news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
October 2012
Beeline
In this issue:
Honorary Graduation Former Students Return to Worcester p.2
World Championships Staff and Students Take Part in Duathlon World Championships p.9
NSS Results Nurses ‘Most Satisfied in Country’ p.15
The University of Worcester Storytelling Festival for Children p.4-5
Honorary Awards
FEATURE
Almost 800 former students returned to the University of Worcester on Saturday 1 September to receive their honorary degree at Worcester Cathedral. The special ceremony was to recognise those who earned an award leading to Qualified Teacher Status between 1946 and 1977 with a Bachelor Degree. More than 1,200 former students of the University, including many members of the same families and couples who met while studying at Worcester, have received the honorary award either on the day or in absentia, in recognition of their contribution to education. It was a momentous occasion, as the ancestors of today’s University of Worcester filled the city’s cathedral for their ceremonies. Great grandchildren and grandchildren watched their grandparents take to the dais to receive their degrees from the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor David Green. Among those 800 collecting their awards were Peter Ward and Edna Pugh (nee Watkins), who left the then
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Emergency Teacher Training College in 1949, over 60 years ago, and were reunited at this celebratory event. Peter, who turned 90 this year, has very fond memories of the college where he met his wife Jean Ward (nee Rawlings). In 2009 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Sadly, Jean passed away this summer. Professor Green told the alumni that he was proud of the hard work, intelligence and perception they had displayed, and he estimated that between them they had taught a quarter of a million children during their careers. “None of this would have been possible without the strong foundations developed by the staff and students of the former teacher training college who gave birth to today’s University,” he said. After the ceremony, alumni gathered outside the cathedral enjoying reunions with old friends and colleagues, before taking coaches back to the University for a reception.
COVER STORY wELCOME 1: Duathlon World Championships, p.9, 2: Beeline, p.4, 3: ‘Arts, Hearts and Minds’, p.11, 4: Nicola Hill, p.14, 5: Wolves Sponsorship, p.14.
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contents
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FEATURE 5
October 2012
W
elcome to the October issue of News & Views, featuring a round-up of news, updates and milestones from the past month at the University of Worcester. Our cover story this month showcases the many public events on offer at the 2012 Beeline Festival. From best-selling authors to brand new puppet shows this year’s storytelling festival for children has something suitable for all. There has been plenty to celebrate over the past month, starting with the Honorary
Awards event that took place at the start of September. Almost 800 former students returned to Worcester and took part in a special graduation ceremony. The University’s first nursing degree programme scored a full 100% satisfaction rating in the National Student Survey. Read the full results from this independent survey on page 15. We need your news, stories and profiles. Please send them to us at newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
UNIVERSITY MARKS WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY The University of Worcester will be supporting World Mental Health Day with a series of events, including a special exhibition to raise awareness about mental health issues. The theme of this year, announced by the World Federation for Mental Health, is “Depression: A Global Crisis”. The organised events, which include a prize winning word-search challenge, will take place at St John’s Campus on
10 October from 10am until 2pm and at City Campus from 10am until 12noon. The day supports open discussion of mental disorders and investment in prevention, promotion and treatment services. World Mental Health Day was first observed as a national event in 1992 with the aim of promoting mental health advocacy and educating the public on relevant issues.
Honorary Awards
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COVER STORY Beeline 2012
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news Head Teachers Awarded University Fellowships 6 65% Increase in AAB Students 6 Contribution to Climate Change Report 7 Zumba Classes 7 Chaplain Becomes a Minor Canon 7 Journalism Students at London 2012 8 Scholars Key Role in National Literary Festival 8 World Duathlon Championships 9 Writer in Residence 9 British Sign Language Course 10 From Conference Discussion to Bookshelf 11 The Hive Hosts Photographic Exhibition 11 University Celebrates Night of Successes 12 Sports Student Scoops Volunteer of the Year Award 12 Businesses Gather for Cyber Security Seminar 13 Fine Art Graduate Awarded Exclusive Scholarship 13 Worcester Wolves Announce New Sponsor 14 Student Aims for National Young Rider Championship 14 Appeal for Donations 15 First Years Plan Fundraising Campaign 15 Worcester Nursing Students Most Satisfied in Country 15
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T he U niversity of W orcester Storytelling Festival for Children 3rd - 27 th October 2012 Welcome to the Beeline Festival
The Beeline Festival is for children and it’s all about telling stories. Now in its seventh year, the Festival has grown into one of the largest children’s events in the area. With many exciting performances, workshops and projects for schools, and a growing number of family shows, we intend this year’s Festival to be the best yet. Throughout October we will host many of the UK’s top children’s authors, storytellers, artists, performers, musicians and puppeteers who will work in many venues across the city including The Hive, the University campuses, museums, libraries, theatres and parks.
Family events:
Jacqueline Wilson
Saturday 6th October 2pm at Huntingdon Hall - tickets £5.50 from Worcester Live Box Office Former Children’s Laureate and best-selling author Dame Jacqueline Wilson will be appearing at the Beeline Festival as part of her tour to promote her latest book in the hugely popular Hetty Feather series. Jacqueline is one of the nation’s favourite authors, and her books are loved and cherished by young readers not only in the UK but all over the world. According to a recent Mori poll, Jacqueline was voted English children’s favourite author.
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Morris Gleitzman
Tuesday 9th October 6pm at The Hive - tickets £5.50 from Worcester Live Box Office Internationally renowned Australian children’s writer Morris Gleitzman will be appearing at the Beeline Festival as part of his UK tour. Irrepressible, hugely successful, multi-awardwinning, a keen wit with a roguish edge, Morris is one of Australia’s funniest children’s authors.
COVER STORY
Story Hunter
Theatre Co. Present
The Popol Vuh
Thursday 11th October 6.30pm at The Hive - tickets £4 from The Hive Café Told with a stunning visual display of colour and energy, the Mayan creation The Popol Vuh is brought to life. Using puppetry, mask, dance and physical theatre to bring a vibrancy and sensitivity to the tales of old, enabling them to be shared in the present moment with a touching humanity. This is a delight not to be missed!
Michael Rosen
Wednesday 17th October 6pm at The Hive - tickets £5.50 from Worcester Live Box Office Former Children’s Laureate and popular children’s author Michael Rosen will be appearing at the Beeline Festival. The author of children’s classics such as ‘Going on a Bear Hunt’, ‘Book of Nonsense’, and ‘Sad Book’; Michael is a prolific writer and broadcaster and is known for his passion in encouraging children to read.
Red Dress Theatre
Company Present Moon Ladder Thursday 18th October
6.30pm at The Hive - tickets £4 from The Hive Café
Moon Ladder is a magical, intimate and lyrical journey of imagination. An original story inspired by a song sang to a little girl at bed time, Moon Ladder is told through a solo performance of visual/ dance theatre with original music, animation and a huge, silk bedspread. You are invited to sit around Elisha’s bed as she journeys from her room through stormy seas, a field of moon flowers, and becomes lost in a strange forest as she tries to put her moon in the right place within the sky. But moons are slippery things...
Fetch Theatre Company Present East
of the Sun, West of the Moon
Wednesday 24th October 6.30pm at The Hive - tickets £4 from The Hive Café Inspired by a traditional Nordic story, East of the Sun, West of the Moon is a spellbinding tale of adventure, mystery and romance featuring a magical white bear, a young girl and a troll. The Fetch is a touring theatre company producing a highly visual style of theatre incorporating mask work, puppetry and music.
Stories on the Island
Saturday 13th October, 10.30am (5-7 years) 11.30am (8-12 years) Saturday 20th October, 10.30am & 11.30am (7-11 years) Saturday 27th October 10.30am (5-7 years) 11.30am (8-12 years) The Hive Storytelling Island– tickets free from The Hive Café Join us on our specially designed storytelling island. On each of the Saturdays listed we will be joined by professional storytellers who will tell stories from around the world. Shows may vary in content and are aimed at particular age groups: please see above. Tickets are free of charge but spaces are limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
For further details of our extensive programme of events with schools please visit our website:
www.worcester.ac.uk/beeline
To purchase tickets from Worcester Live Box Office visit Huntingdon Hall, Crowngate, Worcester, WR1 3LD or call 01905 611427 To purchase tickets from The Hive Café visit The Hive, Sawmill Walk, Worcester, WR1 3PB
Supported by
a partnership between
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Head Teachers Awarded University Fellowships Three of Worcestershire’s inspirational head teachers have been recognised for their commitment and leadership at the University of Worcester’s Honorary Award Degree Ceremony at Worcester Cathedral.
forward to working ever more closely with the University of Worcester, especially in the fields of teacher training and the further development of quality of teaching and learning. I will certainly strive to be of service in whatever ways I can.”
Clive Corbett, Head Teacher of Pershore High School, Tim Keyes, Head Teacher of King’s School Worcester, and Dame Maureen Brennan, Head Teacher at Barr Beacon School, Walsall each received Fellowships from the University at a special ceremony held on Saturday, September 1st, to honour past students who earned an award leading to Qualified Teacher Status between 1946 and 1977.
King’s School Head Teacher, Tim Keyes, impressed the committee with his work in the education sector outside his teaching. This has included being a senior examiner for a national exam board; acting as the representative on the UCAS board of the independent schools’ sector; and being a member of one of the UCAS advisory groups. Tim has previously been a member of the Universities Subcommittee of HMC and has developed a particular interest in the quality of the student experience at university.
Clive, Tim and Maureen were selected by the University Honorary Awards Committee for their outstanding achievements and contribution to education. Clive was the winner of the West Midlands Teaching Award for School Leadership in 2000 and in 2002 became the Head Teacher of Pershore High School. He is now in his 33rd year of teaching and is a local leader in education. Commenting on his fellowship, Clive Corbett said: “I am honoured and deeply humbled to have been chosen to receive such an accolade. Although I am proud to accept it, I believe that it is a reflection of the hard work of so many of my splendid colleagues at Pershore High School. I look
At King’s Worcester, Tim has enjoyed developing the school’s links with other educational institutions, including the University of Worcester. Maureen Brennan, known widely as Mo, started teaching in Birmingham schools in 1976 and subsequently served as a Deputy Head Teacher at a large Birmingham school. Her first headship was at a challenging school in Dudley, which was in special measures when she took over. Under her leadership it became recognised as an Outstanding school by Ofsted.
Top - bottom: Professor David Green with Clive Corbett, Dame Maureen Brennan and Tim Keyes
Mo’s second headship was at Barr Beacon School in Walsall, which was also in an Ofsted category to improve. Barr Beacon transformed under her leadership, with results now at over 80 per cent 5 A* - C including English and Maths.
65% Increase in AAB Students The University has been successful in admitting more AAB, or equivalent, students, particularly in teaching and in sports science and coaching. It comes as some other universities have reported a big drop in top grade applicants. Worcester is one of a handful of universities in the Country which is both rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted for teacher training and ‘Outstanding’ for the subsequent employment in teaching of its graduates. In sport, Worcester enjoys an excellent, international reputation for the
quality of its sports coaching and has pioneered a truly inclusive approach with a very strong specialism in disability sport. Work placements help ensure that Worcester sports science and coaching graduates are some of the most employable in the country. Other areas in which Worcester performs particularly strongly include the training of ante-natal teachers where Worcester has become the university partner for the National Childbirth Trust.
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Professor David Green said: “We are delighted that we are attracting more high achieving students to study at Worcester, against a very difficult and declining national backdrop. “Registrations for Open Events for entry next year are already up by more than a third on last year’s record breaking totals.” This sustained increase in student choice combined with very high educational quality underpinned the University’s successful bid to the Higher Education Funding Council in England for additional student numbers.
NEWS
Worcester Scientists Contribute to Climate Change Report Scientists at the University of Worcester have contributed to a major report on Climate Change, published this week. The Health Protection Agency report explores the risks to public health from climate change.
Zumba Fitness
The University’s weekly classes are back up and running. Classes take place on Tuesdays at the new time of 6.30pm – 7.30pm at the University’s Riverside Building on Hylton Road. Zumba is a Latin dance inspired fitness programme and is an exhilarating and fun way to get fit. All ages and abilities are welcome. Sessions cost £3.50. For more information email suzanne.wells@worc.ac.uk
University Chaplain Becomes a Minor Canon Professor Roy Kennedy
Professor Roy Kennedy and Dr Matt Smith, from the University’s National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU), carried out research into the ‘effects of aeroallergens on human health under climate change’. They concluded that allergy sufferers could expect to see longer pollen seasons, starting earlier in the year, with more rapid symptom development due to an increased potency of aeroallergens associated with pollen and fungal spores. Climate change will also see more people exposed to more pollen from plants moving to new areas because the climate has become favourable. The report recommends that invasive plants, such as ragweed, should be monitored and where possible contained; information supplied to healthcare professionals should be improved so that treatment of existing sufferers and clinical trials of remedies can be effectively planned for; and there should be better distribution of information on pollen and fungal spores to the public so sufferers can understand symptoms, manage their exposure and medication. The study, Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012, is an extensive update of earlier reports published by the Department of Health. The report, which uses the latest UK climate projections published in 2009, also includes a more detailed analysis of the effect rising temperatures will have on death rates in hot and cold spells. Professor Roy Kennedy, Director of NPARU, said: “The Health Protection Agency in partnership with the Department of Health, published its original report on the Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK in 2002 and an update in 2008, with a further revision in 2012 which included aeroallergens (pollen grains and fungal spores). As a centre of excellence for research on pollen it was fitting that NPARU was asked to contribute on this aspect to this prestigious report.”
The University’s Chaplain, The Revd Dr Fiona Haworth, has been invited to become a Minor Canon by Worcester Cathedral and Diocese. The role is the latest in a string of high profile activities for Dr Haworth in recent months.
“It is a great honour to be asked and recognition of the significant role that the University plays in the life of Worcester” says Dr Haworth.
Revd Dr Fiona Haworth
up possibilities for discussion,” she said. Dr Haworth also led a seminar on multi-faith chaplaincy at the annual conference of the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women last month.
A Minor Canon indicates a priest who has definitive connection with the Cathedral Foundation. However, Minor “It was very exciting to be asked Canons are not members of to lead a workshop on Inter Chapter or an Honorary Canon. Faith work at the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Dr Haworth was involved in Women,” she said. organising and running Student Workshops at the Greenbelt “I hope that our involvement will Festival in Cheltenham, which encourage people to share their was held 24 August – 27 own experiences of inter faith August. encounters and also to seek out During the Festival, she chaired opportunities to get to know people of other faiths. a high-profile discussion exploring Islam, Judaism and “Some of the greatest issues Christianity. Introduced by facing the world today require Michael Wakelin, the Director people of good will to build of Coexist Foundation at bridges between different Cambridge, the panel consisted races and faiths in order to of Dr Tim Winter, Dr Raphael seek outcomes that will benefit Zarum and Revd Michael Battle. humanity as a whole.” “It was a great privilege to meet three leading thinkers in their respective faith traditions and to play a small part in opening
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NEWS
London 2012:
A Lifetime Experience for Five Journalism Students Five Journalism students from the University of Worcester spent the summer reporting on the London 2012 Olympics for a host of American and British publications. The students got the chance to get inside the Olympic Village and meet Olympians first hand to gather a range of stories from the worldwide event. It was part of a joint project between the University of Worcester, the American Ball State University and the Chicago Tribune. Forty-five students from both Worcester and Ball State universities used Worcester as a base and rotated between the City and a London base to provide material for the Olympics. The Worcester journalism students helped with gathering information for the Tribune, the Daily Star Press in Muncie, Indiana and Indiana Public Radio (IPR). They also delivered material for regional press in the West Midlands. “It wasn’t until towards the end of the closing ceremony when the British flag entered the stadium that it began to hit me what I had accomplished,” says Aaron
Wise, one of the Worcester Journalism students. “God Save The Queen bellowed out around the Olympic Park and the realisation I was a part of what the world was seeing was incredible.” Covering the Olympics proved to be a unique lifetime and work experience for the Worcester students as some of it included speaking live on radio to over a million Americans, participating in a feature film aired on ESPN and a documentary film, interviewing fans, security, GB athletes and volunteers around the park and visiting the GB House. The future journalists had the chance to meet and speak personally to Jason Whitlock, leading sport journalist for FOX Sports. “I could go as far as saying this experience could be the game changer in my career,” adds Aaron. “I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt from this experience is although
you have the down days where nothing goes your way and the good days where you do something amazing, it’s all part of the day job as a journalist.” Social media played a key role in covering the Olympics as the students’ Facebook and Twitter pages were updated constantly. The students’ main sports website is at http://www.ballstatesports.com/ and the student newspaper at http://www. bsudailynews.com/ Aaron Wise’s blog is available at http:// wuattheolympics.blogspot.co.uk/
Scholars’ Key Role in National Literary Festival Two scholars from the University of Worcester took part in the annual Blenheim Palace Literary Festival at Woodstock last month. Professor Jean Webb interviewed award-winning children’s writer and poet Kevin Crossley-Holland as part of the Festival’s schools programme. Meanwhile, Dr Claire Cochrane chaired a discussion between leading Shakespeare scholar Professor Jonathan Bate and Renaissance expert Dr Dora Thornton, as part of the public programme. Kevin Crossley-Holland, author of the Arthur trilogy and a series of Viking sagas, discussed his work with children’s literature expert Professor Webb for pupils of Woodstock’s Marlborough School. Mr CrossleyHolland’s Arthur trilogy has been translated into 23 languages and has sold over one million copies
worldwide. The second of his Viking sagas, Scramasax, is published on the eve of the festival. He is also President of the School Library Association. Dr Claire Cochrane, Senior Lecturer in Drama, led a debate between Professor Jonathan Bate and Dr Dora Thornton, who joined forces to produce a book, providing a unique insight into the lives of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Shakespeare: Staging the World, published to coincide with a major new exhibition at the British Museum, links historical objects and works of art with Shakespeare’s plays to show how the playwright informed his audience of major events and issues of the day.
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Professor Jean Webb
NEWS
FATHER, SON AND STUDENT GEAR UP FOR WORLD DUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS A Personal Trainer, who has just completed his degree at the University of Worcester, has competed alongside his son and another Worcester student at the World Duathlon Championship this month. Marc Scriven, who has just been appointed Manager of the University’s new Strength and Conditioning Programme, qualified for the 50-55 age group category, while son Paul competed in the 20-24 category, and Master’s student Dan Geisler competed in the 25-29 category. The three have all been training together for the contest, which saw them run 10k, followed by a 40k bike ride, and then another 5k run. The competition took place in Nancy in France from September 20th – 23rd. Marc, who competed in his first World Championships 10 years ago and has not been out of the top 10 since that time, said:
Marc’s 24-year-old son, Paul, a brick-layer in Worcester, competed in his first duathlon four years ago, and last year finished seventh in the world championships. “It’s really great to be able to train and compete with my dad, even though we’re not in direct competition against each other,” Paul said. “I did a lot of running at a national level when I was at school and watching my dad compete in duathlons inspired me to give it a go.” For Dan, a primary school teacher at Clifton-upon-Teme, it will be his first world championships and only his second season of competing. “I’m really looking forward to it as it will be the first time I’ve really trained and prepared for something like this,” said the 25-year-old. “I got into duathlons through Paul, as we played football together. It’s a huge buzz that you get from it.” Dan, who carried out his teacher training at the University of Worcester, “We have been training is currently completing a Master’s every day and are really degree in teaching at the University. looking forward to this competition. It’s particularly Marc, who used to have his own chain of gyms in Worcestershire, has special for me to have my just completed a degree in Sports & son also competing, and Exercise Science, and will now go on fantastic that Dan has also to run the University’s new Strength qualified, so there’s a good and Conditioning Programme, which Worcester representation.” will run from the Worcester Arena
Marc Scriven (centre) with Paul and Dan
when it opens early next year. “My role will be not only to support academic staff but to also make sure students get all the technical assistance they need,” he said. “Ultimately we would like to work towards offering Strength and Conditioning qualifications that students can take alongside their degrees.”
Writer in Residence
Duncan Forbes
A renowned poet and painter has been appointed the new Writer in Residence at the University. Duncan Forbes has six published collections of poems and his first exhibition of artwork, Thames & Elsewhere, took place in Henley in 2009. The latest selection of his poems, Lifelines, was published by Enitharmon in 2009. Duncan is now a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund (RLF). His post at the University, for the next year, has been organised and paid for by the RLF. “It is an honour to have been selected by the Royal Literary Fund to become Writer in Residence at the University of Worcester,” he said. “I have been helping writers and students with
their use of English for much of my working life and I now look forward to assisting individuals here with assignments in whatever discipline.” Duncan will be available to anyone at the University for advice on academic or general writing skills. Students can book appointments for support in planning, structure, accuracy and writing of assignments in any discipline. As well as writing poems, he has taught English for years and until 2009 he was Head of English at Wycombe Abbey School in High Wycombe. He is also well known for teaching Literature and History of Art. Photo courtesy of Jane Martindale
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NEWS
Signature Accredited Qualification in
British Sign Language Level one
25 week course – consisting of 3 separate units. Also includes workshops and preparation for assessments. Taught by a qualified/experienced deaf tutor. Starts - Tuesday 2nd October 2012 from 5.30pm – 8.00pm £95.00 per unit (total cost £285) Room EE GO50 (St John’s Campus). Are you interested? For more information contact Zana Collins: Tel: 01905 542054 or email: z.collins@worc.ac.uk
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NEWS
From Conference Discussion to Bookshelf In 2009 an International conference was held at the University of Worcester. Three years later discussions from the conference have been published into the book “Transatlantic Roots Music Folk, Blues, and National Identities” edited by University of Worcester lecturer Dr Jill Terry and Neil A. Wynn (from the University of Gloucestershire). Transatlantic Roots Music presents a collection of essays on debates about origins, authenticity, and identity in folk and blues music. These essays originated in an international conference on the transatlantic paths of American roots music, out of which emerged common themes and questions of origins and authenticity in folk music, be it black or white, American or British. While the central theme of the collection is musical influences, issues of national, local, and racial Dr Jill Terry’s book identity are also recurring subjects. Were these identities invented, imagined, constructed by the performers, or by those who recorded the music for posterity? The book features a new essay on the blues by Paul Oliver alongside an essay on Oliver’s seminal blues scholarship. There are also several essays on British blues and the links between performers and styles in the United States and Britain. And there are new essays on critical figures such as Alan Lomax and Woody Guthrie. This volume uniquely offers perspectives from both sides of the Atlantic on the interplay of influences in roots music and the debates about these subjects. The book draws on the work of eminent, established scholars and emerging, young academics who are already making a contribution to the field. Throughout, contributors offer the most recent scholarship available on key issues. Jill Terry, is Principal Lecturer and Head of the division of English, Journalism and Media and Cultural Studies for the Institute of Humanities and Creative Arts at the University of Worcester. Neil A. Wynn, is professor of twentieth-century American history at the University of Gloucestershire. He is editor of Cross the Water Blues: African American Music in Europe (published by University Press of Mississippi), among others. For further details and to order a copy, visit: www.upress.state.ms.us
Photography by Cathy Greenblat, part of the ‘Arts, Hearts and Minds’ exhibition
The Hive Hosts Photographic Exhibition of Music and Art in Dementia Care An exhibition of photographs challenging stereotypical views of people with dementia has gone on display at The Hive.
The exhibition, organised by the University’s Association for Dementia Studies, was displayed throughout September. The exhibition formed part of a larger series of images that photographer Cathy Greenblat hopes will help viewers seek ways to make loving care and laughter more frequent, and will help to reduce the fear and stigma that surround dementia. The exhibition, titled ‘Arts, Hearts and Minds’, took place during the first World Alzheimer’s Month with awareness-raising activities across the world taking place over 30 days. September 21st has been recognised as World Alzheimer’s Day. In addition to this exhibition, the Association for Dementia Studies and the Society for the Arts in Dementia Care in Canada, organised a one day colloquium and exhibition - Voices and Vision in Creative Therapies in Dementia. Professor Dawn Brooker, Director of the Association for Dementia Studies, said: “We were extremely pleased to welcome both this event and the exhibition to The Hive. More and more people are living with dementia and although we have no cure, studies show that creative expression programmes can reduce depression and agitation and improves the quality of life of people living with dementia and their families.” Dr Dalia Gottlieb-Tanaka, founder of the Society for the Arts in Dementia Care in British Columbia, added: “We were pleased that people had the opportunity to meet and network and hear speakers discuss the importance of personhood and creative therapies to the lives of people living with dementia.”
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University Celebrates Night of Successes at Awards Ceremonies The University scooped two awards at the Worcestershire Ambassadors Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. Meanwhile, at the Worcester Sports Awards one student and three graduates of Worcester picked up awards. At the Worcestershire Ambassadors event, the University picked up the Community Award for its Learning
Sports Student Scoops Volunteer of the Year Award
Katie with Worcestershire County Cricket Team
Through Sport programme. The initiative has been running for over 10 years now, during which time thousands of children have been enthused and inspired to get involved in sport but to also use sport as a mechanism to improve learning in other areas. Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to gain the recognition that this award brings and it reflects the work of a large number of committed people over the past 12 years. The great thing is that we have even more exciting plans to extend our work that will help even more people in the future.”
Glyn Harding, Senior Lecturer in Sports Coaching Science, picked up the Individual Award for Excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility at the Ambassadors awards. Glyn has worked tirelessly for a number of years with students and the community to raise participation in sport for all, particularly focusing on disability sport. He has also been a driving force in increasing employment opportunities for students. “I’m really honoured to have received this award,” he said. At the Worcester Sports Awards, run by Worcester City Council, Environmental Management graduate Jason Copsey was named Senior Male Sports Person of the Year. Jason, who is hoping to compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in the Javelin event, founded the Athletics Society at the University, which has been growing year on year.
A third year Sports Coaching & Development student has won an award for her commitment to cricket coaching. Jason Copsey
Third year Sports Coaching student Josh Hanley picked up the award for Volunteer of the Year, for his long term volunteering in grass roots football. Josh has volunteered at the Snoezelen Sports Crew for the past 12 months and has inspired participants with multiple disabilities to want to ‘be like him’ and strive for better performance. University of Worcester graduate
Sammy Engele won the award for
Contribution to Higher Education and Further Education Sport, which was sponsored by the University of Worcester. Sammy has enabled hundreds of students to part take in extra-curricular sport, with over 90 students regularly participating in a newly established Badminton club. Fellow Worcester graduate
Matthew Peacock won the award
for Contribution to Physical Activity. Matthew provides mentoring and guidance to a number of 1-2-1 clients and the Worcester Well-being Group. This year he helped one of his clients lose 120lbs in weight. In addition, Hannah ChenneourCocking, Sports and Societies Coordinator with Worcester Students’ Union, was among those nominated for the Higher Education and Further Education Sport award.
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Katie Blunt was named Young Volunteer of the Year at Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s Bill Jones Memorial Volunteer of the Year Awards, held in partnership with Worcestershire Coaches Association and Chance to Shine. Katie will now travel to Lords Cricket Ground in London on Monday, October 22nd with all respective county winners to see who wins the national award. The 20-year-old, from Pedmore, near Stourbridge, said: “I was really happy to win this award but quite shocked. I have been playing cricket since I was about 13 and coaching for about five years now, having gained my level 2 coaching award.” Katie coaches at Oldswinford Cricket Club, where she has been responsible for establishing a disability cricket programme, and also coaches Worcestershire Under 11s. “The disability programme is the first of its kind for cricket in Worcestershire and I’m really keen to expand it,” she said. Katie is also captain of Worcestershire Women’s Cricket Club and plays for Pershore Ladies and occasionally for the men’s team at Oldswinford. “I enjoy giving people the opportunity that I had to play and enjoy cricket,” she said. “I like to be able to give something back, after I got so much out of it.” Katie is hoping to work in disability sport when she completes her degree next year.
NEWS
University Fine Art Graduate Awarded Exclusive Scholarship A talented Fine Art graduate is going on to postgraduate study after being awarded the Cecil Lewis Sculpture Scholarship.
Businesses Gather for Cyber Security Seminar Businesses gathered at The Hive for a special seminar aimed at raising awareness of cyber security. The seminar, organised by the University’s Business School, explained the risks Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should consider and what strategies to put in place to help combat online threats, which are estimated to cost the country £27bn a year. Demystifying Cyber Security: the Route to Business Growth, included talks from a number of leaders in the field, along with an opening seminar by Robin Walker, MP for Worcester. Richard Henson, a leading UK cyber security specialist and University of Worcester lecturer, said many SMEs were leaving themselves and their partners exposed to computer hackers because of a lack of understanding. “Most small businesses now have digital information systems,” he said. “Many are online, and taken together, SMEs form a large part of the national information infrastructure of the UK. However, the limited resources of smaller companies mean that they are often unable to focus as closely as they may wish on what may be
perceived as peripheral activities, including information assurance.” Richard, who is a Senior Lecturer in Computing and an advisor to Key IQ Ltd which runs the Malvern Cyber Security Group, advocates a new independent scheme, Information Assurance for SME (IASME), aimed at encouraging small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop more robust systems. He also recommends penetration testing, because hackers are using ever more devious methods to gain access. Initial results of a survey on SMEs were presented at the event, which was sponsored by the University, along with Worcestershire County Council, Sutcliffe & Co Insurance Consultants, Titania, First Solution, Malvern Cyber Security Group, Key-IQ Ltd, and The IASME Consortium Ltd. The UK government launched its Cyber Security Strategy in November last year with the aim of encouraging businesses of all sizes to focus on this important issue.
Ken Omom, who graduated from the University of Worcester in 2010, is about to start his Master’s Degree in Fine Art at the University of Fine Arts, London Chelsea College of Art. Ken Omom His talent won him the Cecil Lewis Sculpture Scholarship, which will help Professor Antonia Payne, him fund his course. Head of the Institute of Humanities and Creative The 26-year-old artist Arts, said: “Ken Omom is to from Kenya, who is one of be warmly congratulated two artists to receive the on his scholarship. He is one scholarship, said he looked of an impressive number of forward to developing Worcester Fine Art graduates his skills and unleashing now progressing to further his creativity without any study. Ken’s success is boundaries. evidence of the wider success The Cecil Lewis Sculpture of Worcester’s BA course in Scholarship aims to preparing its graduates to promote postgraduate compete successfully for Sculpture studies at the highly coveted places on the University of Arts London. very best Fine Art Master’s It is open to students with programmes in the UK.” the ability and the potential Looking to the future, Ken to make an exceptional hopes that his work will contribution to the fine inspire many young artists arts. It covers all tuition fees and aims to become an on Year One. influential Fine Art artist. “When I applied I didn’t expect that I would be one of the lucky two to be selected,” Ken says. “Then when they sent me an e-mail saying I was going to be awarded, it made my day and I couldn’t believe what I was reading.
“Before that moment my plans were to try and push it to one more year so that I would get enough money to pay for the tuition fee.”
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NEWS
Worcester Wolves
Announce New Sponsor Worcester Wolves has secured a new sponsorship deal with its home-court venue, the University of Worcester. The University of Worcester has signed a one year deal to take over the sponsorship for the 2012/2013 season. The University of Worcester has been the home-court for Worcester Wolves for 12 years. In this time the partnership has brought mutual opportunities to both the University and the Club, which has included attracting talented international student/athletes and launching a unique Master’s degree in European Basketball Coaching Science at the University. Worcester Wolves Chairman, Roger Clarke, said: “The Wolves has enjoyed a fantastic partnership with the University since its formation and we continue to break new ground with study and play opportunities. We are delighted to be associated with the University and are proud to have them as our main sponsors.”
Paul James, Head Coach for the Worcester Wolves, said: “This is an exciting time for basketball in the region and the partnership with the University of Worcester Worcester Wolves and the University of Worcester has grown steadily in announce their sponsorship deal strength. It’s fantastic news that the University Kate Moss, Director of Communication of Worcester will be our main sponsor this season and we look forward to continued and Participation at the University said: success on and off the court.” “The University has very much enjoyed its association with the Worcester Wolves Worcester Wolves will soon be making over the past 12 years and is looking the move to the new £15 million forward to an exciting future with them at Worcester Arena on Hylton Road. The the new arena. 2,000–capacity University of Worcester “The Club has been an integral part of sports centre will be the new home the University’s community and outreach for the British Basketball League team. work, providing an important strand to The state-of-the-art facility is due our acclaimed Learning Through Sport for completion in February 2013 and initiative.” will also be a training centre for Great Britain’s wheel chair basketball team and a major venue for Badminton England.
Student Aims for National Young Rider Championship Qualification A young horse rider has received a £250 scholarship from the University of Worcester to assist her in achieving qualification for the National Young Rider Championships. Nicola Hill, from Droitwich, is seeking qualification for the event at Weston Park in October. The 20-year-old said: “One of the most challenging aspects is gaining the qualification to compete. With the recent adverse weather, many events have been abandoned so I have unfortunately not been able to gain this as of yet. “Another great difficulty with the sport is the risk of horses being injured; I witnessed this first hand last season when my horse got a tendon injury resulting in three months box rest.
“The money will cover most of my entrance fee, without which it would
be very unlikely I could have raised the funds to compete,” she said. The second year Biology and Sports Studies student recently achieved qualification for the Midland Pony Club Show Jumping Event Championships but has decided not to attend as she is concentrating on National Young Rider Championship qualification. Nicola began competing at a national level when she bought her current horse in 2010 and began to compete in British affiliated events and competitions where she progressed up to national young rider standard. She was a member of the Worcestershire Pony Club with her previous horse and highlights finishing seventh in the Midlands Area Championship as her best achievement with the club.
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Nicola Hill
Nicola competed at the Gatcombe International event on September 14th. “This is a big event that draws large crowds and has a big atmosphere, I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in it,” she said.
NEWS
Appeal for Donations
The Night Assessment Centre at St Paul’s Hostel in Worcester is asking for donations to help the homeless as the autumn and winter approach. The Night Assessment Centre commences on 26th November for 16 weeks, and is currently supporting over 70 rough sleepers at St Paul’s alone. The Centre needs cup a soups, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, sugar, squash and biscuits, as well as calling on people to donate their time. For more information visit www.stpaulshostel.co.uk
First Years Plan Fundraising Campaign
Worcester Nursing Students Most Satisfied in Country Student nurses at the University of Worcester are the most satisfied in the Country, according to the National Student Survey. The University’s first degree nursing programme scored a full 100% satisfaction rating in the independent survey. It comes after the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) rated Worcester’s training as ‘good’ in all five areas of its Annual Monitoring Review. Professor David Green said: “Along with our partners in the hospitals, hospices and health care settings, the University is committed to ensuring that all of our graduates are equipped with the right knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to succeed as nurses. “I am delighted that the students are satisfied with the experience they receive here and we know that 100% of our nursing graduates are snapped up into employment.” Biology at the University was also highly ranked in the NSS, at 7th in the Country when compared to other universities and university colleges, with an overall satisfaction rate of 96%. Students studying a range of courses in Education, both at the University and through its extensive partnerships, ranked the University 8th in the Country in terms of overall satisfaction.
The University’s overall satisfaction rate was 85%, in line with the national average, with the University improving on all six measures from last year. As part of their Induction Week programme, new Worcester Business School students were briefed to create a fundraising campaign for the University’s 2012 Charity of the Year – Acorns. Students were divided into groups as a way of familiarising them with academic life at Worcester and encouraging them to work together. They were allowed to plan a campaign with a budget of £500 to cover all costs and all actions had to be legal, ethical, tasteful and matching Acorns’ brand attributes. Forty nine entries were recorded for the Acorns project and were judged according to the requirements in the brief and the return on investment and brand adaptability. The winning project involved the development of a smartphone application, which donates 10p every single time the snooze button is pressed. Loraine Butler, first-year IT for Education student, said: “It was good fun to do the task. We tried to keep it simple and effective. We met a few people and we learnt to work together quickly.” Jorj Jarvie, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Acorns added: “The students had some really good commercial ideas. We hope to put some of them into good use to help us raise our annual target of £5 million. “I would like to thank the University of Worcester for supporting Acorns in raising the donations that help so many children.”
The University did fall slightly in its overall ranking, due to a poor performance on learning resources. Anne Hannaford, Director of Information and Learning Services, said: “We have struggled for many years with our score on learning resources, largely because the library was too small. However, now The Hive is open we are sure that scores will increase as the quality and range of the facility is fantastic. Students will also benefit from the refurbishment of the former library into a specialist study and guidance centre.” A total of 88% of students said staff were enthusiastic about what they were teaching, and 89% said staff were good at explaining things. According to the results of the survey, over 82% of students at Worcester consider their course has helped their personal development, including communication skills and problem solving. Students also expressed high levels of satisfaction with the academic support they receive, with 82% saying they received sufficient advice and support with their studies. More information about the NSS results for different courses can be found on the UNISTATS website www.unistats.direct.gov.uks
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