News and Views September 2012

news &views

London 2012 Worcester’s Contribution p.4-5

In this issue:

A Royal Opening The Queen Opens The Hive p.2

The Worcesterino Worcester’s Version of The Raspberry Pi p.6

Inspiring Europe Accolade for Ruth Jones p.11

THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER MAGAZINE

September 2012

FEATURE

A ROYAL OPENING As part of her regional tour for the Diamond Jubilee, Her Majesty The Queen performed the official opening of The Hive on 11 July.

Her Majesty, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, unveiled a commemorative plaque at The Hive, as well as meeting various members of staff, students and public. The royal couple were joined by HRH The Duke of Gloucester, the University of Worcester’s Chancellor.

Professor David Green said:

“We were thrilled that Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh were able to open The Hive. The Hive is a truly worthy, iconic building in which to house the country’s first university and public library. It is a signal distinction that Her Majesty opened the building, especially in the year of her Diamond Jubilee.”

The Royal opening involved a number of community activities with University and college students, along with schoolchildren all providing special performances.

University of Worcester art students had their work on display, alongside the building’s two professional pieces of commissioned artwork.

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A song written by a University of Worcester student was performed during the official opening of The Hive.

The song, titled ‘Let’s Bring it To Life’, was performed by second year Drama and Performance student, Becky Rose Lowe, along with children from Bishop Perowne CE Performing Arts College, St Clements CE Primary School and students from Worcester Sixth Form College. It formed part of a musical ensemble taking place inside The Hive shortly after The Queen opened the building.

Twenty-year-old Becky, from Worcester, said:

“I wanted to write a song about The Hive from a different angle; as opposed to focusing on the building. I wanted to draw attention to the fact that the building can only become something special when the people enter it and explore its contents - the people “bring it to life” by reading the books, finding answers and opening up new worlds of fiction and facts.”

To read a special celebratory issue of News & Views marking the Royal Opening, please visit: http://issuu. com/uwnewsandviews/docs/n_v_hive_special_2012

COVER STORY wELCOME Clockwise: Ruth Jones, p.11, Early Years scholarships, p.17, Alex Donaldson, p.4, Journalism Accreditation, p. 8, Launch of a Fashion Label, p.13.

contents FEATURE A Royal Opening

2

COVER STORY

September 2012

W

elcome to the September issue of News & Views, featuring a round-up of news, updates and milestones from the past two months at the University of Worcester.

In this issue we recap a very busy two months, reviewing events that have occurred on our own campus and at the global arena of the London Games. From a skipping scholarship student winning medals in the Jump Rope World Championships to a Sports student handing out an Olympic gold medal to Usain Bolt, this has been a summer of individual and team achievements.

OPEN EVENTS A series of open events will take place this month. Pre-registration for each event has already increased compared to this time last year.

If you would like further information about the open evening or the open weekend, please contact the Events team on 7515 or email rsvp@worc.ac.uk Thank you for supporting open events.

The University of Worcester has opened its doors to thousands of visitors over the summer months. New students have attended Clearing and Visit Days, we have recognised partner schools, hosted international conferences and welcomed Her Majesty The Queen at the official opening of The Hive. There have been many opportunities to showcase our outstanding facilities and demonstrate our warm Worcester welcome.

As the new term gets underway, please keep sending us your news and features. Send them to us at newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

September 2012 Thursday 6 September, 5-7pm Saturday 22 September, 10am-3pm Sunday 23 September, 10am-3pm November dates for your diary Thursday 1 November, 12-4pm Friday 2 November, 12-4pm Wednesday 21 November, 12-4pm

The Games of 2012

4

news Open Events 3 The “Worcesterino” 6 Beeline 2012 6 Exploring National Identity 6 Midwifery Lecturer Awarded Fellowship 7 Psychology Technician Scoops National Award 7 Football Scholarship 7 Industry Accreditation 8 Visiting Fellow in Basketball 8 Skipping Top Spot 9 Dementia Care Initiative Wins Award 9 Partnership Awards 10 Discovery Week 10 Ruth Jones 11 Totally Worth It 12 Tom’s Sporting Legacy 12 Published Graduate Teacher 12 European Catwalk 13 Breast Cancer Lifestyle Programme 13 Dying Matters 14 Birth Conference 2012 14 “Join In” 14 Green Glory 15 Low Grades to High-Flyer 15 Osteoarthritis 16 International Conference 16 Research in Portugal 17 Journalist Scores Scholarship 17 Memory Lane 17

sTAFF FEATURE Fundraiser: Sian Gould

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Faster, Higher, Stronger The Games. The University of Worcester. The Legacy.

THE COUNTRY UNITED AND THE WORLD WATCHED AS THE VERY BEST ATHLETES ON THE PLANET COMPETED IN THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES. But it wasn’t all gold at tennis and Jessica Ennis, as alongside those pushing the limits to be faster, higher and stronger stood the gamesmakers, the volunteers and the helpers. Many of our students, alumni and staff have all helped play their part in making both the Olympics and the Paralympics the success and spectacle we have all marvelled at.

Here are a collection of stories of some of our competitors, trainers, torch bearers and gamesmakers. From lighting an Olympic cauldron to presenting a certain Usain Bolt with a gold medal, we’ve been truly inspired.

photos: (above) GB blind footballer Darren Harris who has been using University of Worcester facilities to train and prepare for the Paralympics

Sports Student Strikes Gold When Alex Donaldson, Sport Coaching Science student, applied alongside 240,000 people to be a volunteer at the London Olympics, he never dreamt he would deliver a gold medal to the fastest man on the planet, 100m, 200m and 100m relay winner, Usain Bolt.

Alex was selected to hand out five medals in total at both the Olympics and Paralympics.

His first debut as a medal bearer was at the Judo Award Ceremonies where he delivered one silver and two bronze medals, including one to Team GB medallist Karina Bryant. It was after the award ceremonies that he received the news that he would be gold medal bearer for the Men’s 100m Sprint winner.

Describing the atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium as electric, Alex said of his experience: “I was totally over the moon and overjoyed to walk out in front of 80,000 people on their feet, cheering and taking photos. I felt as though my heart was going to burst, but then pride and focus settled in and I stood by Bolt and delivered his medal.”

The 21-year-old impressed the Olympics interviewers with his 101 hours of sports related volunteering at Worcester and awards for “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year” from the Students’ Union and “Making an Impact” from the Sport and Exercise Department at the University.

Alex hopes that the next generation will be inspired by the Olympics and schools will recognise the benefits from sport.

(top row) Alex Donaldson & Bolt.

Kirandeep Sahota and Mickey Bushell

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Lighting the Way The crowd chanting her name, Worcester graduate Kirandeep Sahota lit the Olympic cauldron in Birmingham and stepped into history.

She had been due to carry the Olympic torch along Dudley Road on Saturday 30th June, day 43 of the 70-day relay, but with hours to go she was contacted with a new location – Canon Hill Park where she had been chosen from thousands to light the cauldron.

“My biggest fear was falling and dropping the torch. When I heard the crowd calling my name it gave me such a surprise that I stumbled slightly but I don’t think people noticed,” she recalls.

“I was so proud and my family was there, even my grandfather,” she says.

Kirandeep, who graduated in 2006 with a degree in English Literature, was chosen for her dedication to others.

The main carer for her chronically sick grandfather since her schooldays, she still finds the time to raise money for a range of national and local charities.

Fluent in Punjabi, she helps charities communicate with ethnic communities.

“I have so many good memories of the University of Worcester. It was difficult, being a carer, to get to all the lectures and they would always make arrangements for me to pick up the material and catch up,” she says.

“It was one place where I could be calm and be supported. When I got to Worcester I could just be myself and not have to explain about my life as a carer. I could feel carefree for a time,” she added.

“My motto is ‘believing and achieving’, but I never thought I would be carrying the Olympic torch, let alone lighting the cauldron. It just goes to show that dreams do come true.”

COVER STORY

When the marathon ends and the flame is finally extinguished, the one word that will continue to burn is ‘legacy’. Have the London games really created a legacy? Has a generation been inspired? Head of the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science Mick Donovan comments on the burning issue...

Gold Medal Glory A University of Worcester student stormed his way to a Gold medal at the London Paralympic Games.

Mickey Bushell, who studies on the University’s Sports Performance & Coaching HND at Telford College of Arts and Technology, took the Gold medal in the T53 100m sprint. The 22-year-old wheelchair athlete set a new Paralympic record of 14.75 seconds.

He races again on Friday 8 September.

Playing at the Paralympics Great Britain’s blind football squad crashed out of the Paralympics after being defeated in the final match of the group stages by Iran.

The squad, which included two members of staff and two graduates of the University of Worcester, managed good draws against Spain (1-1) and Argentina (0-0), in the first two group games, which meant they needed to win their final group game by two clear goals to go through to the semi finals.

But a packed crowd saw Great Britain concede an early penalty from Paralympics newcomers, Iran, who are the current International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) World Games Champions.

University of Worcester Sports Coaching Science lecturer David Mycock, who is the team’s Assistant Coach, said: “It was really disappointing. It was a tough group with some of the world’s best players.”

Players included University staff member Will Norman and Worcester graduates Keryn Seal and Lewis Skyers.

“The importance of competition in sport has been highlighted by the Olympics but there is much debate still around its impact on children.

“I have previously completed research entitled ‘Nobody Gets Hurt in Our Type of Competition’ on the anti-competition trend in schools. The conclusion of the research was that competition can have a negative effect on youngsters who constantly experience failure. However, if competition is delivered in a thoughtful and considered way which encourages children to be the best version of themselves they can be, it can have a very positive effect on the individual.

“To move away from humiliation or negative emotions experienced by some children at school in competitive sport, there needs to be a structured programme of competition. To enable this to happen, coaches and teachers need to be prepared in the correct way. This will ensure the most able children are also challenged properly to help develop their skills for the future.

“Poor planning or lack of expertise of coaches and nonqualified PE teachers can be at the heart of poorly structured competition which can mean children experience potentially negative consequences from competition.

“Effective competition which provides a positive experience for all children comes down to preparing coaches and teachers in the correct way. At the University of Worcester, we currently have hundreds of students taking part in PE and coachingrelated courses and we aim to combat the challenges associated with competition in schools when preparing our students.

“The research I completed identified the challenges facing competition in schools, but showed how it can be a positive experience if it is thoroughly planned to incorporate all abilities and encourage children to be the best that they can be as individuals. At the University of Worcester, we have a track record of working with both elite teams and professional athletes and community competitive leagues in a range of disciplines that engage thousands of youngsters. Therefore, we have been working towards the legacy of competitive sport in GB Blind Football Team this country for many years.”

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NEWS

The “Worcesterino” Goes Live The University gave each delegate a Worcesterino computer worth £300 to use with Dr Price said: “There has been a national push for schools to keep their students in up the pace with what’s happening in technology. Computing their schools, thanks needs to be more relevant and more engaging for students as to a 10,000 USD well as setting them up with suitable skills in a fast changing Google Grant. Dr society.”

Price says: “The Dr Colin Price with the ‘Worcesterino’ One important area of the Symposium, which the new GCSE Worcesterino will be focussing on, is programming. is a perfect opportunity to push coding easily into the classroom and make Dr Price continues: “I believe it is important to make teaching proactive. We also presented all delegates with a Lego programming visual and highly interactive to encourage “Mindstorms” robot to explore programming, which we have creativity in students. As such, we have designed and found through our undergraduate teaching is a great way to manufactured a new cheap computer for GCSE education called motivate students to learn and does not require schools to invest the “Worcesterino”. The device provides a platform to enable in a class-set of expensive kit.” students to learn all required aspects of computer programming in a fun and industry relevant manner.”

In the wake of an announcement of a new GCSE in Computer Science, Dr Colin Price, Principal Lecturer in Computing, organised a three-day Symposium to help teachers improve their understanding of Computing skills.

Beeline 2012

The University of Worcester

Storytelling Festival for Children

3rd - 28 th October 2012 The Festival will include fantastic children’s authors:

Jacqueline Wilson Michael Rosen Liz Pichon Morris Gleitzman

Plus storytellers, puppeteers, artists, and performers, who will descend on Worcester throughout October for an exciting, action-packed children’s festival.

With a rich variety of events suitable for schools and families be sure to make a beeline for Worcester this autumn.

For a list of artists and events visit our website www.worcester.ac.uk/beeline

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Geography Lecturer Explores National Identity A Geography lecturer has returned from a prestigious Fellowship in America, exploring national identity.

Dr David Storey’s research centres around nationalism and heritage, themes highlighted by this year’s London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“Most international sporting bodies allow people to represent either the country of their birth or one to which they have an attachment through ethnicity or residency,” he said.

“One of the lectures I gave explored the senses of national identity expressed by sportspeople competing for a country other than the one in which they were born. It considered a range of international examples (particularly in relation to countries in Africa) but with a specific focus on the Republic of Ireland soccer team.”

Dr Storey spent four weeks with The Alworth Institute at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) as an International Fellow.

Dr Storey delivered three public lectures during his Fellowship; Geographies of Nationalism; National Heritage and Place Promotion; and Transferring National Allegiance: Sport and Identity.

He also gave lectures to undergraduate students within the College of Liberal Arts and UMD as well as developing further links between UMD and the University of Worcester.

“I would like to think that through my lectures and meetings with individual faculty members at UMD, I was able to pass on some insights from my research and contribute to the life of the University,” he said.

AWARD WINNERS

Midwifery Lecturer Awarded Prestigious National Teaching Fellowship

Kim Russell

A senior lecturer in midwifery is one of only 50 teachers across the UK to be recognised and awarded a fellowship for excellence in teaching in higher education this year.

Kim Russell joins six other colleagues at the University of Worcester who have previously received a National Teaching Fellowship from the Higher

Education Academy.

Kim originally trained as a midwife at the former Worcester Royal Infirmary and worked as clinical midwife for 14 years before moving into higher education to teach on the first midwifery degree programme at the University.

“I am thrilled to have been awarded a National Teaching Scholarship for my work in developing, researching, mentoring and teaching in midwifery,” she said. “My aim is to prepare students for professional practice and develop their confidence to lead, change and strengthen the midwifery profession.”

As a champion of natural childbirth, Kim develops modules and leads annual conferences on the promotion of normal birth and the politics of maternity care. She also helped introduce a new course structure to make lecturers more visible in clinical practice and increase opportunities for oneto-one student support and practice teaching.

Professor David Green said: “The award of a National Teaching Fellowship to Kim Russell is a deserved accolade for her outstanding teaching over many years. Kim is an inspirational educator of midwives and we are delighted that her work has been recognised by this prestigious national award.

He added: “We now have seven members of the University’s staff selected for one of these prestigious awards of which no more than 50 are made in the entire country in any one year. So many awards in a single university is very rare and reflects the University’s success in achieving its aim of being a truly outstanding university at which to study.”

Psychology Technician Scoops National Award A Psychology technician has scooped a national award in recognition of her contribution to education.

Laura Scurlock-Evans was chosen by The Higher Education Academy (HEA) because of the outstanding support she gives to the student learning experience.

“I was very proud to represent my department at the awards ceremony, and it has really inspired me to continue finding new and innovative ways of supporting and enhancing Laura Scurlock-Evans receives her teaching and research at the award and £150 from University of Worcester,” she said. Dr Julie Hulme, Discipline Lead for Psychology at the HEA After studying psychology at university, Laura worked in the care sector before joining the University of Worcester in 2009 as a Psychology Technician. She is also studying for a PhD with the department.

Laura was nominated for the award by colleague Dr Penney Upton. “Laura is an outstanding technician who goes above and beyond her role to support the staff and students here at Worcester,” Dr Upton said.

“She has played a significant role in other areas of work including research, marketing, student employability and enterprise initiatives.”

Young Coach Receives

Football Scholarship Joshua Hanley, a second-year Sports Coaching student, was selected for the prestigious FA National Coaching Scholarship as a result of his talent and long-term volunteering at grass roots level. The 20-yearold coach has experience in coaching children of all levels.

Joshua spent his scholarship money on funding his FA Level 1 Goalkeeping course and on the Brazil-UK Football development course, led by the University of Worcester. It also included access to the FA Licensed Coaches Club for the year, a high profile CPD event, led by FA national coaches.

Looking to the future, Josh plans to do a PGCE course and obtain further FA qualification levels.

“I believe that I can improve and make a difference to young people’s football abilities. My experience combined with this programme provided me with an excellent opportunity to observe coaching sessions and share experience with a number of FA figure heads. It is also a great funding boost for the other football qualifications that I intend to do”, Joshua said.

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NEWS

Journalism

Course Gets Industry Accreditation The University of Worcester has received industry accreditation from the Broadcast Journalism Training Council, placing it in a select group of universities.

This industry kitemark ensures that standards of journalism tuition are maintained at the highest level. It also enables opportunities for students to undertake a range of work placements within the broadcasting sector and to compete effectively in the marketplace.

This follows a fact finding visit to the University in April when a BJTC panel, led by former broadcast journalist Steve Harris, watched students deliver a series of live news bulletins.

Claire Wolfe, Subject Leader for Journalism, said: “We are absolutely delighted and feel this will help our students to maximise opportunities while studying and also when they enter the workplace.

“It recognises the enormous strides that have been made with the teaching of Journalism here at Worcester in the last few years. It is a credit to our students too

who were also under the spotlight during the news day.”

The BJTC states its aim is to “make our students more employable and to deliver them to the jobs starting gate with the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for”.

Worcester’s course receives ‘pending accreditation’ status and the full benefits of being an approved learning centre, with full validation coming after students have been tracked into relevant employment.

Guest lecturer Jeff Berliner, former news editor of the flagship programme TV-am, also came to see Worcester’s newsday in action.

He said: “I am sure that the University of Worcester course will rival the best in the country. The team working on the live radio bulletins rose to the occasion with distinction.

“I was impressed by the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of the students and staff. There is considerable talent on the course, and I am sure that many of the students will go far.”

A significant investment in Journalism resources at the University is currently underway with two new radio studios under construction and improvements to the TV and web production facilities to follow.

UK’s First Visiting Fellow in Basketball Appointed at Worcester A world-renowned basketball coach has become the UK’s first Visiting Fellow in Basketball at the University of Worcester.

Dr Alejandro Vaquera, whose profile includes experience as the strength and conditioning coach for a range of Spanish national teams and ACB and LEB league teams, joins the University to work in the Institute of Sport & Exercise Science.

For the past seven years Dr Vaquera has coordinated the Physical Conditioning of the International basketball referees of FIBA Europe, working with them throughout the year and more specifically in each Eurobasket competition for men and women. He is also the coordinator of the FIBA Europe Universitas project.

Dr Vaquera said: “I am thrilled to be joining the team at the University of Worcester and to be part of an exciting European partnership in basketball.”

Dr Vaquera will remain in post as Director of Sport at Leon University in Spain and combine focussed visits to work with the University of Worcester in a range of teaching projects including the MSc degree in Sport and Exercise Science and the MSc in Basketball Coaching Science.

Head of the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, Mick Donovan, said: “This is an innovative post that will help to raise the bar in both playing and academic disciplines.”

The University is recognised as one of Europe’s strongest in terms of the academic and playing disciplines

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of basketball, being the UK partner in the FIBA European Centre for Basketball Research, as well as running the world’s only MSc in European Basketball Coaching Science.

Dr Alejandro Vaquera

NEWS

Skipper Jumps to Podium Top Spot A University of Worcester sports student has taken to the podium in three events at the World Jump Rope Championships in Washington DC. Gemma McGhee competed as part of the British Rope Skipping team and won a Gold medal for four person 30 second speed and a Bronze medal for pairs 30 second speed, as well as finishing fourth in the single Gemma McGhee 30 second speed, which guaranteed her qualification for the grand finals in all three events.

Gemma, of Studley, Warwickshire, was placed third for single 30 second speed and placed second for both the pairs 30 second and four person 30 second relay in the grand finals, in which only the top skippers from their age divisions competed.

The 25-year-old has already taken to the podium this year in the Double Dutch Contest in Belgium where her team finished third for Mini-Fusion which mixes Double Dutch, Street Dance and Power skills.

“The championships were amazing especially as I got a trophy in all three of the events that I competed in,” the third year Sports Therapy student said.

“The most challenging aspect of competing at such a high level is ensuring that you are prepared enough for an event and that everyone within your team works together.”

Gemma currently holds the British record for the most jumps in three minutes and shares the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive jumps by three people in Double Dutch.

Gemma was awarded an £800 scholarship by the University of Worcester to assist with the costs of competing as part of the GB Rope Skipping team at international competitions.

“The scholarship is a huge help towards me being able to compete at different championships throughout the year as we have to pay for it all ourselves through fundraising so the scholarship has been a huge help there.”

DEMENTIA CARE INITIATIVE WINS NATIONAL PATIENT SAFETY AWARD A joint initiative between the University of Worcester and the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Trust to improve care for patients with dementia in acute hospitals has won a national award.

The project came top in the Patient Safety in Clinical Care category of the Patient Safety Awards 2012. The awards recognise excellence in patient safety and identify the best initiatives that can be shared across the health service.

The University of Professor Dawn Brooker Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies worked with the Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Trust to devise a programme to improve services for patients with dementia who are admitted to New Cross Hospital with a physical illness. It was introduced in December 2010 and focuses on the hospital environment, nutrition and hydration, and communication. Professor Brooker worked with the senior team at New Cross for a day a week over an 18 month period to develop this new way of working, known as a ‘Dementia Care Bundle’.

The University also provided an education programme for staff to care for patients with dementia, and helped to develop person-centred care plans.

As a result of the programme, there has been a significant increase in the number of patients discharged home, a rise in the number of patients who gain weight while in hospital, a halving of the number of patients falling, and a significant improvement in the levels of patient staff and visitor satisfaction.

Professor Dawn Brooker, Director of the Association for Dementia Studies (ADS) at the University of Worcester, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the project has been recognised in this way. This is a really important development in improving the care and treatment of patients with dementia in our hospitals. There has been a lot of bad press around hospital care for patients with dementia. This programme proves that hospital can be a really positive experience if the right approach is taken.”

David Loughton CBE, Chief Executive of The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I am delighted that the excellent work we have done to improve services for patients with dementia has received national recognition in the Patient Safety Awards.

“The award not only recognises the significant effect that the re-designed service has had on patients, but is also a tribute to the hard work and dedication of staff who have embraced the changes and who make a real difference to the lives of the patients in our care.”

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NEWS

Institute of Education Host Partnership

Awards

The Institute recognised over 60 outstanding regional partners from across the West Midlands, Gloucestershire and the South West during a Partnership Award ceremony.

The Institute of Education Partnership Awards scheme acknowledges diverse education partners, such as schools, early years settings, and FE colleges, for their commitment and dedication to working successfully with the University in high quality partnerships.

Professor Chris Robertson, Head of the University’s Institute of Education, said: “Our partnerships provide quality professional experience, training and mentoring to ensure those working with children gain an excellent foundation. This is a much valued and essential part of our work at the University of Worcester.

“The commitment of our partners to training future educators is key to our success as an ‘Outstanding’ Initial Teacher Training provider nationally.

“This award ceremony signifies the value we place on our partnerships and our intention to continue working together to develop and support regional excellence in education. We have an exciting and innovative programme of development to achieve this purpose jointly.”

Successful partnership is defined by the values and principles upheld by the Institute of Education and its partners who are committed to working together to make a real difference to children, young people and their families by training the very best professionals to work with the next generation.

Photos (Top - bottom) Colleagues from the Institute of Education pictured with partners from Bromsgrove , Coleford and Birmingham

From DNA Smoothies to African Wetlands: Discovery Week Students from five schools across the Wyre Forest and Hagley spent a week exploring higher education at the University of Worcester.

The Discovery Week saw 25 gifted and talented students from schools belonging to The ContinU Trust take part in a host of activities, focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and humanities subjects.

The summer school was designed to bridge the gap between the end of Year 11 and the start of sixth form study, for students showing particular strengths in these subjects.

Sessions such as DNA extraction, forensic psychology, web journalism, literature and the geography of Ethiopian wetlands kept the students on their toes.

Tom Cadwallader, from King Charles 1 School in Kidderminster, said: “The week was great.

Experiencing the University was extremely helpful in making decisions for my future. The academic opportunities we had have broadened my understanding of STEM subjects as a whole.”

Gian Fazey-Koven, Outreach and Recruitment Manager, said: “The Discovery Week was one of a number of events we have been running with schools recently to engage young people and encourage them to think about the opportunities available to them. We are delighted that the Wyre Forest school pupils enjoyed their time with us and hope it got them thinking about possibilities for further study in the future.”

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NEWS

Worcester Lecturer Named as One of Only 12

‘Women Inspiring Europe’ A lecturer at the University of Worcester is among just 12 people across Europe to have been named as a ‘Woman Inspiring Europe’ for her work in the field of domestic abuse.

Ruth Jones, who was last year’s recipient of the Worcestershire Woman of the Year for Achievement, has been recognised by the Europe Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE).

The EIGE describes its aim as to “make visible some of Europe’s outstanding women and their work, to serve as a source of inspiration for others”.

Ruth, Course Leader for Ruth Jones the University’s MA in The Dynamics of Domestic Violence, the only course of its kind in England and Wales, said:

“I’m really shocked and humbled to have received this award.

I hope that it will help to highlight the importance of the work we are doing around domestic abuse, not just against women but across the spectrum with men, children and families.”

Ruth has helped to put Worcester on the map as a centre of excellence for education, research and support services for domestic and sexual violence, having (among other things) been instrumental in setting up a 24-hour domestic violence helpline, and working as training manager at the Asha Women’s Centre.

Her work has been recognised locally, nationally and internationally and she has won several awards and gained recognition from the Department of Health and The Home Office.

Professor David Green said: “Ruth has made an outstanding national and international contribution to researching and training professionals to tackle Domestic Violence. For the last seven years she has provided outstanding leadership in developing and delivering the University’s acclaimed course on The Dynamics of Domestic Violence which attracts participation from police officers, social workers, health staff, lawyers and professionals from all over Britain.

“The University is deeply committed to providing outstanding courses for professional people involved in tackling some of society’s most serious problems. The course Ruth leads is rightly described as transformational and it has played a very important role nationally in making the tackling of this issue the priority it should and must be.

“This deserved accolade means that Ruth Jones now joins a most distinguished group of inspirational women throughout Europe including top scientists researching such topics as climate change, political leaders campaigning for fundamental rights and democracy, outstanding women entrepreneurs and business leaders and women working for equality, human rights and peace across the whole of Europe.

The University of Worcester is very proud to have Ruth Jones as a member of staff at our University.”

Course Listed as Preferred Route for all UK Domestic Abuse Sector Workers

The University’s Masters degree in Domestic Violence has become the only such course to be put on the National Qualifications Framework.

The National Qualifications Framework is the body that helps learners to make informed decisions about the qualifications they need and the progression route they should take to get to their chosen career.

The University’s MA is the only Masters level degree in domestic violence in England and Wales, and has been listed by the Government Office of Qualifications and Examination Regulation as the preferred progression route for domestic abuse sector workers across the UK. Course leader Ruth Jones said:

“We currently educate up to 20 professionals each year to work in the domestic abuse sector, covering everything from honour abuse, children, and domestic violence against both men and women.

“It’s fantastic that we have been listed on the National Qualifications Framework as the preferred progression route and is testament to the quality of the offering here at Worcester.”

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NEWS

Totally Worth It! Play Encourages Youngsters to Think about University

Students perform ‘Is it worth it?’

A play exploring the benefits of Higher Education has toured schools across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Titled ‘Is it worth it?’, the play explored how Year 12 pupils make a decision about whether a university education is the right choice for them. Set alongside other key decisions at this stage in their lives, the play got pupils thinking about their futures.

The production was devised and performed by students on the Drama and Performance BA degree course and comes at a time when students are facing a significant increase in tuition fees in England.

Jane Kendrick from Ounsdale School in Wombourne, Wolverhampton, said:

“It is probably the best session we have ever had that has been provided by an external organisation.

“It was pitched at just the right level for the students and the information was put across in an extremely entertaining and informative way.”

There was a lively interactive workshop to support the play, encouraging pupils to explore solutions to the characters’ dilemmas.

Julie Fisher, Outreach Coordinator at the University, said: “‘Is it worth it?’ challenged higher education stereotypes and encouraged the audience to explore their own interests to discover the links to a whole range of future possibilities.

“The play’s core message was about understanding the link between hard work and opportunity.”

Tom’s Sporting Legacy gained his level 2 rowing coaching qualification and is currently completing his level 3 qualification.

During his time at Worcester, Tom assisted the regional British Rowing Talent ID coach, who was based at the University, as well as competing at a high level himself and coaching Worcester Rowing Club juniors.

Upon leaving university he took a gap year, travelling to Tasmania to coach rowing teams. When he returned to the UK, Tom secured Tom Harris and Glyn Harding a job as Boathouse Manager at The King’s School, Worcester, as University students, who may have well as being the school’s Junior a new found enthusiasm for rowing 16 Boys coach, later progressing after Great Britain’s medal success to senior boys’ coach. in the Olympics, will benefit from Tom spent four years at King’s the sporting legacy left behind by School, over-seeing the development former Worcester student Tom Harris. of a brand new boathouse, before Five years after leaving the University, leaving Worcester to take over his the rowing club that Tom established family’s property business in Surrey. as a student is now thriving with over “Coming to Worcester gave me 40 members regularly competing the drive and means to pursue at events all over the country. my rowing and to make a career Tom joined the University in 2003 out of it,” Tom said. “There as a Sports Studies with associated were so many opportunities Health Studies student. A keen to participate and coach.” rower, he quickly established a new Glyn Harding, Senior Lecturer in rowing club at the University with Sports Coaching Science at the some donated equipment he came University, said: “Tom took the across at Worcester Rowing Club. opportunities open to him to graduate “When I came to the University there in an interesting and valuable subject, was no rowing club, so I joined the to coach abroad and gain a level 3 Worcester Rowing Club,” he said.

NGB award that makes him highly “But I was keen to get a University employable. He is a credit to himself, club established and so I managed his family, the University and King’s to get some equipment and a few School. I am sure that his future will people and it went from there.” be extremely exciting and rewarding.”

While at University, 27-year-old Tom

Graduate Teacher Publishes Book Dr Linda Wheeler, who completed aide written by the former primary her undergraduate degree, PGCE, school teacher.

Masters and PhD at the University Dr Wheeler, an independent of Worcester has launched a new educational consultant and associate book to give teachers advice and staff member at the University, said: guidance when helping children “It’s wonderful to be asked to contribute with attention deficit hyperactivity further to the training of teachers in disorder and communication this important area and to ensure all difficulties. children receive the best education The book, Thinking Skills Special possible.”

Needs: ADHD and Communication Difficulties, is the second teaching

12 / SEPTEMBER 2012 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

NEWS

Breast Cancer Lifestyle Programme Proves Success European Catwalk Students Present Fashion Label in Berlin A pair of Fine Art students from the University of Worcester presented their fashion label on the biggest eco catwalk in the world during Berlin Fashion Week.

Paul and Nora BattenbergCartwright’s clothing line is made entirely from recycled materials and took to the catwalk on the prestigious Lavera Showfloor.

Paul, aged 21, said: “The clothes are made from curtains, tablecloths, sheets, duvet covers, scrap fabrics, donated scrap materials, scarves and saris which we cut up and sew together in our designs to recycle them into something with a new use.

The Third year students presented a collection called “The Indestructible Object” which uses handcrafted black and white prints, set against contrasting ice cold blues and passionate reds.

“We are not trained in the fashion industry, neither of us has taken any sewing or textile classes,” Paul said. “It is our fine art focusing around the notion of the living art piece that has caused us to become designers over the past three years.”

Paul and Nora have each been awarded a £250 scholarship by the University of Worcester to assist with the costs of the fashion show.

Nora, aged 22, said: “We put the £500 scholarship towards the €5,900 fee that the Berlin Fashion Show asks for to hire models, hair and makeup teams, stylists, wardrobe helpers and technical equipment and technicians along with all PR activities and costs.”

The talented artists intend to further build upon their accomplished fashion label in the future and to continue working with clients.

“We have had quite a few commissions for prom dresses and evening wear since the label launch in Germany in November and this has been very fruitful,” she said.

“We would like to continue with the label to provide a comfortable income to live from, and yet flexible enough to work around to be able to create art alongside this.”

Participants on the first Breast Cancer Lifestyle programme

A 12-week programme to help women who have survived breast cancer, run at the University, has been hailed a huge success.

The first Breast Cancer Lifestyle Programme at the McClelland Centre started in mid-April. Run in partnership with the Worcestershire NHS Trust, the programme featured physical activity, nutrition and psychology sessions.

A bespoke fitness programme, Tai Chi, and pedometer-based walking goals were part of the various physical activity sessions. As a bonus, the participants received temporary membership to the McClelland Centre fitness suite.

Aiming to promote a healthier lifestyle, the nutrition sessions provided advice on food types, portion sizes, understanding food labels and healthy eating planning. To ensure a relaxing and supportive environment, participants took part in psychology sessions.

The programme was designed and delivered by staff and students from the University’s Institute of Sport and Exercise Science and the Institute of Health and Society.

“It was amazing to see the commitment of the women in each session in working towards a healthier goal to be achieved through the duration of the programme,” says Jessica Morgan, Psychology student at the University of Worcester.

“The uniqueness of this initiative is that it managed to promote more than healthier lifestyle. It provided a social platform for these women to share their experiences. We hope that this knowledge will help to adapt and run the programme again in the near future.”

Full evaluation on the programme’s effectiveness will be presented in the near future.

newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / SEPTEMBER 2012 / 13

NEWS

Dying Matters:

Talking openly about dying

The annual Worcestershire Palliative Care Conference was held on 26th June 2012 at Evesham Community hospital. The conference theme involved open and honest discussion around death and dying, underpinned by the current Department of Health initiative, ‘Dying Matters.’ A range of issues were covered, including a political perspective from Fabian Hamilton MP, an update on the national ‘Dying Matters’ campaign from Eve Richardson, CEO of Dying Matters Coalition and National Council for Palliative Care, a presentation by Christine Pentland offered a fascinating insight into communicating with and supporting bereaved children, whilst Dr Felix Blaine, a Worcester GP, and champion for end of life care in Worcestershire gave a local perspective on dying matters. There was also an update on the ‘Amber’ project within the Acute Trust and a range of afternoon workshops

covering aspects of funeral planning, advance care planning and the work that hospices are doing in schools to engage children with a healthy understanding of death and dying.

The picture below shows, key note speaker Fabian Hamilton MP, with University of Worcester’s senior lecturer Dr Brian The conference was aimed Nyatanga and the rest of the conference planning committee primarily at professionals working with patients with life threatening or life-limiting illness, but the underlying public health message is simply that we are all going to die, and we need to talk to those close to us about our wishes, and make clear plans for what we want, or don’t want to happen well in advance of the event. Talking about it doesn’t Children and adults were invited to get into make it happen any sooner, but the spirit of the Paralympic Games with a it does make it more likely that free taster session in wheelchair basketball. when it does, we will be cared for As part of the national Join in Local Sport in the way that we would prefer. initiative, the University and the Sports The evaluations were Partnership Herefordshire & Worcestershire overwhelmingly positive, and hosted the free session on Saturday, August some comments suggested the 18. Those taking part were coached by Ian content was thought provoking, Richards, from British Wheelchair Basketball. while others felt it was important All ages and abilities from 12 upwards were to talk openly about the rather welcome– with and without disabilities – and elusive topic of death. wheelchairs were be provided. The free session was linked in the with Talent ID programme.

The aim of Join in Local Sport was to encourage people across the UK to turn up, take part and join in at their local sports club on the 18-19 August, the first weekend between the University on an annual birth the Olympic and Paralympic Games. conference that is now held in

“Join In” Wheelchair Basketball

Birth Conference 2012 The 5th Annual University of Worcester Birth Conference took place on July 11, attracting a record-breaking 150 delegates.

Organised by Mary Nolan, Professor of Perinatal Education, and Teresa Shalofsky, Senior Midwifery Lecturer, the conference addressed the highly topical issue of ‘Education for Birth and Parenthood’. Keynote speaker, Professor Soo Downe OBE, from the University of Central Lancashire, spoke of the importance of combating the generally held belief that birth in hospital is safer for low-risk women than in a midwife-led unit, and of helping women to understand that epidurals and caesareans hold rarely discussed dangers for mother and baby. Soo complimented

high regard in midwifery circles.

Professor Nolan described the scientific research and cross-party policies underpinning the new Department of Health-endorsed antenatal education programme, ‘Preparation for Birth and Beyond’.

Training for midwives and health visitors in this programme is being offered at the University from September by Professor Nolan.

The atmosphere at the conference was best described by one presenter as ‘buzzy’, partly due to the large number of students attending who were thrilled to meet some of the researchers and authors who are prominent in their midwifery training courses.

14 / SEPTEMBER 2012 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

NEWS

Green Glory

recycling bins and re-usable bags were also provided in all kitchens in on-campus accommodation to strengthen the recycling message.

“Recycling is a fundamental part of achieving high sustainability The University competed standards,” adds Katy. against more than 500 The final results showed other nominations and encouraging recycling rates will be presented with its for the last two years – with Green Apple Award at a an average of 100 tonnes per glittering presentation 1,000 students being diverted ceremony in the House of from landfill. Moreover, the Commons on November 12. general household recycling The joint project between rate in Worcester for 2011-2012 the University of Worcester was an impressive 36.2%. and Worcester City Council “We are very proud of being ambitiously targeted over awarded with the Green Apple 4,000 students living in Award and with the outcomes University managed halls of residence and in the city centre. of the campaign,” Katy said.

As a result of this success the “The initial impact of the University has been invited campaign was a 120% boost to have its winning paper in recycling in student halls. It published in The Green Book, showed that the approaches the leading international work we were using actually worked,” of reference on environmental says Katy Boom, Director best practice, so that Environmental Sustainability. others around the world Thirteen student volunteers, can follow its example and trained as student advocates, learn from its experience. participated in joint The University will also be training sessions, led by the considered to represent University and Worcester England in the European City Council recycling staff.

Business Awards for As part of the campaign, the Environment. free reusable polycarbonate recycling bags were distributed by the University to all off-campus student accommodation. Green The University of Worcester has won a Green Apple Environment Award in a national campaign to find Britain’s greenest companies, councils and communities.

Low Grades to High-Flyer When Russell Wheldon left school with only a handful of GCSEs, no higher than a Grade D, his prospects of a highflying career seemed pretty low.

His confidence was at rock bottom and he had little desire or interest in further study.

But after a good talking to some years later, Russell turned his life around and he is graduating Russell Wheldon this autumn with a First Class Honours degree in Sports Coaching Science.

Twenty-four-year-old Russell, who is now starting a Masters degree and aims to complete a PhD and become a university lecturer, said:

“Coming to the University of Worcester has been the best thing I ever did. I’ve gained confidence and found in myself a real desire to do well.”

Russell, who was born in the Black Country and now lives in Bridgnorth, Shropshire, joined the University on a HND after completing a BTEC at Dudley College.

After his first year he had impressed staff so much that he was able to transfer onto a degree course. He continued impressing staff, gaining top grades despite suffering with dyslexia, and found a new passion in disability sport.

Since 2010 Russell has been involved in blind and visually impaired football and has now secured a job with the Football Association as a Performance Analyst for the Great Britain Blind Football squad and the England Visually Impaired squad.

“I’m now travelling the world in a job I absolutely love,” he said. “It’s been a real journey for me since leaving school. I never dreamed I would have a First Class degree and be looking at such a bright future ahead of me.”

Karen Van Berlo, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education, said:

“Russell’s transformation from a very shy, reticent fresher to an assertive speaker on his work with the FA and the value of the university experience as a whole is remarkable.”

newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / SEPTEMBER 2012 / 15

NEWS

Osteoarthritis:

Studying the Genetic Causes A Worcester consultant was part of a team of scientists to discover clues to the genetic causes of osteoarthritis.

Professor Ashok Rai, Visiting Professor at the University of Worcester, and Consultant Rheumatologist, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, was among researchers from nine institutions across the UK to discover more genetic regions associated with the cause of osteoarthritis.

The researchers have described the findings as a significant breakthrough in understanding the genetic risk factors that cause the disease.

“We are delighted to have been able to contribute to the Arthritis Research UK funded arcOGEN study,” Professor Rai said. “This multi-centre study looked at the genes associated with osteoarthritis.

Locally we recruited patients who had suffered osteoarthritis and undergone joint replacement at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS trust.”

The findings were published in The Lancet last month. The Arthritis Research UK-funded arcOGEN consortium has highlighted eight genetic regions linked to the development of osteoarthritis. Previously only three

osteoarthritis genetic regions had been identified.

Several of the genetic regions encompass genes that are known to regulate how joints are made and then maintained, making them excellent osteoarthritis candidate genes. Another genetic region contains a gene involved in the regulation of body weight, which is a strong risk factor for osteoarthritis.

The £2.2million project is the world’s biggest ever-genome wide study into osteoarthritis, comparing the genetic differences of 7,400 patients with severe osteoarthritis with 11,000 healthy volunteers. The results were then replicated in over 7,000 OA individuals and 43,000 control individuals, from four European collaborating partners.

Medical director of Arthritis Research UK Professor Alan Silman said: “There is no cure for osteoarthritis yet it affects millions of people around the world. For 60 years we have known that you are twice as likely to have osteoarthritis if your parents have the disease, yet we haven’t known why.

Dr Ashok Rai

“Until we understand the cause of this complex disease, we cannot hope to find a cure. This is a major breakthrough in our understanding of osteoarthritis which we hope will help us to unlock the genetic basis of the disease.”

Further work is now needed to pinpoint the actual DNA changes within the genetic regions to establish exactly how these changes lead to osteoarthritis.

For more information about the arcOGEN project go to www.arthritisresearchuk.org

World Congress of Performance Analysis of Sport Top Sports Performance Specialists Gather in Worcester for World Congress Some of the world’s top specialists in sports performance analysis took part in the prestigious World Congress of Performance Analysis of Sport conference this summer.

Now in its ninth year the University hosted the conference immediately preceding the start of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Professor of Sport, Health & Exercise Science, Derek Peters, who was the Congress Local Organising Committee

Chair, said: “We were delighted to host this prestigious Congress at the University of Worcester when sport is so high on the agenda across the world.”

The keynote sessions addressed critical reviews of the most recent and key issues in Sport Performance Analysis, with recommendations for future research and avenues for real world application delivered by the most renowned academics and practitioners in the field.

16 / SEPTEMBER 2012 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk

Among the speakers were Wynford Leyshon, who competed for Wales and GB in track athletics gaining a silver medal in the 4 x 400m relay in the World Student Games in Moscow in 1973; and the Head of Technical Analysis at Liverpool Football Club, Andy Scoulding.

COVER NEWS STORY

Early Years Students Present Research in Portugal Three Early Years practitioners from Herefordshire will be presenting their research at a European conference later this month.

Karen Campbell, Jo McLellan and Gaynor Corrick are all students on the Early Years Foundation degree.

They have been invited to share their research at the European Early Childhood Research Association Conference (EECERA) in Portugal on August 29. Their research explores how diverse Early Years settings share the same values, aspirations and aims, and how they ensure quality.

do when they reach school age.

“This research explores and draws on our own experiences and we are really excited to be able to share it at such a prestigious conference. It will also be a great networking opportunity for us.”

The trio were each awarded £550 from the University’s Scholarship Panel to assist with the costs of attending the conference.

Karen, Jo and Gaynor preparing for their European conference

All three are mature students who have been working in Early Years for a number of years before deciding to embark on a degree. Their studies are being Gaynor said: “We all work in very different Early Years environments, funded by Herefordshire Council.

All three are planning to top up to but we share the same values a full degree upon completion of and beliefs that education starts the foundation qualification. at a very early age and we need to ensure young children get the same quality of education as they

Memory Lane

In next month’s issue we will share some of the snapshots and stories gathered at the Honorary Award Ceremony that took place on Saturday 1 September.

Don’t forget, if you have any old images lying around your office, our Alumni Officer would be happy to scan the photos for our archives.

Email: alumni@worc.ac.uk

Budding Sports Journalist Scores VI Football Scholarship A budding sports journalist who plays for England’s Visually Impaired Football Development squad has won a three-year study scholarship.

Adam Lione

“I’m so pleased to have been Adam Lione, from offered this scholarship,” said Southminster, Essex, has the 18-year-old, who has been representing his just finished his studies at country in the sport for William de Ferrers School. the past two years, having played mainstream “I didn’t know about the football before that. scholarship until I received a flyer about it from Essex The University offers one Football Association and I scholarship each year to a decided to go for it. I visited visually impaired or blind the University and spoke student with a talent in to lecturers David Mycock football, building on the University’s links in the sport. and Glyn Harding, and applied straight away. I’m The scholarship provides really looking forward to funding to cover three years of tuition fees for the student. getting started now.”

Adam currently plays for Adam was selected as London in the national this year’s recipient Visually Impaired Football because of his academic achievements and his success League but will move to play for the Royal National representing England.

College for the Blind in Hereford when he moves to Worcester next month.

David Mycock, Sports Coaching Science Lecturer at the University and Assistant Coach for Great Britain Blind Football squad, said: “Adam has a good academic record and has published over 100 sports related articles in various outlets, i.e. newspapers, internet and professional magazines. We are delighted to be able to offer him the scholarship and look forward to welcoming him to the University in September.”

newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / NOVEMBER 2009 / 17 newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / SEPTEMBER 2012 / 17

STAFF FEATURE

This month we chat to charity fundraiser Sian Gould, who is just breathing a sigh of relief after organising the Honorary Graduation Awards Ceremony.

Fundraiser: Whether it’s getting up to her knees in mud or dressing up as Where’s Wally, Sian Gould is not afraid to put image aside in the name of charity!

Sian, who works in the Communication & Development Department as Marketing Communications Co-ordinator with special responsibility for alumni, has helped to raise thousands of pounds for Cancer Research and St Paul’s Hostel for the homeless through her various crazy antics.

“I consider myself very lucky,” Sian said.

“I’ve got a great family, have had a good upbringing and am healthy. But not everyone is as lucky and so anything I can do to help I think is important.”

Sian has competed in the Race for Life and Relay for Life, both for Cancer Research. This year she has helped to raise over £3,500 with her team in the Relay – all dressed as Where’s Wally. She also took part in her first 10k mud run this year at Eastnor Castle.

“I loved the mud run,” she said. “We took part twice; on the Saturday and the Sunday and had a brilliant time.”

Sian, who turns 25 this month, added: “I’m quite happy to get dirty or dress up in something silly for charity. It makes it fun so everyone has a good time as well as raising much needed funds.”

Last year Sian signed up as a volunteer at St Paul’s Hostel in Worcester.

“It’s something I have wanted to do for a long time,” she said. “You never know what life will throw at you, especially in this time of recession. Many of the people at the hostel have just been unfortunate in some way and I’m glad to be able to help a little.”

Sian helps out serving meals as well as being a member of the fundraising team. The next fundraising event for the Hostel will be a special rugby event at the Worcester Warriors v London Irish match on September 28th. For more information on the event, and tickets, you can contact Sian at s.gould@worc.ac.uk

Where’s Sian? ... in the centre

What do you get up to when you leave the Campus? Email Sally Jones with your interesting stories at s.jones@worc.ac.uk

newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / SEPTEMBER 2012 / 18