news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
August 2010
In this issue:
Applications soar again
UCAS figures show 26% annual rise p.3
Topping the employability tables
Worcester graduates highly employable p.5
National champion
Jess Stone claims mountain biking crown p.5
Nigel Mansell pits at Worcester F1 legend stops off on campus as part of charity cycle marathon p.2
Nigel Mansell showing support for the Worcester Arena sponsor a brick campaign
COVER STORY
RACING LEGEND
MAKES A PITSTOP AT THE UNIVERSITY Formula One legend Nigel Mansell OBE greeted fans at the University at the end of the third day of his Cycle Challenge in aid of UK Youth, in which he is cycling 1,200 miles around the UK.
D
espite having spent 10 hours on the road with an injury, the 1992 Formula One champion posed for photographs and signed autographs for fans.
He arrived at the University in need of some attention from the University’s sports injury therapists, with his cycling companions, sons Leo and Greg and former Tour de France racer Magnus Backstedt, on Saturday 24 July. Vanessa Incledon, Associate Head of the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science, who welcomed Nigel and his team into the University, said: “We were delighted to have supported Nigel Mansell and his team of friends and family in their ride across Britain. Our Sports Therapy students were on hand to give massages to help the riders get back in the saddle and Two-O-Six physiotherapist Mindy Davey, based at the University of Worcester, treated Nigel Mansell for his hamstring strain.
Vanessa Incledon with Nigel Mansell
“We wish them every success in their challenge, which is for a fantastic cause.”
2 / AUGUST 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
As part of the welcome event, Nigel and his fans were also given the chance to see the work of the University’s Motion & Performance Centre (MPC), which helps deliver breakthroughs in 3D motion analysis, providing support for teaching, research, and consultancy. There was also the opportunity to take part in activities, such as heart rate monitoring, wobble boards to monitor balance and batak walls to check reaction timing. Nigel, who is also President of the UK Youth charity, is tackling the challenge to promote the campaign ‘Positive About Youth’. The tour started on Fans from across the region came to Thursday 22 July meet the Formula One legend at Kensington Palace in London and finishes on Tuesday 3 August at Canary Wharf. Nigel said: “I want people to realise that over one million children are not in education and employment. We are doing this for every kid in the country.”
COVER STORY wELCOME
contents COVER STORY Racing legend makes a pitstop at the University
2
news
welcome W
elcome to the August 2010 issue of News and Views.
A motor racing legend, a national sporting champion and a pantomime horse give this issue a sporting theme and help to dispel the myth that universities hibernate the summer months away. Once again we’re pleased to bring news of continually rising applications to join us at Worcester. And, with another of our stories showing that our graduates
are among the most employable in the country, it’s not difficult to see why. Next month’s edition will be a News & Views capital developments special, focusing in on all the recent acquisitions, new builds and renovations that have taken place over the last few months. We’ll still have room for your stories though, so please keep us up to date via newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Applications continue to soar Students excavate site of Bronze Age hoard Lecturer wins research excellence competition Worcester graduates top the employability tables Jess Stone is national champion in downhill mountain biking Teaching students raise hundreds for charity Worcester student’s South African rugby tour Staff rewarded for two decades of service Meet the new Director of the NPARU Graduates return to hold Advanced Practice in Health Care conference Students’ clinical training in Sweden
3 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 7 8
Mystery horse spotted
APPLICATIONS CONTINUE TO SOAR Applications to study at Worcester have continued to soar above the national average.
recruit will leave many tens of thousands of well qualified people without a place at university this year.
Figures from UCAS show that applications have risen by 26% this year to more than 12,000, compared to a national average increase of 12%. This means that applications to study at Worcester have doubled in the past five years and tripled over the last seven.
Professor Green said: “Demand for university education has soared since the recession hit Britain. Nearly a quarter of a million applicants will not get places this year – double the number three years ago. Many will be highly qualified, able young people who would have secured a place at any other time in the last 20 years. Their skilled work will be at the heart of Britain’s future prosperity.
The University’s very high quality education, most recently recognised by OFSTED as ‘outstanding’ for teacher training has meant that it has been the most successful university in the UK in increasing fully funded places. However, despite the University’s continued popularity and growth, particularly in the vital areas of science, computing, teacher training and nursing, Professor David Green has warned that the government’s ongoing cap on student numbers and fines for universities who over
“If universities are to meet at least some of this huge increase in demand this September then the fines for ‘over recruitment’ and the sinister ‘control numbers’ imposed by government must be abolished. Otherwise the government will unwittingly consign a record number of 18 year olds to the dole this autumn.”
This fine stallion was spotted gracing the turf of Worcester racecourse at a recent St Richard’s Hospice charity event. Believe it or not, this magnificent beast is not the winner of this year’s derby but actually a cunning disguise for a well-known member of University of Worcester staff (and presumably a friend). We’ll reveal the identity of the mystery front or back end next issue, but there may be a clue in the trainer’s choice of colours.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / AUGUST 2010 / 3
Archaeology students gain some invaluable practical experience
news
Students excavate site of
Bronze Age hoard
LECTURER WINS RESEARCH EXCELLENCE COMPETITION A Senior Lecturer from the University of Worcester went head-to-head with colleagues from other UK universities to win an applied research competition. The winning academic entry was by Ruth Jones from the Institute of Health and Society. She presented A Needs and Gaps Analysis to Support the Development of a Strategy on Sexual Violence and Abuse to Women and Girls in Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin. She said: “I was very pleased to represent the University of Worcester in this competition; and thrilled to win. My thanks go to all those who contributed to the research; to the Safer Communities Strategic Unit of Telford and Wrekin Council for commissioning it; and to my colleagues within the Institute of Health and Society for their support and encouragement.” The competition, between Coventry, Gloucestershire, Worcester and New Bucks universities, was the latest in a series of activities which builds on a long-term relationship between the four Higher Education institutions. Coventry University’s Professor Ian Marshall, Chair of the judging panel, said: “It was an extremely difficult task to choose two winners out of so many excellent entries. All four universities taking part are working on some amazing projects and this is a rare chance to showcase the wealth of knowledge and research activity going on in universities today.
Worcester Archaeology students have been excavating the site of one of the largest hoards of Bronze Age spearheads ever found in Britain.
A
round 100 weapons were found at the site, near Leintwardine in Herefordshire, in the 1860s when workmen were installing drainage pipes. Most of the items are now in the British Museum.
The site has remained largely untouched since the discovery and Worcester students, working with the Leintwardine History Society, have been helping to uncover its history. Dr Jodie Lewis, Course Leader in Archaeology and an expert in the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods, said: “Despite this being one of the largest hoards of Bronze Age spearheads found in Britain little work has been carried out since. Preliminary investigations were carried out by the Leintwardine History Society last year and their discoveries led them to call on Professor Richard Bradley of the University of Reading, Europe’s leading archaeological expert on Bronze Age metalwork deposition. Richard agreed more work was needed and contacted me to see if I wanted to run a joint project with him.” The group opened several trenches including one in the area where the metalwork was found in the 19th century and another over a large mound in an adjacent field. They uncovered a number of pieces of flint dating back to around 6,000BC. Using specialist mapping equipment from the University the students also discovered what appears to be a Late Bronze Age high status settlement. The artefacts found will now be analysed by experts and will eventually end up in a local museum. Dr Lewis said: “We will be analysing all our findings and preparing a report for publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal. We will have to go back to the ‘settlement’ site and monitor things and complete topographical surveys of the location too.”
Professor Geoffrey Elliott congratulates Ruth Jones
4 / AUGUST 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
NEWS
Worcester graduates top the
employability tables
Jess Stone in action
Jess Stone is
Graduates leaving the University of Worcester are among the most likely in the Country to find employment, new figures have revealed. Fourteen out of every 15 Worcester graduates found work within six months of graduating last year – despite entering the jobs market in the middle of the worst recession for 70 years and in a region that was hit hardest by job losses.
national champion
Worcester is ranked at joint 6th across all of England’s universities for graduates getting a job after leaving. The figures, released by the Higher Education Statistics Authority (HESA) show that the University’s employment rate was 93% for 2008/09 leavers, well above the national average of 89.9%, and the highest across the West Midlands’ universities. It beat the likes of University College London, Oxford and Manchester universities and is the best performing university in the whole of the West of England.
A
in downhill mountain biking
University of Worcester student has become the 2010 UK National Champion in downhill mountain biking.
Nineteen-year-old Jess Stone from Church Stretton, Shropshire, competed in the National Championships at Ae Forest in Scotland in July, and saw off stiff competition from other elite women riders. She said: “I am still pinching myself and it hasn’t sunk in yet; I get to wear the National Champs Jersey all year.”
Worcester graduates are leading the way
Professor David Green said: “We are delighted, but not surprised, that Worcester graduates have fared so well, despite the economic crash. Our graduates have the specific skills, abilities and work ethic needed to build a strong economy and society. They are one of the very brightest parts of the country’s future.” Professor Geoffrey Elliott, Director of Regional Engagement, said: “Eighty per cent of our graduates remain in the West Midlands region, demonstrating the importance of the University to the local economy. It is also noteworthy that the figures demonstrate more graduates entering employment with small companies of less than 50 employees, than larger companies. “We are committed to ensuring all of our graduates are equipped with the right skills, and the support needed, to find employment when they leave here.”
She added: “I am also leading the British Downhill Series and with only two more races left, I am hoping to win that too and I’m hoping now that British Cycling will take this into consideration and select me to race on the GB squad for the Downhill Biking World Championships in Mont Saint-Anne, Canada in September – the selection criteria is pretty tough however.” Earlier this year Jess, a Sports and Exercise Science student, scooped a silver medal in the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) downhill mountain biking championships. Jess, who is also a champion boxer, was awarded a £600 scholarship by the University of Worcester’s Scholarship Panel, for competing in downhill mountain biking competitions at an international level. When she graduates from university, Jess plans to make a career out of downhill mountain biking. She said: “I would like to get as far as I can in the sport.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / AUGUST 2010 / 5
NEWS
TEACHING STUDENTS RAISE
hundreds for
charity
Teaching students at the University of Worcester have raised more than £650 for a local charity following an end of course ball.
The teaching graduates raised more than £650 for Worcester Snoezelen
T
he ball took place at Worcester Rugby Club to celebrate the end The money will go to the Worcester Snoezelen Centre, which is located on the University’s St John’s site. of the students’ year-long PGCE course.
Graduate Lisa Hagan said: “Our initial expectations were a little under £200. However, the generosity of guests on the night meant that the raffle alone made almost £200. Our final total for charity was £678. The Rugby Club generously offered the venue for free as we were raising money for charity. I was overwhelmed by raising so much, it was quite beyond my expectations.”
Worcester student’s South African rugby tour A sport and journalism student at the University of Worcester is heading to South Africa this summer with his former school.
Lisa said: “During my time doing the PGCE I visited the centre at the recommendation of my SEN trainer. It seemed the perfect recipient of the money we had raised. Their aim is to make education accessible; appropriate for money raised by newly qualified teachers.”
Lewys Steward, aged 20, from Pencoed, South Lewys, who now plays for the University’s Wales, will be travelling with the Ysgol Pencoed Men’s 2nds rugby team, was awarded a £1,000 scholarship from the University of Worcester Comprehensive Rugby Squad. The second year Sports Studies and Journalism Scholarship Panel towards the costs of the tour. student last visited South Africa with the squad Lewys said: “The place on the tour is a great opportunity for me to enhance my studies when he played for them four years ago. But this time he will be attending as a fitness coach. and employability, by informing my writing “I will be helping the students stay fit and well and giving me some first-hand experience of coaching students. adapted to the climate and conditions out “It’s such a help receiving the scholarship from the University of Worcester. The money will go towards my travel and accommodation expenses.” This year’s 10 day trip, which starts on Thursday, in South Africa,” he said. “I will also be part of the coaching staff who will go to a local school to coach.”
August 19, will see the team compete in stadiums in Cape Town and Pretoria.
Staff rewarded for two decades of service Eight members of staff have been rewarded for their dedication after 20 years of service at the University of Worcester.
T
he staff were each awarded a certificate, chocolates and vouchers as thanks for their hard work, during the annual summer garden party.
Among those being recognised this year was Professor Nick Evans, who began his career at the University in 1990 as a lecturer in human geography. Nick has since gone on to become Director of the University’s Centre for Rural Research and was recently made a Professor.
“The most enjoyable thing about my time at Worcester has been the people,” he said. “Everyone pulls together as a team. The physical aspects of the University have changed so much during my time, but the people have always been great to work with.” Colin Fry, Health & Safety Coordinator, added: “I really enjoy my job here. Through the expansion and other changes to the University, it has and will continue to remain, a friendly and welcoming place to work.”
Professor Nick Evans receives his certificate from Professor David Green
Those who also picked up awards were Jan Francis-Smythe (Director for the Centre for People @ Work), Stephen Southwick (Institute of Science & the Environment), Ros Saunders (Finance), Maxine Coupe (Registry Services), Susan Price (Facilities) and Francesca Fairhurst (Registry Services).
6 / AUGUST 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
NEWS
MEET THE NEW
Director of the NPARU
A leading scientist in plant pathology has been appointed as the new Director of the University’s National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU).
P
rofessor Roy Kennedy joins the Unit from the University of Warwick. He succeeds Professor Jean Emberlin, who retired as Director earlier in the year.
The NPARU provides all of the UK’s pollen forecasts, as well as carrying out vital research into airborne allergens, including hay fever. Professor Kennedy said: “It is fantastic to join a recognised centre of excellence and I am very excited about the opportunity to lead this team. There are a lot of new techniques and expertise that I think I can bring to the Unit. This will build on the excellent pollen forecasting already carried out there.” Professor Kennedy has worked at the University of Warwick as a Principal Investigator in its horticulture research department since 2004, specialising in foliar plant pathogens. He obtained a BSc (Hons) degree in Botany from Queen’s University in Belfast, followed by an MSc in Mycology, before moving to the University of Sydney, Australia to study for a PhD in Plant Pathology.
Graduates return to hold Advanced Practice in Health Care Conference
A group of current and former students from the University of Worcester recently held a conference showcasing some of the many examples of excellence in advanced healthcare.
New NPARU Director, Professor Roy Kennedy
After working as a researcher at Rothamsted Experimental Station, Professor Kennedy moved to Horticulture Research International in Wellesbourne, before moving to the University of Warwick. He will take up his new post on Tuesday 17 August. Professor Kennedy will move to the area with his wife and three children from their current home in Banbury. Biological and environmental science students at Worcester will also benefit from Professor Kennedy’s scientific expertise. Professor John Newbury, Head of the Institute of Science and the Environment, said: “This is a great opportunity for the NPARU to take a step forward. As well as the experience Roy will provide in working with fungal spores, his research team will bring new technological skills that will be exploited in the ongoing study of pollen and hay fever.”
The conference, chaired by Tracy Lapworth, Senior Lecturer in Advanced Practice in the Institute of Health and Society, included several keynote speakers, most of whom were either currently studying or had graduated from the University. It was the first time that the University had held the Advanced Practice Conference, which not only highlighted the development of health assessment in primary and secondary care but also demonstrated the fantastic achievements of former Worcester students. Topics varied throughout the day’s presentations from the role of the Community Matron to advanced practice in offender care. Tracy said: “The conference was an inspiring and stimulating day which showcased many examples of excellence in advancing practice in primary and secondary health care.” The day’s keynote speakers and presenters included Wendy Hayes, Joanne Campbell, Kristin Cooper, Jonathan Cummins-Thomas, Julie Hooper, Loanne Jones, Helen Livett, Julie Weston, Amanda Batten, Lyne Dale and the only non University of Worcester graduate, Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Chair of both The Royal College of Nursing Advanced Nurse Practitioner Forum and Chair of Royal College of General Practice Foundation Nursing Group, Jenny Aston.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / AUGUST 2010 / 7
Paramedic students get a taste of Swedish paramedic life
news
Students’ clinical training in Sweden
Five paramedic students from the University of Worcester undertook clinical training in Halland, Sweden, as part of a scheme to gain practical experience of the emergency care profession. The five are all currently studying on the University’s Pre-Hospital, Unscheduled and Emergency Care FdSc.
Motif 06 Motiv 06 Students Evans, agedFull-page 20, andadvertisement Ruth Hodgson, for 21, DINwere A5 format Heftformat DIN A5 mitStuart Anschnitt 148,5 mm mm x 210into mmthe workings of 148,5 mm among x 210 mm those chosen to gain a practical insight
the ambulance services in Sweden.
The Leonardo Mobility Project, which was set up by the University of Halmstad and the Halmstad BAS ambulance station, was hailed a success by Sharon Hardwick, Course Leader for the Pre-Hospital, Unscheduled and Emergency Care FdSc at Motiv 01 the University of Worcester. Heftformat DIN A5 mit Anschnitt 148 mm x 210 mm
She said: “The Leonard Mobility Project allows our students to gain essential first hand experience of the profession overseas and comparative insights to enhance their studies.”
Motif 01 Full-page advertisement for DIN A5 format 148 mm x 210 mm
©Disney
©Disney/Pixar
WWW.THOMASSABO.COM
Stuart said: “It was an exciting opportunity to examine the profession internationally.”
Ruth added: “The main differences between the UK and Sweden are about how to care for patients, as opposed to the healthcare system itself.”
WWW.THOMASSABO.COM
C H A R M U P YO U R L I FE
AvAilAble At
�
Im weißen Feld der Anzeige können Sie Ihre Händleradresse ergänzen.
You can enter your dealer address in the white box in the advertisement.
AvAilAble At