news &views THE UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER STAFF MAGAZINE
June 2009
In this issue: Darwin exhibition The University attracts touring exhibition to Cathedral p.2
Scholarships Students live their dreams thanks to scholarship scheme p.8
Double vision
Final year art exhibitions hailed as best ever p.3
`
NEWS
WELCOME TO THE JUNE 2009 ISSUE
W
elcome to the June 2009 edition of News & Views. The last few weeks have seen a bumper crop of notable student achievements, across many diverse areas, which we celebrate with feature pieces on student scholarships and this year’s hugely successful final year arts exhibitions. This issue also features reports on the University’s involvement in a number of community projects, as well as our role in attracting the Darwin Today exhibition to Worcester Cathedral. Our next edition, available on July 3, will contain an update on the capital development projects currently underway, as well as comprehensive coverage of everything of note that happens at the University during June.
University brings Darwin exhibition to Cathedral A TOURING exhibition celebrating the life of Charles Darwin and his theories of evolution HAS ARRIVED AT WORCESTER CATHEDRAL THANKS TO THE UNIVERSITY. The interactive exhibition, aimed at family groups, will be held in the Cathedral until Friday, June 26th and shows how Darwin’s ideas still influence research and life today, from biology and engineering to the social sciences, arts and humanities. The Cathedral is the only place of worship in the UK to host the exhibition.
As always, we need your news, so please keep us informed of anything you think is interesting or newsworthy by sending it to newsandviews@worc.ac.uk by June 26.
Shane receives England cap orcester student Shane Gill has received an England Cap to mark the eight times he has so far represented his country at Futsal. “It is fantastic to receive an England Cap,” said 21-year-old Shane, who is nearing the completion of his Sports Studies and Sociology degree. “I loved playing for my country last year and hope that I can get selected again this September.”
The University’s Craig Williams, who has helped to establish a Futsal team and Futsal coaching at the University, said: “Futsal is becoming a really popular university sport and it’s great to that Shane Gill made the England team and has received his Cap. The sport really is a great way to perfect and improve your skills, creativity and overall football techniques.”
“This exhibition celebrates the achievements of a great scientist who did so much to advance our understanding of the world, and whether people have a religious faith or not, they should rejoice in that.” Professor John Newbury, Head of the University’s Institute of Science and the Environment and an expert on evolution, said: “When I heard about this touring Darwin exhibition I thought it would be great for Worcester to be a host. We wanted a place where members of the public could drop in while in town. We decided that the Cathedral, in the heart of the City, was a perfect location. “Darwin’s work has been vital in the development of the life sciences and has had a huge cultural impact across the world. The exhibition is designed not for professional biologists but to be understood by everyone; I hope as many people as possible will pop in and see what they make of it.”
W
Shane, who hails from Devon, also plays futsal for Great Britain Universities and 11 aside football for England Universities.
The Very Reverend Peter Atkinson, Dean of Worcester Cathedral, said: “The Chapter of Worcester Cathedral is glad to host this exhibition in conjunction with the University of Worcester.
Darwin Today is a UK Research Councils initiative, which is being led by BBSRC. For more information about the exhibition, see: www.darwin.rcuk.ac.uk
University joins forces with community football club THE University has recently teamed up with Oldbury Park Tigers Football Club to develop one of the most innovative junior clubs in the region. The University will support the club by offering support through staff expertise, facilities, resources and undergraduate students who will be able to deliver coaching and sports science sessions to the youngsters. David Millbery, Chairman of Oldbury Park Tigers Football Club, said: “The club has achieved a great deal but we are rapidly reaching capacity. The support
2 / JUNE 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
of the University will enable us to grow and increase participation as well as developing new and exciting opportunities for the club, our players and our volunteers.”
COVER STORY
Double vision
Final year students have displayed a collection of progressive and inspiring works in a double exhibition.
I
t was the first time that Creative Digital Media and Art & Design undergraduates have come together to host their final year degree shows at the same time.
course, not only to friends and families but also, importantly, to prospective employers and the Worcestershire community. Much of the work is based around live projects, which gives our
The Digital Arts Showcase 2009 was held in the Digital Arts Centre, while the Art & Design Showcase took place in the art department. Both shows were devised, organised and run by the students, who also had to raise the funds. John Coleman, one of the 36 Creative and Digital Media students showcasing their work, said: “These free exhibitions demonstrate quality, creativity and originality all under one roof. Not only is it a chance for potential employees to view, but also for members of the public to see inspiring work by final year students.”
The third year students produced a diverse range of media, including fine art, photography, animation, graphic design, web, experimental media, film and video. Helen Holmes, Tutor/Practitioner in Graphic Design said: “The Digital Arts Showcase is a great opportunity for the students to display the culmination of their work from their degree
“We were delighted to be able to showcase work by all final year creative arts and digital media degree students at the same time this year. It was a chance to see the wide and diverse range of creative courses on offer at the University of Worcester and meant that there was something for everyone. Students worked really hard to ensure that the show was of the highest quality and I would like to congratulate them on their efforts.”
Maureen Gamble Head of Art, Design & Creative Digital Media
students an edge, having worked with real clients, with a real outcome, and having gained invaluable experience in the industry.”
“these free exhibitions demonstrate quality, creativity and originality all under one roof.” In addition, there was an exhibition of work by associate artists on the Artist Access to Arts Schools (AA2A) scheme. The University is a host institution the Arts Council-funded scheme (AA2A) and has supported 28 new and emerging artists since 2002.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JUNE 2009 / 3
NEWS
Research project awarded A collaborative research project between the University and Worcester College of Technology and funded by the Centre for Excellence in Leadership has won
a commendation award at the recent Learning Skills and Improvement Service Leadership Impact Awards. The award was for the impact of the research on the local community. The research team, consisting of John Colvin (University of Worcester), Dr Pat Woolford and Kate Gardner (both Worcester College of Technology), explored how collaborative leadership in a general FE college facilitated the development of Study Centre learning, improved student retention and enhanced the learning environment.
PRESTIGIOUS CONFERENCE
T
he University is hosting the Modernising Social Work conference in partnership with the University of Warwick on Friday 19 June. The conference aims to explore the changes and challenges to professional practice brought about by the Government’s modernisation agenda and the impact on service users. Senior lecturer Peter Unwin, who is also a foster carer and social worker, said: “There have been many changes to the social work system in recent years and this conference provides an opportunity to reflect on some of these. Central to debate will be the ability of social workers to be able to make professional judgements in a performance management ‘tick-box’ culture.
“At a time when the very nature of social work is being debated nationally we are delighted that Worcester has been selected to host this important conference.” This conference will also feature a number of national speakers and there will be discussion groups, and opportunities to consider some recent high profile case studies. The conference takes place from 9.30am to 4pm and costs £40, or £20 for students. The fee includes a copy of Modernising Social Work (RRP £21.99). To book, or for more information please contact Jo Gibbs on 01905 855147 or by email at j.gibbs@worc.ac.uk
Carbon Trust recognition THE University has received further national recognition for its efforts to increase environmental sustainability by being presented with the coveted Carbon Trust Standard. Fewer than 10 universities have received the certification, which is awarded to institutions in the UK for measuring and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. One of the University’s top initiatives was turning off student PCs when not in use, which led to an estimated 51 tonne reduction in carbon dioxide emissions during 2008.
The University has set a target of a 10% reduction in its overall energy use over a five year period. Katy Boom, Head of Sustainability and Development, said: “We are very proud to be one of the few universities in the UK to have been awarded the Carbon Trust Standard. “Environmental sustainability is something that we should all be working towards and our robust carbon management and reduction programme shows how seriously the University takes these issues.”
4 / JUNE 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
Squad aiming for glory at Henley
A
group of University rowers will be pitting their skills against some of the best squads in the world at this month’s Henley Women’s Regatta. It will be the first time the University’s women’s rowing squad has entered the regatta and the team will be hoping to gain valuable experience. Squad member Chloe Murdoch, who received a £500 scholarship from the University’s Scholarship Panel towards her training costs, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us. A year ago there were only five girls in the squad, and now we have 12. “Racing as a Club for the first time at Henley Women’s Regatta will give us valuable experience and set a standard for future development within the Club.”
Getting literate at Wychwood
T
his year the University was involved for the first time with the Wychwood Festival in Cheltenham. The organisers of this new music festival contacted the International Centre for Research in Children’s Literature, Literacy and Creativity with the idea of including a Children’s Festival with writers and artists. The University’s input was supported by sponsorship from Communication and Development and was able to provide a smorgasbord of delights including: Heather Dyer – the University’s Royal Literary Fund Academic Writer in Residence; Kat Wetherall, a brilliant storyteller; and Siobhan Parkinson, an award winning writer from Ireland. This list was completed by Carol Ann Duffy, the newly appointed Poet Laureate, who was introduced by Professor Judith Elkin and gave a poetry and musical performance to a packed marquee.
FEATURE
Take a walk through time
on the Geopark Way Meandering its way from Bridgnorth, Shropshire, to Gloucester, the 109 mile Geopark Way trail passes through delightful countryside as it explores 700 million years of Earth’s history.
T
hree years in the making, the Geopark Way long distance walking trail was conceived from an aspiration to highlight geology, landscape and associated heritage within the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark, and to make these accessible to all. The rocks along the trail tell amazing stories of continental collision, of tropical seas, hot deserts, equatorial swamps and coastal lagoons and of vast ice sheets and polar deserts. But, just as interesting, are the building stones of churches, bridges and even a cathedral. These stories can be followed in the associated 136 page guidebook which interprets the sites and vistas seen along the route. Alongside the geological interpretation the guide draws attention to examples of how geology has played a significant part in influencing the wildlife, archaeology, social and industrial history of the area. The guide has been written both to help you plan an exhilarating walk along the Geopark Way and to encourage you to think about the largely hidden world beneath your feet. The trail is described in a series of 17 sections from north to south. Each section has been devised to give an interesting day’s walk at a modest pace, with time to look at the rocks and wider landscape. A sketch map, showing the
he University of Worcester recruits 40% Offering more disabled students than the national T opportunities average, according to newly released figures. The figures of official performance measures for to all
higher education show that the University also provides higher education for more students from state schools and disadvantaged backgrounds than the national average. The higher education performance indicators measure how well universities are doing in
route and points of interest, begins each section. The highlighted boxes in the text, photographs and diagrams, together with the glossary at the end of the book will enhance your understanding of both the geological content of the guide and the geology encountered along the trail. A slim supplementary booklet details useful information on public transport routes, tourist amenities and attractions, further geological walks and countryside sites along the Geopark Way. Published by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Earth Heritage Trust , the Trail guide is available from H&W EHT (Room 9, Woodbury Building) for £9.95 plus P&P. For more information visit www.EarthHeritageTrust.org
retaining students and attracting entrants from state schools, lower socio-economic groups, neighbourhoods with low higher education participation rates and those in receipt of a disabled students allowance. Professor David Green, said: “We are delighted that the University of Worcester continues to be chosen by so many disabled students. We are committed to creating a supportive and welcoming environment which celebrates diversity and difference.”
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JUNE 2009 / 5
NEWS
Greenest hall contest winners
VISITING PROFESSOR WELCOMED TO WORCESTER A doctor from South Africa has joined the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science as a visiting professor. Professor Alan St Clair Gibson, also known as Zig, is currently Director of Research and Chair of Sports Sciences at Northumbria University.
The residents of Chandler Hall, flats 19-26, have emerged as victors of the University’s first InterHalls Energy Competition. Sam Harman, Jamie Osborne, Jennifer Fennell, Lawrence Fugle, Ma Yeqi, Christopher Pane, Kelly McCullough and Yun Liao were the winning residents and collected £350 worth of vouchers to spend in the Co-op supermarket in St John’s. The competition, which ran from October to March, looked at the metered usage of electricity per student per week in each set of halls on the St John’s campus
and awarded a prize to the flats with the lowest amount. The University’s Environmental Coordinator, Jan Dyer said: “The Chandler Hall residents won because they were consistently the lowest users of electricity for the duration of the contest. “In its first year, the competition has been a success. The students of Chandler Hall have shown that by being careful to turn off their bedroom and kitchen lights they can make a difference. You do not have to do much to reduce your usage: it all makes an impact.”
He said: “It is a great honour to be joining the University of Worcester as a research member of staff. The University is in an obvious steep upward growth curve, and I hope to be able to contribute to this growth and future successes.” Alan’s research interests include neuroscience and biological and psychological control mechanisms which regulate human function and activity in health and disease.
WORCESTER
TACKLES OBESITY IN DUDLEY
T
he University of Worcester has been selected to help health chiefs in Dudley borough to address the growing issue of childhood obesity.
Our next Open Day takes place on Sunday 21 June and we want you to help ensure it’s our best ever. If you would be interested in helping out on the Welcome Desk, taking campus tours or just generally making the day as successful as possible then we want to hear from you. Contact Annabel Kray on a.kray@worc.ac.uk to find out more, including rates of pay.
OPEN DAY 21 June 2009, 10am-3pm
6 / JUNE 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
The University has been awarded the contract to evaluate the impact of Dudley’s Healthy Town Programme, called ‘Let’s Go Outside’. The two-year programme is part of the Government’s Change 4 Life initiative. Dudley was selected as one of nine towns and cities nationally to take part in the Healthy Towns Programme. University researchers will assess the impact of the initiative and whether it is having any effect on the health of the town’s residents. Dr Derek Peters, principal lecturer in the Institute of Sport and Exercise Science, said: “From the University’s point of view this is an excellent opportunity to develop our research output and to raise our profile. We will be looking at how this programme is impacting on the lives of residents in Dudley, by carrying out surveys and questionnaires with individuals and local groups.”
NEWS
mother of five playing it for laughs A mature student is making a name for herself in the world of comedy after embarking on a screenwriting course. Kate Lane has sold a number of her sketches to The Treason Show in Brighton and to Radio Soundart, and even started to perform her own stand-up routines at comedy events.
“I never dreamed that within the first year of my degree I would have sold some of my work and also be performing it,” she said. “It has just been absolutely wonderful and I’m loving every minute. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, other than I wanted to come to university. When I heard about the screenwriting and film course I thought it sounded interesting so I decided to give it a go. I thought I would lean more towards the film studies, but, even though that side of the course has been fabulous, it’s the screenwriting that has really captured my imagination. I had never done anything like this before, but I just love it.” Kate, who lives in the Broadwaters area of Kidderminster with her five children, aged from 10 to 17, writes about her own life experiences as well as doing topical political pieces. “If someone had told me six months ago that I would be up on stage performing stand up, I would never have believed them.” Kate Lane Film Studies and Screenwriting student
£80,000 AWARDED
TO DEVELOP FOUNDATION DEGREE FRAMEWORK
T
he University, in Partnership with Staffordshire University, has won a bid of £80,000 from Foundation Degree Forward and Skills for Care to develop a Foundation Degree Framework that will improve and develop the knowledge set and skills of those who work or aspire to work in social care and to enable the support of people who require care in an empowering manner reflecting personal choice. The partnership also includes the two Lifelong Learning Networks in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Staffordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin as well as a range of employers, providers and service users throughout the region who have expressed their willingness to participate in the design and development of the project The Foundation degree will be based on the West Midlands Regional Framework that is informed by employer and service users with specialist routes of Long Term Conditions and Learning Disability. It is anticipated that the award will be ready for a 2010 delivery across England. The Foundation Degree will meet regional and national social care requirements and the development of this award will be disseminated locally and nationally through publications and local and national networks.
Enhancement Academy
Charity conference inspires graduates Graduates of a unique Masters degree, run by a Herefordshire charity, were given the chance to network at the programme’s first ever conference.
The course is currently short-listed for a national ‘Green Gown’ award. To celebrate this success, the programme leaders, Dr Jane Roberts and Professor Shirley Ali Khan, decided to hold a reunion conference for the 44 graduates from the past six years.
The Bulmer Foundation has been running an MA in Sustainable Development Advocacy, validated by the University of Worcester, since 2003.
The conference, titled ‘Changing the Future’, was held at the Watershed Building in Hereford and included guest speakers and workshops. The course has been designed to give students the tools, skills and knowledge to apply the thinking and principles around sustainable development to actions in their work and personal life. There are limited places still available for September 2009.
THE University of Worcester is one of nine universities to be selected to participate in the HE Academy’s Enhancement Academy, following on from our successful participation in HE Academy’s Benchmarking Programme. The Enhancement Academy will support the University in undertaking a project to encourage and support staff with their creative use of learning technologies to support active studentcentred learning. The project will last 12 months and will be run by a project team consisting of John Colvin, Debbi Boden, Ian Scott, Libby Symonds, David Antell (Students’ Union) and Prof. Peter Bullen (University of Herts). The photograph shows John Colvin, the other team leaders and HE Academy staff at a recent meeting.
newsandviews@worc.ac.uk / JUNE 2009 / 7
FEATURE
Scholarships allow students to
live their dreams
T
he University of Worcester’s Scholarship Panel has awarded £19,500 to 40 students this academic year. Here’s a quick rundown of just a few of the stories made possible by those scholarships and the dedication of their recipients. Samantha House, aged 18, who has represented Great Britain internationally, was granted a scholarship to help fund her trampolining.
Young amateur golfer Greg Higgitt will be pitting his skills against professional players in the Jamega Pro Golf Tour this summer. Sports Therapy student Greg will be playing against professional golfers from across Britain and hoping to make a name for himself. Greg, aged 19, from Stourbridge, has been playing golf since the age of seven at his local club.
She said: “I love everything about trampolining – the competing, the adrenaline of it and I especially love learning new moves. It’s also a great stressbuster.” Samantha, who comes from Southampton, represents the University of Worcester at trampolining and basketball in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) League and is also a member of the University’s kayak and climbing clubs.
“I would love to make it as a professional golfer,” he said. “To have the opportunity to play against about 150 of the country’s best golfers is a real honour and, although I cannot play for money, I can play for trophies. I will just give it my best shot and hopefully I will do OK.” Jayne Power is flying to America to take part in an event celebrating the centenary of the Girl Guide movement.
She recently came a close second in an
Staff Garden Party 2009
December.
international trampoline competition in Ireland, competing with entrants from 30 other universities from all over the world.
Jayne, 44, who is in the first year of a Youth and Communities Services degree, was chosen to lead a group of 30 Girl Guides from all over the UK at the event, which takes place in New York City in
T
his year’s University Staff Garden Party will be on Monday July 6 from 4pm until 6pm. Taking place in Henwick Court, this modest celebration of University’s successes will feature music, strawberries and cream, champagne and nonalcoholic drinks. There will be a few formalities at approximately 4.45pm which will include an opportunity for a particular thank you to Professor Judith Elkin for her outstanding contribution over the last six years as the University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor. Judith will be retiring from the post of Deputy Vice Chancellor at the end of August and will then become Deputy Vice Chancellor Emeritus for two
8 / JUNE 2009 / newsandviews@worc.ac.uk
She said: “It is a real privilege to lead one of the first international opportunities to celebrate the Centenary. This will be a fantastic experience for the young women participants. Arranging the trip of a lifetime will also be excellent for my own professional development.” Charlotte Paddock is travelling to the Harnas Wildlife Foundation in Namibia to spend one month looking after orphaned and endangered animals. Charlotte, a third year BSc (Hons) Psychology student, said: “I’m really excited about the trip. “I wanted to go away and do something before returning to study for a Masters and getting this scholarship has helped me to realise this dream. I will be helping to look after orphaned animals, such as lion cubs. It’s a huge opportunity to be able to take part in a project like this, and I hope that I can make some sort of difference to the animals there, however small that may be.”
years with the responsibility of leading the work to create a University endowment. All staff are invited to the party, along with a guest of their choice. Please RSVP to events@worc.ac.uk by 30 June including the name of your guest (if any) or write to Lucy Appleton in Communication and Development. Additional guests may be invited upon application. Would any colleague who must remain at their post throughout the event, please contact Lucy separately, who will do her best to arrange for strawberries and cream to be sent to you on the day.