news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE
June 2010
In this issue:
Worcester’s dynamic energy Praise from Universities UK p.2
Platinum ecocampus University of Worcester first to achieve coveted status p.9
Blooming marvellous
Silver Gilt medal for University’s Chelsea garden p.7
Promotion to top flight Worcester’s footballers to play in top division next year p.11
FEATURE Universities UK’s Nicola Dandridge with University of Worcester staff and graduate interns
UNIVERSITIES UK PRAISES
Worcester’s dynamic energy N
The Chief Executive of higher education action group Universities UK has praised the University of Worcester during a recent visit.
icola Dandridge was taken on a tour of the University’s facilities, including new Halls of Residence, the development at the former Worcester Royal Infirmary in Castle Street, and the site of the new Worcester Arena.
She also witnessed primary school pupils participating in wheelchair basketball, and saw the National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit and science laboratories.
kind of positive schemes, and getting deeper links with small to medium enterprises.” Ms Dandridge was also shown how work is progressing on the new Library and History Centre in Worcester, in partnership with Worcestershire County Council. Ms Dandridge said: “I think the partnership at the new library is fantastic and will be excellent at breaking down barriers and will stop the misconception that universities are ivory towers because it will bring people and students into the community.
“I was very impressed with how confident and dynamic the University is,” she said. “It has a fantastic, leafy campus with quality buildings. “The University of Worcester displays pockets I think that the University of Worcester is of very specialist diversity, with for example forward looking and ambitious and I think this the National Pollen and Aerobiology ambition encourages its students to go places.” Research Unit. Ms Dandridge also heard about the “From my background as an equal University’s unique salaried graduate opportunities and employment law lawyer, internship scheme, which offers graduates I am very aware of how issues in equality a chance to gain employment while gaining are interpreted in society. I was therefore a postgraduate qualification, and met with extremely impressed with the work of the some of the interns. Institute of Sports and Exercise Science, training primary school pupils to participate “The internship scheme is great,” she said. “It’s and learn how to play wheelchair basketball. fantastic to see universities developing these 2 / JUNE 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
It is a very positive picture and I’ve never seen this done by any other university. It’s something very specific and distinctive that needs to be promoted.” Ms Dandridge said: “In these difficult times for Higher Education the University of Worcester seems very focussed. “The funding future is very different, we can’t assume what has happened in the past is going to continue in the future.” Ms Dandridge said philanthropic giving would become increasingly important. “Communities in America are much more integrated with universities,” she said. “There is a greater separation here in the UK. We don’t have as much of a connection and I think we have a long way to go to get that culture of giving. “Universities in the UK need to shift that perception. The research from universities benefit the country in many, many ways, which is not understood in the public consciousness.”
COVER STORY wELCOME
welcome W
elcome to the June 2010 issue of News and Views.
With the University’s first entry into the Chelsea Flower Show proving such a massive success – winning a Silver Gilt medal in the Urban Gardens category and attracting huge amounts of media coverage – it seems only fair that the low allergen garden is our cover star this month. Such stories can tend to overshadow the more intimate, ‘human interest’ pieces which are the lifeblood of a university, so we’ve also found plenty of space this issue for pieces on student
successes – both academic and sporting – as well as staff achievements and community events. Next month’s News & Views will include a muchanticipated feature on the courses available through the Leadership & Development Project, as well as the second instalment of our occasional series focussing on the work of under-exposed areas of the University. Thank you to everyone who has suggested potential subjects for these features – we will be in touch very soon. As always, please keep us informed of any news you would like to share with colleagues by sending it to newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
SUPPORTING UNIVERSITIES WEEK Thousands of people will get the chance to learn more about opportunities in higher education as part of a nationwide campaign later this month, supported by the University of Worcester. Universities Week, from June 14-20, aims to highlight the importance of higher education in the UK and tell the stories of those people whose lives have been influenced by the sector. From the training of teachers, doctors and sports professionals, to the development of future fuels, miracle medicines, new technologies, or improved food nutrition – together they build a picture of the many and surprising ways that students, academics and staff make a difference in the UK. To kick off the week, the University will hold an Open Day when people can take a closer look at what is on offer.
A record number of people are expected to attend the event on Sunday 13 June to find out more about the wealth of part-time, flexible and fulltime course opportunities available at Worcester, to help people of all ages and backgrounds take their first steps into university study. During the Open Day, from 10am to 3pm, there will be a chance to take a campus tour, meet current students and view the University’s range of facilities, including the new student residences and science laboratories. Professor David Green said: “The Open Day on Sunday 13 June will be a great opportunity for people of all ages and educational backgrounds to discover more about University study.”
contents COVER STORY Medal succes for Worcester’s low allergen garden
7
features Universities UK praises Worcester’s dynamic energy
2
news Supporting Universities Week 3 Virtual learning language courses launched 4 CBI Director-General issues warning 4 Steve Jones tackles three peaks for charity 4 New play explores Darwin’s theories on evoluation 5 Sports students represent UK at European convention 5 International students spark debate 5 Early years professionals celebrated at dinner 6 Leading academics share research globally 6 Students’ Union scoops Silver environmental impact award 6 Horace proves it’s never too late to learn 8 University hosts Forest School Conference 8 Students host charity wheelchair football tournament 9 Young fan gets to tread the hallowed turf 9 Worcester first to achieve Platinum Ecocampus 9 Basketball trials attract global interest 10 Promotion to the top flight for Men’s Football Team 11 Student grabs ninth place in European Duathloan Champs 11 Worcester busy down under 11 Children take part in Storytelling Festival 12 Students to compete in World Ultimate Frisbee Champs 12
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JUNE 2010 / 3
news
VIRTUAL LEARNING
CBI Director-General LAUNCHED issues warning LANGUAGE COURSES The University of Worcester is pioneering a series of language courses using ‘virtual classrooms’ to enable students to learn in the comfort of their own homes.
The Director-General of the CBI warned of large scale change to the British and International business landscape, during his recent lecture at the University of Worcester.
The short courses are aimed at anyone interested in learning a foreign language but who may have trouble finding or attending a traditional face-to-face class.
Richard Lambert’s lecture, entitled Wealth Creation in the 21st Century addressed the major issues affecting the economic performance of nations in the future.
The courses are run via a web link, through which the student can see, talk and text chat direct to the tutor and other class members and carry out exercises under the tutor’s guidance, all from a location of their choice.
Mr Lambert said: “Wealth creation is going to be transformed by globalisation, technology and demography. Among the consequences will be a massive shift in economic power and international capital to the East, big strains on the earth’s resources, and significant stresses on the UK’s financial, human and social capital.”
Judy Barker, from the University’s Language Centre, said: “It is becoming increasingly difficult for people who want to learn a foreign language to find a course locally. Often courses are cancelled because there are not enough participants to make them viable to run, or – in the case of less widely taught languages – there may be no classes within a reasonable travelling distance.”
The talk focused on the possibility that the 21st century may be dominated by other, much larger, and more populous nations.
However, there was also call for optimism. It was emphasised that, as the population grows, so too do the opportunities for businesses to target new customers, and with ever increasing stresses on world resources there are also more financial opportunities to find and implement solutions.
Richard Lambert tours the University’s city site prior to his lecture
She added: “In collaboration with a number of other Higher Education and Further Education institutions we piloted a Beginner’s Arabic and Advanced French course, which were both very well received. “In the virtual classroom students had audiovisual contact with each other and the tutor, and were also able to communicate via instantly visible text messages. The tutor used an interactive whiteboard to display texts, video clips and other lesson materials very much as if the lesson took place face to face. During and outside lesson times participants used a course book with CDs and online material, providing structured support. Because every online session was archived, they could also catch up if they had missed a lesson or replay any part of the lesson to revise.” More information is available at www.worc.ac.uk/languagesonline Or please contact Judy Barker at j.barker@worc.ac.uk or by calling 01905 855492.
Moreover, Mr Lambert also suggested that: “A priority to meet these challenges is the need to promote and champion innovation, in which universities have an increasing role to play.”
steve jones TACKLES three PEAKS FOR CHARITY A
member of the University of Worcester security team is embarking on a charity climb that will see him tackle the UK’s three highest mountains.
Steve Jones will begin his climb of Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon on July 3, all in aid of St Richard’s Hospice. St Richard’s Hospice provides free, specialist palliative care for patients living with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The hospice team supports patients and family members in the Worcestershire area. Steve said: “I’m a local person and it’s a local charity. It’s amazing that they give free care and support to over 2,100 families every year.” He said: “I have been doing as much running as I can so I will be ready by July.” If you would like to sponsor Steve, visit www.justgiving.com/sjones3peaks
4 / JUNE 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Steve Jones
COVER STORY news
New play
explores Darwin’s theories on evolution A play exploring evolution will be performed to hundreds of schoolchildren at the University of Worcester this week, in a bid to help children to focus on the dilemmas associated with faith and science.
P
rofessor 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 tackle commonly held misconceptions.
The play, called Hive9, is performed by two professional actors, including former Eastenders actress Suzie McGrath, who played Keisha last year. 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.” Young people and two scientists have been involved in writing the play, under the direction of professional playwright Ali Taylor, winner of the 2009 Meyer-Whitworth Award. It was created through a series of workshops with Islington Community Theatre.
INTERNATIONAL
STUDENTS
SPARK UP DEBATE Students from the University Debating Society have launched a series of conferences looking at the future of the World.
Sports students represent UK at
A
European convention
group of sports students from the University of Worcester recently represented the UK at a European convention for physical education. The Intensive Programme (IP) is an EU-funded project, which brings together students and experts from 10 nations.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘PE in a healthy European society’, which the students explored through workshops, presentations, research, and cultural visits, including lesson observations in Swedish schools. Lerverne Barber, PE Course Leader, said: “The IP was a huge success and staff members from the other participating countries praised the outstanding contribution that University of Worcester students made, including the poster and power point presentations they had prepared before the start of the programme. But also the significant role they played in helping to quickly develop cohesive and effective working groups, which was a key factor in the success of the whole course. As representatives of ISES, UW and in fact the UK, they made us very proud.”
The University of Worcester Debating Society
The first conference, ‘Envisioning 2020’, saw a number of knowledgeable speakers voicing their opinions on the fate of the world and its economy in 2020. The conference was hosted and organised by 10 international students, headed by the chairman of the debating society, 20-year-old Muyiwa Olufon from Nigeria. Muyiwa said: “We hoped it was possible to organise something academic and still have an audience. “I felt really good after the conference as we got a lot of positive feedback, it really helped our self belief.”
Students prepare for this year’s Intensive Programme
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JUNE 2010 / 5
NEWS
Early years professionals
celebrated at dinner A special dinner was held at the University of Worcester recently to celebrate the training of 95 new Early Years Professionals throughout the West Midlands.
The event was held in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council Early Years and Childcare Service and Herefordshire Council, who have worked in partnership with the University in offering the scheme. Sue Baylis, EYPS programme leader and a senior lecturer in Early Childhood, said: “EYPS ensures that those working with children under the age of five are providing the highest level of care and education, in partnership with parents, to meet the child’s individual needs as they grow and develop. “The skills and experience graduates acquire will not only give children brighter futures, but also enable EYPS to lead and inspire others to give all children
the start in life they deserve. We organised this dinner to celebrate the achievement of those who have gained Early Years Professional Status to date and also to look to the future when there will be an EYP in every full daycare setting.”
Early Years Professionals toast their success
Early Years Professionals work in a wide range of roles in group settings such as nurseries and children’s centres and as home based child carers. They lead practice, support other practitioners and are central to helping children develop from birth until the age of five, a crucial time in a child’s life.
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rofessor Richard White, the UK’s only Professor of Tissue Viability; Professor Dominic LEADING Upton, Professor of Health Psychology; and Dr Shelley Davies, Course Leader in Human Biology, are key researchers in the field. ACADEMICS They shared their expertise at May’s European Wound Management Association’s SHARE RESEARCH international conference in Geneva, Switzerland. This annual event is the most prestigious in the European calendar, being a forum for presenting and discussing the latest research in GLOBALLY wound healing. Three of Worcester’s leading academics Professor White chaired, and spoke at, two symposia; Holistic Healing – Targeting were guest speakers at Europe’s Inflammation and Pain, and in Antimicrobial Therapies Designed to Manage Pain and Infection. largest conference on wound care. Dr Davies spoke on the topic of pain and infection at the Holistic Healing symposia, whilst Professor Upton addressed the conference on the stress associated with wound care treatment in patients with leg ulcers. The conference attracted around 2,000 wound care specialists from across the globe.
Students’ Union scoops
Silver environmental impact award
Worcester Students’ Union has been awarded Silver in a prestigious environmental accreditation scheme. Last year Worcester Students’ Union scooped a Bronze award, and this year it has gone further to score a Silver award, one of only 12 unions nationally to do so this year. The Union had to meet a number of essential criteria, including energy and water consumption, recycling, and raising awareness of green issues.
SU Vice President Michael Collins with President David Antell
Michael Collins, Vice President Education and Welfare at Worcester Students’ Union, said: “All the team in the Students’ Union are very proud to receive this level of environmental accreditation. Last year we got Bronze and this year we improved by a further 198 points to get Silver. The Gold award is now just 200 points away, so we hope to achieve that next year.”
6 / JUNE 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
COVER STORY cover story
MEDAL SUCCESS
FOR WORCESTER’S LOW ALLERGEN GARDEN The University of Worcester’s entry for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show scooped a Silver Gilt medal in the Urban Gardens category.
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he garden, designed by first-time Chelsea exhibitor Olivia Kirk, featured low allergen plants and materials, including low-VOC paint and sustainably sourced timber, and is linked to the work of the University’s National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit (NPARU). More than 15 million people in the UK suffer from hay fever – about 25% of the population, according to researchers at the NPARU – rising to over 30% in young adults. The NPARU is a world leader in pollen research and produces all of the UK’s pollen forecasts.
The garden, which attracted attention from gardening gurus Alan Titchmarsh and Joe Swift, along with a wealth of photographers and journalists, was awarded a Silver Gilt medal in the Urban Gardens category. Olivia, of KKE Architects, Worcester, said: “I am absolutely thrilled. It is wonderful to get a Silver Gilt with my first garden at Chelsea. We have had such a lot of positive feedback on the garden, it has been wonderful.”
The garden was popular throughout the show
The garden took 10 days to construct, with work carried out by local firm Speller Metcalfe,
who gave their time free of charge. The specialist low-allergen plants were grown at suppliers around the Country and delivered direct to the site, where Olivia and her team spent hours getting everything in to place. Olivia said: “It has been very hard work but it is just fantastic to now see it in bloom here at Chelsea. It has been a real pleasure to work with the University in creating a truly unique garden that will hopefully show hay fever sufferers that there are options for enjoying their gardens.” Olivia said: “The emphasis of the scheme is different textures and colours of foliage used as a backdrop to pools of colour created by peonies, The Gardeners’ World team dropped irises, perennial by to enjoy the garden geraniums and astrantias. At the front of the garden is a multi-stemmed Amelanchier lamarckii chosen because it is low allergen and beautiful in all seasons.” Following the show the garden will be transferred to the University where it will be available for staff, students and visitors to enjoy.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JUNE 2010 / 7
news
HORACE
PROVES IT’S
never too late to learn UNIVERSITY
HOSTS FOREST SCHOOL
CONFERENCE On Saturday 5 June the University hosted the 2010 National Forest School Conference. A Forest School is an innovative education approach to outdoor play and learning. The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. The event was organised through the Institute of Education with support from Sports & Exercise Science.
The conference included a day of workshops related to Forest School skills and issues, seminars and talks. Final year ITT students who researched Forest School for their final piece of work were invited to disseminate their findings at one of the workshops. The conference drew students and practitioners from across the country to hear Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder and co- founder of the Children and Nature Network talk about his work. Richard attended fresh from the Hay Literary Richard Louv festival.
Zoe and Horace Coward
When Horace Coward left school at the age of 15 he never dreamed that 64 years later he would be completing a degree at university.
L
ike so many young men in 1946, Horace left school without any qualifications, in search of a job to put money in his pocket.
Now at the age of 79, Horace is completing a degree in sociology at Worcester, and will graduate alongside his granddaughter, Zoe, who completes her degree in Early Childhood Studies this year. “Coming to university has made me feel 20 years younger,” he said. “I’m just another student. No-one has ever said anything about my age and I have felt like I really belong.” Horace, of Little Hill, Droitwich, decided to return to the classroom in 2002, following the death of his wife. “I spent eight-and-a-half years looking after my wife,” he said. “When she passed away I wanted to put that energy into something else. I didn’t want to just sit and watch TV, do the garden, and wait for the undertaker to come knocking. I decided I wanted to grasp each day and live it to the full.” Horace, who spent more than 20 years as a fork lift truck driver, took an opportunity to do a 4,500 word research paper at Oxford University. The fully-paid-for 10-week course was organised by the Ransackers Project which provides educational opportunities for people between the ages of 55 and 82. He then went on to complete a GCSE in sociology at college before joining the University of Worcester’s BA Sociology course part-time, in 2005. “I was anxious about getting back in the classroom,” he said. “Education has changed so much since I was at school. But everyone has been wonderful in helping me to catch up.” In his spare time Horace helps children improve their reading skills at Westlands First School in Droitwich, as well as being an active member of a number of local committees and groups. He said he is living proof that it is never too late to get back into education. “I go to several groups and talk about what I have done and to prove to them that they can do it too,” he said. “The number of people who say ‘I wish I could be like you’ is amazing and I tell them they can.” Horace said people just need goals to motivate them. He is now hoping to continue his work with young people. “I will really miss being at university,” he said. “It has been a fantastic experience for me.”
8 / JUNE 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
NEWS
Students host charity wheelchair worcester football tournament first to achieve
platinum
Four wheelchair football teams from across the Midlands TOOK part in a charity contest, organised by University of Worcester students. Four first year Sports Coaching and Management students, Jay Peake, Chris Gordon, Ellis Alleyne and Daniel Emery, arranged the tournament, which was held in aid of Whizz-Kidz. Jay said: “As Chris is in a wheelchair he hasn’t really had the chance to get involved in class sports like badminton or basketball, so we wanted to try something different that he could really be a part of. “We are all really excited to be holding this event, and a little bit anxious. It’s not something you do everyday.” The Wheelchair Football Association national football league teams West Bromwich Albion, Villa Rockets, Wolves Warriors and Sale United were all involved, each being charged a £20 entry fee to be donated to the cause.
Jay Peake, Ellis Alleyne, Daniel Emery and Chris Gordon
Jay hopes to continue getting involved in coaching people with disabilities. He said: “I just find it so rewarding.”
young fan gets to tread
the hallowed turf
A
young Worcester football fan had the chance to walk out on to the pitch at Wembley with some of the Country’s top footballers, thanks to the University of Worcester and E.ON.
After being selected for the prize to win a mascot place at the FA Cup final, the University then approached Nunnery Wood Colts Football Club, with which it has a long standing partnership.
Nine-year-old Jack Pinfield was selected as an official mascot for May’s FA Cup Final between Portsmouth and Chelsea and was presented with his prize by Mark Saunders, Senior Client Partner at E.ON’s Sustainable Energy business.
The Club selected three young players, from a pool of over 250, to be nominated. The three names were then put into a hat, with Jack’s name being drawn out first.
Jack, a pupil at Redhill CE Primary School in Worcester, was chosen as the mascot by the University of Worcester after the University won a competition, organised by E.ON.
The University of Worcester has become England’s first university to be awarded EcoCampus Platinum for the entire organisation. This is in recognition of the University’s commitment to continually improve its environmental performance through a range of initiatives and in a structured way. To achieve the Platinum award the University reviewed how it operates to ensure it prevents any pollution and manages its impacts on the environment and has undertaken a management review to ensure that it continually improves. Professor David Green, said: “This is a most positive achievement and a marvellous tribute to the work of all the members of the University – students and staff alike – who have done so much in recent years to save energy, re-cycle, change behaviours and tackle environmentally sustainable initiatives generally.” Head of Sustainability and Development, Katy Boom, said: “EcoCampus provides a framework to develop a challenging and coherent strategy in all environmental aspects. We have developed targets in many areas, for example energy waste, transport and construction, and have developed action plans for communications, procurement, and biodiversity and have a number of behaviour change projects for students and staff..” “It is very gratifying when external auditors recognise and praise the team work involved in fully embedding environmental sustainability throughout an organisation.’’
Katy Boom, Head of Sustainability and Development, said: “We were delighted to have won the prize to have a mascot at the FA Cup and really happy that Jack had this chance. “The University is heavily involved in energy saving and works closely with schools on sustainability and litter picks. ”
ecocampus
Mark Saunders, Mick Donovan and Katy Boom with Jack Pinfield
Some recent successes include reducing waste sent to landfill by expanding recycling schemes throughout the campus; improved and increased secure cycle facilities; the introduction of better energy management, including schemes to introduce motion sensors and LED lighting; and improved biodiversity on campus. The University is currently looking at sustainability across the teaching curriculum.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JUNE 2010 / 9
news
Basketball trials
attract global interest
Basketball players from across the globe descended on the University of Worcester for scholarship trials in May.
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tudent athletes from countries including Canada, USA, France, Greece, Canary Isles, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, England, Scotland and Wales attended the trials.
on four occasions and finished runners up to Leningrad in the World Inter-University Games in 2006. This year the University is also launching the first MSc in European Basketball Coaching Science in partnership with Lithuanian basketball. Worcester Wolves Head Coach Paul James and Assistant Chris Mayes coordinated the trials.
Paul said: “I had heard about the interest that had been created for basketball scholarships at the University of Worcester but to witness the trials first hand and to see the desire that exists for potential athletes who want to study and play here was remarkable.”
The University has an international reputation for study and play opportunities in the field of basketball. It has a unique partnership with the Worcester Wolves Basketball Club, a BBL side, and in the past six years the University has been crowned British Universities Champions
Talent from around the world gathered for the trials
Alumni Weekend Saturday July 10 – Sunday July 11 2010 A fun event for you and your family
Saturday - 12pm onwards • • • • • • • • •
Solve a mock murder on campus Take part in our speed, reaction and stamina tests Ultimate Golf Experience 10am - 2pm Enjoy garden games and a bouncy castle Flick through our alumni archives Feast on hog roast and ice cream Enjoy an assortment of hot and cold drinks Pick up a prize in our fun competitions While away the day with sounds of the seven decades
Sunday Sports Day 11am - 2pm
To celebrate our long standing history of sports at the University of Worcester, we will be inviting alumni to take part in a range of games for all the family to enjoy; from football to tag rugby and rounders. Come to the Twenty20 cricket at Worcestershire County Cricket ground at 2:30pm.
To attend please email alumni@worc.ac.uk or call Beth 01905 542273 10 / JUNE 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
news
Promotion to the top flight for
Men’s Football Team The University of Worcester Men’s 1st Football Team has been promoted after a Worcester Men’s 1 Football Team successful play-off match against the University of Bedfordshire. st
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orcester won the home match 5-4 on penalties after a closely fought game, which saw both teams score three goals.
Worcester has now been promoted to the British Universities and Colleges Sports (BUCS) Midlands Conference League 1A. Team captain Dale Williams said: “It was a very tight game but we managed to pull out a win in penalties and are delighted to be back in League 1A next season.” Worcester went 1-0 up after 20 minutes courtesy of a Rob Hendry goal from a well worked Tom Thorley cross. Thirty-five minutes in to the game Bedfordshire equalised. Into the second half Bedfordshire took the lead before Worcester’ Leigh Downing blasted the ball past the Bedfordshire keeper from a Thomas Warmer pass. Worcester dominated the early possession and threat to the goal in the first half of extra time, with chances coming from Dale Williams, Leigh Downing and Rob Hendry. But no breakthrough came and going into the second half of extra time both teams were eager to finish the game the strongest. Bedfordshire took the lead with a well-struck half volley past Worcester’s keeper Jack Stern. Then with five minutes to go Worcester pressed for an equaliser from a free kick scored by Tom Thorley. The match then went in to penalties, with Worcester ultimately prevailing 5-4.
WORCESTER BUSY DOWN UNDER Dr Robyn Cox, of the Institute of Education, and Professor Jean Webb, of the Institute of Humanities & Creative Arts, are both giving papers at conferences in New Zealand and Australia in June. Jean has been invited to work with the University of Auckland giving a number of papers and presentations on research student training, research in general and children’s literature. Robyn and Jean are then meeting up in Wellington to give papers at Victoria University, which is an esteemed institution, equivalent to Oxbridge. The day symposium has been set up around their visit. The discussion will be on aspects of children’s literature. Robyn ‘s paper will be: Same old, same old: The children’s literature canon in future classrooms, whilst Jean is giving a paper on international approaches to landscape, environment and eco-criticism in children’s literature. In Australia Jean will be giving the keynote and Robyn a paper at the 9 th International Conference of the Australasian Children’s Literature Association for Research (ACLAR): Children’s Literature and its Politics: representation and the rules of engagement. Robyn’s paper is entitled: The Rules of Engagement: Teachers as readers of children’s literature. The ACLAR conference is a prestigious and highly respected forum for discussion and debate in the field of children’s literature which takes place every two years.
STUDENT GRABS NINTH PLACE IN
EUROPEAN DUATHLON
CHAMPIONSHIPS A student from the University of Worcester has snatched ninth place competing for Great Britain in the European Duathlon championships. Marc Scriven, a 50-year-old first-year sports science student, competed against the top duathlon athletes in Europe at the championships held in Nancy, France. He said: “The latter part of the race was in a violent thunder storm which made the course conditions treacherous, Marc Scriven and there were some nasty accidents. However, I managed to finish safely. “I was extremely pleased with my performance and proud to have represented both Great Britain and the University of Worcester.” Marc, who was recently diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia, said : “Without the support of the University’s disability services I wouldn’t be able to do the things I’m doing at the moment.
“I can’t speak highly enough of them, if anyone with a learning or co-ordination disability would like to attend University, I would absolutely recommend studying at Worcester.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JUNE 2010 / 11
news
STUDENTS TO
COMPETE IN WORLD
Ultimate Frisbee
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Children take part in
storytelling
festival
The 6th Worcester Children’s Storytelling Festival, run by the University of Worcester, was a celebration of storytelling across a diverse range of forms. Almost 250 children from eight schools in Worcestershire and Herefordshire took part in the activities and fun on campus all based around the theme of ‘The Environment and Recycling’. The event was shared with the Worcester City Children’s Library who hosted storytelling for Worcester City schools with the storytellers Sally Tonge and musician and storyteller Pete Castle. On site at the University, Katrice Horsley, a remarkable storyteller, began the day with an orientation storytelling session and ran storytelling sessions in the Yurt during the morning. There were also workshops for primary school children on: •
Collage using natural materials with Alison Ogle, a local artist.
•
Picture book illustration by the award winning illustrator Piet Grobler, who is a lecturer in Digital Arts at Worcester.
Den making by local groups of secondary school students using recycled materials. These took place throughout the days, and included story making in the dens. The den making was run by Phillip Waters from the Eden Project. Phil had the children test the waterproofing capacity of their dens. Luckily the weather was hot and sunny!
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wo students from the University of Worcester will be competing in the WFDF World Ultimate Frisbee Club Championships in Prague this summer. Clare Avenell and Adrian Link will be part of a team competing against more than 100 others from 30 different nations in July. Clare, a first year Sports Therapy student, began playing Ultimate Frisbee at the age of 15 for Headington School in Oxford and joined team BAF in 2003. She said: “I really love the fact that Ultimate is so different. It combines athleticism and speed with skill and intelligence, and it is the only sport of its kind I know that you can play as a mixed team at the highest level.” First year Sports Studies student Adrian, who also coaches the Stourport Rhinos, initially joined team BAF to gain experience to pass onto his players. He said: “I am excited as I have the opportunity to compete against the best teams and best players in the world, and I am hoping to take away as much as possible from this experience. Our goal this year is to become the highest ranked European team.” Clare and Adrian were awarded £300 each by the University of Worcester Scholarship Panel for assistance with travel costs to the competition.
Two additional activities were included this year: •
Adrian Link and Clare Avenell
One of the collages now on display at Worcester Cathedral
• Storytelling for local pre-school children in the crèche garden with Karen King, a local author. An unexpected development was Alison Ogle entering the two collages produced by the children under her supervision for the exhibition of children’s art work in Worcester Cathedral. The exhibition can be viewed throughout June. 12 / JUNE 2010 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
SUE AND WENDY RUN FOR CHARITY Sue Johnson and Wendy Toon are running the Race for Life in Worcester on June 13th. If you would like to sponsor them please go to www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/suejohnson14