UNIFied - December 2012 by Christ Church Students' Union

Re-Freshers coming back! S u r v e y time Important info on a pinboard ... page 5

The SAFE Campaign ... page 6

SO WHAT is Re-Freshers? Nope, its not those sweets from the 90’s and you don’t have to register all over again. January Re-Freshers week is the chance to have as much fun as you did in Freshers Week, without the stress of moving, starting uni and having to have those awkward conversations to make new friends, most of whom you will have already forgotten and some of those first conversations will be your friends for life.

So from the 14th January 2013 you get to ‘re-run the fun’ of September and really make the most of it all, starting at The Lounge, heading out to a club, our infamous Town Take Over, with a silent disco thrown in. there’ll be some great live music and the ‘Big Fat Quiz of the Year’.

NEXT month, two significant surveys will be launched by the Full English Breakfast with OJ or Coffee* - £3.50 Breakfast available all week in The Lounge. Welcome Back University to capture students’ Breakfast: Society Fayre: Sports Fayre: Re-freshers Fayre: Housing and feedback Big Screen Sports on their experience WelFayre: at Christ Church. In this edition, Unified reporter, Elina Smyrniou, investigates why the Sharing Platter: Re-discover The Lounge and companies and finally do not NationalRoast Student Survey and Sunday Cheese Burger Pizza offer : Lunch for just £5 - £6 on the housing fayre, Buy one & Beer out Thanks-a-LatteMaxi Monday: with some miss University Student Survey are get one Fish & Chip Friday: All Of our free - All Day All day early Maxi Fish & Chips Maxi Dishes great food andfor drinks offers your opportunity to with find so important to Christ Church bird menu - £4 a drink:your £6.50 Sharing Platter: the Price Served all day the Mini Night: throughout the ofweek andCurryour place for next year and meet and how they play a critical re-vamped menu. landlords, all with some helpful role in shaping the student experience for current and Monday night Society Showcase: advice and guidance thrown in. warm up, drinks Live @ the lounge 8PM, 6 per team, In this special from 7PMFreshers Pub-to-club Missed outpromo’son future students. with Undercover Guaranteed with Flashback. I’m a social sec... treehouse Minimum Cash out, Fayre? Well across the week getSo University pull we also me outget of here!14th-20th Jan in your prize of £100. in the St. George’s building we diaries now so you don’t let find out more from students have 4 fayres to get you back the January Blues set in, also about how the University is into Uni life: there’s half price don’t forget about Uni work and responding to previous NSS Society sign-up, get back into deadlines too. All the events and USS feedback and key Sports, you can grab some and info coming soon, look out facts about the surveys. freebies or a bargain with on our website, Facebook and ... story continues inside ... loads of local and national for flyers around campus. Full English Breakfast with OJ or Coffee* £3.50

Still want to join a society? Don’t know what to do? Head to the society fayre, with half price sign up, to see whats on offer and help expand your social circle. 11AM-3PM

Nachos, Wings, Cocktail Sausages & Chips - £8 for 4 people, Served all day 2

Want to get fit in the new year? Be more active? Or have some fun with a new sport or getting back into an old favourite? Then head to the here to join something new or old, or start a new team yourself. 11AM-3PM

Grab yourself some freebies, or spend some Christmas money with a whole host of local and national companies as well as loads of Uni Goodies. 2PM-7PM

Your opportunity to find your place for next year and meet the landlords all with some helpful advice and guidance thrown in. 11AM-3PM

St Mirren vs. Ross County 2.45pm Blackpool vs. Cardiff 5.20pm

Chelsea vs. Arsenal: 1.30pm Tottenham vs. Man Utd: 4pm

Served all day

Nachos, Wings, Cocktail Sausages & Chips - £8 for 4 people, Served all day 2

Maxi Tikka and Beer £7, 4pm - 7pm 3

See a variety of the best Uni Societies talent on stage in the lounge, showing off their skills and abilities.

Starting at your accommodation, ending in the lounge for a Silent Disco till 3am.

Pub to Club = start your night at the lounge to receive free club entry and queue jumps.

UCF: What do they have to say? Interview with Daniel Craig

With the Folkestone campus closing soon, students will have to relocate to the Canterbury site in the new year Manager shares her opinion about the campus closure and the University comments on the positive and negative aspects of the change.

... page 5

X-Factor gossip ... page 5

WITH such an important change within the University’s structure and students’ lives, UNIfied finds out what the parties involved think about the move. Folkestone based

student (for now), Shelby Fuller, expresses her thoughts in a comment piece for the paper; but that’s not all. Silvia Rasca, former SU President and current Membership Services

What do students think? The University Centre Folkestone was opened in September of 2007. Christ Church had plans that this campus would grow, and would expand to buildings closer to the harbour. Just five years later and the students have received letters informing of the campus’ closure. The letter details the closure of the campus were received by students at the beginning of

August, after many had moved into the places they thought that they’d be calling ‘home’ for two years. The university have claimed that “financial sustainability, the curriculum and student experience have been fundamental” factors in the university review, and the decision to close the campus. The university also expressed that the results of the Student Survey carried out during the previous academic year, which the previous campus director, Chris Price, had urged students to participate in, was at “the forefront of their minds” ... ... story continues on page 9 ...

News & Current Affairs

Contributors:

Editors:

Aidan Ainsley

Adam Beadle

Shelby Fuller

(Comment)

Angela Dimitrova

Kate Lismore

Jo Bartson-Umuliisa

(Entertainment)

Lucy Brown

Natalie Keeler

Ginette Casey Sammi Wright

(News & Current Affairs)

Claire Miller

Adan Parsons

(Features & Lifestyle)

Chris Trillo

Sam Eskenazi

Adem Djemil Cindy Hac Abigail James Ed Breeze Andrew Cameron Oliver Fawcett Alex Coates Ellie Martin

(Sports & Societies)

Anca Popescu

(UNIfied editor-in-chief)

Fundraising shenanigans Aidan Ainsley THROUGHOUT the month of November, Christ Church’s Sport Clubs and the rest of the University on the whole have been raising money for Movember in support of Prostate and Testicular Cancer Initiatives as well as raising awareness through moustache growing! The clubs were set a challenge to reach a target of £200 over the course of the month in order for their Presidents to get waxed on closing night! So Wednesday 28th saw Christ Church celebrate their fund-raising achievements, and crown Man of Movember and Mo Sista for this year as well as compare the differences

universities who would be willing to talk to us about their experiences. Interviews would take no more than an hour and would be at a time and place that is convenient for participants.

Reverend D. Stroud Chaplain H. Wallace Jo Bartson-Umuliisa

Jack Latham

Simon Banks Chelly Brown Joel Grove Stephanie Moir Elina Smyrniou Rhian Stone Moira Helm Sam Mahrouche Rebecca Ward Gil Perkins Laura Spencer

You can still donate by visiting the page (http://uk.movember. com/team/562065). Look out for more photos of the moustaches from the closing night! Mo is King!

Mo is King, and so is CCSU RaG!

VP (Welfare & Education), Jo Bartson-Umuliisa, talks about one of the projects in which she is involved

Melissa Cleary

Laura Halliday

Leo Chamberlain who was personally responsible for over £100 of that!

Epilepsy: Your experience matters

Stacey Hawes

Phil Mooney

in moustaches! With a number of Presidents of sports clubs getting waxed by their own team mates, and live haircuts on stage to raise even more money it really was a fantastic event, culminating in raising almost £2,000 for Movember which really is a fantastic effort and shows how working together can make a real difference! A huge thanks goes out to all that grew their moustaches, donated, fund-raised or volunteered in any capacity. A particular thanks to Men’s Rugby who managed to raise almost £500 on their own, and in particular Social Sec

CANTERBURY Christ Church University has kindly agreed to take part in a project we are currently undertaking in collaboration with the National Union of Students and funded by the James Lewis Foundation. Young Epilepsy wants to develop a better understanding of the concerns and issues that can impact on young people with epilepsy as they study at university, as well as the support that is currently available to them. In addition to improving our understanding, we hope to develop a model for epilepsy support at university with help from students and universities from across the UK. In order to do this I hope to speak to students with epilepsy to find

out about their experiences of university. Young Epilepsy is a national charity working to support young people with epilepsy throughout the UK. We are currently working with the National Union of Students, to develop a better understanding of the concerns and issues that can impact on young people with epilepsy as they study at university.

We will use the findings from our project to develop better support services for young people with epilepsy studying at university.

If you would like to register your interest in the project or would like to find out a bit more, please contact Rachael Sherrington, University Development Manager, Young Epilepsy via phone (07825 188862) or email (rsherrington@ youngepilepsy.org.uk). For more information visit: http:// youngepilepsy.org.uk/whatwe-do/research/universityproject.

We also want to know more about what support young people with epilepsy want and need to make the most of their time at university. It is important for us to establish what help is currently available and know where there is room for improvement. Over the coming months we are looking for young people with epilepsy studying at UK

Young Epilepsy have joined forces with Coronation Street as part of the Young Epilepsy fundraising campaign, My Purple Pledge

News & Current Affairs follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/christchurchsu

Not going home for Christmas this year?

Laura, International Student Adviser, recommends activities for International students to get involved with over the Christmas break Laura Spencer

ALL International students remaining in the UK over Christmas, and who might be at a loss for things to do or feeling lonely, are encouraged to take part in several activities available to them over the festive period. Commonwealth and International Students’ Christmas Weekend at Cumberland Lodge in Windsor Great Park is one option for International students. This pre-Christmas weekend (18th December – 20th December) is a great treat. Students from other countries who are currently in Britain are invited to have a taste of a typical British Christmas with a

personal appearance by Father Christmas almost guaranteed! The registration fee is £65 which covers all food and accommodation on a shared room basis. It also includes a visit to Windsor Castle. For more information about this, please visit http://www. cumberlandlodge.ac.uk. Another opportunity is HOST UK, a network of UK residents who welcome adult international students to their homes for a weekend, or Christmas visit. Student Support and Guidance has a small budget to cover the cost of trips (on a first come, first served basis). This is a fantastic chance to meet new people; for more information about the network, have a look at http:// www.hostuk.org.uk.

If you’ve got a creative side and enjoy writing, why not try some work experience as an Education UK Student Journalist? The British Council is looking for talented and imaginative young students with a passion for writing to contribute articles to their website and become ‘Education UK student journalists’. The aim is to inspire international students to study in the UK, help them to find a suitable course and offer advice to help them settle in. More info about this can be found at http:// www.educationuk.org. Have you heard of Global Café, Canterbury? It is, in fact, a lively programme of local events that offer a great opportunity for students to make new friends and practice

their English. You can visit www.friendsinternational.org. uk, to find out more. Further details relating to each of these activities are available

on the International Students’ board – click on the ‘Student Support’ tab at the top of the CLIC Learn landing page, and then choose the ‘International Student Advice’ option.

HOST UK arranges for international students studying in the UK to spend a day, weekend or Christmas in a British home

The EcoChaplaincy’s Green Impact Launch Chaplain H. Wallace Reverend D. Stroud TO SIGNIFY the re-launch of the Green Impact project this term, the EcoChaplaincy team and the Sustainability Development team have worked with the expert Grounds and Gardens staff to kick start a new allotment area!

On Thursday 22nd November, CCCU staff and students got on their gloves to get stuck in. The Chaplaincy Centre (up by gate 5 on North Holmes Road) already has a lovely front garden with beautiful roses, all of which are brilliant to sit and relax in whenever you like – but Peter Rands, Director of Sustainability Development, was keen to add an edible element! It was earlier in autumn when Peter first visited the Chaplaincy Centre with the idea that we turn the unused shrub-space at the back into allotments for staff and students. Only a few months later, staff and students alike donned their wellies and put their backs into digging, removing shrubs, preparing the ground and creating four raised beds. The space has completely transformed and nearly ready for enthusiastic volunteers to take on the challenge of growing their own vegetables on campus.

Above: The allotment are before Right: The new addition to the project - four raised beds

As darkness falls at the end of a good, satisfying day’s work

– and the sun shone on us for most of it - the transformation of this single strip of scrub land is amazing. What was once a derelict area has been reclaimed, reshaped and reborn as allotments for all. And the vision doesn’t stop there; soon there will be all that a budding gardener requires, rain water storage, green houses, composters, tea and coffee making facilities and most importantly a series of gardening workshops. All that is missing is you, so if you want to get involved then all you have to do is contact sustainability@canterbury. ac.uk. And you too could be the next Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall, of ‘River Cottage’ fame, growing and cooking your own food as you attempt to supplement your student loan and be self-sufficient. Nothing could be nicer on a summer’s day than sitting on the lawn in the chaplaincy garden with a glass of Pimms in one hand and a delicious home grown salad in the other. Perfect!

News & Current Affairs

Christmas Opening Hours Do you have access issues on campus? FOR any of you wanting to stay in Canterbury over the festive period, here’s some important information for you to know. Augustine House will close at 5pm on Friday 21st December 2012 and re-open at 7.30am on the Wednesday 2nd January 2013, however PC’s will also be available on the main Canterbury Campus in RG36, where the room will be available via card access 24hrs a day, 7days a week, apart from public holidays. You

THE Equality and Diversity department are hoping to set up an ‘Accessibility Survey’ carried out by students. They want to get together a network of disabled students, provide a little bit of training and then send them on their way to audit the University. can also access the new and improved i-borrows which, will be available in the Students’ Union in the St Georges Centre.

This audit will mean that obstacles that disabled students face will be highlighted and written up formally as a report. If you’re interested

in joining this new opportunity to focus on accessibility specifically for students with access issues and students with disabilities. If you want to find out more information about this project, then please email penni.fleming-fido@ c a n t e r b u r y. a c . u k expressing your interest!

Celebrating Staying safe over the Christmas break We’re on the and avoid any unnecessary look for you! the 1st term! attention. If you feel unsafe or SO WE’VE come to the end of the first term and students are just finishing their exams and other assignments ... no wonder you’re now looking to unwind and celebrate with your new found friends. There’s a variety of things to do in and around Canterbury and Kent and there are always special offers on for students and groups of people. So the best thing to do is to ask your friends what takes their fancy, snoop around town to see what different deals are being offered by various businesses and then go for the best one! We hope you enjoy your well deserved break and we’re looking forward to seeing you in 2013!

are worried about something, you can always call the nonemergency police numbers (101 for non-emergencies and 999 otherwise) and someone at the other end of the line will be able to assist you with your problems. SAFE and out!

SO WE’RE quickly approaching the end of term and you may be thinking about what to do with yourself once the term is finished. You may be going home, you may be going away on holiday, you may even be staying here in Canterbury ... you may intend on going out or even be thinking about finishing those looming assignments before you get back. Well, whatever you’re doing, make sure you stay safe this coming Christmas and New Year. No matter what you’re doing, always tell someone where you’re going and how long

you’re going to be there for. The likelyhood of something serious happening is very remote, however it’s always good for someone to know your whereabouts. Better safe than sorry - everyone has seen ‘127 Hours’, right? Always make sure you have enough money on you to get back home safely; if you realise you don’t have enough whilst you’re on a night out, see if your friends can lend you some or if you can share a cab with people you know. If you decide to walk back, particularly alone, always stay on well-lit roads

Housing Fayre Alert!

AS UNIfied continues to grow, we are constantly looking for new students to join the team and add to our list of talented article writers! Whether you want to write to improve your skills or just as a hobby, no matter what course you do, we welcome everyone! You can be a regular contributor or write one-off articles about something that caught your attention. Is writing not your cup of tea? Then you can get involved in the media team and become one of UNIfied’s researchers, photographers or designers. Think you’ve got what it takes? Then email Anca, VP (Student Activities), at anca.popescu@ canterbury.ac.uk and let us know what you’d be interested in. Alternatively you can come along to one of our weekly Wednesdays meetings (5pm6pm, St. George’s Centre), to see what the UNIfied team’s up to!

News & Current Affairs follow us on vimeo: www.vimeo.com/christchurchsu

English not your first language? AES is a great service for International students ... Chris Trillo THE Academic English Service is a new programme aiming to extend the language support available to students whose first language is not English. Our aim is to offer a personal, face to face response to every student who feels the need for further English language development. We are currently prioritising first year students but we also welcome contact from other students. After an initial assessment, we discuss how we can help you to develop your English. Suggestions can include attending our workshops, arranging individual tutorials or study groups, recommending resources and arranging a meeting with your tutor. We find out what you need and

E FRE

Help yourself…

E FRE

plan your support accordingly. The key to our service is that we aim to offer a human response when needed. We welcome your contact whether it is to ask for advice or to offer suggestions. We will keep in contact with you through a dedicated CLIC Learn page. If we have not enrolled you on this, just let us know. This page allows us to publicise our programmes and post resources (information, links and exercises, etc.) that can help you develop an independent approach to learning. Please note that we are still at an early stage in the construction of this page. In fact, the Academic English Service as a whole is brand new. Come and join in! Contact us at academic.english@ canterbury.ac.uk

Reach your potential telephone: 07561 132402 email: web:

academic.english@canterbury.ac.uk www.canterbury.ac.uk/aes

Academic English Service

‘SAFE’ kicks off at Christ Church with ‘CSI:Common Sense Innit!’ computers next to windows). In this, we hope to encourage students to take more consideration in protecting their personal items.

Stacey Hawes THE week beginning on the 26th November saw the launch of the Students’ Union first branch of the year-long “SAFE” campaign, a campaign during which the Students’ Union are looking for ways to make the student experience a safer one at Canterbury Christ Church University. And it all kicked off with the ‘CSI: Common Sense Innit!’ campaign. Several events were held throughout an entire week, in order to raise awareness of types of fraud and crime that CCCU students can be subject to and help them protect

themselves on a night out, as well as in their day to day activities. •On Monday 26th November, the SU began the campaign with “Belongings Awareness”. The plan was to place business cards in bags and/ or on the personal items left by themselves, and therefore considered to be subject to robbery. The aim of this initial effort was to make students think twice before leaving their belongings unattended. Part of the same campaign kick-off also involved visiting student accommodation and housing and posting information about leaving personal belongings in sight (e.g. leaving phones or

•Tuesday focused on trying to decrease card fraud and persuading students to start covering their pin numbers when dialling them into a cash point or card machine. Students can be at risk of being targeted for card fraud, particularly in busy nightclubs, and are therefore encouraged to always cover up where keying in the pin numbers. •Wednesday saw ‘Mark Your Mobile’ Campaign. As a result of a number of students previously losing their mobile phones on nights out, the SU Sabbatical Officers encouraged everyone out on the night to record IMEI numbers and mark their mobiles with security UV marker pens.

•Thursday was all about making students aware of “Protect Yourself” operation. This looked at a number of publications, which provide guidance for International students and advise everyone of how to look after

themselves, including how students avoid being mugged or experiencing any form of ID fraud on nights out. •Friday focused on encouraging students to insure their personal belongings, with several companies being available in the St. George’s Centre for the day, for dropin sessions during which, students could get advice on different types of insurance, as well as insure their possessions on the spot if they whished to do so. Over the week, Christ Church Students’ Union brought forward a number of issues that have affected students in the past and made them aware of several ways in which they can keep ‘SAFE’ and protect their personal belongings. The events were a huge success and had a very positive outcome for students, but there’s more to come: the next part of the ‘SAFE’ Campaign is coming out in January! Keep an eye out for and For more information about this particular campaign, visit www.ccsu.co.uk/safe. If have any feedback ‘CSI: Common Sense Innit!’ or just want to help promote the campaign by being part of the next ‘SAFE’ steps, you can email stacey. hawes@canterbury.ac.uk and express your interest. Until then, remember to stay ‘SAFE’ in order to prevent any type of crime you could be the subject of.

‘CSU: Common Sense Innit!’ was a very successful campain amongst Christ Church students

Comment

Just in: A peppery scandal in Folkestone! Shelby Fuller, UNIfied journalist, reports on the spiciest crime to date Shelby Fuller A SERIOUS crime was committed between the students of the Folkestone campus, but fear not, the victims took it upon them themselves to hunt down the perpetrator. The incident was committed on 3rd November at a Big Brother themed housewarming party. The perpetrator, Lucy Nemeck, admitted that it was her who thought, being drunk at the time, that it would be “funny” to steal from the hosts of the party as a sort of “trophy” of the night. Sober Lucy appears to have the mind of a modern day Moriarty, as she caused a mystery that

Ransom note left posted by Lucy Nemeck

lasted over two weeks. The night after the party theft, the victims struck back. Using a quote from the film ‘Taken’ George Farnsworth, one of the hosts of the party, announced in a Facebook status “If you let my pepper grinder go now, that’ll be the end of it.” But if the pepper grinder was not released, he stated “I will find you, and I will kill you”. Thus a drastic hostage situation commenced. When Lucy saw this status, it looked like an opportunity for fun to be had. She placed hostage posters around the Uni before it closed on Sunday 4th, so that when students arrived on Monday they’d be seen and word would get back to the

party hosts. What Lucy did not expect was the reaction. The boys created posters stating that they would not pay the ransom, of marshmallows and a Fez, but pleaded for anybody with information to come forward as their “salt pot” was missing its “beloved pepper grinder”. As well as the salt pot being distraught over the situation, so too was George, he said “my late step-father gave [the pepper grinder] to me, so as you can imagine it had a lot of personal feeling attached to it.” Lucy used a number of techniques to divert accusations. Most obviously, she out-right lied about knowing anything, also passing off the address of local club, Bar Luxor, as her home address. As well as this, and probably the most successful of techniques, she convinced the victims that it was me (Shelby Fuller, writer of this article) who stole the pepper grinder. She has since admitted that this was completely planned, from the location which she wanted the ransom to be left (by the creative writing room), the request of a fez (I am a mega Doctor Who fan) and also an event that I will mention shortly. This technique worked well for her, as the victims believed it to be me so much so that when they bumped into me on my way home from ASDA, they threatened me and my ‘associates’ and ripped holes in my carrier bags. Throughout the week notes were left in the Atrium of UCF counting down the days the boys had left to pay the ransom. After their three day time limit was up, nothing was heard of the pepper grinder until Thursday of the following week. This was the day after the student night at Onyx nightclub. YouTube video footage was released from their Censored Booth, and in the video, an Onyx staff member, Jordan, can be seen with the pepper grinder - and to rub salt into already sensitive wounds,

he was holding a sign saying “Hello George”. Lucy now tells me that she requested that if anybody asks Jordan who asked him to do it, then he must say it was a girl with long brown hair (i.e. me). The final episode in this peppery mystery was a note left on the locker within UCF. This note Lucy had aimed to lead the boys on a treasure hunt for the pepper grinder - but her plan was foiled by a security guard. Lucy said she “would’ve gotten away with it too, if it wasn’t for you menacing security guards” - the note was deemed suspicious and threatening and Lucy handed herself in before the police got involved. Lucy is very proud of her achievement which some have heralded as “the most epic pepper grinder related prank

Snapshot from YouTube footage of Onyx Nightclub staff member -now identified as Jordan- holding the pepper grinder and a sign saying ‘Hello George’

ever”, and as an art student she has even been able to use some of the “retaliation material in a recent Uni project”. However

Charley has spoken on behalf of the three victims, saying: “Revenge is a dish best served peppery”.

Festive message from S.

Union President, Stacey Hawes, wishes Christ Church students ‘Happy Holidays’! Stacey Hawes I THOUGHT I would use this issue of UNIfied to hope that you all have a happy and healthily festive period however you decide on spending it. This term has been very busy for the Students’ Union as it saw the opening of the new St. George’s Centre and the revamp of the Dwell. Both are very exciting steps for the union and we hope that the students are enjoying the use of the facilities as much as we are enjoying providing them for you. I thought I would also use this chance to update on my first term as president. The things that I am most proud of during this term are the opening of the St. George’s Centre with a successful Freshers’ fortnight, the adding of ten new computers in the library as well

as the iBorrow system now being the new Students’ Union. I have spoken to a number of students from Broadstairs about what they want from their SU and as a reult, helped provide coaches to Canterbury for nights out and helping to make it more equal to students over there. I have also met with students from Medway, in order to see how I can help improve the student experience. This is a work in progress. I’ve also answered questions that

students from Folkestone had about the move to Canterbury. You can find more information on www.ccsu.co.uk about what I’ve been up to if you wish to know more. I hope that all students and staff have a brilliant festive period as it is well deserved after all the hard work that has been put it. Use the time wisely as we all know holiday time goes way to fast and I’ll see you in January.

Comment follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/christchurchsu

Christ Church meets Bond. James Bond.

Christ Church student, Lydia Maddix, wins opportunity to interview Daniel Craig and Naomie Harris on Grimmers’ Radio 1 show SECOND year Christ Church student, Lydia Maddix recently won Radio 1’s competition to meet and interview Bond stars, Daniel Craig and Naomie Harris. The 19-year-old who studies English literature with Film, Radio and Television ‘never thought’ she would win and has been praised by her friends, family and local community. Lydia now lives in London and commutes to university which she says can be ‘exhausting’, but she chose to in order to seek out the mediarelated opportunities there. Unfortunately things haven’t been quite a smooth ride, as 9am lessons mean a 5am get up. Lydia tells UNIfied: ‘I was on the train, listening to Radio

be ‘viewed by the BBC’. She chose the iconic laser scene from Gold Finger and her sister Michelle helped make a crazy cling film wig. Also providing her with two young actors, Kurtis (4 months old) and Kyle (4 years old) who star in it as Baby James Bond and Spiderman – (the villain’s sidekick, of course) Lydia states: ‘If there’s anyone to thank, it’s her. The deadline was so tight and she helped me make it’. After submitting the video she received a phone call from Radio 1 to which she says she almost threw her phone across the carriage in shock! The BBC loved her video and shortlisted it to the top 15 out of thousands of entries, (only 5 of which would win). If they

show, who took them on a tour of and let them have a few snaps in the instgrim booth! They drove to the interview in style, Aston Martin style and when the Skyfall stars walked in the room, they ‘were all speechless!’ Grimmy interviewed the stars first and then the competition winners got to ask them a question. Lydia asked Bond: ‘If you were reincarnated as a computer, with only enough memory space for one Bond girl, who would you save and why?’ Both him and Naomie laughed and said ‘wow’, before answering Harris of course! ‘It was such a fun interview; they were really cool and down-to-earth’. The winners had their picture taken with the stars and got to shake their hands! Maddix, who is also an indie singer-

Nick Grimshaw, Daniel Craig and Naomie Harris with radio producers and competition winners, including Christ Church’s Lydia Maddix (bottom right)

songwriter, filmmaker and aspiring radio/TV presenter, said ‘It was the best day of my life! I’m feeling more inspired than ever to get into the industry and it would be a dream come true if one day I could present

TV/radio shows’. The interview can be watched on BBC Radio 1’s YouTube page. You can also watch the winning video at: www. youtube.com/brittyblackgirl.

Know your Welfare Officer

Sammi Wright, Welfare Officer for the Students’ Union, greets Christ Church Sammi Wright Lydia Maddix with Radio 1 presenter, Nick Grimshaw

1, and thinking about how much of my day is eaten up by travelling. I said to myself if only I had one chance to show my creativity, I’ll know that I’ve made the right decision to commute’. Within a split second Nick Grimshaw announced on his breakfast show the competition, Lydia ‘couldn’t believe it!’ To enter you had to make a 60 second video recreating your favourite Bond scene which you had to film, edit and star in. ‘Usually I don’t enter competitions, but this time was different’. Lydia, who creates comedy sketches, parodies and vlogs on her YouTube channel BrittyBlackGirl thought that ‘this could be a great opportunity’ for her work to

called you live on air, you had to answer in the style of Bond otherwise you’d be disqualified and they’d call another from the 15 waiting anxiously by their phones. Lydia was the third winner to be called answering: ‘The names Maddix, Lydia Maddix’. ‘It was so terrifying but so exciting to be on Radio 1! It’s a station I listen to all the time... was very surreal!’ Lydia had a chat with Grimmy, who told her the BBC’s comments about her video which was, ‘Hilarious, original and nice use of a random Spiderman’. When Lydia and the four other w i n n e r s arrived at the BBC studios, they were greeted by the producers of Grimmy’s

TO THOSE of you who don’t know me, I am your current Welfare Officer in the Students’ Union. This means I represent the students of Canterbury Christ Church University, as well as myself, with regards to university related matters and the Union Council. Students’ Union Council is the highest level decision making body in the Students’ Union, responsible for giving the Students’ Union direction (through deciding policy) and approving the aims of the Students’ Union Executive (by approving strategy). My role within the Students Union is to carry out raising awareness campaigns, e.g. Cervical Cancer, Human Trafficking. If you have any suggestions on campaigns you would like to see happen throughout your time at

university do not hesitate to contact me I would love to hear your ideas! I’ve also been liaising with students who’ve been going through a difficult time at university this year. So if you or anyone you know, need someone to talk to then get in touch. I am currently working on an anti-bullying campaign that will take place in the near future which will hopefully reach students across all campuses. I feel this role is not only beneficial to the students but also beneficial to me as in March I will be running in the student elections therefore it will give me an insight into how the Students’ Union is run. I am around if you would like a chat - whether it is about your course or accommodation to chatting about home life or even your sports team/society. A problem shared is a problem halved so feel free to stop me for a chat or email me at sw390@canterbury.ac.uk.

Sammi Wright, Welfare Officer for the Students’ Union

Comment

What do they say about the UCF campus?

UNIfied exclusive: Folkestone student, the University and the Students’ Union share opinions on the closure of the UCF campus

... story continues from page 1 ...

... while making their decisions. Many students were left feeling “resentful” and as though the Uni were “twisting their words”. The results which they refer to, is information that I would have thought to be obvious without the use of the Student Survey. Students told the Uni “that they don’t have access to the same range of facilities enjoyed by students at our Canterbury Campus.” While students in Folkestone have access to The Quarterhouse Theatre, dance studios within the university building, and computer rooms available until 11pm – they only have a small area allocated to them in Folkestone’s public library, no student union building, a lack of societies to boast about, and what hasn’t helped the campuses case – is the constant comparisons to the university’s main campus at Canterbury. Time and a lack of money have failed to let this campus grow. The campus was opened to aid the regeneration of Folkestone – , and so many local residents and students have noted the differences and improvements in Folkestone in the short time that the university has had a presence there, and hopefully the town of Folkestone is able to continue to grow without UCF there. The news of the closure split the close-knit campus

in two, those who supported the change, and those who didn’t. Being such a small campus most students look at it like a “little family” where everybody feels welcomed and supported. In September the UCF campus’ acting director had a meeting with the Level 5 students to properly discuss the change. Prior to this the students had felt very in the dark about the whole situation, one student described it as though the university had “lit the fuse and left us to deal with it” causing a wealth of friction in the UCF family. Since then most of the issues raised have been addressed. Though many students were left dumbfounded as the acting director, Keith Gwilym, claimed that UCF “does not have the facilities to help” us complete our degrees , yet by the time the campus potentially closes next year there would have been three year groups of Folkestone graduates. Despite the fact that Canterbury is a prominent university area, boasting a great night life and better facilities – , the close-knit atmosphere of UCF is one that we at Folkestone feel cannot be matched. It is this which we are keen to hold on to during the move to Canterbury next year, and the transition to settle in amidst starting the most

UCF dancers and the mural in Folkestone at the official opening by the mayoress of Folkestone

important year of University. What does the University say about the entire change? The University announced over the summer that changes were going to be made to two campuses following a comprehensive review of the campus network. The review considered the University’s future strategic priorities and the rapidly changing environment in which universities are currently operating. Two campuses in particular – Salomons in West Kent and University Centre Folkestone – are to face the most significant change over the next seven months as the Salomons estate is to be sold (whilst retaining most of its education provision on the campus in a lease back agreement) and courses at the University Centre Folkestone are to transfer to Canterbury. Important factors have driven the review findings – in particular ensuring an excellent student experience for all students at Christ Church and the financial sustainability of the campuses. At Folkestone, first and second year students have been advised that their courses will transfer to Canterbury in

2013. Christ Church is offering University accommodation to all those students who need it and will pay the additional travelling costs of students who choose to live in Folkestone. The University will also be running coaches to Canterbury over the coming months so students can ‘get a feel for the campus’ before transferring later next year. For many, the news of a transfer has been welcomed and the acting campus director, Dr Keith Gwilym, has been meeting with students to discuss the transfer arrangements. The benefits of moving to Canterbury are extensive, from improved library and study facilities in a larger campus, to the advantages of a city centre location. The University is also aware that many students have close ties to UCF and may be apprehensive about the move. Dr Keith Gwilym, and academic colleagues, will be working closely with all students to ensure they are supported over the coming months and that concerns are heard and addressed. What are Silvia Rasca’s thoughts on behalf of the Sudents’ Union? As the President of the Students’ Union last year, I was heavily involved by the

University at every level of the decision making process in regards to the future of all our campuses. Initially as a student governor of the institution, I was given the chance to feed into the consultation regarding the campuses and I also had a vote in the way things move forward. I made sure the management of the institution really considered the student experience at every stage. I was later invited to be part of the group which considered the future of the Folkestone campus in particular, and I am very satisfied with how the University involved me, the Union, and therefore the student voice in considering every aspect of the student life. I was a media student, so I know that for my particular course especially, it was crucial to have connections with the performing arts students, which was very difficult because of the distance and the lack of connections and communication between programmes. Students from a range of different departments are going to benefit from those programmes moving to the Canterbury campus; for example the filmmakers who will now have the opportunity to have quality actors in their productions, which will also benefit the portfolios of the performing artists.

Comment follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/christchurchsu

A ticking bomb! It’s just a matter of time ... A ceasefire has been called between Palestine and Israel but for how long? Adam Parsons ALREADY we have seen a Palestinian man shot dead along the Gaza border by Israeli soldiers, according to Palestinian officials. It is the first reported killing since the ceasefire a few hours prior but given the volatile past of the two sides is unlikely to be the last of its kind. This ceasefire would by many onlookers seem to be doomed from the start with the main peace brokers being the staunchly Hamas supporting Egyptian Administration and no real time given to either side to properly address the problems festering under the thinly layered surface of peace.

This story is something that many will feel they have heard many times over the years and they would not be entirely wrong; hostilities between the two have been going since the inception of an Israeli state in 1948 and between the two religious schools of thought for far longer. However the latest round of hostilities began this autumn, with militant groups in Gaza fired rockets into Israel with increasing frequency. Israel responded on November 14th with one of its biggest attacks on Gaza since the 2008 invasion. The attack killed Hamas military commander, Ahmed al-Jabari. Following this, Israel continued to target members of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza, and Hamas launched several

hundred rockets, with some hitting Tel Aviv. As well as a bombing of a packed bus in Tel Aviv, this injured 29 citizens. This was in the space of merely a few days and comes with it a list of thousand before them. Shin Bet of the Israeli security agency has that the arrests relating to the bus bomb had happened “a few hours after the attack”, AFP news agency reported. Israeli military spokeswoman Avital Leibovich also stated that the suspect was “an Arab-Israeli member of Hamas”. Officials said that a number of Palestinians affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad in the West Bank were also arrested. This ‘peace’ is tentative at best and every manoeuvre by either side seems to point this

How do we resolve the Israel - Palestine conflict?

out even more, with Israel has unilaterally declared a 300m wide exclusion zone around the fence which it says is needed for security but which Palestinians say steals valuable farming land. Just how badly this clash can become to some extent relies on how Hamas chooses to respond to this. The

thought that this peace will hold and is not just another stone on a path far too rocky to make it down would seem very naïve and the clock is ticking until the next conflict. However with the shooting of this Palestinian soon after the latest ceasefire would suggest the clock has to be reset already.

Commissioner who? Elections fail terribly think we can all agree on one thing: The turnout for them was terrible, ranging from 12 – 15% of the local voting population

Adam Beadle NOT long ago the most experience a lot of people in this country had heard the term “Police Commissioner” came from anything involving Batman. But then came last month when the biggest shakeup of policing for almost 50 years occurred with most of the UK having its first ever Police and Crime Commissioners elections. Basically, in an idea imported from the US, the Police Commissioners are people who have been

The Government believes, this was because the mainstream media has spent too much time exposing somewhat unsavoury stories at major TV studios and not enough time on the Elections. Fair enough, but think about this: Did you know who your local Police Commissioner candidates were? Chances are that the answer you’re thinking is “No.” elected by the local population and now have the power to appoint the chief constable of their force, setting the budget and local policing priorities, etc. Now, they’re in charge of your local police force rather than the committee of elected councillors that use to run it. Now, whether you think the Police and Crime Commissioner Elections politicise the police force (Since only 42 of all the 192 candidates in the election were not being linked to a political party) or make the police more accountable, I

Of course that will have had something to do with it but the decision use the internet as the main means of communication with the electorate might have more to do with it. Unfortunately making a website and hoping people will visit it is not a good way of promoting democracy, nor is just giving people a phone number they could call to request information. They shouldn’t be requesting that information, they should be getting it regardless of whether they decide to call a phone number or not.

It is all well and good having the government blame the national media for this shambles, but at the end of the day, ultimately the candidates are to blame. Let’s face it, if you want to get yourself elected to anything, you don’t go and hide in a corner and keep all your policies to yourself. Doing that borders on both stupidity and career suicide. If you want to win, you need to put yourself out there, get noticed, and get people informed on who you are, what you’re planning to do and, most importantly, why you’re the best person for the job. If you aren’t seen by anyone, chances are, no one is going to know who you are and if no one knows who you are, why are you expecting to win any election?

to the candidates themselves to make sure voters know who they are voting for and persuade them to vote for them. Just assuming people are going to vote for you because you put up a manifesto on some obscure part of the Internet doesn’t do the job and all of the candidates doing so just come across as both lazy, secretive and horribly undemocratic. In short, if Police Commissioner were supposed to make the police more accountable, this Election has been like plane bursting into flames before takeoff.

This brought me to one conclusion: If none of the candidates could be bothered to go out and campaign for my vote, I couldn’t be bothered for vote for any of them.

Now the more suspicious among us will think that the political parties aren’t interested in having anyone but the party faithful vote. However, they need reminding that keeping the candidates secret from the rest of the people is not how it is supposed to work we need to go back to the old system where candidates come and ask for our votes.

Should the mainstream press have reported on this more? Yes, but ultimately it’s down

Or they could try using a BatSignal to attract our attention. That would work.

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if iT’S imPorTanT To you, iT’S imPorTanT To uS. Elina Smyrniou Every year, students are invited to give their feedback on what works, and what doesn’t, in two annual surveys: the National Student Survey (for final year students) and University Student Survey (for first, second (undergraduate) and post graduate taught students). Through these surveys, the university finds out more about each student’s experiences, good and bad, in order to find ways of putting things right. i met with andrew ironside, acting Vice-Chancellor, and moira Helm, Director of the Change Programme, to find out more about these surveys, how they’re used and what the university is doing to celebrate success and to address any areas of dissatisfaction. according to andrew, surveys are an important way of giving an insight into students’ views, “measuring the success of the university and providing opportunities to analyse where there is scope for improvement”. Without these feedback processes, he went on to say,

the university would be “working partly in the dark”, a point reinforced by moira Helm, who said the surveys “allow the institution to see what is happening across all of the campuses and with students studying remotely”.

which have come about as a result of students’ feedback in previous years. They include the introduction of a new virtual learning environment and student portal CliC. There’s also a big project underway to introduce individualised student timetables.

When asked to describe the student experience, andrew drew my attention to the different types of students and consequently the “different kind of experiences” which might arise. He explained: “There is not one single student experience which the institution can focus on. While considering that the average age of our students is around 33 years of age, it is difficult to plan changes based on the misconception of the typical student being an 18-yearold who has come straight from school or college”.

There has also been extensive investment in new buildings and facilities across the campus network – including the opening of St George’s Centre, the maxwell Davies building and the refurbishment of St Gregory’s. andrew did, however, acknowledge that there are still areas in need of improvement – including communication.

looking at areas of satisfaction and dissatisfaction, it appears there are themes which are ‘institutional’ and apply to all campuses as well as themes that are specific to programmes or departments. at a university level, there have been significant examples of improvement in the last year

at programme level, staff look at what has worked well and not so well from the student perspective and put together annual action plans. They also look at what has worked well and share information across departments and faculties. The surveys, which launch in January next year, are clearly an important mechanisms for giving feedback, but there are other ways of letting staff know where things can be improved. When asked about alternative ways students can give their feedback ... cont ...

KEy SurVEy faCTS. The national Student Survey (nSS) and university Student Survey (uSS) are annual student surveys and every taught student is eligible to participate. The nSS is a national survey for final year students. nearly all universities in the uK take part. 1.5 million students have taken part in the nSS since 2005, and 265,000 took part last year. The uSS is the university’s own survey for everyone who isn’t eligible for the nSS. Both surveys ask the same questions, so everyone gets a say. The surveys ask about aspects of your learning experiences such as the teaching on your course, assessment and feedback, academic support and learning resources. We want to know what works well for you and what could be improved. The university uses the results alongside other feedback from student reps, student-staff liaison meetings (SSlms), and module and programme evaluations. The feedback students have given us in previous years has helped to shape your experience, so it’s a continuous cycle. The nSS results are also used for public information and help prospective students decide where and what to study. you can see nSS information for each course on the university’s course webpages. all students who complete the survey get £5 printer credit and are entered into a free prize draw for a chance to win a cash prize.

Both the National Student Survey and University Student Survey open on 14 January 2013. it takes about 10 minutes to complete – or longer if you’ve got lots to say! your feedback does make a difference. See what some of our students thought on page 4.

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STuDEnT SToriES. EVEry STuDEnT aT CHriST CHurCH maTTErS, anD ProViDinG THEm WiTH an inSPirinG, fulfillinG EXPEriEnCE WHilST aT uniVErSiTy iS ToP of THE PrioriTy liST. WE’VE TalKED To a HanDful of STuDEnTS aBouT THEir EXPEriEnCE aT CHriST CHurCH, THE HiGHS anD loWS, anD HoW THE uniVErSiTy iS rESPonDinG To fEEDBaCK THEy’rE GiVinG. William Hamilton-Box. year 3 music student.

“i have been really impressed with my dissertation supervisor, and feel very well prepared and organised; equally the support and care the administrative staff within the department provide is superb. if you’ve got any sort of issue, no matter how small, they will sort it out – they’re wonderful. “There have been improvements in facilities for music students this year. Whilst i had a particular fondness for Pound lane, particularly as it was on my doorstep, the new maxwell Davies building is great. There are, of course, the odd teething problems as it’s a new building, including early morning access and the ‘newness’ of the space, but it really is a wonderful venue. “St Gregory’s is also great. The layout and design, the way it’s been transformed, is superb, it is now a wonderful place to perform in and has already held several great concerts this year.”

Annie Hunt.

year 2 Geography student. “all my lecturers are really helpful. Whenever you’ve got a problem there’s always someone there to talk to. for example, i was due to take part in jury service which i couldn’t attend and one of my lecturers helped me sort it out. “one of the things i’ve noticed this year is the new iT equipment for students in the geography department, with more computers available for us on the course. i would like to see single log-in in the future which i think would really help in using the university’s systems.”

... continued ... moira referred to module evaluation, programme evaluation, student-staff liaison meetings, student reps, Students’ union council, Student ambassadors and through the newlyappointed Student Engagement officer. andrew also pointed out the importance of i-zone and its function; describing it as a “good vehicle to indicate what is going well and what not so well which helps to target areas of improvement”.

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The uK average response rate for the national Student Survey last year was 67%, whereas Canterbury Christ Church university came in at 66%. Despite this relatively good response rate there are students who are reluctant to complete these surveys and moira explains that this is probably due to a number of factors. it could be based on the fact that students are asked for feedback on several occasions during the year. There are

Tristan Lewis.

year 2 interprofessional learning operating Department Practice (oDP) student (medway Campus). “i have always wanted to work in healthcare in a profession where i could help people. Having spent most of my career in iT i was attracted to oDP as i hoped it would give me an opportunity to use some of my technical skills as well as patient contact. The variety and balance was important to me and i was not disappointed. “lecturers based at medway give excellent academic lectures. They are mostly registered oDPs with many years experience. This allows us to take any problems or issues to them and get practical advice and support. We also benefit from visiting lecturers bringing a different perspective and range of experiences. This is both very useful and interesting. “The course is relatively new. Christ Church was the first university in the country to offer a degree in operating Department Practice so it’s quite pioneering. The facilities are excellent at medway – we have mock hospital wards and an operating theatre which allows us early hands-on experience learning about equipment, patient handling and other techniques. medway Campus also has a fantastic mix of students, studying lots of different courses. it’s a very exciting place to study.” “i also find the university responsive when given feedback. i am a student representative and part of my job is to co-ordinate/present regular feedback. link tutors regularly come into hospital where we are on placements to talk to our mentors. This makes sure that we stay well connected to the university.”

also difficulties in reaching all students and as moira explains, we have a very “diverse student body and to reach all students is a challenge”. it could also be due to students perhaps not appreciating the value and impact of their feedback. if they did, they might provide more of it, according to moira. focusing on the nSS, i asked moira what the motivation would be for final year students to take time out to fill in the survey and give feedback.

She replied: “your feedback is making a difference. you are making a difference. it’s your university and you’re influencing the future student experience for generations to come.” a final thought – what if these surveys were made compulsory? – moira’s thoughts reflected my suspicions when she said students “would not give genuine feedback” and honest feedback – good and bad – is appreciated much more.

andrew ironside

moira Helm

Acting Vice-Chancellor

Director of the Change Programme

29/11/2012 09:17

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John Morris.

year 1 Politics and Global Governance student.

Angela Boulton.

“i’m living in the new St George’s accommodation which on the whole is really nice. There have been a few teething problems with it being too hot – but this is coming in handy now with the winter weather!

recent Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical reporting graduate. “There was a shortfall in the number of radiographers who could report scans, so i undertook this course because there was a clinical need at work. i fitted the course around my career and travelled to Canterbury from Staffordshire every eight weeks for two-day placements – it was well worth the travel.

“it’s great that i can come downstairs from the flat and i’m in the Su and the city centre. The fact it’s also really near augustine House is also excellent. Everything works well in the library but sometimes there aren’t enough computers – i-borrow is great but i don’t like working on a small screen. “So far, my course has also been good. lecturers are really supportive even in relation to the most trivial things. i get the impression that my friends at other universities don’t get the same sense that staff are that approachable and accessible.”

“it was a very positive experience and a positive career move as it gave me additional skills which have helped me get a promotion. “it’s really important for students to give feedback. otherwise how can things be improved? if you don’t give feedback don’t be surprised if things don’t change.”

Jenni Hardman. Darren Parris.

year 3 Photography student (Broadstairs Campus).

“The best thing about my course it that it is really fun and you learn a lot of different things.

“first of all, i think the course and the facilities are good, and i have noticed that changes are made when students give feedback. i’m a student rep and at my first meeting we gave feedback about a process for booking out equipment which didn’t work very well. as soon as we suggested changes, they were made.

year 3 Education Studies / Sociology and Social Science student.

“in terms of changes whilst i’ve been here there haven’t been that many but when i first started the new library had just opened which was really handy. although, i really don’t like the quiet zone in the library. you go up there even if you only want to find a book in that area of the floor now you have to be so quiet.

“as my course has progressed things have improved. in the first year lecturers were trying to bring us all up to the same speed as when we’re at different levels it can leave some feeling bored or lagging behind. “When you get to the second and third year it becomes a lot more personalised. as we’ve developed our own photography styles our lecturers recognise these styles which makes the whole experience feel really personalised to each student.”

“The new careers desk is really helpful and you can just go up and ask questions and they will put you in for appointments and that sort of thing. The new Students’ union is really quite nice, bit awkward that it’s not on campus but i can live with that.”

in THE laST nSS SurVEy, PrEViouS STuDEnTS SaiD: “Improvements from last year have made a wonderful difference.”

so continued improvement is encouraging for future students.”

into account and act on them as quickly as possible.”

“Assessments are very well thought out and have changed from feedback from us students.”

“After being a course representative and ambassador, I am happy to hear that my tutors have taken student views into account.”

“Staff spent more time asking us how the course could be improved.”

“They [lecturers] have listened to the student reps and I’ve seen changes within the programme as a result.” “Most areas of concern on the course have already been addressed

“I think there have always been ongoing developments to make the University better.” “Staff are willing to take student views

“I was invited to take part in a studentled module design. I was really impressed with the fact they took onboard students ideas.” “Criticism is asked for but little of the courses are ever changed, one wonders

if this is because every three years, all students leave and don’t come back, hence there is no one left to benefit from the changes!” “The positive response to student ideas and suggestions and the fact that we are asked for them is great.” “All of the negative aspects of my course were identified and changed within two years so overall I’m satisfied that things have changed for future students.”

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THE uniVErSiTy HaS BEEn BuSy SinCE THE laST STuDEnT SurVEyS. iT’S BEEn WorKinG HarD oVEr THE laST 11 monTHS To aCT on STuDEnTS’ fEEDBaCK, maKinG Small anD BiG CHanGES aCroSS THE uniVErSiTy. your fEEDBaCK rEally Can maKE a DiffErEnCE To CurrEnT anD fuTurE STuDEnTS.

So WHaT Do STuDEnTS THinK To THESE CHanGES? Bethany Naulls.

Yoonsun Lee.

Laura Holness.

Christine Norris.

“When i came back to augustine House to do my essays in year 2, there was a lady there, very smiley and happy, i thought she’d just say ‘the books you need are on such and such floor, go and find them’ but she actually took the time out to take me up to the floor and show me exactly where the books were and how to use the online library. in fact, i was just showing my friend how to do it as she didn’t know. She thought i had known for ages but i had only found out a few months ago because of the ‘Just ask’ desk. you can read things online about how to do things, but without having someone there to show you, it’s not quite the same.”

“What i like about the augustine House quiet zone is that, since there is no talking or group working, it enables me to concentrate on my individual study. The third floor is great as everything you need is available to me, such as access to tables to study at, computers, printers and the café so you can just get on with your work without interruption. i have always used the quiet zone since year 1 having the whole floor dedicated to quiet study this year is a good thing.”

“i haven’t had any previous experience of the old Blackboard, but CliC learn is really self-explanatory and the layout is really useful. new announcements get posted on by my lecturers and, as you have to physically dismiss notices yourself, you will never miss out on anything important.

“i think the i-borrow system is absolutely amazing, as i actually have a back injury so having bringing a laptop in and out every day would just be too much, along with my text books. Perhaps we could do with a few more and an easier way to plug them in to charge, as some people seem reluctant to do that, but i do find them really useful.”

year 2 Primary Education.

year 3 Primary Education.

year 1 Business Studies / Human resources management.

“The module layout is clear and really useful. i like things to be in alphabetical order so CliC learn allows me to customise to my preferences. i agree that it helps support my learning experience as i know i can find all the information i need in one place, i am not sure where i’d find this out without it. it’s one of the first things i do every morning so i know where to start with my own study each day.”

year 1 Business Studies / Human resources management.

SanTa PaWS iS CominG To ToWn HaVE a GrEaT HoliDay. TalK To you in January. www.canterbury.ac.uk/thedogs

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Comment

Stop complaining and get yourself a job!

Adam Parsons WHETHER you are a first year fresh from home and looking for your first dip into the world of work or a third year ready to step into your future career, you may need some help. As many before you, an obvious first point of call would be to contact the University’s Careers and Advice centre in Augustine House. This is of course a brilliant first step, but that is all it is. If you are serious about finding a job you have to take the bull by the horns and step it up.

There are a number of ways you can do this and none of them are that difficult at all. Before even attempting to start a CV, make sure you have a true idea of what you can do. You can do this by simply making a list of general skills that you have acquired and courses that you have taken part in, e.g.: skills - computer literate, good communication skills, team player; courses advanced first aid, advanced food hygiene, telephone sales. This gives you a good baseline to start talking about yourself and what you might be able to offer any potential employer as well as giving you a better idea of jobs that you may be suited for. This isn’t to say that you don’t apply for jobs outside of your comfort zone. It is always a good idea to do this if for nothing else than experience and a little extra cash if successful. However it

is always best to stream line your searches a little so not to have to put up with ‘you have been unsuccessful on this occasion’ letters. A second thing to do to get yourself ready for the working world is to get a cover letter ready. Now some of you may have come across this before and some of you may not. But due to the fact that you should always keep your CV to an absolute maximum of 2 pages (1 if possible) a cover letter is always a clever way to get a few more details across to your potential employer as well as previous skills that you have acquired that didn’t really fit within your CV. It is also a good way to show your wish to work for them directly. This means you need to check out the business a little, and this can be done merely by a website check

but have some detail so that you can work it in to the letter. Basic layouts for such letters are plaster over the internet and you can keep the body of the text the same across the board but make sure there are some business-specific points of how you would work within the organisation in each to show real drive. The final quick tip is to volunteer. That may in itself sound a little cynical but it isn’t just meant as a narcissistic endeavour to make you look like some altruistic hero on your CV. Instead, it is a way to get you into the working world in some way, giving you an idea of what is needed from you, giving you responsibility as well as just being a nice and rewarding thing to do.

volunteering/ where you can apply for roles and log your hours giving you some real experience. There are many more tips and ideas you can find to help you in the working world you just have to look, in Canterbury alone you have the careers advice service here at the university, the job centre and the Employment Plus Advice Centre - they’re all here to help. If you need further details or help contact the Students’ Union and they will direct you as best they can.

You can register for volunteering opportunities at www.canterbury.ac.uk/

Never too early for the Christmas Spirit! Cindy Hac NOT in the Christmas spirit yet? Well get going to Winter Wonderland, located in Hyde Park; the centre of London. This could be a great getaway from all the e-mails, books, pens and assignments to have an amazing time with friends and families on a one of experience. Don’t miss it! Winter Wonderland opens on 23rd November 2012 - 6th January 2013 from 10am10pm, so there’s no excuse to miss this great event. I remember when I went last year; it was so exciting, I felt like a kid again. The smell of

the food, the rides, drinks and trying to win a teddy from the funfair game stall and getting annoyed because I didn’t win a teddy. I was also amazed at the unique bar in the middle of the fair. So you may be thinking what is so special about a bar? It’s cold and in a fun fair so obviously it’s just a wooden stall with Christmas trees hanging from the sides. No, it’s a traditional carousel which slowly spins 360 degrees whilst you enjoy your drink or accompanying your friends. A pint of lager is not everyone’s favourite so there are many other things for you to enjoy. How about a Bavarian style

village with German sausages? Homemade nougat and gingerbread men? Of course there is more food closer to home such as chips, burgers, pizzas and a variety of warm drinks such as hot chocolate. I’ll guarantee you won’t be hungry. If you cannot skate you don’t have to worry, I’m sure there will also be people who are grabbing hold onto the sides for dear life, not wanting to fall over, but what fun is it if you don’t try and just think of it as a laugh? This can defiantly get you more in the Christmas spirit. There are also funfair

style games, hook the duck, basketball, knocking over the tins; the games where you are able to win prizes for the kids or younger siblings, whether it be a big teddy or a small toy. There are a variety of thrilling rides for teens; the ones that throw you around and make you dizzy like The Reindeer Express or Santa’s Sleigh. However if you are weak of heart, there is something interesting and relaxing; the zippo circus and observation wheel can be the one for you. Or how about the Ice Kingdom, where ice is sculpted into creatures with different themes!

I asked around to see what people thought of ‘Winter Wonderland’ and everyone was impressed with the activities on offer. Sam, 35, said: “The Saturday was absolutely packed, but the Christmas Market was great. Lots of very unusual gifts available, and not over-priced in our opinion. There was a great choice of food available, along with lots of bars. We left Winter Wonderland feeling very Christmasy (if that’s a word!).” Remember to wrap up warm, have a wonderful time and enjoy the beginning of your Christmas break!

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Christ Church says ‘Thank you’ and ‘Goodbye’ After entering CCCU as a student and leaving as Director of Student Support & Guidance, UNIfied has one last word with Geoff Haworth Claire Miller OVER the past twenty two years Canterbury Christ Church University has changed a great deal and Geoff Haworth, current Director of Student Support and Guidance, has been here to witness and contribute to these changes. As the Director of Student Support and Guidance it has been Geoff’s job to oversee the team of services which includes Employability and Careers Services, the i-zone and the Student Support Services, but Geoff’s roles within the University definitely haven’t stopped there. Over the years he has also acted as Certifying Officer for the Students’ Union elections, Master of Ceremonies at Graduation and has been involved in the Study Abroad Programme for students coming to Christ Church from the USA. Each of these roles has provided Geoff with several interesting and amusing anecdotes about unusual student encounters, inquisitive relatives and last minute long-haul flights. But Geoff’s relationship with

the establishment goes way beyond his employment. He recalls studying here, in 197879, when he came to (what was then) Canterbury Christ Church College to do his PGCE and later his masters in the Psychology of Education (under Professor Steven Clift). He remembers how different the university was back in those early days, mentioning that the campus was locked down at night, students needed a pass to go out after 10.00pm (at weekends only) and that male students were not allowed into the female dorms. Since Geoff first came here in the late 1970s, it’s evident how much the university has changed, and Geoff flagged up the following as some of the milestones during his time here: the name has changed

‘It hasn’t always been plain sailing’ from Canterbury Christ Church College to the University title we now have, the institution has been granted degreeawarding powers and later research degree-awarding powers, and has gained the reputation we now have for

‘I loved every single minute of it’ public service education. For Geoff, some of his personal highlights have been becoming the Programme Director for the Psychology degree when it was first established, and later his promotion to Principal Lecturer, the founding of the Student Study Support in 1995, and then latterly the establishment of the Department of Student Support and Guidance, of which he has been the Director for the final part of his career at the University. Geoff speaks very fondly of his work at the University: ‘it has not always been plain sailing’ he declares ‘but I’ve loved almost every minute, even the difficult bits.’ And it has clearly been anything but boring: he’s had encounters with a student who dressed as a frogman; the same student, who had cut holes in his jacket, put fake blood on it and claimed he had been shot; a student arrested for pretending to be a highwayman but had unfortunately chosen the pavement by the police station to hold up passers-by at gunpoint with a replica firearm; and students making a murder-mystery film in the crypt of the Cathedral who were tackled to the ground by the clergy and held until the police came and arrested them on suspicion of terrorism!

‘Graveyards

are full of indispensable people’

Geoff doubles as Santa at the Student Support & Guidance departmental Christmas party

When asked, he informed me that his one piece of advice would be something that he was told by a former boss of his that ‘graveyards are full of indispensable people’, By this, he points out that although we all think we are irreplaceable (and it’s only us who can do the job we do) in reality it doesn’t take long, after we have gone, for someone else to come along and stamp their mark on the role, and we are indeed

Geoff demonstrates his unique approach to helping students over their anxiety difficulties

replaced. That having been said, Geoff would nonetheless like to think he has left his mark at Christ Church, made a difference to students’ lives whilst he has been here, and that people will look back on him fondly and remember his time here. I think it’s safe to say Geoff Haworth has done so much for the students of Canterbury Christ Church University over the years, and he will definitely be missed by those who have known and have worked with him in the last two decades. Here’s what a few members from the Students’ Union have to say about Geoff: “Geoff has acted as both a mentor and a friend to the Students’ Union, in particular to sabbaticals over the years. He has been the cool uncle that comes to visit us and finds out what’s going on, always caring about student needs and trying his best to give a helping hand to students in difficulty, while always trying to gain student input and placing them at the heart of his field of work. All those who have worked

‘Geoff is the cool uncle that comes to visit us’

with him up until his last day wish Geoff the very best of luck! The Students’ Union is grateful for all the work you have done but crucially for all the support you have provided on key issues, campaigns and ideas. You’ve been awesome and we’ll not only miss your towering presence but your sense of humour and passion for the student experience.” Jo Bartson-Umuliisa, Vice President (Welfare & Education)

‘It’s sad to see such

a great man leave Christ Church’ “Geoff has been one of the people I could always count on throughout my time as a sabbatical officer! His kind and influential personality not only reflects in his work as Student Support & Guidance Director, but in the work of everyone whom he has influenced over time, whether they are staff members of the University or Union, or students. It is sad to see such a great man leave Christ Church and I’m sure I speak on behalf of everyone he has worked with in wishing him the very best of luck! I will surely miss the ‘friendly giant’s’ presence in Augustine House”. Anca Popescu, Vice President (Student Activites)

Entertainment

Music Review: El Perro Del Mar – Pale Fire UNIfied reporter, Rhian Stone, reviews new El Perro Del Mar album Rhian Stone IT HAS been three years since EL Perro Del Mar, musical project of Swedish songstress Sarah Assbring, released a full length album. Yet it is clear that this time has been put to good use, for ‘Pale Fire’ has been well worth waiting for. For those who don’t know El Perro Del Mar, it would be easy to argue she is just another face in the synth-electro-popmovement heavily associated with artists Grimes and Lykke Li. However this is not the case. El Perro

Del Mar came onto the pop scene with her infectious kaleidoscopic electro beats in the early 2000’s. This album retains El Perro Del Mar’s classic style with copious amounts of reverbladen synths, hazy, sweet vocals, and swampy beats. However, the album marks a shift in Assbring’s focus. With this record El Perro began playing around with samples, from her own voice and other instruments in order to create a fresh and unique sound, one that breaks the boundaries

of work she’s previously produced.This sound attempts to capture youth, rebellion, corruption, love and innocence. Indeed, the album distinctly depicts these essences, focusing on topics of politics, history, and love all under the banner of experimental pop. Several of the tracks from ‘Pale Fire’ span numerous genres, from psychedelic synth pop to r&b, and 90’s dance. The vocals on ‘I Carry The Fire’ are reminiscent of a hazy campfire, the dance of Indian women, all glitter and smoke, beads and silk, whilst the beat and pulsating baseline creates a heavy bluesy sound. ‘Walk On By’ pays homage to r&b lounge pop, and 90s vibrant house and trip-hop. The addition of brass only intensifies this. The song itself is about remaining strong in the darkness, particularly in times of great loneliness. Sarah Assbring sings “Solitude’s my best friend, the one who sees me cry, tells me I will never need another man if I keep my head up and walk on by”. A message that many can relate to and feel inspired by. ‘I Was A Boy’ is full of popping

electric keys, a tiny tap of a beat and soft, mellow vocals that skim over the melody like a swallow gliding over the rippling surface of a lake. Despite its atmospheric, electric sound, it’s more in touch with ‘the folktronic’ genre than any of the other tracks. Whereas ‘Hold Off The Dawn’ is pure El Perro: slightly discordant, full of hypnotic echoes, resonant keys and an infectious beat. It’s the kind of song you’d find yourself swinging your hips too, twisting your arms in lazy waves. Written in reference to Apache leader Geronimo, ‘Hold Off The Dawn’ is a song about the wish to stop time, to remain safe before the approaching

UNIfied recommends ... Live Music in Faversham: Looking for something different on a night out? Live music may not sound like it is anything special or radically new but the nearby town of Faversham has a lot to offer, with plenty of pubs and a range of weekly live music in the evenings. These include The Market Inn (by the park, a.k.a Faversham rec.), The Chimney Boy (just down from the train station) and The Anchor (just down near to Standard Quay, Faversham Creek). Faversham is only 15 minutes by train from Canterbury East station so it’s well worth a visit. Live Bands in Kent: A few of bands I personally recommend are Green Diesel, Creek and Hullabaloo. Green Diesel are an energetic local folk band. Creek are a rock outfit that also cover tracks from other genres, adding their own spin to the songs. Hullabaloo is a jazz-swing band. Holding gigs all over Kent but often at private events, Hullabaloo are a real treat to see live. All three of these bands are great and always put on a good show, so keep an eye out for them! Book a Booth ... at any time or day of the week, why not book a booth in the lounge. We’ve used it for a UniFied meeting, but if you’re having a birthday, night out or just coming to watch the football on the big screen. We paid a fiver each and had a nice big space reserved for us, loads of drinks and nibbles ready and waiting so we dived in and had a really good night, with just the background music on and later the football, its actually a great space to do whatever we wanted.

A little bit different. This edition, UNIfied goes out of Canterbury to bring you the best tips for a good night out

unknown consumes you. It’s the mantra we whisper to ourselves every day, if we could only stay in this moment, wrapped in the fire of love and happiness then nothing bad can happen. This meaning is much in tune with the entire album, particularly with the track ‘Home is To Feel Like That’ a sweeping, sleepy track that is punctuated by layers of electric peels, and a dissonant beat. Assbring’s dreamlike vocals overlay this, essentially stating home is where your heart is. Similarly, ‘Pale Fire’ is a rich, synth-laden, bells chiming, dreamy track that repeats over and over again ‘never grow tired of that pale, pale fire’. This pale fire is the promise of devotion and hope, one that as El Perro Del Mar stated in her press release “brings clarity in the darkness, future to the ruins and power to the fight”. It is a feeling that beckons to all of us, that we all want to achieve. We all wish for something that will chase away the shadows of our insecurities and wrap us in the warm knowledge that we are loved. Once again, El Perro Del Mar has produced the kind of album that you could equally dance and dream too, full of trance and trip-hop, funky bass lines and soft whispers. Echoing the emotions of love, insecurity and the desire to remain strong; it is an album for cosy nights under low, orange lamps, long looks across a hazy, smoke-filled dance floor, and early, crisp evenings filled with pink-tinged clouds.

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UNIfied brings you the best ‘X-Factor’ gossip Kate Lismore interviews Lucy Spraggan, one of the most loved X-Factor contestants by the public, to find out the juice about the show Kate Lismore HAILING from Sheffield, 21 year old Lucy Spraggan wowed X-Factor judges this year with her bubbly personality and her musical talent. After making it past the judge’s houses and the live shows Lucy pulled out of the competition due to poor health. I caught up with her to see what motivated her to apply and what she’s got in store for the future. UNIfied: Hello Lucy! Lucy: Hiya! UNIfied: When you were 7 did you know what you wanted to be when you grew up? I had a strange desire to be a mechanic when I was five and would spend hours under the sofa ‘fixing cars’…Did you always know that you wanted to be a musician or did you have other aspirations? Lucy: I got my first guitar when I was ten but had always

Party!!! Adem Djemil FRIDAY 7th December is the Christmas Party at the Broadstairs Campus and will be taking place in the newly renovated Dwell Bar & Kitchen. Entry is free so we’re hoping to get as many students as possible to see off the end of term with a bang before breaking up for Christmas. There will be festive tunes, a free Santa’s grotto, and prizes for best fancy dress. The night starts at 7pm so please come along and show your support for your campus! Even if you don’t study in Broadstairs, we’d still love for you to come and celebrate with us! Plus, this is an opportunity to meet new people and get to know a different campus.

enjoyed singing and making music before that. Mostly, when I was 7, I wanted to be a boy. UNIfied: Had you ever tried getting your music out in the public before? What made you apply to the X-Factor? Lucy: I brought my album out a year before X Factor but only sold it on a local level – not through choice. My friend and I recorded it in his home studio. It’s hard to get people to notice you without a platform and when X Factor announced that they would be auditioning people with their own instruments and their own songs, I saw the opportunity and took it. UNIfied: If you could go back in time and have written any song, what would it be? Lucy: ‘American Pie’ by Don Maclean or ‘New England’ by Billy Bragg (as sung by Kirsty McColl). I did once tell my mum that I’d written ‘Boom Boom Boom’ by the Venga Boys (I

was about 9) but she found out pretty soon that I hadn’t... UNIfied: What prompted you to audition with an original song? With over 17 million views on YouTube you’ve got more hits than former X-Factor runners up JLS with their new song ‘Hottest Girl in the World’. You must be pretty pleased with the reaction you received considering it was a risky choice? Lucy: Oooh, it sounds great put like that! It was a bit risky but you need something with a catchy lyric/tune and that people can identify with. I think Last Night covers that. UNIfied: In Creative Writing we got a weekly update of how you were getting along with your Mum telling us how difficult it was for her to keep the fact you got through bootcamp a secret. And reminding us to vote of course…How was it finding out you’d made it to the live shows? Lucy: It was beyond my

Lucy charmed the audience when she sang ‘Beer Fear’

wildest imaginings that I’d get that far. It was just amazing and from then on in it was just a crazy (in a really good way) experience. UNIfied: Your original songs are really refreshing and I thought ‘Last Night’ was particularly relatable to students and young people everywhere and had me laughing. Out of the many bevvies you mention, what’s your poison? Lucy: It has to be the veritable Jagerbomb. I try not to but they sneak up on me. UNIfied: Your mentor was Tulisa, how did it feel to all of a sudden have her support and the attention of the judges? Lucy: I was really lucky to get Tulisa – she has a real friendship with all of her girls and is a very supportive mentor. The judges were all great – and very funny – I didn’t actually get any criticism from any of them. UNIfied: If you could do a duet or performance with any artist… living or dead, who would it be? Lucy: Johnny Cash without a doubt. If they couldn’t get him back from the dead, Nicki Minaj. UNIfied: How did you cope with the sudden onset of media attention during the X-Factor? The papers seemed to be particularly fond of writing about yours and Rylan’s nights out, did it make you regret your

X-Factor experience at all? Lucy: Not at all. It’s really interesting though – and it really makes you look at how things are portrayed by the papers. We had a few hilarious articles constructed of purely made up ‘facts’. Rylan and I were portrayed as the beer monsters (absolutely no truth in this rumour whatsoever)...we’re both playing GAY in December and I’m sure we’ll behave with utmost modesty. Actually, we only went out drinking twice in the whole time – it’s just that the papers focussed on those two times! UNIfied: You’re particularly good friends with Rylan Clark, is he you’re favourite to win now that you’ve bowed out? Lucy: As you know, we lost old Rylan the other weekend. Damn it. But I don’t think he’ll be missing from your screens for long... UNIfied: Finally, you had to leave the competition due to prolonged illness but there are reports that you may still be joining the rest of the contestants on the X-Factor Tour? If so, can we expect more performances and solo material in the future? Lucy: I’m doing a solo tour in the New Year which I’m hugely looking forward to and which will take me all over the UK. I’m sure my mum will give you a heads up when the tickets are available!

Entertainment

There are other ways to get a breakthrough Angela Dimitrova MANY of the students who are doing the Music Industry Management course at Canterbury Christ Church University are actually musicians. Some of them are into production, and some are already practicing musicians, either in a band or as solo artists.

band is called Atlas which they started earlier this year. I asked them how the band got together. ‘’Sam and I contacted other people we knew within the Kent music scene to find other band members.’’ he said. The current members of Atlas are Sam Bridgford (Vocals), Dom Coulon (Guitar), Ronnie Simmonds (Guitar), Jake Watkins (Bass/Vocals), Aaron Webster (Drums).

I was keen to discover why so many musicians are taking the Music Industry Management Course and not just the Commercial Music option. The motivation for some is the look into the workings of the music industry and the insider knowledge the course provides to release music independently. Ronnie cites his motivation to work within the industry as his decision to take the course.

Ronnie Simmonds, a guitarist, is an example. He has been playing in bands with friends since the age of thirteen. ‘’I have been in over 20 various small bands for fun’’ said Ronnie “My friend Sam has been in nearly all the bands with me. We have a very strong friendship which is based around music and that is why we enjoy being in bands together’’. The two of them have played with many different people and different styles of music. Their current (Pop/Punk)

The band’s most successful gig was playing Kings Hall in Herne Bay where they played to a fairly large crowd who loved them. You can visit Atlas’ Facebook page for more information or to listen to some of their songs. The Atlas boys are looking forward to shooting their first video in 2013. Along with that, Ronnie is doing some side projects ‘‘I’ve just started a new project with a much heavier vibe, called Artemis Redeemer’’ he shared.

‘’I am doing the Music Industry Management course to build the relevant experience/knowledge to work for a record label in either the Human Resource/Sales or Finance Department. I plan to do this alongside continuing playing in bands regularly for enjoyment.’’ By the time he graduates from University, Ronnie hopes to achieve a ‘first-class degree’ and to have vastly developed his network of musical contacts.

Sam Bridgford (left), Ronnie Simmonds (middle) and Aaron Webster (right)

The fact that there are so many students interested in the Music Industry Management course is a sign of how much the Industry is developing. More and more people are self-releasing their music or signing to independent

labels. However, despite all this interest you can still beg the question as to whether anyone can knock corporate music industry giants out of the limelight to make way for independently produced music.

Children in Need - Review Competition!!!

We wore our funky spots and raised lots! Jo Bartson-Umuliisa WHEN it came to giving, you just kept giving! It might’ve started getting cold and rainy but there were no dark clouds over Christ Church. Children in Need this year started and ended with a bang. Whether it was the many volunteers over the course of the week that handed put donuts with a smile on their face or the musical theatre society showcasing some great talent. Students showed their passion for being charitable and helpful at all times. To all those who took part in any way...a massive thank you! You helped us get to Santa by cycling over an amazing 3,000 miles to Santa whilst raising money for the sabbatical gunge off! At the Broadstairs campus in particular, students and staff could have taken part in TV series ‘The Great British BakeOff’ with the effort they put into baking some beautiful cakes!

They were eventually sold with all money going towards the great causes that Children in Need supports. There were plenty of other activities that were happening on the campus with students donating up until this edition went to print, so again for all your efforts… Thank you! The donuts (as imagined) were another huge part of the Children in Need success story! Thanks to all staff at the University and all students that dug deep and indulged in a little sugary treat! The Dance Society who ended the weeklong activities donning spots and fancy dress for their special Children in Need showcase show, produced some amazing moves in an effort to raise money for the great cause. They included dances to a music mash up background and an awe inspiring individual dance that made the

crowd go wild. Thanks for donating, thanks for continuing to donate long after the week is over and thanks for volunteering your spare hour or in some cases your spare 9hours to such a great cause. Your money will definitely be appreciated and I’m sure many underprivileged children in the UK would say thank you in person for your generosity! The total as of yet is not confirmed and will be available online once all the pennies have been counted! So head to ccsu.co.uk to find out more.

Created by Chevrolet Europe in 2007, Young Creative Chevrolet (YCC) Competition has steadily grown in participation and prestige. This year’s creative theme “The Football Phenomenon” challenges young artists to explore the enduring popularity of this global sport, which Chevrolet now supports on an equally far-reaching level. Susan Docherty, Chevrolet Europe President and Managing Director, explains that the timing and theme of YCC 2013 are ideal. “Through our football sponsorships, we are delighted to get closer to the game and its billions of fans around the world,” Docherty says. “We believe our commitment to football and continued support of upand-coming artists will make

for a powerful and especially interesting YCC year.” The overarching theme of YCC 2013 is football: the game, its fans and the passion. Creative briefs in this year’s four YCC applied arts disciplines aim to celebrate and provide unique perspectives on the phenomenon of football. Contestants can submit a piece in the following areas: fashion, photography, video or visual arts (e.g.: design). The contest theme was inspired by Chevrolet’s recently announced global sponsorships of premier-league teams Manchester United and Liverpool, as well as the One World Futbol Project. For more info, please email laura.halliday@mischiefpr.com.

Entertainment

Coffee Break: Fun and games from UNIfied Christmas Jokes How would you get four reindeer in a car? Two in the front and two in the back! And how do you get four polar bears in a car? Take the reindeer out first Someone bought Scrooge a clock for Christmas. He put it straight in the bank. Why did he do that? He was trying to save time! Why don’t penguins fly? Because they’re too short to be pilots! What do you call an elf who tells silly jokes? A real Christmas Card! How do you start a polar-bear race? Say ‘Ready! Teddy! Go!’ What kind of bird can write? A PENguin! Can I have a puppy for Christmas? Certainly not. You can have turkey like everybody else! What do you call the reindeer with cotton wool in his ears? Call him anything you like - he won’t hear you! Father Christmas lost his umbrella but he didn’t get wet! Why not? Because it wasn’t raining!

Whats happens if you eat the Christmas decorations ? You get tinsel-itus !

Christmas Wordsearch

Features & Lifestyle

GoThinkBig: It gets you Starter for 10 ... Church goes ‘brainy’ work experience in media Christ for the University Challenge Kate Lismore THINKING of going into the media industry when you graduate? Check out GoThinkBig.co.uk. A site aimed at students and young people who are looking to gain relevant work experience in TV, Radio and print media. Sponsored by O2 and the Bauer Media group, who own magazines such as Grazia, FHM, Closer, more!, Empire and Kerrang!

among others, the site lists when various publications are looking for interns, or offering work experience. Making a profile is easy, just add your details and upload a current CV and covering letter telling everyone how perfect you are for work experience. When you see an opportunity that you want to apply for just attach your details, along with a 100 word ‘standout’ paragraph, and wait for a reply. With regular updates to the site, chances to gain experience in radio, broadcasting, and magazine journalism are at your fingertips. With blogs giving useful employment and money-saving advice, my favourite being from the ‘Hipster Tipster’, the site is

a great way to get inspired and start putting your CV out there. There are also opportunities to work for ThinkBig itself by applying for various youth entrepreneurial projects, and on the staff writing team. The driving force behind GoThingBig.co.uk are the phone company O2 who as one of the UK’s biggest companies say they want to “shine a light on careers and businesses that celebrate creativity, innovation, the digital economy and invest in the transformative skills and talents young people can bring.” So whether you plan to be the next Fearne and Reggie, or just want a chance for some relevant work experience before you graduate, GoThinkBig.

Fisher Tower Frenzy Abseil

Leap into the New Year for children with cancer at Christ Church University STAFF and students at Canterbury Christ Church University are being asked to conquer their fear of heights and abseil 75 feet down Fisher Tower, to help raise £15,000 for children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

Charitable abseils from The Fisher Tower have always been a huge success

Led by former Canterbury Christ Church University student and celebrity Jon Holmes, on Saturday 23rd February adrenalin junkies will have the chance to look at the stunning views over Canterbury before taking the plunge. Everyday 10 families in the UK are told their child has cancer and treatment usually starts straightaway and can last for up to three years. When children are diagnosed it’s a real shock

for the families. There is a lot to take in and CLIC Sargent are on hand to support the whole family through their journey. Our local CLIC Sargent nurse, Suzie who is based at Kent and Canterbury Hospital is a familiar point of contact, she is able to visit families in their homes to coordinate all children’s care and be there to answer questions. Hannah Auer, Fundraising Manager at CLIC Sargent said; “We are absolutely delighted that Jon has chosen to support CLIC Sargent and inspire others to join in and have fun whilst raising vital funds. A big thank you to Jon and also to Canterbury Christ Church University, who have kindly offered the use of Fisher Tower.” Anyone interested in accompanying Jon and taking part in the event should contact Hannah Auer on 01273 573848 or email Hannah at Hannah. auer@clicsargent.org.uk.It costs £10 to register and £120

Adam Parsons IT’S time for Christ Church to show its metal in one of televisions hardest quiz shows. University Challenge has contacted the Students’ Union asking for a team to be put forward to represent the University and take on the best of the Universities from around the country, for the first time in Christ Church’s history. This is a great honour for Christ Church and showing that we are getting to the upper echelons of academia. University Challenge is quite possibly one of the most wellknown and well respected ‘quiz shows’ on television, having been seen on our screens for 50 years and including contestants such as a very young Stephen Fry taking part for Queen College, Cambridge back in 1980. It is seen by many as the par excellence of academic quizzing and to even be in the televised stages of the competition would be a fantastic achievement for the university and prove just what we can do. This doesn’t guarantee that you will be seeing students from Christ Church slogging it out with Jeremy Paxman just yet, there are a few hurdles until the main televised stage and this is the universities first attempt but hell, we will give it

a go. If we are really lucky both us and UKC will get through and make it a proper local derby and smash them as run up to varsity. The team is made up of mainly Freshers so lots of young blood who are ready to put all other Universities in their place, although it would be unusual for us to qualify and get highly placed so quickly doesn’t mean we can’t and if we get through we want to make sure that the whole university is ready to come to the television studios and show their support. So get psyched up now and get your winning chants ready. A Facebook page will be up and running soon with updates, pictures and the occasional question to test you and keep you all up to date of how well the university is doing in the competition and just how easily we are going to smash the opposition. Keep an eye out for Christ Church!

minimum sponsorship is required. Anyone who raises over £150 will get a free CLIC Sargent T-Shirt and there will be a prize for the top fundraiser.

The Students’ Union Rag is proud to support CLIC Sargent in 2013 and abseil Fisher Tower

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3D printing – make anything you want!

How an innovative technology is set to change our world Abigail James YOU’RE hoovering up the mess from last night when the vacuum stops working. You open it up and find the broken part. Your machine is obsolete; the model was discontinued years ago. Not to worry, you visit the manufacturer’s website and download the blueprint for the part. You plug in your desktop 3D printer, and press print. You wait, replace the part, and carry on. In the local business park, larger printers are creating home ware products, jewellery, car parts and even components to replace their own. At the hospital a machine is whirring away, using living cells to print personalised kidneys, hearts and livers ready for transplantation. The revolution of 3D printing is on its way; a technology capable of creating extremely intricate designs - more intricate than any mind could have imagined or any machine could have manufactured until now. The process was originally developed to create architectural models and prototypes, but as the cost of these machines falls, 3D

printing is set to become more accessible to the masses. So how does it work? Computer-aided design data (essentially a blueprint of your chosen product) is converted into a series of two dimensional slices and sent to the printer. From the base to the top, layer by layer, material is deposited and melted, deposited and melted, in a process called additive manufacturing. A couple of hours later you have a finished product. Astonishingly this technology can allow you to create objects with moving parts – Dutch designer Theo Jansen has created mechanical objects that boast over 70 movable parts – that can be printed in a single process and with no assembly necessary. Additive manufacturing is incredibly efficient, reduces material waste and even 3D printers for the home can be precise within 20 microns; layers only a fiftieth of a millimetre thick. Computer data is easily tweaked and personalised, bespoke items and one-offs will become more accessible to anyone. Items

can be made where they are needed, say goodbye to the wait for imports; manufacturing can return to the UK, providing many new jobs. But the digital nature of this technology may prove its downfall before it has taken off. Just take a look at pirating in the music and film industries - blueprints can be illegally duplicated, shared and implemented. And what is there to stop the illicit production of weapons? And who is to blame when a product faults? The blueprint designers? The 3D manufacturers? Despite these issues 3D printing has the potential to action real change in something very important to us – our health and the health of our families. Dr Anthony Atala of the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine is undertaking pioneering research into 3D printed personalised transplantable organs. The number of actual organ transplants undertaken has barely risen over the past 10 years, despite the number of patients needing organs doubling in that time. 3D printers can create intricate

The Makerbot 3D Printer is a startup on the US market for $ 1,299

honeycomb structures that form the ‘skeleton’ of an organ, around which living cells can grow. This technology could revolutionise healthcare; shortening waiting lists and decreasing rates of rejection through patient-specificity.

Wrap your home up for winter! WHAT would you do if you came back to university after the Christmas break and your home was flooded? South East Water is giving tips to Canterbury Christ Church University students to ensure their accommodation is wrapped up over the Christmas break, preventing burst pipe damage.

and appliances and mean you may have to find alternative accommodation while the damage is being repaired.

Many students will head home over the festive holidays, leaving their houses or flats empty, usually with the heating turned off to save money. However, burst water pipes due to cold weather and no heating can cause serious damage to a home’s structure and electrical wiring; and more importantly for students, it can also damage furniture, fittings

Before the Christmas break

Follow our checklist below for some really easy and inexpensive steps you can take to protect your home from a burst pipe and potential misery when you return in January.

•Know where your internal stoptap is (this is usually under the kitchen sink) •Speak to your landlord to find out if external pipes are lagged with insulating material. If they are not, this can be done cheaply with newspaper and aluminium foil or you can buy foam tubing from a DIY store to wrap around the water pipes

•Ensure pipes, cisterns and tanks in unheated areas such as lofts are insulated •Ensure dripping taps are repaired •If your house will be empty over Christmas, leave the heating on a low, constant temperature; this will stop pipes from freezing and potentially bursting •Keep the number of a reliable plumber handy (visit www. wras.co.uk/WIAPS for details)

What do if a pipe freezes •Turn off the water supply at the internal stoptap •If a pipe bursts turn off the central heating •Check to see if the pipe has burst •Open the affected tap. •Slowly thaw the pipe with hot

water bottles or a towel soaked in hot water •Never use a naked flame, hairdryer or blowtorch to thaw the pipe

What to do if a pipe bursts •Turn off the internal stoptap and boiler •Soak up/block off escaping water with thick towels •Call your landlord •Turn off taps once the pipework is repaired to avoid further flooding To find out further information on how you can protect your homes from burst pipes and flooding during winter, just visit www.southeastwater. co.uk/winter or have a look on www.ccsu.co.uk for details on SouthEastWater.

From steam power and the industrial revolution to the microchip and the personal computer, our world has seen much technological change; 3D printing is sure to be the next development. What will you print?

Sports & Societies

The final countdown : VARSITY in 100 days! Aidan Ainsley WITH meetings between two VP Sports dating as early as July 2012, Thursday 22nd November officially marked the 100 day countdown until the start of the annual Varsity event between Canterbury Christ Church University and the University of Kent. So what exactly is Varsity? It’s the biggest sporting event of the University year in which the sports clubs from both institutions compete against each other, with the winner of the most events being crowned Varsity Champions. Why is Varsity so important to Christ Church? Unfortunately

we’ve never won Varsity despite a few very marginal defeats, so it is with a lot of previous heartache that the passion to win derives. Each club, team and player has a specific battle that must be won in order to win the overall competition, so instilling the drive and determination to first years from seniors has been something that has remained central to the entire focus of the second term every year. What can we expect from this year’s event? This year will see more sports introduced and more fixtures than ever before: over 30 throughout the eight days of competition. The introduction of ‘Varsity

Makers’ should help the events run smoothly whilst giving the selected students some extra experience to add to their CV. A contingency plan has also been established so that all fixtures can be played within the week even if rain threatens to disturb the programme with the ninth day being reserved as a final fixture day if any games are called off again after the initial contingency day. How will Christ Church register their first victory? Training mentally and physically thoroughly is a given. Building momentum early on is crucial. Dominating the individual battles is the key and the work starts now! Obviously there are individual events, but particularly in team fixtures,

winning one’s personal battles against the opposite number is how games are won and lost. If each individual who competes during the week wins their personal battle… Christ Church will win Varsity! The support on the side-lines from the Christ Church ranks has always far outweighed that of Kent’s and getting even more behind our

teams will provide the boost needed to drag out that extra bit of mental belief that this could actually be the time all of Christ Church’s past and present have been waiting for. Are YOU going to be part of the golden generation that change the record? Saturday 2nd March 2013 – Varsity 2013!

The Rugby ‘tache’ Let them eat cake, he said! Phil Mooney Ed Breeze IT’S been a fantastic start to the season for Men’s Rugby with both the 1st and 3rd XV at the top of their leagues. The month has gone well on the playing front for all teams, with Tory front man Charles Precious keeping his blue brigade on the winning campaign trail with a comprehensive win over Medway and a dramatic one point win over RUMS. The 2nd XV produced a solid display in Chelmsford to run out 13-12 winners over Anglia Ruskin, Charles Fidler slotting a 74th minute penalty to take

the points. Sid Young’s 3rd XV continue their march towards South East dominance with a hard fought win over RUMS. Joey Woods-Libby’s last minute penalty ensuring their unbeaten record is kept intact. C4 Men’s Rugby were also proud to host the very first Merit league festival at Canterbury Rugby Club last month. The day was a resounding success as the Club played host to Merit league teams from across the South East. Not content with just dominating on the pitch however the Club has also been busy raising money for charity. With Movember nearly over, Men’s Rugby have now raised nearly £600 for the fight

Tashtag Men’s Rugby in The Lounge

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... be expensive and the only further costs will be ingredients and maybe a couple of kitchen utensils. If you want any more details about what to expect and how to get involved then email adam.parsons85@yahoo.co.uk To get everyone started here is a recipe for a hard to fail Christmas cake, ready to surprise your parents and the loved ones. You’ll need: ¾ lb plain flour, 1 tsp mixed spice, ¼ lb ground almonds, 1 ½ lb Mixed fruit, ¼ lb glace cherries, ½ lb butter (do not use unsalted), ½ lb Soft brown sugar, 6 eggs, 8 tbsps whole milk, and 1 tbsp black treacle. Make sure you have a large plastic bowl, 2 standard plastic bowls, a spatula, a whisk and a 9 inch cake tin (preferably against prostate and testicular cancer, nearly matching last year’s effort and ensuring that Presidents Phil Mooney and Seb O’Hara will be publically waxed in the SU. A fine example of the commitment to the cause saw clubmen Sid Young, Ed Breeze, James Cheung and Mike Harding sporting their upper-lip wear at the King Charles gig at the SU Lounge, in doing so, coining

with moveable bottom). To get started, preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 4). In a large bowl, mix flour, mixed spice and ground almonds together ... go on, use your hands, it’s a hell of a lot easier! Separately beat butter and sugar to a pale cream, then beat the eggs and milk together. Fold all ingredients together with the spatula in the large bowl, but make sure you thoroughly

combine the mixture. Add the fruit last and you’re nearly done!

the #tashtag sign.

worthy causes and is the perfect New Year’s gift for your nan. The Club would like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you cheering us on from the touch lines in the New Year.

Following on from their excellent charity work during Movember, Men’s Rugby are pleased to announce their 2012/2013 Naked Calendar is currently being shot. Available in the New Year, the calendar will exhibit all that is good (and bad) beneath those maroon shirts and navy shorts whilst raising money for some very

Just the baking to go: get a standard 9 inch cake tin, and line it with butter and baking paper, then bake the mixture for about 4 hrs. This is a the tricky part: for the first hour, leave the heat at preheated temperature of 180°C and then turn down to 150°C for the following 3 hours.

Finally, we would like to congratulate our Treasurer, Jake Dilley, on his recent engagement!

Sports & Societies follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/christchurchsu

Keeping up with Aidan Also in UNIfied UNIfied presents a series of catch-ups with Aidan Ainsley, Vice-President (Sports)

this issue...

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Aidan Ainsley A REAL push over the last few weeks has seen the Sports clubs progress well in their leagues. Equestrian who have started phenomenally well in their first BUCS fixtures headline the success as Christ Church moves up 10 places from last year’s BUCS standings across all sports. This newly set up club has an astounding number of 53 members making it one of Christ Church’s biggest clubs. The A team’s home fixture is on Wednesday 12th December (Game of the Week), and there will be shuttle buses leaving from Old Sessions to watch them so make sure

you go up and support them.

Elsewhere, Men’s Rugby 1sts immense winning streak finally came to an end, whilst Tennis registered their first victory earning themselves team of the week in the process with 12-0 12-0 scores from both the men’s and women’s. The new year and new term will see the return of Re-Freshers Week which will include another opportunity for the sports clubs to recruit members, so make sure on 16th January you make it down to St George’s Centre for the Sports Fayre.

Aidan Ainsley, VP (Sports)

‘Tashtag’ for Men’s Rugby

Men’s Rugby one of the most active sports club

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Plans are already in place for Varsity 2013

We should see a selection of new sports to engage in too as well as plenty more on offer through TrySport!

Great start for trysport!

Fisher Tower Abseil in aid of CLIC Sargent CCSU Rag in action!

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Bex Ward

Unsurprisingly horse-riding at Canterbury got snapped up by the end of Freshers Week and Anselm hall has seen on average 50 participants each Tuesday taking part in zumba. Perhaps inspired from seeing it at the Olympics, handball- a new sport to CCCU has been popular on a Friday evening at the sports centre and the group have already played a friendly fixture against UKC (is there such a thing?) with plans to set up a Students’ Union Club in the new year. At the Broadstairs campus,

Less than 100 days left until the biggest sporting event of the year!

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New activities, lots of members - trysport couldn’t have asked for more this year! SO FAR this term over 600 students and staff have got involved in trysport- not bad considering our target for the year is 952! Students across all our campuses have been getting back into a sport they once played or trying something for the very first time!

An update on the club’s games and fundraising activities

Let them eat cake The Baking Society is the Union’s latest addition ... Adam Parsons

Teamwork: Handball and Tennis are only two of the most popular trysport activities this year

students braved the cold surfing at Joss Bay; 5-a-side Football and Badminton are also very popular. This year we’ve been running incentives, if you attend 5 sessions you’ll get a free trysport t-shirt and if you recommend a friend to do the same you’ll get a free trysport hoody! We’re

WITH the massive success of shows such as The Great British Bake Off and Master Chef it would seem strange that nobody has started any kind of cookery based society before but here it is. currently planning for January 2013 with lots of new exciting activities in the pipeline! Keep your eyes peeled by liking us on facebook – www.facebook. com/cccutrysport. Check out our website for updates and images from different activities www.canterbury.ac.uk/trysport

This year will see the setting up of the Canterbury Christ Church Baking Society and with it a number of charity events, trips, competitions and skills classes as well as a whole load more. This isn’t just for those who believe themselves to be

the next Jamie Oliver or Paul Hollywood, in fact it doesn’t even matter if you’re that bad in the kitchen you struggle to make toast without creating charcoal, it’s open to all. Although there will be practical baking this is not going to be the every week occurrence for the society, there will be regular meetings and recipe swaps as well, it will be as social as it will be practical. With the first rule of all socials being however that it will start with cake! The society is not going to ...

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