news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
July 2010
In this issue:
Learning Through Sport
300 youngsters have a great day out p.6
‘Outstanding’
Ofsted is impressed by University’s teacher training p.8
Worcester Arena unveiled
Plans for new 1,500 seat arena on show at Learning Through Sport p.2
Leading the way
How you can benefit from the Leadership Development Project p.10
COVER STORY
PLANS UNVEILED FOR NEW
Worcester Arena University of Worcester - Proposed Sports Arena
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CONCEPTUAL BIRDS EYE VIEW
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UW Developments Date:
Architect’s plans for the 1,500-seat Worcester Arena were unveiled during this year’s Learning Through Sport Event.
isitors had the chance to view the architect’s plans for the sports arena, which will be a great benefit to the community as a whole and to the University of Worcester, and will provide outstanding facilities and new opportunities to participate and succeed in sport, particularly for children and those with a mobility disability. When constructed, it will also become the new home of the City’s elite basketball team – the Worcester Wolves.
Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “The new arena will be able to meet the needs of the region’s sporting community while also providing a venue that will attract a great range of spectator events to the city. “The work we have achieved at the University of Worcester demonstrates that sport and Higher Education can work collaboratively to break down barriers and develop positive life skills for young people.”
University of Worcester - Proposed Sports Arena
Turn to page 6 to read more about Learning Through Sport, and to page 13 to find out how you can support the Worcester Arena.
University of Worcester - Proposed Sports Arena
2 / JULY 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
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UW Developments
CONCEPTUAL VIEW FROM RIVER BANK
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UW Developments Date:
June 2010
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June 2010
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COVER STORY wELCOME
contents COVER STORY
welcome W
elcome to the July 2010 issue of News and Views.
The summer months are traditionally fairly quiet times for most universities, but it looks like that’s one tradition that the University of Worcester won’t be observing this year. In fact, there’s been so much happening over the last four weeks that we’ve had to increase our page count to squeeze it all in. As well as the exciting unveiling of the architect’s plans for the new Worcester Area, this issue we have feature pieces on the 2010 Learning
Through Sport event, the work of the Leadership Development Project and the Institute of Science and the Environment hosting the Hive9 play in the Charles Darwin Building. Elsewhere this issue there’s more than the usual number of good news stories, including pieces on excellent reports from Ofsted, the People and Planet league and the Chartered Institute of PR. As always, please keep us informed of any news you would like to share with colleagues by sending it to newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
LECTURER’S PRESTIGIOUS AWARD Dr Colin Price, Principal Lecturer in Computing, has been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship. Colin will receive the fellowship during an award ceremony in London on Wednesday, September 29. Only 50 Fellowships are awarded each year by the Higher Education Academy, in recognition of teachers and learning support staff who have made outstanding contributions to higher education within England and Northern Ireland. “I am delighted to accept this Fellowship,” Colin said. “However, I must also recognise the colleagues and past students who have helped me to learn to teach in a complex and developing subject area.” Colin is a keen researcher and has emphasised the need to connect research and teaching. He has produced a number of innovations in the computing world and is currently writing a book
on the use of game engine technology to produce science, maths and engineering simulations. Colin is well known for developing innovative modules such as “The Nature of Computing”, where he encourages students to research and reflect on what ‘computing’ actually is. He also runs yearly ‘code camps’ where schoolchildren visit the University to learn how to build computer games. Colin, who receives a £10,000 award to support learning and teaching activities, joins fellow University of Worcester lecturers Professor Dominic Upton, Dr Derek Peters, Dr Val Chapman and Dr John Peters as National Teaching Fellows.
Dr Colin Price
Plans unveiled for new Worcester Arena
2
features New play explores Darwin’s theories on evoluation 5 Learning Through Sport 6 Programmes to help you master the art and science of leadership 10 Play brings evolution to life 14
news Lecturer’s prestigious award 3 Lecture explores the paradox of partnerships 4 Bees find a new home on campus 5 UK’s first postgraduate course for medical writers 5 ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted for Worcester’s teacher training 8 International basketball comes to Worcester 8 Local schoolchildren visit University for lessons in biodiversity 9 Sponsor a brick at the Worcester Arena 9 Pilot scheme boosts graduate employability 11 First class accolade from environmental league tables 11 Campaign founder delivers 2010 Institute of Health & Society Lecture 12 International reseach conference success 12 Helen to walk Hadrian’s Wall in support of bereaved parents 12 Return to creativity needed for England’s primary schools 13 Student golfer takes on professionals again 13 Students save enough energy to make a million cups of tea 15 BBC in Dragon’s Den style student pitch 15 Schools and businesses excel in national awards 15 Top marks for Unitots 16 National selection for Worcester’s karate twins 16 Award-winning author entertains schoolchildren 16
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JULY 2010 / 3
of
news
paradox LECTURE EXPLORES THE
partnerships Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Ros Foskett delivered her inaugural professorial lecture on June 16. Entitled ‘Working with friends while cavorting with the enemy’: the paradox of partnerships, Professor Foskett’s lecture explored the nature of partnerships between universities and other agencies and considered how sustainable partnerships can be nurtured. “Partnership and collaborative working are common in universities and are encouraged by governments and funding agencies seeking to gain the greatest impact from investment,” she said. “Universities are powerful agents for change and synergistic partnerships for research and course development are seen as ways of increasing the competitiveness of economies.”
Professor David Green with Professor Ros Foskett
was Associate Dean with responsibility for enterprise and innovation.
As well as extensive experience of leading work in the areas of knowledge transfer and employer engagement, Professor Foskett, co-author of Postgraduate Study in the UK: The International Student’s Guide, is a highly knowledgeable educationalist. At Southampton she led highly effective work in widening participation, curriculum development, employability, work-based learning and teaching quality enhancement. Professor Foskett’s main responsibility at Worcester is to lead the University’s academic and research development.
Professor Foskett joined the University in September last year from the University of Southampton, where she
National recognition for public relations courses
Public Relations courses at the University of Worcester have obtained prestigious recognition from the largest public relations organisation in Europe.
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he Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) accreditation confirms that PR courses at the University of Worcester provide relevant skills and knowledge development towards a career in public relations and communications.
The eight BA (Hons) Public Relations and single honours programmes at the University met all five criteria for full course recognition. The CIPR stated that: “The content of the BA (Hons) courses at the University of Worcester offers challenging study for undergraduate students looking to develop knowledge and skills, and hopefully pursue a career in public relations.” Course leader Christian Schnee said: “The Public Relations degree programme at Worcester Business School provides students both with theoretical knowledge as well as practical, hands-on training that will give them the edge over competitors in the job market.
“We offer a range of topic areas that echo the whole range of PR practice. This scope stretches from crisis communication to celebrity PR and public affairs. Past and current experience demonstrate that this intense and rigorous programme prepares students for success in this competitive field.” Marilyn Hunt, Director of Curriculum and Quality Enhancement, added: “The CIPR awards recognition to university programmes that provide essential skills and knowledge in public relations and related specialist disciplines. “Once a course is recognised, the teaching staff become part of a supportive network which is committed to improving and developing standards in PR education by sharing knowledge, keeping their course content fresh and relevant, and providing evidence each year of the roles their graduates go on to secure post-study.”
4 / JULY 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Bees NEWS
find a new home
on campus
A
swarm of honeybees has taken up residence in one of the University of Worcester’s two new beehives.
The bees have been introduced to the University as part of the national Bee Part of It! campaign, which is a partnership between the University, the BBC and the National Trust. It aims to investigate the plight of honeybees in Britain.
The two new hives and their tenants will be cared for by science technician Steve Southwick, helped by expert advice and guidance from members of the Worcester branch of the Worcestershire Bee Keepers Association.
Steven Soutwick helps the honeybees into their new home
Professor John Newbury, Head of the Institute of Science and the Environment, is leading the Bee Part Of It! campaign on behalf of the University. He said: “As part of the project the University’s National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU) will be taking samples of pollen, dead bees and honey from the hives on National Trust properties across the season for analysis. But we thought it would also be appropriate for us to have our own bees here at the University so that we could monitor them as part of the research.” The Unit hopes the research will provide some more clues about the causes of colony decline. Professor Newbury said: “As well as giving the public an insight into the secret life of bees and their huge importance to agriculture, the project offers the opportunity to carry out some scientific research in collaboration with bee keepers. We will be interacting with other scientists and passing on the information that we gather over the summer.” The decline of honeybee colonies has been widely reported, and most of the UK’s 250 bee species appear to be in decline, which has serious consequences for crop pollination.
UK’s first postgraduate course
for medical writers The University of Worcester has launched the UK’s first postgraduate certificate (PgCert) for Medical Writers.
The Medical Communications PgCert will prepare bioscience graduates to work within medical communications companies and in the pharmaceutical industry. The part-time one-year course has been developed by former medical writer Dr Shelley Davies, who is now a lecturer in the Institute of Science and the Environment. Shelley said: “The field of medical communications is growing as a support network for the pharmaceutical industry and medical writers are in high demand. “Medical writers are key to the dissemination of new scientific data and findings generated from drug studies – this is essential for a drug to progress from development stages to approval for the treatment of patients. “Medical writers use their scientific background to develop and manage scientific content for international congresses, medical journals and marketing/promotion.” Shelley said: “Being a medical writer is a very interesting, challenging and broad role that many graduates are unaware of. It requires specific training and the difficulty is getting relevant postgraduate experience, which is advantageous as competition for trainee roles is strong. “This course will prepare graduates for a career in the industry, making them attractive to employers in the field and I am extremely pleased with the interest we have received so far.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JULY 2010 / 5
300 youngsters experience a day of
Learning Through Sport The University of Worcester recently teamed up with Worcestershire’s best professional sports clubs and leading energy company npower, for its third annual Learning Through Sport Day.
6 / JULY 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
FEATURE
M
ore than 300 youngsters were invited to the event on Monday 28 June, where they took part in a range of educational and sporting activities, with the aid of Worcester Warriors Rugby Club, Worcestershire County Cricket Club, and Worcester Wolves Basketball Club. The children then had the chance to see Worcestershire take on Leicestershire in cricket at the New Road ground, with an opportunity to play Kwik Cricket in the interval. Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science, said: “The University’s acclaimed Learning Through Sport programme is growing fast and involving more children in worthwhile activity. We are continually working with a wide range of sports to develop opportunities for participants of all ages. The University is very committed to developing participation in sport in our region and to working with young people.” Carol Hart, Community Involvement Manager at npower, said: “npower has a proud history of supporting sports in Worcester at all levels through rugby, cricket and basketball. We hope that this year’s Learning Through Sport event will encourage more local children to participate in sport and reap the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.” David Leatherdale, Commercial Director at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, said: “We are delighted to again be assisting in the staging of the University Learning Through Sport Day at Worcestershire CCC for the third year as the event goes from strength to strength. “To have national representation in rugby, cricket and basketball, among other sports, shows the love for sport within the County and the support and work the University put in at both recreational and elite levels is to be commended. We look forward to welcoming many local children to New Road for what will be another memorable day.”
Participating in sport has very many positive virtues. In recent years the University and our partners have developed internationally recognised expertise in promoting education through sport. Several thousand children in our region have already benefited. We are delighted that Worcestershire’s leading sports clubs have extended their very positive involvement by supporting this year’s Learning Through Sport Day. It is a real credit to their commitment to the County’s children. Professor David Green Vice Chancellor University of Worcester
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JULY 2010 / 7
news
‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted for Worcester’s teacher training
The training of teachers at the University of Worcester has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, for the second time.
The inspectors noted the “high quality of the personal and professional support for trainees” and the “culture of continuous improvement that permeates all teacher education programmes”.
he detailed report marks the overall effectiveness of the primary and secondary training at the University as Grade 1 – which is officially ‘outstanding’. The University’s Graduate Teacher Programme was also rated Grade 1 ‘outstanding’.
The inspectors said of the secondary training: “A noteworthy characteristic of Worcester trainees is their preparation for teachers’ wider roles in schools; for example their understanding of safeguarding, teachers’ pastoral role and how to teach personal, social and health education.”
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The report contains page after page of outstanding assessments and particularly notes “the strength of the relationships with local authorities and other agencies”. The inspector’s report states: “A particularly strong feature of the provision is the close integration of all teacher education within the University and the effectiveness of the collaboration across all programmes.” It continues: “The very strong leadership team provides a clear framework and vision that leads to highly effective sharing of best practice and innovative developments.”
INTERNATIONAL BASKETBALL COMES TO WORCESTER The University of Worcester is hosting four international basketball games this summer as England take on Scotland and Lithuania. England Senior Men, coached by Worcester Wolves’ Head Coach Paul James, took on Scotland in two matches – on June 26 and 27 – before meeting basketball powerhouse Lithuania in two matches on July 6 & 7 (tip off at 6.30pm on both nights). The University of Worcester has strong links with the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, having been selected as a training camp for the Country’s national squad ahead of the 2012 Olympics. The University has also launched the first European Masters in Basketball Coaching, in partnership with the Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education (LAPE) and endorsed by the 8 / JULY 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
They also noted the University’s high employment rates for trainees – well above the national average. Professor Chris Robertson, Head of the Institute of Education, said: “I am delighted that our outstanding national profile has been confirmed by Ofsted yet again. We know our innovative and high quality teacher training programmes at the University both educate and train the very best teachers who can make a huge difference to children’s learning and lives.”
Federation for International Basketball in Europe (FIBA Europe) and the Lithuanian Basketball Federation. The course has already attracted some of Lithuania’s top basketball players. Mick Donovan, Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “We are delighted to be hosting Paul James and his England team and we will offer a warm Worcester welcome to Scotland for the first time and of course to our established friends from Lithuania. We have already received a tremendous amount of interest for the Lithuanian games and encourage all spectators to purchase tickets quickly as we anticipate a sell out.”
NEWS
Local schoolchildren visit University for
lessons in biodiversity
Pupils from a local school learned about biodiversity thanks to a fieldtrip with the University of Worcester. Water and Environmental Management lecturer Dr Ian Maddock and PhD research student Caroline Wallis, both from the University of Worcester’s Institute of Science and Environment, took children from Hallow CE Primary School on a day trip around the local area to study streams and rivers. The pupils had the chance to conduct a river habitat survey, assess the speed and depth of the waters and participate in a ‘minibeast’ study, to find out what creatures are living in our local streams.
Sponsor a
brick
Building for the future
Pupils experience biodiversity first hand
Ian said: “The trip was part of the University’s commitment to support the local community and foster learning. We are happy to encourage pupils from Hallow CE Primary School to learn more about the natural world and our impact on it.” The work was developed and delivered in collaboration with the children’s class teacher Ali Reakes-Williams, who also led one of the projects. Mrs Reakes-Williams said: “This was a fantastic experience for the children. All were highly engaged in the tasks whilst the learning was memorable and inspiring for us all.” Alexander Basford, aged nine, said: “The streams project was the best because I really enjoyed taking measurements with Dr Maddock.”
W
e are creating a special wall to celebrate the Worcester Arena and the University and community’s passion for sport.
The purchase of a brick will ensure your name and message is forever part of the Worcester Arena. The funds raised from the wall will help to pay for the development of our county’s largest indoor arena. The introduction of this 1,500 seat arena will bring some wonderful opportunities to the region and will attract a great range of top-class regional, national and international events to the city of Worcester. If you would like to sponsor a brick with your personal dedication there are several types to choose from, including wall-slips starting at £50 and exclusive granite stones for £500, which your department could join together and fundraise for. To pick a brick log on to www.worcesterarena.com If you would like to find out about future fundraising events, or if you would like to make a donation, email b.heaney@worc.ac.uk
Give now and your donation will double
Discussing the findings
Until July 2011 your gift is worth more than double thanks to the Government MatchedFunding Scheme and Gift Aid. The Government will match your donation pound-for-pound.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JULY 2010 / 9
FEATURE
Programmes to help you master the art and science of
leadership
Identifying your strengths and building upon them is an important skill for any professional – even more so for those who have responsibilities at work to support and encourage others in their learning.
This is exactly what the team team behind the Course Leaders Programmes (Malcolm Armstrong, Chris Robertson, Leela Cubillo, John Peters, Ian Scott, Julian Martin, Marie Stowell and Mathew Jellis) had hoped for. “We were anxious that issues were identified by course participants themselves in a shared learning environment,” said Malcolm Armstrong. “Participants work together in cross disciplinary subject groups considering topics such as the role of the leader, innovation and reflection and future challenges. Participants have the opportunity to share ideas and to further hone their leadership skills in a non line management situation.
Team Leaders Programme participants
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Sally Smith, who completed the Course Leaders programme, found the interaction with colleagues in similar roles particularly useful. “It’s given me a great insight into how other course leaders and courses work,” she said. “I’ve got some good ideas of how to deal with some of the issues and how to plan for the future.”
he dynamic new programmes offered by the Leadership Development Project are perfect for any member of “The project element of the Team Leaders Programme enables participants to tailor staff who is involved in any kind of leadership. this aspect of the programme to meet their own needs. Much of the programme The first running of both the Team Leadership is delivered through small group work so participants get numerous opportunities to meet and to share thoughts and ideas in a supportive atmosphere. A key and Course Leaders programmes have aspect of the programme is the cross university teaching team which enables recently concluded, prompting universally participants to benefit from a wide range of expertise and experience.” positive feedback from participants.
“I am now much more aware of the different roles and functions of departments outside of my own Institute,” said Elizabeth DaviesWard, who completed the Team Leaders programme. “I feel more confident as a manager and more able to support my team. I have learnt new skills such as Coaching Skills which will hopefully enable me to have a more positive approach to managing people in the team. The programme was also a great way of meeting people from different parts of the university. This gave a greater understanding of how others work.”
Graham Davies is particularly keen that colleagues receive the same benefits that he enjoyed from the Team Leaders programme. “The course was ideal for anybody who leads a team or who can foresee a leadership role in the future,” he said. “I have had no hesitation in recommending the programme to my colleagues in Registry!” The courses will be running again from September, incorporating a number of improvements inspired by feedback from those who have already completed the programmes. “We hope to build on our success by involving some of this year’s completers to work alongside the new participants to create a cadre of course leaders across the institution, whose aspirations are to further understand and raise their own performance in this important role,” said Malcolm Armstrong. “We also intend to run two half day programmes for module leaders, as we see this as complementary to the course leaders’ role. We also intend to run short introductory courses for new course leaders in the spring of 2011.” If you are interested in benefiting from the Leadership Programme, please contact Mary Bradley via m.bradley@ worc.ac.uk for full details and dates. But be quick, because places are filling very rapidly.
Course Leaders Programme participants receive their certificates from Professor David Green
10 / JULY 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Team Leaders Programme participants
Pilot scheme boosts
graduate employability FIRST CLASS ACCOLADE FROM ENVIRONMENTAL LEAGUE TABLES The University of Worcester has been named among the top 20 greenest universities in Britain. The University has been awarded ‘First Class Honours’ for its ranking at number 17 out of the 133 UK universities that submitted results in this year’s People & Planet’s Green League. This year’s league, published by the student campaign group People & Planet, compared not only the strength of the Institution’s environmental initiatives and performance, but also the scope and ambition of the University’s plans for improvement. The top 20 spot comes after the University recently became the first in the country to receive the EcoCampus Platinum Award across all of its sites, in recognition of the University’s commitment to continually improving its environmental performance. The Director of the Student-led organisation, Ian Leggett, said: “People & Planet congratulates universities which achieved the First Class award in this year’s Green League. Their success is a tribute to sustained leadership and comprehensive efforts to achieve the necessary transition to a low-carbon education sector.” Katy Boom, Head of Sustainability and Development, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to be ranked, once again, amongst the best institutions in the country. We continually aim to improve our efforts to ensure that the University of Worcester exceeds environmental standards and public expectations.”
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The first completers of the Worcester Award receive their certificates
NEWS
A pilot scheme to improve graduate employability has been hailed a huge success after the first group of students successfully completed the Worcester Award. he Award recognises the activities and experiences of students, both within and outside their studies, which could contribute towards their future employability.
Students had to demonstrate their skills in a range of ways, including work experience, community or voluntary activities and being able to effectively promote their skills, attributes and experiences to others, through CVs and interviews. Rose Watson, the University’s Employability Development Officer, said: “Employers tell us that although they value a good degree, they also want to see graduates who have undertaken work experience, and who have developed the skills and attributes to become self motivated and effective employees.”
The Worcester Award will help students to get involved in a wider range of activities which will both benefit the local society and contribute to their own employability. It has been supported by a number of employers. Bal Kular-Taylor, Positive Action Outreach Worker at West Mercia Police, said: “West Mercia Police is very pleased to be supporting the Worcester Award. The scheme is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their employability skills and gain experience whilst working across a range of diverse community and business areas. The professional and personal skills developed now will help graduates succeed in a highly competitive environment and offers us, as an employer, the opportunity to select graduates who are more easily able to make the transition from education into the world of work.” Tripp Martin, from Enterprise Rentacar, added: “I don’t know of many companies who would rather have someone with the potential to do great things over Worcester Award winners who have already achieved terrific results.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JULY 2010 / 11
news
campaign
founder
delivers 2010 institute of health & society lecture The founder of the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign has delivered a lecture on The Changing Face of Breast Cancer Care, at the University of Worcester.
Steve Thrush receives a cheque for the Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign prior to his lecture
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Now based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, Mr Thrush trained at the Royal Free Medical School in London. His general Louise Jones, Head of the Institute of Health surgical training was based around several and Society, said: “The University is delighted centres of excellence in respect to managing to have Steven deliver the annual Institute of breast diseases. During the latter part of his Health and Society lecture. Steven has been Since then the campaign has gathered huge training he became active in promoting a momentum, and was last year adopted as the instrumental in the campaign to get a muchwidening of the breast surgeons’ remit to University of Worcester’s Charity of the Year. needed unit available in the City. So many include Oncoplastic surgery (combining the people are affected by breast cancer every The University has raised more than £3,000 management of cancer with techniques to year, and this unit will be a huge benefit to the over the past 12 months for the campaign, minimise disfigurement). people of Worcestershire.” onsultant breast surgeon Steven Thrush initiated the campaign to get a specialist breast screening unit in Worcester, with the support of a small group of trustees and volunteers, in 2007.
International research conference success The first University of Worcester International Research Conference has been hailed a huge success.
and presented a cheque to Mr Thrush during his visit.
More than 30 members of staff attended the conference, organised by Anna Popova and Gareth Dart, from the Institute of Education. The event allowed staff to share research they are carrying out and to hear about other projects on-going in the institution. Gareth said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for staff to network and to hear about some of the wonderful international research projects that are in progress here at the University of Worcester.”
The event was opened by Professor Ros Foskett, University of Worcester Deputy Vice Chancellor and supported by staff from the Vice Chancellor’s office. Gareth said: “We heard about research into education in Kenya, archaeology in Sardinia and care homes in Canada. “It was so interesting and fascinating and we shall certainly be looking to do this again.”
Anna added: “We were surprised and delighted at the volume of international research happening and it was great to be able to share thoughts, ideas and expertise.”
Helen to walk Hadrian’s Wall in support of bereaved parents Timetabling Officer Helen Mullen, along with husband Tony, is joining hikers from all over the world to walk along the historic Hadrian’s Wall. Helen and Tony are embarking on the 84-mile trek to support The Joseph Salmon Trust. The charity was set up by Neil and Rachael Salmon after the death of their three-year-old son Joseph. It now provides financial support to families who have lost a child; either to assist with funeral costs or to help the self-employed take some time off from work. Helen and Tony set off from Wallsend on the North East coast, Monday, July 5, and should finish on the North West coast, in Bowness on Solway on Saturday, July 10. “When we heard about the walk along Hadrian’s wall it seemed like a great challenge, as we’ve never walked on such a large scale before” Helen said. “The walk also seems like a great opportunity for us to help those less fortunate than ourselves.” To sponsor Helen and Tony visit the website www.justgiving.com/hadrianswalkers Helen and Tony Mullen
12 / JULY 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
NEWS
Return to
creativity student golfer
needed for England’s primary schools
takes on the professionals again
A University of Worcester student has secured a place in a professional golf competition for the second year running.
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reg Higgitt will be competing among almost 90 professional golfers from across Britain in the Jamega Pro Golf Tournament and will be hoping to improve on an already impressive three top 30 places last year.
A return to creativity in England’s primary schools is what is needed to produce the next generation of creative thinkers, according to two Worcester lecturers. The Primary National Strategies of the last 15 years have discouraged teachers to be creative in their teaching, thus hindering creativity in their pupils, say Dr Robyn Cox and Julie Maclusky. Instead teachers have been driven to achieve pupil targets and standards, encouraging pupils to write to demonstrate that elements of their writing fit and exceed level descriptors and feed into SATs outcomes and school league tables. Robyn and Julie have teamed up to produce a teaching handbook to bring back creative writing in the classroom, to be published in early 2011 by the Open University. “Creative writing is expanding massively,” said Julie. “More and more courses are becoming available in the creative industries and the future economy of this country is becoming more dependent on creative thinking. While the national curriculum has raised the scores of children in tests, the result has been that generation of pupils can now locate the verb in every sentence but have never written a poem or a story.”
Robyn added: “It is so important to foster creativity in children. Today’s creative thinkers and writers are going to be tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and those that will drive this country forward.” Creative Writing for Primary Schools: Delight, Entice, Inspire is an aid for teachers who want to nurture creativity in their pupils.
Greg, aged 20, from Stourbridge, has been playing golf since the age of seven at his local club. “Last year’s competition was a great experience and real learning curve,” he said. “This year is all about performing to the best of my ability and competing with some of the best players in the country.” Greg, a second year Sports Therapy student, is being coached by professional golfer Darren Prosser. He received a £400 contribution from the University of Worcester’s Scholarship Panel towards the cost of the tour. “I was delighted to receive another scholarship from the University,” Greg said. “The money helps with the travel and entry fees, which I have to pay myself.”
Greg Higgit
You are invited t o Back to Our Roots Reunion Saturday July 10
This year’s reunion will be the best one yet. There will be something for everyone to make this a fun event for you, your friends and your family. Enjoy an afternoon in the country with past and present staff, alumni and music and a hog roast.
To attend please email alumni@worc.ac.uk or call 01905 542273 newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JULY 2010 / 13
FEATURE
Play brings evolution
to life
A play exploring evolution has been performed to hundreds of schoolchildren at the University of Worcester, in a bid to help children to focus on the dilemmas associated with faith and science. Professor John Newbury, Head of the Institute of Science and the Environment, has been leading a drama/education project commissioned by the Biochemical Society, which aims to educate pupils about theories of evolution and correct creationist misconceptions.
Young people and two scientists were involved in writing the play, under the direction of professional playwright Ali Taylor, winner of the 2009 MeyerWhitworth Award. It was created through a series of workshops with Islington Community Theatre.
The play, called Hive9, was performed by two professional actors, including former Eastenders actress Suzie McGrath, who played Keisha last year.
Professor Newbury said: “A key focus of the development of Hive9 has been the argument between evolutionists and creationists – and how young people see themselves within that debate. One of the most positive and surprising things to emerge from the workshop was how open-minded the young people were, how ready they were to listen to each others’ opinions and how some tried to find ways to ‘merge’ creationist and evolutionary ideas within their own personal belief structures.”
Professor Newbury, who is chairman of the Biochemical Society’s education committee, said: “Hive9 is an exciting piece exploring Darwin’s theories through the eyes of teenagers and focusing on the dilemmas associated with faith and science. “One really interesting thing about the play is that it is performed in science labs, rather than on a stage – which makes for a more engaging experience for the young audience and allows some interactive elements.”
The play is set on an estate in North London and tells the story
14 / JULY 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
of a young student, Arron, who returns home from his first year studying science at university to discover that his friends have become involved in a sinister antievolution group, Hive9. His best friend, Bea, who didn’t get the grades to go to university has stayed at home and starts to get involved in Hive9, determined to find something in the world that makes her feel special and not ‘just like any old animal’. Eventually Arron stages a dramatic and dangerous event to prove that evolution is the reason humans are special.
NEWS
Students save enough energy to make a
million cups of tea
Students living in halls of residence at the University of Worcester have saved enough energy to make over 1.1 million cups of tea.
J
ust by turning off lights and appliances in their rooms and being more energyaware in the kitchen, students have managed to reduce their overall energy consumption by over 12%, saving over 19 tonnes of CO2.
At the start of the year, hundreds of students signed up as ‘Eco-Power Rangers’ as part of Student Switch Off, a Defra-supported national campaign which gets halls to compete against each other to save energy. The competition over the course of the year was fraught, and two halls were consistently fighting for the lead place during the campaign, which ran from October 2009 to May 2010. In view of this, the University has decided that Sansome and Windrush halls should be joint winners because students in both halls managed to achieve a daily reduction of 0.84 kWh per student. As a reward, the University is going to invest in eco-kettles for the hall’s kitchens, to help future residents increase their energy savings even further.
BBC in Dragon’s Den style
T
student pitch
The SU sabbatical officers turn Eco-Power Ranger
SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES EXCEL IN NATIONAL STEM AWARDS The University of Worcester was delighted to see a number of its partner schools and business in the running for numerous accolades at the National STEM Awards.
he BBC took part in a Dragons’ Den style programme pitch involving journalism students at the University of Worcester.
The third year students pitched their ideas for a political show to a panel including James Coghill, the Managing Editor of BBC Hereford Worcester and the station’s News Editor Joe Baldwin. The project formed part of an assignment in a Television Research Skills module which focused on ideas generation and pre-production processes. The BBC accepted the invitation to be involved in the feedback process as part of a Media Diversity Partnership forged with the University’s Journalism Department. Subject Leader for Journalism, Claire Wolfe, said: “We used the opportunity to present our students with the task of coming up with programmes that would engage with younger audiences. Our links with the BBC enabled us to bring some realism to this work and establish better links with the media industry.” Module leader Rachel Ammonds, a former Producer with ITV’s Tonight with Trevor McDonald, said: “I was really proud of the students. They had some great ideas and presented themselves well.” A magazine production module has had input from Jane Sullivan, Editor of Worcestershire and Warwickshire Life and Mark Dixon the Deputy Editor of Octane classic car magazine. The BBC also delivered a session on how to break into broadcasting with a focus on CVs and filling in application forms. This session was run by James Coghill and Rani Randhwana, HR & Development Manager, BBC West Midlands.
The University, home to the STEM Support Office for Herefordshire and Worcestershire, not only provides comprehensive information for educators about the availability of local and national STEM resources, materials, activities and events, but also supports schools to link education with the world of work, through access to the nationally accredited STEM Ambassador programme. The Awards, which highlighted the efforts of those involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, were held at the House of Lords on Monday, June 21, and hosted by Lord Oxburgh. King Charles 1 Schools Kidderminster, was a finalist in the Best STEM Club Award and Rebekah Hodson, Head of Science at the Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, won the Best STEM Teacher Award. A team of pupils from Whitecross School, Hereford, who the University of Worcester recently helped reach the finals of the 1st STEM Challenge in March, were invited to talk to guests about their competition entry.
Journalism students are undertaking three one month placements with the BBC this summer.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JULY 2010 / 15
news
NATIONAL SELECTION FOR WORCESTER’S Unitots staff and children celebrate
karate twins
Top marks for
Unitots
The University Nursery, Unitots, has scored top marks in an assessment of its provision for pre-school children.
The Early Childhood Rating Scale (ECERS) is an internationally recognised evidence based quality improvement tool. Worcestershire County Council has adopted it as a key indicator of quality and together with the Ofsted grade will use it to determine eligibility for nursery education funding. Unitots Nursery has 57 children on roll and was visited by assessors from the County Council in May, who assessed against seven scales: space and furnishings, care routines, language/reasoning, activities, interaction, programme structure, parents and staff. The Nursery scored top marks in all areas.
Jeremy Strong entertains the crowds
Unitots manager, Hazel Rutherford, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have got top marks. It is a new assessment tool and we are one of the trail blazers. Our success is down to our committed staff, who work extremely hard to provide an excellent learning environment for the children.”
Lee and Steve Heath
T
wins from the University of Worcester will be representing England at the British National Karate Championships in Scotland on Saturday, July 10. Lee and Steve Heath, aged 19, from Warndon in Worcester, were recently selected as part of the English National Karate Squad and have already competed in Greece and Montenegro among the very best young international hopefuls. Lee and Steve were both awarded a £500 scholarship from the University of Worcester Scholarship Fund to assist them with their travel expenses.
Ahead of the National Championships Lee said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be able to compete at this level. I’m really grateful to the University for awarding us the money, which helps towards our flights and accommodation.”
Award-winning author entertains schoolchildren
Jeremy Strong, an award-winning children’s author, recently entertained dozens of children at the University of Worcester. Jeremy, who was promoting his new book We Want To Be On The Telly, told stories to the children and read from a number of other titles. Afterwards, the children had the chance to have their books signed by the author. The event was organised by Waterstones, with a portion of the funds raised donated towards the University’s
16 / JULY 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Charity of the Year – Worcestershire Breast Unit Campaign – and the University’s Scholarship Fund. Best known for his books The Karate Princess, The HundredMile-an-Hour Dog and The Indoor Pirates, to name but a few, Jeremy’s extensive and successful writing career has seen him publish more than 80 children’s books and receive numerous awards, such as the Prix Chronos Award at the Paris Book Fair in 2004, the very first Manchester Book Award in 2006 and the 1997 NFCBG Children’s Book Award.