point of inspiration to learning and be a true engine of educational inclusion. It will contain an unusually extensive children’s library – particularly appropriate for our University with our commitment to children’s learning and participation in all fields.
4 / FEBRUARY 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
COVER STORY
The Hive will provide much more extensive facilities for study, scholarship and research for the University’s students and staff than currently provided. It symbolises a commitment to learning, books, history and to culture at a time when many feel that these are sorely neglected in the public realm. Once opened the Hive will attract many visitors who will, in turn, be inspired into fresh thinking and action for their own communities and institutions. This imaginative development strengthens the University’s engagement with the community and will be a cornerstone of continuing commitment to widening participation in higher education. The name has been carefully chosen to represent the purposeful activity and sense of community which the development will help to create. It is also a reflection of the building’s appearance, with its distinctive golden ‘honeycomb’ cladding, which will mark it out as a physical as well as a cultural landmark for Worcester. The building has already received international recognition for its imaginative design, winning the 2009 Bentley Be Inspired ‘Innovation in Generative Design’ award. You can find out more about The Hive and follow its development at www.thehiveworcester.org Over the next few weeks and months Anne Hannaford, the University’s Director of Information and Learning Services, will be continuing an active programme of visiting Institutes and Departments to answer questions about The Hive. Anne will also outline the key functions of the building which currently houses the Pierson Library. This will become a study centre with excellent information technology and silent, quiet and group study space as well as a centre for student support on a wide range of matters.
Facts and Figures Opening in July 2012 Will be the first of its kind in Europe 10 miles of archive collections Around 70 construction workers on site Winner of one international award for the building’s design Shortlisted for two national awards
A quarter of a million books Anticipating over a million visitors per year 10,000m2 of public space, over five floors 800 study stations Over 23,000 records Landmark design
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / FEBRUARY 2011 / 5
NEWS
Artwork Inspired by Worcester Cathedral
Art work created by two University of Worcester academics, appointed Artists in Residence at the City’s Cathedral, went on display throughout January. Pippa Galpin and Maureen Gamble completed a two-year project creating pieces of art inspired by the historic surroundings of the Cathedral. Many members of the public attended their Open Studio event in December 2009 and contributed to their work in progress either by interacting directly with it or through discussion, which helped to inform the work. Maureen kept a visual weekly diary throughout the last year and made entries at the same time each week in direct response to what she observed in various parts of the building. She also created an ‘Archived Collection’ of her research which questions boundaries between real and imaginary, public and private. “Each item in the collection relates to the space in some way, either through association, or in response to an observation made,” she said. Pippa was interested in how the space had been used throughout the centuries and took ceramic impressions of the floor, which evidence where people have walked, knelt and touched. She created ‘Tablets of Stone’, an installation of 10 floor-mounted pieces, made in response to the architecture of the space in its spiritual, social, historical and cultural aspects.
Goes on Display The University of Worcester Artist in Residency at Worcester Cathedral scheme was first set up in 2004, as a partnership between the University and Cathedral.
We at the Cathedral have been very glad to offer a space in which Maureen and Pippa have been able to work. This exhibition offers all of us an opportunity to see the Cathedral through their eyes.”
One or two artists are selected each year, giving them the opportunity to use the Cathedral space as a site for their art practice and access to University resources and equipment. Maureen and Pippa, who are both members of academic staff in the Institute of Humanities and Creative Arts, were appointed on a two-year residency which finished in December 2010. The Dean of Worcester, the Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, said: “The Artist in Residency scheme is one more sign of the partnership of Worcester Cathedral and the University of Worcester.
“I wanted to capture the space through the sense of touch, looking at where the building was worn,” Pippa said.
Pippa Galpin (left) and Maureen Gamble
Worcester Sports Lecturer Named GB Blind Football Coach A sports lecturer at the University of Worcester has been named as the coach for the Great Britain National Blind Football team in the run up to the 2012 Paralympic Games. David Mycock, lecturer in Sports Coaching Science, has been working with elite blind players for the last seven years through the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) at the University of Worcester. This led to the formation of Worcester Blind Football Club, which has been National Blind Futsal Champions in two of the last three years, and the development of a European Blind Football Network. David’s role will mean he will be part of the national team’s monthly residential training camps, which are to be held at Hereford’s Royal National College for the Blind.
“I am absolutely delighted to be appointed coach,” he said. “It’s a huge honour and a really big challenge.” The University of Worcester has a strong commitment to disability sports with extensive work in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair fencing, among others. The new Worcester Arena planned by the University for the City is being designed with disability sport at its heart. “This is a fantastic opportunity at the elite level of disability sports and signifies the University’s approach and commitment to this sector,” David added. Currently the national Blind football squad is ranked second in Europe and fourth in the world through the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) official rankings. David will now be present at the World Games in Turkey this Easter, the European Championships in Moscow in July and the
6 / FEBRUARY 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
London 2012 Paralympic Games. Mick Donovan, Head of the University of Worcester’s Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “David has David Mycock worked tirelessly with colleagues at the University to support athletes at local, regional and national level and the initiative he has shown in all aspects within this work has been excellent. We are very proud of this recognition for him and believe he will do a great job.”
NEWS
Professional Development in Leadership & Management W
orcester Business School has run a successful CPD programme covering aspects of Leadership and Management for Senior Managers with a range of Corporate Clients over the last 15 months. Recently, we have become aware that a number of external organisations would welcome an ‘open’ version of the programme, allowing an exchange of ideas and approaches between Senior Managers in different organisations and sectors. Consequently, the Business School is looking to launch such a programme in Spring 2011, drawing together colleagues from sectors as diverse as the Emergency Services, Housing Trusts, High Technology Manufacturing and Education. The best solutions to current problems can often be found through exploring alternative tried and tested approaches from elsewhere, and it is this philosophy of sharing good practice that has driven this development to date.
The Business School would like to offer Middle and Senior Managers in the University of Worcester, the opportunity to embark on this Leadership & Management programme, with all its advantages of networking opportunity, and insights into practice stemming from a diversity of sectors, through a blended learning approach. Some of you may be aware of and attending The Leadership & Management Development programme delivered by Rob Sykes And Malcolm Armstrong, however this programme has a different focus and does not duplicate this provision. Leading to Excellence is a new programme of short and intensive two-day courses delivered by highly qualified academics that have substantial and relevant business experience.
Our bite-size courses are specifically designed to provide you with the added knowledge, tools and techniques to help you make an effective contribution to your role, your team and the organisation as a whole. With a focus on applied learning, the courses will encourage you to relate new knowledge and skills to real leadership and management scenarios. The programmes are all fully accredited and offer you a framework for Continuing Professional Development. Leading to Excellence operates through a series of two-day, accredited modules, each offering 10 credits towards a P.G Certificate in Leadership & Management (60 credits), P.G Diploma in Leadership & Management (120 credits) or an MBA in Executive Leadership & Management (180 credits). The programme utilises a variety of approaches, including Work-Based Learning, Work-related learning and Action Research. All assessments are designed to add value to your section/ department and to enhance your effectiveness in your role. Sessions will normally take place over a series of day/ half-day inputs (depending upon demand), and you will be supported through the learning/ assessment process by a subject specialist from the Business School. The course uses, mainly, 10-credit modules, each priced at £370.00. There may be some support for part of the fee available from the University. Further details can be found on the WBS web pages at : http://www.worcester.ac.uk/departments/11053.html or for an informal chat, contact Tim Maxfield (01905 855284) or t.maxfield@worc.ac.uk, in the Business School.
Health and Wellbeing Centre open for business The McClelland Health and Wellbeing Centre, based on the city campus site, is a unique facility developed jointly by the Institute of Health and Society and the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science. It will offer a range of health and fitness activities for staff, students and, ultimately members of the general public.
Health MOTs are now available.
After many months’ development and investment in state of the art equipment it is ready to open.
One of the new services provided is a Health MOT and Wellbeing Check - and when better to have a full check than now at the start of a New Year? Your health and well-being will be assessed, an advisory plan of action developed for you to follow and guidance and motivation on how to achieve your goals. The Health MOT is offered in the strictest of confidence.
For February 2011 there is free membership of the exercise suite – as an encouragement to “try before you buy” to all UW staff across both campuses.
If you would like to take up this free offer - and only a limited number are available - please contact the Centre either by telephone on x2001 or via email: wellbeing@worc.ac.uk
If you would like to find out more information, or take up this free offer and arrange your first visit, please contact either Dan Finnegan, Wellbeing Centre Officer, or Marianna Moore Clinic Administrator, on x2001 (or via wellbeing@worc.ac.uk).
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / FEBRUARY 2011 / 7
NEWS
Why bother?
Play Aims to Encourage Youngsters to Think About University A
brand new play exploring the benefits of Higher Education is to tour Herefordshire and Worcestershire schools. ‘University... Why Bother?’ has been devised by a group of University of Worcester drama students and aims to encourage schoolchildren to think about the benefits of higher education. It comes at a time when students are facing a significant increase in tuition fees in England. Four characters tell the stories of their journey into and beyond university. Julie Fisher, Outreach Officer in the University’ Widening Participation unit, said: “’Why Bother’ aims to challenge higher education stereotypes and encourage the audience to explore their own interests to discover the links to a whole range of future possibilities. “The play’s core message is about understanding the link between hard work and opportunity and we hope will provide a thought provoking assembly for learners in years 9 and 10.” The University’s Widening Participation unit commissioned the play with the aim of raising aspirations. Twenty-two-year-old Amy Lee Cole, a third year drama student, said: “We wanted to think about the reasons that people do not go to university, such as having no encouragement from their family, feeling like it’s beyond them or financial difficulties, and then challenge those. “Each of the characters goes on a journey through university and in the end the audience gets to see what became of them.” Thirty-five-year-old Sharon Wells, also a third year student, added: “We think it will have an impact on the youngsters who see the play and hope that it will encourage them to at least consider that university could be an option for them.”
8 / FEBRUARY 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Dealing with Debt Wednesday 9th February 10am to 2pm Information will be available on different types of debt, budgeting for and managing repayments, and where to get help when debt becomes unmanageable. University Welfare and Financial Advisers will be on hand with information and advice. Plus – enter the competition for the chance to win a chocolate filled piggy bank!
Go Green Week is People & Planet’s annual national week of action on climate change in schools, colleges and universities. From 7-14 February 2011 students will be holding a week of activities to raise awareness and launch their Going Greener projects to students and staff in their communities. People & Planet groups will be creating a positive transition vision of their universities and showcasing practical solutions for a low-carbon future. Falling so close to Valentine’s Day, the theme for Go Green Week is “Love your Future, Love your Climate”. Students from across the UK will also come together for a day of co-ordinated stunts to tell the government to invest in our futures by cutting the carbon, not education.
Ten Golden Rules for living sustainably at the University of Worcester 1.
Drink tap water
2.
Use active transport: walk, cycle and use the stairs inside not lifts
3.
Reduce paper use: double sided photocopying, reuse scrap paper, don’t print emails and other documents unless absolutely necessary – hold paperless meetings
4.
Eat more fruit and vegetables, locally produced and minimally processed
5.
Turn off lights, computers, chargers etc when not in use
6.
Turn down the thermostat and wear an extra layer
7.
Use your own mug, not disposable cups
8. Hold video conferences – rather than asking people to travel to meetings 9.
Only fill the kettle with enough water for the number of cups you are making
10. Think before you buy: do you need it - can you share it?
NEWS
Top Flight Netball Club Backs Worcester Arena T
Schoolchildren Explore the Science Behind Sport
he Evesham Reds Netball Club, currently in the England Netball National Premier League 3, is backing the University of Worcester’s Worcester Arena campaign.
The Club made the University its home in September. As the University moves ever closer to the new Worcester Arena, netball will become an integral part of the operation and will provide Evesham Reds with a state-of-the-art facility for training and match play. Craig Williams, Sport and Recreation Facilities Manager at the University, said: “The University’s link with the Club has always been strong and with the exciting facility and playing initiatives ahead, the provision for netball in the County has never looked better. “With the support of the latest technology in sports science, strength & conditioning, coaching and performance analysis the University’s staff and students will be able to provide the necessary support to help the Reds continue the impressive recent record.” Claire Lojko, Evesham Reds Netball Club Captain, said: “We’re really excited about the building of the new Worcester Arena and the strong partnership that we have made as a club with the University of Worcester. The new arena will provide access to top quality training and fixture facilities as we continue on our quest to progress within the National Premier League. “The prospect of utilising such a fantastic venue in future seasons is extremely exciting for us and will help the club to develop the next generation of players.
M
ore than 1,500 schoolchildren from across the West Midlands had the opportunity to explore the science behind sporting skill at a special two-day event in January.
The Evesham Reds Netball Club
The Arena will greatly raise the profile of netball within our local area and really help to put Worcestershire on the netball map.” Mick Donovan, head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “Netball has seen one of the biggest increases in terms of participation in the past 12 months in the UK. The introduction of an arena with three indoor courts would create fantastic opportunities for young players whatever their level of ability. The improved facilities, the dynamic existing cohort of coaches and volunteers in the region, together with the growing number of qualified student coaches from the University clearly promises a bright future for the sport.” To find out more about the Worcester Arena and the ongoing fundraising campaign visit www.worcesterarena.com
The event entitled The Science in Sport: What is Skill? saw pupils in years seven, eight and nine from schools across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and the West Midlands, learn the answers to such questions as: How can some athletes control their body so effectively? What is it that allows a golfer to hit a ball 200 yards into a 3 inch hole? And how does a gymnast balance on a beam? Will Norman, Outreach Coordinator in the Widening Participation unit at the University of Worcester, said: “The New Year Lectures are designed to be fun and engaging for those who take part, and they are designed to contain a strong element of interactivity. Using examples within sport the students are introduced to the importance of science in advancing elite performance and how the underpinning science relates to all aspects of everyday life.” The sessions were delivered by Chris Hughes, senior lecturer in biomechanics at the School of Sport and Exercise Science. Mick Donovan, Head of the University of Worcester’s School of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “Within the Institute of Sports and Exercise Science we are always looking for new ways of generating interest in our subject and we are excited at the potential benefits for youngsters with this different approach to learning.”
In memoriam It is with much sadness that the University announces the death of two of our colleagues.
Amy Adkins had been with us since 1997, working in the Facilities team. She had been ill for some time and died on 2 January 2011. Our thoughts are with her husband Mike and their son Mark at this sad time.
Donna Bishop from the Sports Centre, died very suddenly in hospital at the beginning of January, after a short illness. She had been with us since January 2007 and was known to staff and students as the cheerful face behind the Sports Centre desk. Donna was 25 years old and has a young daughter who attended the Nursery here before going to school.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / FEBRUARY 2011 / 9
NEWS
New Exhibition in Former Hospital Ward will Celebrate History of Medicine Extensive collections of medical equipment, documents and uniforms are to go on public display for the first time, in the building where the British Medical Association was founded, thanks to a £537,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. A new permanent exhibition, celebrating the history of medicine, is being created in a ward of the former Worcester Royal Infirmary, to be called Museum@WRI. The BMA was founded by Sir Charles Hastings in the boardroom of the former hospital in 1832 and the site now forms the University’s City Campus. The University is working with the George Marshall Medical Museum in the City to develop the new exhibition. It will include collections of artefacts from the Infirmary and across Worcestershire, as well as exhibitions celebrating the history of the site. There will be an emphasis on education and participation, with activities to get schoolchildren and members of the public involved.
Anne Jenkins, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the West Midlands, said: “As one of the first cities outside London to found a voluntary hospital in the 18th century, Worcester has a rich historical legacy charting the development of healthcare provision over the past 300 years. This exciting new exhibition will enable people of all ages to take part in and learn about this extraordinary heritage.” Catriona Smellie, Curator at the George Marshall Medical Museum based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, said: “The exhibition will include a lively interactive area, which will link the history of medicine to contemporary medical issues such as obesity and mental illness. The exhibition will also celebrate the history of the WRI in the Worcester community, and the stories of people who worked and were treated there during 300 years.”
asked to share their memories and stories of the WRI and will be able to vote and give opinions on today’s medical issues, such as stem cell research. Designed by Bristol-based Simon Fenn, the exhibition will include ‘talking beds’ and examples of traditional Victorian wards. The current George Marshall Medical Museum at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital will remain open, displaying further exhibitions of the City’s medical past.
Artist’s impressions of the new exhibition
Anne Hannaford, Director of Information and Learning Services, added: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the history of this site and to engage the community in the history and future of medicine.” Visitors to the exhibition, which is expected to open toward the end of this year, will be
This just in... Dr Barbara Mitra Dr Barbara Mitra, Subject Leader Media and Cultural Studies has published a collaborative Journal article with Jenny Lewin-Jones, Senior Lecturer in Language Centre, and Heather Barrett, Principal Lecturer, Geography and S. Williamson, research assistant: ‘The use of video to enable deep learning’ Research in Post-Compulsory Education, Vol. 15 (4) December (2010) pp. 405-414. Barbara Mitra and Reuben Irving, Senior Lecturers in IHCA, have been successful in having stage 2 of our knowledge transfer grant approved: Developing a Commercial Strategy for Subject Specific Films made for Teaching – Mitra, B. and Irving, R. for £10,750 from the University Knowledge Transfer Grant.
University’s Matchday Hospitality Event at Sixways Join us on Saturday 2 April at the Championship play-off to see the Warriors fight for a place in the Premiership. Tickets cost just £30 for an adult and £20 for a child and includes a hearty meal. Drinks can be purchased from the hospitality suite bar. Kick-off is at 3pm. All proceeds will go to the Worcester Arena fundraising campaign. To register your interest email: b.heaney@worc.ac.uk
10 / FEBRUARY 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Latest research from the WBS Klaus Oestreicher from the Worcester Business School is currently researching innovations in the home entertainment industry, identifying which way replicators seek to find a profitable future in the face of radical, sometimes disruptive, innovations from outside the industry. For further information on Klaus’s research, visit: http://www.dvd-intelligence.com/
Open Afternoon February Open Afternoon will take place on Wednesday 23 February, 1-5pm. More information to follow.
NEWS
Conference notes from the largest Science Education conference in Europe Leading change in science education Report by Dr Karen Blackmore, Dr Sue Howarth and Linda Scott.
Edible chemistry cookies!
We went to the largest Science education conference in Europe. We came back with champagne, top feedback on our presentation, lots of ideas, new professional contacts and very happy students!
As Science Educators, a major event for us in the UK is the Association for Science Education’s annual conference, held at the University of Reading. Dr Karen Blackmore (primary education Science senior lecturer), Dr Sue Howarth (secondary education Science senior lecturer) and Linda Scott (secondary education senior lecturer Science and Science Technology Engineering and Maths / STEM manager for Herefordshire and Worcestershire) from the Institute of Education at Worcester headed south to Reading along with many of our keen postgraduate student secondary Science teachers.
Our delivery of national STEM focal areas such as the promotion of further and higher education and careers in STEM subjects, and the celebration of 2011 as the United Nations International Year of Chemistry, was given a boost by accessing the ideas, resources and contacts presented by other lecturers and exhibitors. Closer to home, planning our contribution to the collaborative project between STEM staff in the Institute of Education, the Education and Outreach staff from Worcester Cathedral and Worcestershire L.A. was similarly enhanced by judicious networking. Prior to attending the conference (in their own time on Saturday 8th), our PGCE students were briefed about the excellent range of opportunities available and they managed to pack in several lectures or workshops as well as scouring the three exhibition marquees for information, advice and ‘freebies’. They each returned with bulging carrier bags full of resources and a multitude of ideas which we look forward to hearing about and seeing implemented in their placement schools. A wonderful conference and we are already planning our contribution for next January’s conference in Liverpool. If anyone would like to know more or would like to be involved, do get in touch with Sue (s.howarth@ worc.ac.uk). Proposals for the 2012 conference are due in April this year. Information about the STEM education work with local schools and communities and how staff and students can become involved is available from the STEM Office in Bredon 14, stempoint@worc.ac.uk or by emailing Linda at l.scott@worc.ac.uk
Along with over 3,000 Science educators, exhibitors and other interested people, we had an amazing time. Sue and Karen’s presentation: ‘Science Clubs and Beyond’ was supported by the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour’s new Education Officer, Charlotte Evans. Other attendees included student teachers, Science teachers from the UK and abroad, Science education lecturers and local authority consultants. After entertaining and educating our audience with ideas ranging from owl ecology, edible ‘science cookies’, ‘magic’ wands and burning teabags, we were delighted to receive excellent feedback. The session also provided a platform for making research contacts with audience participants and their colleagues. Other highlights included: •
Meeting Wynne Harlen, much-respected author of many key education texts ;
•
One of our PGCE students winning a bottle of champagne for being the most accurate in measuring micro volumes for the Royal Institution (well done, Andreas Bergman)
•
Listening to Steve Jones talking about the nature v nurture debate
•
The privilege of hearing Sir David Attenborough speak about his career and, at the age of over 80, his next projects which include 3-D filming.
Charlotte Evans, ASAB Education Officer, on the left, with a participant at the UW presentation, getting involved with an owl ecology project.
Wynne Harlen, left, and Karen Blackmore
The keynote Nuffield Foundation Lecture on ‘The Adolescent Brain’ provided Linda with copious notes and plans to review relevant sections of our Secondary PGCE programme in the light of the recent research information. Professor Steve Jones and Sir David Attenborough
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / FEBRUARY 2011 / 11
NEWS
Dragon tamers SPEED WM Worcester programme successfully launched
T
he Student Placements for Entrepreneurs in Education West Midlands (SPEED WM) at the University of Worcester opened its doors once again, giving entrepreneurs the chance to realise their ambitions and make their business dreams come true.
The SPEED WM programme offers a 9 month placement to budding entrepreneurs in the West Midlands. SPEED WM is designed to help entrepreneurs with a sound business idea take the first steps towards running their own business. The programme provides financial support of up to £3,000 and gives access to accredited professional training, mentoring and networking opportunities. Entrepreneurs from all backgrounds were encouraged to pitch their business ideas to a Dragon’s Den style panel, resulting in a range of new companies created including computer simulated racing car experiences, natural healing therapy and even a theatrical group. This year the programme has exceeded its recruitment target with a record number of 38 students on board. Laura Lewis, the programme manager at the University, said ‘We’re really looking forward to guiding these businesses further and seeing them develop into a real success stories’.
The induction, held on 11th January, proved to be a popular event. The SPEED WM students were introduced to the scheme and then each other, providing a brief overview of their business ideas. Additionally, a number of guest The entrepreneurs surviving the pitch speakers attended the evening, helpfully sharing their business knowledge and experiences with the students. The current programme runs until 2011 and may be extended beyond that. Look out for these budding entrepreneurs over the coming months! By Kim Thomas Graduate Intern in the Business Development Office
HOWZAT! The Lifelong Learning Network draws to a close The Lifelong Learning Network for Herefordshire and Worcestershire officially ended on 31 December. This was a network of HE providers and other partners linked to education in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We started in November 2006, and were tasked with helping to increase the numbers of vocational and part time students entering and succeeding in higher education.
Did we make a difference? In September 2009, we had 1568 learners on LLN designated courses. Overall there was a 35% increase on the number of undergraduate students entering with vocational qualifications, with increases of 60% and 88% in health & social care and sport & the arts respectively. Of the 1568 LLN learners, 1244 were part time, representing 79% of the total. There are also 10 work based learning courses in development, designed specifically to enable students to combine work and study. Our research showed that of the 200 students registered on LLN courses for 2007/8, 88% completed their first year, and that in total, the success rate for those students with vocational level 3 qualifications was 96% compared with 84% of A/AS level students. We supported the development of 50 new or modified courses across our three curriculum areas, of which 48 had the involvement of employers, plus an additional 22 eLearning projects with 8 partners. We have developed 20 formal progression agreements with another 19 in draft, providing opportunities for up to 900 students per year. We have also produced progression maps for five broad subject areas, for two whole colleges, a county and for all Level 3 apprenticeships. Our information website, Wider Horizons, had approximately 93,000 visits in the last year. Our most popular taster course in Engineering currently attracts 400 hits per week. We have held four HE Fairs, supporting a total of 2150 young people. We supported 129 projects, involving 22 partners, with a total value of approximately £800,000. We are proud to say that HWLLN has achieved what it set out to achieve, has met its aims, outcomes and targets, has facilitated the working together of the institutions within the two counties, and ultimately, made a positive difference for vocational and part time learners. 12 / FEBRUARY 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Cricketing Collection Donated to University in Memory of Former Headteacher A collection of cricketing books, ranging from manuals to history guides, has been donated to the University of Worcester in memory of a West Midlands headmaster. John Read was the head of Jessons CE Primary School in Dudley for more than 20 years, having devoted his entire working life to education. His nephew, Clive Read, said: “His love of learning and of making a difference was matched by his love of sport, especially cricket, and his lifelong following of Worcestershire CCC. Colleagues could rely on my uncle if they ever wanted to know the close of play scores and scorecard at New Road.” The collection will be catalogued and placed within the University’s research collections for students to use. Mick Donovan, Head of the University’s Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “We are very excited about the development of a new cricket degree, with the added dimension that it offers. Now, to be able to offer the students the opportunity to utilise the excellent collection of texts that have been so kindly donated, gives the course an even bigger boost.”
COVERFEATURE STAFF STORY
In the second of our new feature, delving into the lives of University staff, Dr John Dutton reveals his passion for helping vulnerable people.
Beyond the Classroom: When a call goes out for a missing person, a dedicated team of unpaid professionals is often at the heart of the search. The SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) volunteers are made up of men and women from all walks of life, and among them is a University of Worcester lecturer. Dr John Dutton, Senior Lecturer in Ecology with the Institute of Science and the Environment, has been a member of SARA for more than two years, and before that was involved with search and rescue teams in Norfolk for around 10 years. For him, being a member of the Association is about helping vulnerable people and the communities from which they come.
As a father of two young daughters, John said the worst part of the job was searching for children and young people. “When you have your own children it really brings it home to you,” he said. “Luckily I haven’t had to deal with many missing children but I have been on stand by for a few, which is really difficult.” John wears a pager and can be called out at anytime of the day, seven days a week. He trains with the crew twice a week, as well as attending a number of training courses. All of SARA’s crews are unpaid and spend hours raising funds to keep the charity running. “I have spent hours at supermarkets collecting money or taking part in other charity events,” he said. “Each SARA station needs to raise between £20,000 and £30,000 a year to keep going. We have to buy our kit, maintain the boats and pay for training.”
“For me it’s the desire to help others who are less fortunate,” he said. “Whether that is looking for a missing person and finding them safe and well or looking for a body to give closure to relatives and their communities. It can be extremely difficult at times but it is also very rewarding.” John’s interest in search and rescue began in 1994 when he joined a 4x4 response team in Norfolk, where he had settled after completing his degree and PhD. Five years later he established Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue Team with a colleague, which is still in operation today. On moving back to his home town of Gloucester, John soon craved to be part of the search and rescue scene again and eventually joined SARA’s Tewkesbury station.
What do you get up to when you leave the Campus? Email Sally Jones with your interesting stories s.jones@worc.ac.uk
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk 13 / FEBRUARY 2011 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 13