Way2Go - North East 14

issue 14 | november 2007

INTRODUCTION

WELCOME to issue 14 of W2G North East, your local magazine aimed at giving teenagers help and advice when it comes to careers and education.

Your half term break is a distant memory and now its time to get your nose to the grindstone once again, but hey don’t worry, there’s only 5-6 weeks before Santa comes down your chimney.

In issue 13 we take a look at making your choices when you’re in year 9, and highlight the key topics that are available to you. Some people think that making these choices is a bit scary, but it is actually your opportunity to take control of your education and shape the way you want your future to be. We also have articles on handling peer pressure and being street wise and safe at night, plus loads more. To help you chill out a bit we have playtime; this month we cast our eye over some of the latest Games, DVD’S, CD’s and films to hit the streets.

P.S. Check out the inside back page for this month’s homework; we are giving away an I-pod shuffle to the best Picture sent in.

Distinctive Publishing LTD 24 Lancaster Street Summerhill Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 6EU T: 0191 2983571 F: 0191 2983561 John Neilson Sales Director john.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk Ewan Waterhouse Business Development Manager ewan.waterhouse@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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MOVIE REVIEW Ratatouille After taking audiences on incredible journeys to the worlds of cars, superheroes, fish and toys, only the amazing storytellers at Pixar Animation Studios (“Cars,” “Finding Nemo,” “The Incredibles”) could create an entirely new and original world where the unthinkable combination of 5-star restaurants and rats come together for the ultimate fish-out-of-water tale.

In the new animated-adventure, RATATOUILLE, a rat named Remy dreams of becoming a great French chef despite his family’s wishes and the obvious problem of being a rat in a decidedly rodent-phobic profession. When fate places Remy in the sewers of Paris, he finds himself ideally situated beneath a restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau. Despite the apparent dangers of being an unlikely - and certainly unwanted - visitor in the kitchen of a fine French restaurant, Remy’s passion for cooking soon sets into motion a hilarious and exciting rat race that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.

Remy finds himself torn between his calling and passion in life or returning forever to his previous existence as a rat. He learns the truth about friendship, family and having no choice but to be who he really is, a rat who wants to be a chef. Directed by Academy Award™winning Brad Bird (“The Incredibles”) and co-directed by Academy Award™-winning Jan Pinkava (“Geri’s Game”).

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DVD REVIEW Hairspray (PG) Brilliantly written, superbly acted and achingly funny, this is a terrifically entertaining musical that will have you grinning from ear to ear throughout.

Based on the 1988 John Waters movie and the awardwinning Broadway musical, Hairspray is set in Baltimore in 1962 and stars newcomer Nikki Blonsky as big-haired, big-hearted Tracy Turnblad, a full-figured girl whose only dream is to be a dancer on the Corny Collins Show – a dream that’s encouraged by her loving parents, Edna (John Travolta in a dress and a fat suit) and Wilbur (Christopher Walken).

However, after winning a spot on the show, Tracy has her eyes opened to the issue of racial inequality and vows to do something about it, much to the consternation of the show’s scheming producer Velma (Michelle Pfeiffer).

The songs are toe-tappingly terrific throughout and the cast perform with such joyously infectious enthusiasm that’s impossible not to be swept along. The script is screamingly funny and there are several wonderful gags and quotable lines. This is a terrific film that will have you singing, dancing and laughing all the way home. It’s easily one of the best films of the year. Unmissable.

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MUSIC REVIEW Leona Lewis - Spirit When, Leona Lewis, the Hackney native first came into our lives over a year ago, it was clear that there was something extraordinary about her; Leona was the first X Factor winner with international potential. Even before the night of the final, American music mogul Clive Davis had called Simon Cowell saying, “I think you might have the next Whitney on your hands”.

In December 2006, she won the X Factor and had a massive Christmas Number 1 hit with ‘A Moment Like This’, the most downloaded track in the UK of last year, with an amazing 50,000 downloads in the first half hour alone. Suddenly Leona scored the biggest ever debut single for a female artist. People were quick to compare Leona to the likes of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, good company to be in, but ‘Spirit’ is set to remind people that she has her own unique sound. Leona took her time to make the best possible album. Working alongside the world’s biggest producers and songwriters, Leona has put together an unrivaled collection of songs. Jetting off to the US in February of this year to perform an intimate industry only showcase hosted by the legendary Clive Davis, Leona won the hearts of the world’s biggest songwriters and producers. Consequently the album plays host to a veritable ‘who’s who’ of writers and producers, with the likes of Dallas Austin, Soulshock and Carlin, Jam and Lewis, Walter Afanasieff And Salaam Remi all having lined up to work with Leona. Each of the tracks on ‘Spirit’ has the potential to be a single. The leading track ‘Bleeding Love’ is just an example of the quality that typifies the album. ‘Homeless’ is an emotional melody driven ballad and ‘First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ is Leona’s take on the classic Roberta Flack track.

Throughout ‘Spirit’ Leona displays her signature vocal abilities and stunning range. It’s clear that with or without the X Factor, Leona’s extraordinary talent would not have gone unnoticed.

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GAME REVIEW Rock Band Special Edition Tap into your Rock & Roll fantasy as you pick your axe, form a band and tour for fame and fortune, all while sticking the rock credo of learning your instrument as you go in Rock Band.

Developed by Harmonix, creators of the blockbuster Guitar Hero franchise, Rock Band is an all-new platform for gamers ready to take on the challenges of the Rock & Roll lifestyle. Instruments available to players are guitar, bass, drums or vocals as they hit the road as either an aspiring superstar solo act, or for the first time in game genre history take on the true collaborative and challenging nature of music as they form a band and jam together in multiplayer action from home or around the world.

Either way players will need to master their stage presence through the various game modes and polish their rock chops via the unrivaled Rock Band song list if they hope to make it out of the garage, into the clubs and finally on to the main stage. * Rock Band Special Edition for Xbox 360 includes: guitar, mic, drum kit peripherals plus software. A Song List That Goes to Eleven!

Built on unprecedented deals with top record labels and music publishers, the mix of remastered originals and covers that make up the epic Rock Band song list puts players in the shoes of legendary artists from day one. And with the promise of additional downloadable songs and albums you are sure to be rockin’ for some time to come. A partial list of the initial song list includes: n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

(Don’t Fear) The Reaper - Blue Oyster Cult Won’t Get Fooled Again - The Who Suffragette City - David Bowie Paranoid - Black Sabbath Blitzkrieg Bop - The Ramones Mississippi Queen - Mountain Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi Tom Sawyer - Rush In Bloom - Nirvana Vasoline - Stone Temple Pilots Say It Ain’t So - Weezer Main Offender - The Hives Reptilla - The Strokes Go with the Flow - Queens of the Stone Age Learn to Fly - Foo Fighters Enter Sandman - Metallica Highway Star - Deep Purple Epic - Faith No More Are You Gonna Be My Girl - Jet Here It Goes Again - OK Go! Creep - Radiohead Gimme Shelter - The Rolling Stones Should I Stay or Should I Go - The Clash Cherub Rock - Smashing Pumpkins Sabotage - Beastie Boys The Hand That Feeds - Nine Inch Nails I Think I’m Paranoid - Garbage Wave of Mutilation - The Pixies Maps - Yeah Yeah Yeahs Celebrity Skin - Hole

AND MANY MORE!

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ed and trusted adviser MENTOR / noun / experienc are, teach, train, tutor ep pr t, uc str in e, id gu , ct re di / COACH / verb omoter, messenger pr , ive tat en es pr re / un no / R AMBASSADO unsellor, guide co t, tan ul ns co e, nt da nfi co / ADVISER / noun OK - so you might be familiar with staff or students in your school, college or 6th form working as Progression Coaches, Learning Mentors, Transition Mentors, Ambassadors, Learning Support Officers and Student Advisers - but do you know what kind of help each of them can offer?

Aimhigher funds some of these posts across the region, with the intention of providing support to young people to achieve their academic potential and to assist learners in progressing to FE and HE. All staff and students in these roles can provide a source of inspiration, advice and support that you could tap into!

Achieving With Aimhigher

By Katie Metcalfe I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason.

The circumstances that led to me studying at the Middlesbrough College Catering department for an NVQ in Catering and Hospitality, instead of an institute offering English Literature was in my eyes fate. Suffering from anorexia during the crucial two years leading to my GCSE’s resulted in grades which did not represent my full ability.

Middlesbrough College,

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In each edition of Way2Go we will be featuring a column or two from staff or students working in one of these roles. We hope to feature some of the common issues encountered by young learners and to provide some basic information and advice on how to handle them – which will be especially important if you don’t have one to one access to this kind of support in your school or college.

In this edition we are also featuring an article by a student who has been supported by the activities and staff funded by Aimhigher, Katie Metcalfe’s story will prove an inspiration to many young people who are perhaps struggling to continue with education and deal with the other complexities of life. fortunately, were able to see the enthusiasm I possessed for learning and the dedication I was willing to put into my studies.

Through my catering tutor, I was introduced to Aimhigher, a project supporting those students whose lives embrace fulfilling their passions. Mine in this instance, involved writing.

I was dubious at first; disbelieving help in the forms of funds for university open day trips, creative writing conferences, necessary writing materials and career advice was available to enhance my writing skills. Resting solely on the myth of my tutor’s tales I was introduced to the team and discovered their continual enthusiasm for seeing students achieve their full potential was genuine. There was no hoax involved.

Home life has always been stressful. Sharing a computer between four teenagers and two adults was always going to be a disaster, especially when one of those teenagers was writing a book! Aimhigher were compassionate and didn’t hesitate in loaning me a laptop until I was able to afford to purchase my own. At this time, having my own ‘thinking machine’ was a blessing. My continual promise to achieve to the highest of my ability concerning college and writing was

richly rewarded with funds towards much needed books and trips to various conventions and summer schools which worked only positively to enhance my skills and confidence. I was no longer the timid teenager I had been when college had started. My rapid and high increase in confidence inspired me to take my poetry further afield than simply out of the printer holder and straight into a folder. I ascended upon poetry events across the North East and received praise and support for my work which assisted the burning desire to continue creating.

I worked hard throughout my time at Catering College, and continued to receive support for my writing projects. I selfpublished my first book ‘Sticks and Stones’ during my first college year, and my tutors, Aimhigher, well, the entire college to be precise, assisted helping to sell my book and raise awareness.

Despite having confidence within my writing, I developed a belief that my ability to study A-Level English and the work of the great literary masters was non-existent; however, regular one to one meetings with Aimhigher mentors helped me to construct new faith. A-levels therefore became the goal I was aiming for through my education and I finally reached it. After two years studying catering and achieving high marks in all of my assessments and exams, I made the highly anticipated and equally feared move to Acklam Campus to study for my A Levels. My fears were fortunately extinguished when I was introduced to the English department and Aimhigher continued to support me. However, despite my inner fears, nothing of the kind happened and though I sometimes doubted my ability in certain areas of my studies, I was continually reassured and continued to remain enthralled in education and the wonders of English Language and Literature that I was being introduced to.

When my second book ’Anorexia: A Stranger in the Family.’

Was accepted for publication by Publishers Accent Press, Aimhigher and Middlesbrough College supported my every effort to publicise my work, permitting time out of lessons for vital newspaper, television and radio interviews crucial for raising awareness about anorexia and the help that was available to sufferers and their families through my book. And offering me ‘catch up’ time for aspects of work I had missed.

Moreover, I was awarded with various achievement awards and Aimhigher ensured to provide a space for my books at these ceremonies in order to make all those who attended aware of what I had managed to achieve, which was at times overwhelming but equally as fulfilling.

A weeklong stay at the prestigious education centre Villars Park in Cambridge attending a course titled ‘Finding your voice’ has to have been one of the greatest experiences Aimhigher has been able to provide and I left Cambridge clutching not only a new found wealth of creative friends and a box of wonderful memories but skills too, to construct, craft and create within many writing areas that had merely skimmed my mind in past times.

Without Aimhigher, much of what I have achieved today would never have happened. When their help was offered, I willingly grabbed it and held on for the four years of my college life, and every moment of keeping that grip has been worthwhile. I have been able to travel all over the country receive books I would never have been able to afford, a laptop which would have taken years to save for, and experiences which will stay will me forever.

If I had been accepted in the first place to study literature, the outstanding opportunities which I have highlighted would have been thrown to the wind. Indeed, everything in life happens for a reason, and when one door closes another opens. Fortunately for me, behind the door there were Aimhigher Guardians waiting to bless me with the ability to believe in my creative communication.

I am now due to begin a BA course in creative Writing at Cumbria University. Two years ago, I never would have imagined that I would be the first person in our family to go to University. My ability, I was certain, was far below the minimum required to achieve a place on any university course, let alone manage to accomplish a UCAS application form and receive positive replies from all the courses I had applied for! Another aspect which Aimhigher fully supported me with, guiding me through my personal statement drafts and encouraging me to explore university courses and campuses which they believed would benefit me most of all. The journey to deciding upon university was exciting yet terrifying also. However, with the guidance of Aimhigher and my college tutors, I made it through and no longer harbour those brain numbing worries about whether or not I am capable of earning a degree. I wholeheartedly believe that if I raise my limits slightly higher and stretch myself that little bit further university life will prove to be the educational while at the same time social adventure I have been anticipating since I gained the belief it was within my reach.

A Different Route to success ….

By Mike Dechezeaux I’m Mike Dechezeaux and I’m a Student Adviser at Darlington College. Like a lot of people who work in colleges, I have spent a lot of my life working outside of the education system. After scraping through exams at school and doing a few jobs, I went to University as an older learner, to take a degree in Food Technology. I became a qualified brewer, inventing new beers (and tasting them!) then moved on to work as technical manager for McVitie’s for 12 years.

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In my past jobs I have always had a strong link to vocational training and have encouraged and helped people that I worked with to study and become qualified in their chosen career. My work at Darlington College allows me to do this full time.

When people think of education, they often think of the traditional route of GCSE’s leading to A levels, then on to a Degree at University. Whilst this is the most well known route and can lead to a highly rewarding graduate career, it is not the route for everyone. In particular this may be an issue for those who did not enjoy or do well in school and performed poorly in traditional academic exams. However, for some time now across education and training providers, things have been changing and the opportunities to progress and gain qualifications in practical and vocational areas have grown massively over the past couple of years.

The increase in opportunities for learning and progressing recognises that we all have different skills and strengths to bring to the world. We all deserve the chance to progress in the subject area we enjoy and are good at. So if you want to do something practical like engineering, construction, IT or film-making, for example, you can go on to college and on to a university level course without having to take A levels.

Instead there are a host of other ‘level three’ courses you can take which are recognised by universities for entry.

I don’t want you to think that a vocational course is easy or that you won’t have to do some written work, it’s just these courses are different from traditional academic A levels, especially in terms of the range of subjects offered and the type of learning and assessment within them.

There is even more good news for those who have already left school and college and are on the career ladder. Foundation Degrees are now available in many practical subjects, like Construction, Engineering, Art and Media. These degree level courses are for practical minded people who may have found traditional degree level courses were not offered in their career subject area, or that they lacked the A levels to apply.

With these new courses there is now no reason why you can’t keep learning whilst you work and move up in any career.

Finding out about your choices can be tricky without advice, however, help is on hand. Talk to your careers adviser or progression coach in school or college or to your Connexions adviser; look on the internet – general career advice can be found on Aimhigher’s website at www.aimhigher.ac.uk or from Lean Direct at www.learndirect.co.uk . Don’t be put off if you see that the career you maybe interested in mentions A levels or degree level entry – there will often be alternative vocational courses that are accepted instead.

If you are keen on taking a Foundation Degree log on to www.aimhigher.northeast.ac.uk and under publications you will find a North East Foundation Degree Guide for 2007/08.

Finally, whatever you want to do, make sure you enjoy your learning and progress as far as you can – it could be your best chance to have a satisfying life.

If you’re travelling by public transport in Tyne & Wear most days, and paying single adult fares, you’ll save loads of money by buying a pass instead. The best one to buy will depend on which type or types of public transport you use – If you only use Go North East buses– Get Around ticket

If you’re in full time education at school or college, you can save a packet with a Get Around ticket from Go North East.

Tickets are available for 1, 7 or 28 days, or 16 weeks, ideal for a term, from any PayPoint agent, online at www.simplygo.com or by phone on 0845 60 60 2 60. To buy Get Around you’ll need a Get Around ID card. They are issued free and you apply online at www.simplygo.com or by post.

If you only travel on Stagecoach buses – Under 19 VIP ticket

This brand new ticket’s for young people who are aged 18 or under and in full-time education in Tyne and Wear. Tickets are £2 for 1 day, £7 for a week and £28 for a month, and they’re valid on all services in Tyne and Wear. You’ll need to show either your College ID, Teen Travel ID or Under 16 Card when you buy your Under 19 VIP ticket and when use it on a Stagecoach bus. Buy daily and weekly tickets from the bus driver, or buy monthly tickets at www.buymyvip.com

If you only need to use Arriva buses Arriva Student Ticket

Available for anyone aged 16 and over in full time education.

The annual ticket costs £480 (£450 online) and is valid until 25 July 2008. Term tickets are also available and cost £200 (£180 online). Autumn, spring and summer terms are available.

Tickets can be bought in any Arriva Travelshop or online at www.arrivabus.co.uk/students

Only use Metro?

16 – 18 Metro Student Card All zone passes are available for one week at £8.00 or four weeks at £29.50. To buy one, fill out an application form and

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take some student identification to any Nexus TravelShop (valid for the current academic year) and some proof of age.

You must be under 19 on 1st September to qualify.

If you use Metro and bus, or buses from a couple of different companies – The Teen Travelticket is available to 16 to 19 year olds, in full time, further education. Enjoy travel on most buses, the Metro, Sunderland to Blaydon rail line and the Shields Ferry all from only £1.27 a day – a saving of 25% on standard Traveltickets.

You will need a current Teen Travel or college ID card to buy your ticket. Visit www.networkticketing.com for full details And of course your new pass won’t just be valid for getting you to school or college – it’ll be even better value for money if you use it to get to your part-time job, go to the shops, meet up with your mates, go to the cinema……..

Have a look at www.how2get2.co.uk. It’s aimed at 16-18 year old students and gives you all this information plus loads more.

It includes timetable information for buses, scholars services and Metro, as well as news items about public transport that are relevant to you. You can sign up to be sent an email if there are problems on Metro, or renew your Teen Travelticket or 16-18 Metro Student Card online. If you need to get somewhere you’ve not been before, use the online Journey Planner to help you get there.

If you’re under 16, 16-19 but not in further education, or 18+ and in higher education, visit www.nexus.org.uk, for fares and public transport information for you. Or pop into a Nexus TravelShop – to pick up timetables and buy season tickets – and help from our friendly trained staff in planning your particular journey. Or phone the Traveline on 0871 200 22 33, for information about all public transport services in Tyne and Wear.

You already know that the teen years can be tough. You’re figuring out who you are, what you believe, what you’re good at, what your responsibilities are, and what your place in the world is going to be.

Who Are Your Peers?

Your friends — your peers — are people your age or close to it who have experiences and interests similar to yours. You and your friends make dozens of decisions every day, and you influence each other’s choices and behaviors. This is often positive — it’s human nature to listen to and learn from other people in your age group.

n Feedback and Advice. Your friends listen and give you

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As you become more independent, your peers naturally play a greater role in your life. As school and other activities take you away from home, you may spend more time with peers than you do with your parents and siblings. You’ll probably develop close friendships with some of your peers, and you may feel so connected to them that they are like an extended family.

It’s natural for people to identify with and compare themselves to their peers as they consider how they wish to be (or think they should be), or what they want to achieve. People are influenced by peers because they want to fit in, be like peers they admire, do what others are doing, or have what others have.

Peer Influence Isn’t All Bad It’s comforting to face your challenges with friends who are into the same things that you are. But you probably hear adults — parents, teachers, guidance counselors, etc. — talk about peer pressure more than the benefits of belonging to a peer group.

You might not hear a lot about it, but peers have a profoundly positive influence on each other and play important roles in each other’s lives: n Friendship. Among peers you can find friendship and

acceptance, and share experiences that can build lasting bonds. n Positive Examples. Having peers who are committed to doing well in school or to doing their best in a sport can influence you to be more goal-oriented, too. Peers who are kind and loyal influence you to build these qualities in yourself.

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feedback as you try out new ideas, explore belief, and discuss problems. Peers can help you make decisions, too: what courses to take; whether to get your hair cut, let it grow, or dye it; how to handle a family argument. You might turn to your peers for all sorts of advice — even about intimate or potentially risky decisions like whether to have sex or try drugs.

Socializing. Getting to know lots of different people — such as classmates or teammates — gives you a chance to learn how to expand your circle of friends, build relationships, and work out differences.

Encouragement. Peers encourage you to work hard to get the solo in the concert, help you study, listen and support you when you’re upset or troubled, and empathize with you when they’ve experienced similar difficulties.

New Experiences. Your peers might get you involved in clubs, sports, or religious groups. Your world would be far less rich without peers to encourage you listen to a CD you’ve never heard before.

Good Advice. Peers often give each other good advice.

Your friends will be quick to tell you when they think you’re making a mistake or doing something risky.

When the Pressure’s On Sometimes, though, the stresses in your life can actually come from your peers. They may pressure you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with, such as shoplifting, doing drugs or drinking, taking dangerous risks when driving a car, or having sex before you feel ready.

People may feel pressure to conform so they fit in or are accepted, or so they don’t feel awkward or uncomfortable.

When people are unsure of what to do in a social situation, they naturally look to others for cues about what is and isn’t acceptable.

Responding to peer pressure is part of human nature — but some people are more likely to give in, and others are better able to resist and stand their ground. People who are low on confidence and those who tend to follow rather than lead could be more likely to seek their peers’ approval by

giving in to a risky challenge or suggestion. People who are unsure of themselves, new to the group, or inexperienced with peer pressure may also be more likely to give in.

Using alcohol or drugs increases anyone’s chances of giving in to peer pressure. Substance use impairs judgment and interferes with the ability to make good decisions.

Pressure Pointers Nearly everyone ends up in a sticky peer pressure situation at some point. No matter how wisely you choose your friends, or how well you think you know them, sooner or later you’ll have to make decisions that are difficult and could be unpopular. But this could be an opportunity to figure out what is right for you. There’s no magic to standing up to peer pressure, but it does take courage — yours: n Listen to your gut. If you feel uncomfortable, even if your friends seem to be OK with what’s going on, it means that something about the situation is wrong for you. n Plan for possible pressure situations. If you’d like to go to a party but you believe you may be offered alcohol or drugs there, think ahead about how you’ll handle this challenge. Decide ahead of time — and even rehearse — what you’ll say and do. Learn a few tricks. If you’re holding a bottle of water or a can of soda, for instance, you’re less likely to be offered a drink you don’t want. n Learn to feel comfortable saying “no.” With good friends you should never have to offer an explanation or apology. But if you feel you need an excuse for, say, turning down a drink or smoke, think up a few lines you can use casually such as “No, thanks, I’ve got a belt test in karate next week and I’m in training,” . n Hang with people who feel the same way you do.

Choose friends who will speak up with you when you’re in need of moral support, and be quick to speak up for a friend in the same way. If you’re hearing that little voice telling you a situation’s not right, chances are others hear it, too. Just having one other person stand with you against peer pressure makes it much easier for both people to resist. n Blame your parents: “Are you kidding? If my mom found out, she’d kill me, and her spies are everywhere.” n If a situation seems dangerous, don’t hesitate to get an adult’s help.

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The Apprenticeship programme is pivotal to the recruitment strategy across all BT Lines of Business, with it being the only route into a career start with BT in most business areas.

BT’s investment in thier apprentices exceeds the requirements of the framework in both learning and skills.

They offer academic and empirical learning, which include life skill development opportunities such as the Princes Trust programme, Foreign Exchange Trips and this year, their first Challenge Africa event combining Cultural, Physical and a Community challenge.

BT Apprentice Challenge Africa Flies, dust, ten hour treks carrying heavy rucksacks and helping to build basic facilities with your bare hands didn’t actually appear on the job advertisement but BT apprentices queued up to undertake a week-long trip to Kenya in February 2007 which included integration with the Masai warrior lifestyle and helping with community projects.

The scheme - for second and third-year apprentices – was designed to build leadership and management skills.

Competition for a place was tough, with more than 160 applicants.

Project manager Mark Biffin said: “When designing this event I put together a program that will push and develop the successful 32 to their full potential.. The Community project I selected was the rebuilding of an eight classroom primary school, in Tsavo East National Park. The apprentices supported the local tradesman in building the project and returned, after their physical challenge, to complete and hand over to the local community. The physical challenge was an eight hour trek to climb Mount Kasugai. Extreme heat and tough terrain meant that everyone had to work together to help us all achieve the goal.

“The apprentices were committed to paying for the community project themselves and collectively they raised over £27,000 before the trip”.

“When I reviewed the project costing I was pleased that we were also able to support a Lunch time meal programme for a small school located in Kibera, Nairobi. Africa’s Largest Slum. Currently the pupils are suffering from under nourishment which is resulting in stumped physical development as they only received one meat meal each week whilst at school.

For the cost of only £10 per day, the school could feed all 112 pupils a meat meal. We were able to provide a year long programme to support this.”

“The conditions were tough and the experiences challenged

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everyone who took part. It tested individuals physically, mentally and emotionally whilst offering the reality of diverse situations and the impact that decision making has to colleagues and the different environments that we work in.”

Head of BT apprenticeships Dave Walsh said: “Communication, leadership, team working, people and life skills are absolutely essential to career success within BT. “We believe that these apprentices have the potential to become the future leaders within our business and this opportunity has helped them to realise that potential.

The apprentices were so inspired and motivated by the experience that they are planning a return trip, funding themselves, to visit the school that they built and also raise funds to add a Library and teachers block.

They certainly feel that they have made a significant difference to the community in Kiteghi, and to the well-being of the children in Kibera.

Such was the success of BT Apprentice Challenge Africa 2007, Mark is planning the 2008 trip to Tanzania. Mark said, “Now that people understand what the programme is about and how effective it can be as a development tool, I am expecting a high volume of applications. Selecting the 32 apprentices to go is difficult, but the key elements that I look for are those that are up to date with their apprenticeship, have a hunger for development and grab every opportunity, and those that actively set out to make a difference in their workplace and personal life” Photos can be downloaded from: www.btchallengeafrica.co.uk/WebPages/gallery.htm link to video: www.careersbox.co.uk/video/bt_challenge_africa.wmv Interested In a career in BT? Visit: www.btplc.com/Careercentre/

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When you mention the NHS it’s always Doctors and Nurses that spring to mind, but there are loads of different career opportunities that might have your name written all over them.

There are over 300 different careers in the NHS and you can find information on many of them on the Step into the NHS website. Not only that, but some NHS employees have been brave enough to broadcast themselves to the entire planet with case studies, diary room videos and various other video insights into the NHS. The National Health Service offers a huge range of exciting and challenging opportunities for people who are passionate about making a difference and there is a job for you no matter what your interests, skills or qualifications.

So if you want to find out more why not check out the site at www.stepintothenhs.nhs.uk and see if a career in the NHS could be just what you’re looking for.

For the NHS a typical day includes: n Over 835,000 people visiting their GP practice or practice

nurse

n Almost 50,000 people visiting accident and emergency

departments

n 49,000 outpatient consultations n 94,000 people admitted to hospital as an emergency

admission

n 36,000 people in hospital for planned treatment n 28,000 sight tests being carried out n 18,000 calls to NHS Direct

Why not have a look through the careers A – Z section to see how your skills and qualifications could fit into a career in the NHS. You see it’s not all about university degrees you know! the NHS is committed to offering development and learning opportunities for all full-time and part-time staff. No matter where you start within the NHS you’ll have access to extra training and be given every opportunity to progress your career.

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7 DAYS OF BIG IDEAS - YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO ENTERPRISE WEEK Enterprise Week 2007 is coming: 7 days of events across the UK to celebrate great ideas and the people who make them happen.

Here in North East England schools, colleges, universities and employers are all getting involved in the week, which is supported by regional development agency One NorthEast and runs from 12th-18th November. We caught up with some of them to find out what’s in the diary.

Schools, colleges and uni students in Hartlepool can come face to face with the people behind some of the newest businesses in the area on Tuesday 13th November.

The Hartlepool Enterprise Centre – which provides budding entrepreneurs with affordable premises and advice on starting a business – is opening its doors for you to see how it works.

You’ll be able to talk to the creators of loads of different companies which are just getting started at the centre. One’s trying to corner the market in clothing for larger men; another’s offering digital print services; and yet another’s selling stress reduction programmes. Find out how they got started….what spurs them on…..and see what they think of your ideas!

For more information, contact Andrea Miles at the centre on 01429 867677 or email andrea.miles@hartlepool.gov.uk Also on Tuesday, Southmoor School in Sunderland will open Giant Minds’ Pandora’s Box of ideas. This event’s all about the link between products and people. Sixty Year 7 students will have to come up with the persona of a particular client, then design a new product just for them!

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Wednesday 14th November is Women’s Enterprise Day, with a special focus on getting more young women thinking about starting their own business. Also kicking off today is a series of Re:Action Enterprise Fairs at high schools in Hexham, Haydon Bridge and Alnwick in Northumberland – more than 700 students will be there. These bring together loads of interesting and unusual enterprises for you to check out – the idea’s to help you see what enterprise skills you’ve got going for you already, and provide a bit of inspiration if you’re thinking of starting a business yourself. You could find yourself chatting to a medieval monk making fruit liqueur, or knitting with needles the size of broomsticks….Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

On Thursday 15th November, all eyes are on social enterprise. The guys at East Durham Partnership are running an event called IN2Work throughout Enterprise Week, offering school students and unemployed young people a behind-the-scenes look at a real social enterprise.

As long as you’re 13 or over, you can apply for a work experience placement at CRATE, a local enterprise which helps people and businesses to recycle or reuse their furniture rather than sending it to landfill. While you’re there you might train in warehousing, IT, admin, catering, retail or carpentry, and you’ll also get support, advice and guidance on enterprise from the organisation’s training centre. If you want to get some experience of an enterprise which is making a difference in the community, contact Katie Brown on 0191 5184394 or email klbwn@yahoo.co.uk

Some other events to watch out for…

Staindrop Business and Enterprise College is running a top-secret enterprise competition for Year 9 students across the area on Thursday 15th November. They want to make sure no-one gets a head start on the brief, so it’s all under wraps until that day. It’s so hush-hush, that they won’t even tell other teachers what their teams will have to do!

Could your idea catch a lift from the Launch Pad during Enterprise Week?

Known as ‘Inspiration on Wheels’, there are currently two Launch Pad vehicles on the road in North East England, thanks to funding from the North East Enterprise Bond.

Inside, it’s an interactive and informal environment complete with plasma screens, laptops, enterprise challenges and even a kitchen - where you can explore your ideas about enterprise and get help to turn your ambitions into reality.

The Launch Pads will be visiting a series of destinations through Enterprise Week, on their mission to take the message of enterprise to the streets.

To find out more on where they’ll be stopping, contact Mary McCann on 0191 275 5059, email mary.mcann@northeastenterprisebond.org or visit www.launchpadnortheast.org

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SO WHY SHOULD YOU TAKE PART IN ENTERPRISE WEEK? Who better to ask than some of the region’s top young entrepreneurs.

Jordan McGreevy, from Walkergate, launched his own online gaming business Future RP at the age of 16 and now, one year on, he is registering players from all over the world.

Northumbria University graduate Aisha Pankhania, 23, founded ‘Mobaby Products’ – a range of unique products aimed at the disabled market to assist people with young children.

“I know how difficult and scary it is to decide what to do at 16 - do you leave school and work full-time or continue studying and go to college? Enterprise week is great as it highlights that there is another exciting career option for school leavers and shows that age really shouldn’t be a barrier to starting a business.

“I designed the ‘Mobaby’ range during my last year at university. Crucial to the success my business experienced in its first year of development was the help I received from the university’s Enterprise Campus team, which gave valuable advice, support and practical assistance.

“If you have a good business idea there are plenty of friendly and approachable organisations out there to help you and guide you through the unknown. Business Link helped me get started and I continue to work with them as the business grows. My advice to anyone looking to leave school and set up in business is to seek as much advice as you can – no one expects you to do it all on your own.

“I love being my own boss but the only downside of running my own business is that I rarely sleep – the game’s userbase is scattered across time zones so as some players go to bed others are waking up to play!

“It’s far more rewarding doing something you’re really passionate about and being in complete control than doing a job you’re not really interested in.”

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“Enterprise Week is such a great idea, especially for young people. Students are so creative and fresh thinking, all they lack is the knowledge to help them transfer ideas into business ventures.

“I’m proud to be a young entrepreneur, I’ve turned a unique idea into a successful innovative product that can really make a tangible difference to disabled parents’ lives. It’s incredibly challenging to run your own business and you do need a resilient personality to achieve in enterprise as there are many obstacles along the way, but when these are overcome it is tremendously rewarding.

“The best advice I can give is to make use of all the services available to you, as there is so much help available from local enterprise agencies. Their involvement will also assist with networking which is crucial to getting your business name and concept ‘out there’ in the market place.”

GET SET TO MAKE YOUR MARK IN TEES VALLEY Have an idea and make it happen!

Make your Mark is a national campaign to inspire and inform young people aged 14-30 about what it means to be enterprising and how you can turn your ideas into reality - and it’s now launching a campaign hub in the Tees Valley.

It’ll promote local events, tell the stories of young people who’ve started a business, and connect you with people who can actually help get your idea off the ground. The ‘Make Your Mark in Tees Valley Campaign’ is starting just ahead of Enterprise Week.

During the week, activities will be running across Tees Valley. The first is the ‘Make your Mark’ Challenge which sees teams from schools, colleges and universities compete simultaneously around the UK to put their ideas into action.

This year’s theme, ‘Can You Rule the Roost?’ will draw on your creativity, ideas and imagination to come up with an innovative solution for a product, service or event.

The instructions go live at www.makeyourmarkchallenge.co.uk from 9am on November 12th. You’ll have 24 hours to come up with a unique idea which will be judged by a panel of business gurus - and lucky teams can look forward to a regional final and maybe even the national finals in London!

Other themes across Enterprise Week include Ideas at Work, Girls into Enterprise And Make Your Mark: Change Lives through social enterprise, as well as special events about ‘Make your Mark’ in the Retail, Creative or Manufacturing industries.

Pamela Hargreaves, who’s heading up the campaign, said: “The campaign message in Tees Valley is simple: If you have an idea, any idea at all, make it happen right here in your home town, here in the Tees Valley - don’t wait, do it now.

“Make your Mark will tell the stories of so many young people who have gone on to be successful, from local fashion designers and computer games whizzkids, to shop owners and musicians and show how you can do the same.”

Don’t forget - to take part in the ‘Make Your Mark’ Challenge or to find out more, log onto

www.makeyourmark.org.uk 23

Many British students are beginning to look overseas for their university education. One of the most popular destinations for British students is Australia.

There are 38 universities in Australia and a wide range of further education colleges, known locally as TAFEs. The universities are amongst the best in the world and most of them teach along the same lines as British universities.

Why go to Australia to study?

1. Quality of Life: You don’t need us to tell you that Australia has better weather than the UK. Over 1.6 million Brits have already moved there for this and other reasons.

2. Quality of Opportunity: If you are thinking about moving to Australia it can be easier to gain the right to live and work there if you study there. Australia has skills shortages in certain professions. These can be academic subjects such as medicine, accountancy and teaching but they often include other professions, such as hairdressers and plumbers. If you study any of these subjects in Australia you greatly improve your chances of living and working there after you graduate.

3. Quality of Education: In some areas Australian universities are acknowledged world leaders. One such subject is sports science and coaching but there are many others, too.

How much does it cost?

Studying in Australia is not a cheap option, but then neither is studying in England. Going to an English university costs on average around £3,070 in tuition fees and about £600 a month living costs; around £8,500 a year. In Australia you pay around £6,400 in tuition fees but the cost of living is about £400

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a month; around £10,000 a year. You have to add in the cost of your flight but the experience of life in Australia may well be within your reach.

Can you work while you study?

Yes. With a student visa you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays. This means that you can pay your way while you are there.

About the University of Newcastle Newcastle is situated on the Australian central coast about 100 miles from Sydney. Founded in 1951, the University of Newcastle is one of the best in the world in fields such as engineering technology, computer sciences and biomedicine. In 2006, Newsweek listed the University in the top 100 universities in the world. For further information please visit our website.

A Star Future will be giving presentations at schools in the North East throughout December 2007. If you would like us to come to your school, please contact us on (0191) 490 9400.

www.astarfuture.co.uk

option choices – YOU DECIDE!!!

In this issue we highlight some of the subjects that you can choose in your option choices during Year 9.

These options you choose for Years 10 and 11 will affect how you spend your time at school for the next two years. When choosing what subjects to study in think about the sort of person you are and the subjects you enjoy most and do well at.

The choices you make may also influence what course or job you decide to do after Year 11.

Some people think that making these choices is a bit scary, but it is actually your opportunity to take control of your education and shape the way you want your future to be. It is also your chance to start laying foundations for what you do after leaving school.

Choosing subjects for a career

If you have a particular career in mind, it’s worth finding out if there are particular subjects you need to take. However, it’s also a good idea to keep your options open by choosing a wide range of subjects.

What’s compulsory?

Some subjects are so important that everybody has to do them in Years 10 and 11. This is because they cover the essential knowledge and skills that everyone needs for the future.

compulsory subjects English

Mathematics

(Creative/Languages/Words)

(Science or mathematics)

What’s involved? Reading a range of different texts; writing for different purposes and audiences, both formally and creatively; speaking and listening, for example in discussions and presentations; expressing your views; and presenting arguments.

What’s involved? Numbers, algebra, measurement, shapes and space. You will also learn about handling money, statistics, how to use numerical information and how to solve real-life problems.

What qualifications can I get?

What qualifications can I get?

Entry Level English or GCSE English, English literature.

Entry Level mathematics or GCSE mathematics.

Career suggestions: Bank/ building society customer

Career suggestions: Information scientist, journalist,

adviser, civil engineer, financial adviser/planner, private practice accountant.

Science

ICT

What’s involved? Looking at how the world and the universe are constructed. Science includes biology (human and plan processes, energy and nutrients), chemistry (atomic structures and compounds), and physics (forces, electricity, weather, the solar system and the universe).

What’s involved? Information and Communication Technology involves how information and communication systems work, store information and help people to solve problems. The IT Diploma integrates the themes of business, people and technology, and brings up-to-date learning on technology in a business context. It offers the opportunity to gain professional level IT skills.

librarian, market research executive, public relations officer, publishing editor, school teacher, solicitor, technical author.

(Practical/Science or mathematics)

What qualifications can I get?

Additional science, additional applied science, environmental and land-based science, biology, chemistry, physics, applied science (double award).

Career suggestions: Architect, beauty therapist, biochemist, building control surveyor, chemist, conservation officer/restorer, dietician, forensic scientist, healthcare assistant, marine biologist, meteorologist, pharmacist, research scientist, school teacher, veterinary nurse.

(Computers/Practical/Science or mathematics)

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level ICT, GCSE ICT, applied double GCSE ICT or Diploma in Information Technology.

Career suggestions: Computer operator, computer programmer, network manager, systems analyst, technical support person, web designer/developer.

Other compulsory areas of the curriculum: Everyone also has to study the following subjects, although you may not have to take exams in all of these: n n n n n n n

careers education citizenship physical education (PE) religious studies sex and relationships education ICT work-related learning.

Some schools have other compulsory subjects.

Check what they are in your school.

what’s optional?

The optional subjects you can take in Years 10 and 11 vary from school to school. Your teachers will tell you what subjects are available - some schools also put this information on their website.

However, your school must provide you with access to at least one course in each of four areas. These four ‘entitlement areas’ are: n n n n

arts (including art & design, music, dance, drama & media arts) design and technology humanities (history and geography) modern foreign languages

optional subjects Art and design

Business studies

What’s involved? Using a range of materials to develop skills in art, craft and design, and ways to work with different mediums and materials.

What’s involved? Learning about the ways companies are organised and run, national and international competition, and e-commerce.

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level or GCSE general art and design, drawing and painting (fine art), graphic design, photography, textiles, 3D design, applied double GCSE art and design, critical and contextual studies, or Diploma in Creative and Media.

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level business studies, GCSE business studies, applied double GCSE business studies or Diploma in Information Technology.

(Creative/Practical)

Career suggestions: Animator, costume designer,

fashion/clothing designer, fine artist, florist, jeweller, stage/set designer.

(Computers/Science or mathematics)

Career suggestions: Administrative assistant/ administrator, business adviser, human resources officer/ manager, management consultant, marketing manager, personal assistant (PA), sales manager.

Citizenship studies

Design and technology

What’s involved? Learn about your role as a citizen in the different communities in which we live and work, locally, nationally and internationally.

What’s involved? Creative and practical skills, planning, designing, creating, evaluation, as well as using tools and a range of materials.

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level citizenship studies or short GCSE citizenship studies.

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level, short GCSE or GCSE in eg electronic products, food technology, graphic products, industrial technology, product design, resistant materials, systems and control and textiles or Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment.

(Computers/Sociable/Words)

Career suggestions: Civil Service executive officer,

journalist, occupational psychologist, police officer, prison officer, social worker, solicitor, trade union official.

(Creative/Practical)

Career suggestions: Blacksmith, carpenter/ joiner, ceramic/pottery maker, landscape architect, model maker, product designer, shopfitter, special effects technician, textile designer.

Drama

Engineering

What’s involved? Everything to do with staging performances, including backstage, lighting, costume and set design, make-up and developing an understanding of production techniques.

What’s involved? Understanding how products are made, design briefs, engineering systems and services.

(Creative/Practical)

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level drama, GCSE drama or Diploma in Creative and Media.

(Practical/Science or mathematics)

What qualifications can I get? Applied double GCSE engineering or Diploma in Engineering.

Career suggestions: Engineering maintenance

Career suggestions: Actor, arts administrator,

technician, materials technician, mechanical engineer, motor vehicle technician, production engineer.

Geography

Health and social care

What’s involved? Geography is broken into physical, human and environmental geography. Physical geography includes natural features such as rivers and coastal landscapes. Human geography includes population, agriculture and industry. Environmental geography looks at how the natural environment shapes our lives and examines how human action impacts on the environment.

What’s involved? Learning about health, early years (childcare) and social care. Researching what each area involves and looking into the available jobs.

choreographer, dancer, lighting technician, stage manager, stagehand, theatre director, TV/film producer.

(Practical/Science or mathematics/Words)

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level geography or

GCSE geography.

(Practical/Sociable/Words)

What qualifications can I get? Applied double GCSE health and social care or Diploma in Society, Health and Development.

Career suggestions: Dental hygienist, health promotion/

education specialist, healthcare assistant, mental health nurse, midwife, nurse, nursery worker, playworker, social worker.

Career suggestions: Ecologist, geologist, rural surveyor,

solicitor, town planner, zoologist

History

Leisure and tourism

What’s involved? Develops a knowledge and understanding of the past, at a local, national and international level. Uses a range of sources including books, newspapers, artefacts and historical sites to investigate the past.

What’s involved? Learning about different areas of the leisure, tourism and travel industries. You will find out about customer service, marketing and solving real workplace problems.

(Languages/Sociable/Words)

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level history or GCSE

history.

Career suggestions: Archaeologist, archivist, information

scientist, legal executive, museum assistant/ technician, solicitor.

(Sociable/Languages/Sport and leisure)

What qualifications can I get? Applied double GCSE

leisure and tourism.

Career suggestions: Air cabin crew, customer services

assistant/manager, holiday representative, hotel receptionist, marketing manager, passenger check-in operator.

Manufacturing

(Creative/Practical/Science or mathematics)

What’s involved? Learning about how products are designed and made, and the importance of materials.

What qualifications can I get? Applied double GCSE

manufacturing.

Career suggestions: Electronics assembler, engineering

operative, manufacturing production manager, materials technician, product designer, quality control inspector.

Modern foreign languages (Languages/Words)

What’s involved? Reading, writing, speaking and listening in a foreign language, and developing an understanding of grammar and vocabulary.

Languages usually offered in schools are French, German and Spanish, although there are some variations.

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level of GCSE French, German and Spanish (others may be available).

Career suggestions: Air traffic controller, EU official, hotel

receptionist, importer/ exporter, tourist guide, translator, travel agent.

Music

Physical education

What’s involved? Playing and listening to music, musical practice and theory. The course involves performing, composing and appreciation. You also develop skills as a singer or musician.

What’s involved? Developing skills in four different sporting areas, learning about rules and how the body moves, and assessing your own performance and that of others.

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level music, GCSE

music or Diploma in Creative and Media.

What qualifications can I get? Entry Level physical education or GCSE physical education.

Career suggestions: DJ, music, composer, music teacher,

Career suggestions: Health and fitness instructor, leisure

Religious studies

Social sciences

What’s involved? Developing your knowledge and understanding of one or more of the major world religious, and looking at moral, philosophical and spiritual issues.

What’s involved? Social sciences such as economics, law, psychology and sociology can be studied individually.

(Creative/Practical)

music therapist, popular musician, recording industry producer.

(Languages/Sociable/Words)

(Practical/Sport and leisure)

centre assistant, physiotherapist, police officer, pool/ beach lifeguard, Royal Navy/Marines officer, sports coach.

(Sociable/Words)

What qualifications can I get?

What qualifications can I get?

GCSE economics, law, psychology and sociology.

Entry Level religious studies or GCSE religious studies.

Career suggestions: Barrister, community support worker,

counsellor, prison officer, religious leader, social worker, teacher, youth and community worker.

Career suggestions: Barrister, economist, legal executive,

occupational psychologist, police officer, political researcher, prison officer, social worker, trade union official.

The EBP has worked in partnership with Comenius North East, the Regional Language Network, employers, universities and schools to raise aspirations and motivation among students to increase take-up of languages.

The project was set up to identify and tackle problem areas such as n low Modern Foreign Languages take up at Key Stage 4/5, n low levels of boys into languages, n few effective local employer links, n a need for an effective regional teacher network to create innovative vocational resources.

The project approaches the different key areas with lively, fun solutions involving schools and employers each time. These creative partnerships lead to creative solutions that so far have managed to get results and bring a level of coherency across the Key Stages in terms of promoting languages and employer links.

The project first started in 2004 with a simple half-day session that has now grown into a multi-event project involving many employers, schools and EBPs.

What has our project achieved so far…….?

Since we began developing enterprise, work-related learning and languages activity 3 years ago, we have managed to increase our number of trained Business Ambassador linguists from zero to over 35!

They get involved with all aspects of this project according to their tastes. They tell us that the variety, diversity and hands on approach to our ‘Lingo4life’ project keeps the activities fun and motivating for them. Also, the results are often immediately apparent and our Ambassadors can see the worth of what they are doing as they do it.

Many love the contact and enthusiasm of our younger students and love getting involved with the Little Linguist programme, joining in with the singing and dancing!

Some of our Business Ambassadors enjoy the challenge of using their own skills and expertise to help students come up with real solutions to real challenges within a business context.

Teachers and students get to see languages at work in the real world!!!

Everybody can get involved with language learning – it’s fun, exciting and enterprising!!!!

V-Languages can help double the intake of students taking languages – getting the message across loud and clear!!!!

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CONTACT: Tel: 0191 200 1551 | www.northtyneside.gov.uk

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Together, councils are the biggest employers in the North East, with more than 100,000 people working for them.

The work of councils touches almost every aspect of our lives, from cleaning the streets to helping to improve the environment and the regional economy.

This means there is a huge range of career, training and job opportunities within the region’s councils. A new website - www.careersincouncils.co.uk - describes some of these careers and opportunities. It contains links to other useful sites and current job vacancies within North East councils. It also provides real life examples of young people who are now working in councils, possibly yours. They include young people working as apprentice civil engineers and horticulturists, social workers, tree surgeons, countryside rangers, librarians and personnel assistants. There are also examples of young people working in human resources, housing, and as part of a highly prestigious national graduate development scheme.

Three examples of young people working for councils in the North East of England are shown on these pages.

For jobs directly from school, after university or apprenticeships, councils really do offer an exciting choice for young people.

Local councils will give you the chance to do a job you enjoy, and make a positive difference to the lives of the people and communities of the North East.

Best of Luck Councillor Mick Henry, Chair of the Association of North East Councils

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Toni Brocklesby, 20, is a Cadet Social Worker for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council I like visiting families in need, particularly when I know I can make a difference by helping to alter their current living situation or with any difficulties they might be experiencing. My job involves completing placements within social services. The placements help me to build up a wide range of experience and knowledge from different professionals. They have also helped me to complete an NVQ and contributed to my degree in social work. I like visiting families in need, although I sometimes have to deal with difficult and uncomfortable situations on cases. I want to complete my degree in social work and become a full-time children and families social worker.

For more information on the careers and opportunities within councils in the North East of England, and for links to many of their current job vacancies, please visit: www.careersincouncils.co.uk Liam Foster, 22, is an Apprentice Civil Engineer for Sunderland City Council The job’s main attraction is the opportunity to progress towards a rewarding career, including the chance to earn sought after professional qualifications. From day one I’ve been made to feel welcome and treated as an equal. I shadow and assist the principal and senior staff, picking up on the valuable techniques and methods they use. I also get to travel around Sunderland visiting various sites including football pitches, play areas and local nature reserves. Being Sunderland born and bred, the main source of job satisfaction is the fact that I work on schemes and projects that improve the city where I live. A career in local government is highly sought after and I would recommend it to anyone.

Dan Jackson, 27, is a Management Trainee on the National Graduate Development Programme for Local Government. He currently works for South Tyneside Council.

Being a graduate trainee is fantastic as it allows you to move around departments in the Council, gaining real experience and developing the essential skills required to progress your career. This sits alongside a Post Graduate Diploma in Local Government Management from Warwick Business School which means that you get time out from work to study while sharing experiences with other graduate trainees from around the country. Starting in the corporate centre gave me a great overview of South Tyneside Council and how all the different services contribute to the same goals.

And now, working as a Policy and Planning Officer in Children’s Services, means I get to work alongside front-line professionals and see the impact that we can make on people’s lives. As a graduate, there are some excellent opportunities to progress in local government, and being on the scheme allows me greater access to senior management. For example, I’m lucky enough to have regular one on ones with our Chief Executive. Local Government is a very stimulating environment. Because we deal with just about everything, every day is different.

www.careersincouncils.co.uk

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Our vision is simple…

To be a world class operator of utility infrastructure.

Focusing on our core skills within water, wastewater, electricity and gas, we will sometimes own but always operate utility assets.

Who we are, what we do n Operating water, wastewater, electricity and gas networks n Investing £3.5 billion between 2005-2010 to improve our utility infrastructure and the environment

Every minute…

We treat 1.3 million litres of wastewater for our UK customers

Every hour…

We invest £85,000 improving our capital infrastructure

Every day…

We are working to improve our 20,000 hectares of land through our Sustainable Catchment Management Programme

Every second…

n Providing utility services to over 20 million people in the UK and worldwide

We serve 20 million customers in the UK and overseas

n Working in the UK, Eastern Europe, the Philippines and Australia

We receive over 150,000 visits to our website: www.unitedutilities.com

n A FTSE-100 company with annual turnover of over £2 billion, employing 9,000 people

Every week…

Every month…

We invest over £57,000 in community projects

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Nadia Yousaf, Monkseaton High School, Whitley Bay

Nadia studied the short science module Human genetics and health issues alongside her AS levels in biology, chemistry, psychology and German. She wants to study medicine at university and knows that her OU study will help her application stand out from the rest.

“The module built up my knowledge, improved my writing skills and encouraged me to become more responsible. I’ve recommended it to my friends as I feel it’s really benefited me.”

What is YASS? Is YASS For You?

Another term, another acronym! You probably spend a fair amount of time these days wondering what various acronyms stand for, especially if you’re heading for university. Are you going to do a BA or a BSc? An MA or an MSc? Well, don’t worry too much, it’ll all become clear in time. What will be of use to you right now is to find out what YASS means.

modules will, in addition to showing admissions officers that you are already capable of uni level study, encourage you to learn independently, build confidence and ensure you stand out from other university applicants. There’s lots of choice so if you want to build on the subjects you are already studying at AS or A2 level you can do so, or if you want to branch out into a different topic you can do that too.

What’s It All About?

How Does It Work?

First of all, YASS stands for Young Applicants in Schools and Colleges Scheme. Basically, if you are studying your AS or A2 levels this is a scheme your school takes part in (which offers you the chance to take modules at first year university level) to improve your chances of getting the uni place of your choice.

Why will it improve your chances? Because taking these

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The modules are run by The Open University. The OU is different from normal universities in that you study from home. This is perfect as it means you can fit in your extra studying in and around school and other activities and commitments. Once you’ve chosen your module, you will receive all the module material and information by post, as well as details of your

tutor, who will be guiding you through the module. You can take part in online tutorials, attend face-to-face tutorials in local OU centres and meet other OU students, so you’ll be getting a head start on what it’s like to study at university. And, if you decide to do your degree with The Open University, what’s really great is that any YASS module you complete will count towards it!

plans to study medicine at university. To improve her changes of getting her uni place, she decided to do the short science module Human genetics and health issues alongside her AS levels: “The module built up my knowledge, improved my writing skills and encouraged me to become more responsible. I’ve recommended it to my friends as I feel it’s really benefited me.”

What Can I Study?

When Do I Start?

There’s a whole range of subjects to choose from – modules are offered in the arts, business studies, social sciences, health and social care, modern languages, mathematics, IT and computing, science, technology and environment. Just to give you an idea of how it works, AS level student Nadia Yousaf took biology, chemistry, psychology and German with

To register for a module with the OU you need to go through a selection process at school to ensure you have the motivation and commitment necessary for completing a module.

Once you have been selected you have a choice of three start dates, February, May or November. So if you fancy a challenge visit www.openuniversity.co.uk/way09

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Glenn Warris and John Madderson with Sgt Chris Clarkson Kersley from the parachute regiment.

If you’re interested in a career that will not only provide excitement, but also endless opportunities, why not take a look at one of the Army’s most exhilarating regiments and two of its newest recruits from the North East.

17 year old John Madderson and 21 year old Glenn Warris have become fully fledged ‘Paras’ by joining The Parachute Regiment and are now embarking upon high flying careers that could take them anywhere in the world.

John, who joined the world-class regiment as a school leaver, says: “I’m really looking forward to starting my career with the Parachute Regiment and cannot wait to get involved in Army life and rise to the challenges that lie ahead.“ Like many people who join the Army in the North East, John and Glen started Army Life at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick. As part of their first phase of training they completed the Combat Infantryman’s Course, which culminates with a two-week Battle Camp, testing the acquired mental and physical fitness in a challenging environment as a trained and capable infantryman. Following this they will go on to Brize Norton in Wiltshire to complete a three week parachute course where they will learn everything from

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landing to dropping, including static trial parachute jumps at a height of 800m.

Both John and Glen followed family members through the Army as John has three uncles currently serving in the Army, while Glenn will join his step-dad, who is also in the Parachute Regiment.

WO2 Kev Gibson, from the Middlesbrough Armed Forces Careers Office says: “It’s extremely satisfying to see such exceptional recruits embarking on their Army careers. John and Glenn will have plenty of training opportunities and could find themselves working anywhere in the world in the near future. I am sure they will enjoy exciting futures with the Army and have great career prospects ahead of them.”

For further information visit www.armyjobs.mod.uk, call 08457 300 111 or call into your local Army Careers Office.

Imagine …..you’re just months away from leaving school, GCSE’s are looming and everyone is talking about making applications for college, 6th form, jobs apprenticeships,……..

And you’re just not sure!

What can you do?

If you already sorted: that’s great! But most young people go through real turmoil trying to get the decision right. Here are some suggestions to help you:

1. Get a Plan!

Write yourself an action plan: set yourself targets for what to do and deadlines for when they should be completed. For example: make a college application by the end of term.

2. Look at all the Options!

If you have access to the internet at home or in school you can look at a single resource which has information on every college or 6th form course, apprenticeship or E2E training offered in county Durham. This is the County Durham Area Prospectus which is available on the Connexions County Durham website:www.help4teens.co.uk

3. See an Adviser

Talking through your options with your Connexions Personal Adviser can be really useful. You can use them as a sounding board for your ideas and they can help you find out about what’s available locally and how it fits in with your expected grades and long term plans.

4. Visit and see for Yourself!

Once you have an idea of the sort of course or training that you want to do and where you might study, the only way to see it its right for you is to visit. Get a feel for the place talk to other students and tutors. Ask questions like: What extra activities are available? Or What careers have previous students gone into?

Now …… what are you waiting for?

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The Connexions Derwentside team work with young people from Consett, Stanley and the surrounding area. Personal Advisers work in the college, all local secondary schools and with work based learning providers.

The Open Day that took place in the Consett Centre at the end of October was a great success, 47 young people came along to try out various activities including: Nail Art, Oversize Board Games, Mixing with a DJ, Graffiti Art and Stress Busting. The newly formed Youth Focus Group helped in planning the event, the group called ‘Teens United’ including Dean, Tammy, Ryan, Neil and Andrew who all took part in activities on the day.

Connexions staff have developed links with the North Durham Area Committee which is a forum where youth clubs and organisations who offer activities for young people work together. Previous events have included archery and diversity through music. The monthly activities are always fun and can include accreditation.

If you want to see a Personal Adviser or find out more about Connexions County Durham phone you local Connexions centre (listed in our advertisement) or visit the website www.help4teens.co.uk

Personal Adviser Focus

Helena Elgy is the Connexions PA responsible for supporting young people and building links with the families of ethnic minority and traveller communities.

Her work is linked to the EMTAS service that provides educational support for these groups. She works throughout County Durham with 13-19 year olds and their families to ensure that the are able to access education and support services.

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Cyberbullying is when one person or a group of people aim to threaten, tease or embarrass someone else by using a mobile phone, the internet or other technologies Cyberbullying takes many forms. These are the main ones:

Email

Sending emails that can be threatening or upsetting. Emails can be sent directly to a single target, or to a group of people to encourage them to become part of the bullying. These messages or ‘hate mails’ can include examples of racism, sexism and other types of prejudice.

If someone sends you a message and you forward or laugh at it, you’re actually adding to the problem.

Instant messenger and chatrooms

Cyberbullying can be difficult to deal with, both for those who are bullied and other people who unwittingly add to someone’s misery. But there are things you can do to avoid getting involved and to stop the spread of cyberbullying.

Don’t get involved

Even if you’re not a ringleader and targeting someone specifically, you can easily be part of the problem by adding abusive comments to an online messageboard or sending a photo you’ve received on your phone to your mates. You can also be dragged into cyberbullying without realising.

Sending instant messenger and chatroom messages to friends or direct to a victim. Others can be invited into the bullying conversation, who then become part of it by laughing.

Be smart. If you’re sent or come across anything that is hurtful, offensive or threatening to someone else, don’t laugh at it or encourage it.

Social networking sites

Think how it would make you feel if it was aimed at you, a friend or a member of your family.

Setting up profiles on social networking sites to make fun of someone. By visiting these pages or contributing to them, you become part of the problem and add to the feelings of unhappiness felt by the victim.

What you can do about it

Mobile phone

Even though those that use the web to target and bully others think that they can remain anonymous, this isn’t the case.

Even someone using a false name or email address can be traced and banned by social networks and email providers if they’re found to be bullying others.

Interactive gaming

Don’t be tempted to take on the person who’s carrying out the bullying yourself by responding to them in a way that’s just as threatening. You may become guilty of bullying yourself, or make yourself another target for someone to threaten. If you do notice bullying taking place on instant messenger, in a chatroom or on a social networking site, report it to the website administrators or internet service provider. You should be able to do this easily through the site itself.

Dealing with cyberbullying

If you notice bullying happening on a mobile phone, contact your mobile service provider.

Sending humiliating and abusive text or video messages, as well as photo messages and phone calls over a mobile phone.

This includes anonymous text messages over short distances using Bluetooth technology and sharing videos of physical attacks on individuals (happy slapping).

Games consoles allow players to chat online with anyone they find themselves matched with in a multi-player game.

Sometimes cyber bullies abuse other players and use threats.

They can also lock victims out of games, spread false rumours about someone or hack into someone’s account.

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“Rather than

not be a mate to a bully I would say ‘stop doing it.

“

If you encounter any other forms of cyberbullying, especially those that use racism, religious hate, homophobia or threats of actual violence, tell your parents, a teacher or – if you think that the content is illegal – the police.

n change your mobile phone number and only give it out to

close friends

n mobile phone companies and internet service providers

can trace bullies, so don’t be afraid of reporting it to them

n block instant messages from certain people or use mail

You’re not alone

“Rather than not be a mate to a bully I would say ‘stop doing it’”.

The Anti-Bullying Alliance recently found that one in five schoolchildren in the UK had been the victim of some form of online and mobile abuse.

If you are having problems with mobile or online bullying, here’s a few ideas about what you can do to help you deal with it and stop it happening completely: n talk to someone you trust about it, like a friend, a teacher or

an older relative

filters to block emails from specific email addresses

n don’t reply to bullying or threatening text messages or

emails – this could make matters worse and lets those carrying out the bullying know that they’ve found a ‘live’ phone number or email address n report serious bullying, like threats of a physical or sexual nature, to the police

Staying safe online

If you’re using the internet, you should never give out your personal details. If you’re in a chatroom, watch what you say about where you live, the school you go to, or your email address.

n keep and save any bullying emails, text messages or

images you receive

n make a note of the time and date that messages or images

were sent, along with any details you have about the sender n try changing your online user ID or nickname

As well as allowing a cyberbully to build up a picture about you and how they can hurt you, posting personal information online can attract adults who are pretending to be teenagers and lying about their real identity.

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Hot on Emma’s heals Crewing Director, Tom Graves and the Marine HR Manager Grace Eames. Grace, another former Maersk Cadet, explains the structure of the fleet and how everyone including the Trainees fit in.

A&Q brings out a lot of educated questions from the trainees.

What vaccinations do we need?

What Countries do we travel to?

What is life like onboard?

1600, Thursday, 6th September 2007 the small village of Longhurst, Northumberland is invaded by 100 Maersk Officer Trainees, coming from every corner of the UK. The Induction day is a unique opportunity to meet fellow trainees and office staff, who will be working closely for the next 3 years and beyond.

In the surroundings of the Court Suite, Mark Malone a former Maersk Trainee and now Managing Director of Maersk Marine Services welcomes the participants with a presentation mapping out the next 3 years and the endless possibilities ahead.

Ending the first day is a three course meal and a chance to relax.

A new day begins After a hearty breakfast the trainees are given the opportunity to gain further knowledge and background of the company and the industry they will be joining.

First up Emma Howarth the Trainee HR Officer, what course will you be doing HND or degree, when will your sea time begin, for how long and most importantly what support you will receive.

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All these and more where answered by Captain Steve Gudgeon and Training Officer Michael Mullen or should we say Laurel and Hardy!

LUNCH TIME and then the hard work!!!

Out in the very fresh air of Northumberland the trainees embark on team building exercises.

Shelve It – promoting team work and communication Roller Ball – Communication, Navigation and team work all needed for this task.

1700, Friday 7th September 2007 100 motivated, confident, enthusiastic Maersk Officer Trainees leave the small village of Longhust ready to begin a new exciting and fulfilling life as a seafarer.

First year Trainee Andrew Edwards of South Tyneside College gave us his views on the Induction day.

“I enjoyed the Team Dynamics, team building activities throughout the two days, the two days also showed that Maersk cares about and values their trainees.

It definitely helped to meet fellow trainees before college and to put a face to the names of the office staff”

“I enjoyed the Team Dynamics, team building activities throughout the two days, the two days also showed that Maersk cares about and values their trainees�

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It’s not often that young people think of pursuing a career in dry-stone walling, stained glass window making, or thatching, but when Nathan Appleton was given the chance to take part in a project looking at these traditional skills it ended up offering him a career with enormous prospects.

The Heritage Lottery Fund gave a grant of almost £50,000 to the‘Aspire to Achieve’ project at Bede’s World in Jarrow, which is in one of the most important monastery sites in medieval Europe and now a candidate World Heritage Site. The project aimed to help young people from the South Tyneside area to get involved in their local heritage through activities that interested them, rather than what adults thought they should be interested in. The project leaders wanted to bring the life and work of Bede and the history of Anglo Saxon Northumbria to a younger audience through activities devised and created by the young people involved.

“HLF funding has given us the opportunity to deliver a project with a variety of young people to give them a sense of place, as well a pride in themselves and their work”.

Pearl Saddington - project leader Some of the areas surrounding the Jarrow and Wearmouth site are amongst the 5% most deprived in the country and often the people who live so close to such historic places don’t think to pay a visit to the history that’s right on their doorstep.

‘Aspire to Achieve’ wanted to give new opportunities to young people who weren’t interested in traditional subjects at school and often were at risk of being excluded from full time education.

Using the Bede’s world site, the young people looked at Bede’s work including stained glass making and stone carving as well as learning traditional farm skills like thatching

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and caring for farm animals. Nathan began to get more interested in the work on the farm and soon was giving up his weekends to volunteer to help at events and asking his school for more time to be able to spend on the project.

Despite learning about all of the skills at Bede’s world he was particularly enthusiastic about the dry-stone walling work and showed such skill that the project workers thought could lay the foundations for a brand new career opportunity for him as an apprentice dry-stone waller. Pearl Saddington, the project leader pointed Nathan in the direction of a professional master craftsman who was looking for an apprentice and Nathan made the call that secured him an apprenticeship in a trade that is crucial for the future of the UK’s landscapes.

A shortage of skilled dry-stone wall craftsmen means that Nathan’s new skills will be in huge demand across the country once he completes his training.

Nathan said of the project, “Had I not been shown all of this stuff at Bede’s world I wouldn’t have even known about dry stone walling and would still have been sitting around doing nothing. Because I was allowed time off school to come to Bede’s world, I was able to motivate myself. I’m grateful for this experience and encourage others that have the chance to give it a go.”

Projects like ‘Aspire to Achieve’ are having a huge impact on young people’s lives as they work to inspire a sense of value and pride in the people involved. Like Nathan, young people who might not have enjoyed learning in school and college can discover new skills that they are interested in and excel at.

Nathan is not alone in his new-found ambition with another of

his friends from the project showing a real talent for dry stone walling and hoping to find an apprenticeship soon so that his career can also take off.

What’s even more impressive is that whilst Nathan and others like him are enjoying both themselves and a whole new world of opportunity, the work they’re doing is of huge value to the community and the wider public. In this case much needed apprentices in the traditional skills sector are helping to conserve the UK’s heritage for the future and preventing these much needed crafts from dying out.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is always on the look out for groups who want to get involved in activities that can offer young people the chance to do something to learn about and preserve their heritage, while they’re learning skills that will be useful for the future too.

Dr Keith Bartlett the HLF manager for the North East explained why, “Until you see what a huge difference to young people’s lives some of these projects can make, it’s easy to think of them as just nice, pleasant heritage projects. When you see someone like Nathan who wasn’t enjoying school and wasn’t really interested in it, then getting excited about a new skill that he was really good at and using that new confidence to pick up the phone and get himself an apprenticeship, it really brings home just powerful these heritage projects can be. It’s not just learning about the past but equipping young people with skills and confidence to use in other areas of their lives – plus it’s amazing the things you discover about your heritage that are really interesting of course!”

How to contact the Heritage Lottery Fund if you have an idea for a project and you want to have a chat with someone to see if it’s something HLF would fund.

Contact the team at: St Nicholas Building St Nicholas Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RF T: 0191 255 7570 www.hlf.org.uk What the Heritage Lottery Fund does: HLF awards grants from the lottery good causes charity to people who want to learn about or conserve their heritage.

This can be anything from restoring old buildings to saving squirrels or putting together plays and art and film projects that involve people researching their own personal heritage.

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Youngsters across the North East are being urged to take up the challenge in a bid to become the region’s Climate Change Champion.

A nation-wide search for nine young climate change champions – including a successor for the North East champion, teenager David Saddington - was launched last month by Climate Change Minister Joan Ruddock.

Commenting on his own year “in office” Climate Change Champion for the North East, David Saddington, 14, of Stockton, said: “The Defra Climate Change Champion competition is awesome and can open the door to a truly amazing journey – Downing Street, meeting the Prime Minister, Switzerland, making news friends and enjoying new and exciting experiences.

“Most importantly you will raise awareness through television and radio, newspapers and conferences – getting the message across that we all have a part to play in reducing our carbon footprint and what we can do to achieve that.”

Dr Krista McKinzey, the region’s newly appointed Climate Change Schools Project Officer is urging local youngsters to get involved to play their part in tackling climate change.

Scientist Krista is based at Science Learning Centre North East to coordinate the new Climate Change Schools Project that aims to bring the issues surrounding climate change to life, increasing understanding about climate change and to provide direct teaching support for Key Stages 2 and 3.

The project is the result of a partnership between the Environment Agency, Science Learning Centre North East, SustaiNE, One World Network North East and the North East Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Schools.

Krista explained: “As a glaciologist, I’ve seen first hand how rapidly our planet’s climate is changing and I’ve spent a lot of time creating ways to actively engage children with climate change science – smelly bottoms, snazzy slideshows and the size of our footprints seem to do the job!

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“I’m really excited about the Climate Schools Change Project and am looking forward to working with schools across the region. It offers a great opportunity to inspire a new generation of ‘environmental ambassadors’ and what better way to start than with the Climate Change Champion competition.

“Entries can be made in a variety of ways – a webpage or website, video, animation, audio, text or images – so that children can really be as creative as they want to be and the prize is tremendous.

“And there’ll be opportunities for them to get involved in getting the climate change message across even if they don’t become champion, as we’re planning various events for young people and will be looking for them to get involved and perhaps for one to become the region’s climate change reporter.”

The Youth Climate Change Champion initiative is part of the Government’s ‘Act on CO2’ campaign, which underlines the link between everyday human behaviour and its effect on the environment. It calls for young people aged 11 to 18 to demonstrate how they can encourage others to reduce their carbon footprint. The winners will spend a year ‘in office’ communicating their ideas and leading their own regional public awareness campaigns.

Winners of the competition will: n spend a busy year ‘in office’ communicating how people

can reduce their carbon footprints by taking simple and effective action n take part in a European fact finding expedition to see the effects of climate change and how the issues are tackled by other communities n meet with senior Government Ministers to share their ideas on the problems we face and ways these issues and their solutions can be communicated to audiences of all ages n receive £1000 to organise a climate change themed event at their school, college or within their community.

The nine England climate change champions, including David Saddington from the North East, witnessed at first hand the effects of climate change on one of Switzerland’s well-known glaciers.

The nine, who spent five days in Switzerland during the summer after becoming climate change champions for the region, visited the 3,000 metre high Gurschen Glacier, overlooking the Swiss tourist town of Andermatt.

They were given a lecture and tour of the glacier by eminent Zurich-based glaciologist Professor Wilfried Haeberli. Professor Haeberli said the effects of increasing carbon emissions stemming from the time of the Industrial Revolution (1860s), which had led to higher temperatures, were now causing increasing problems to his nation’s glaciers.

Glacial retreat had become more marked over the past 15 to 20 years due to increasingly hot summers, caused by climate change, that was melting the snow and ice and effectively starving the glaciers. This has now become so marked that he added that if the rate continued the champions would see, in their lifetime the extinction of the majority of Swiss glaciers.

The champions also heard from fellow glaciologist Dr Michael Zemp, that the effects of the retreating glaciers threatened the Swiss infrastructure. Agriculture, power from hydroelectricity and tourism, such as skiing, were being placed at particular risk.

The group was told by Herr Heinzer, from the Gotthard Sportbahnen Firm, who run the cable car access to the glacier, that the ski sector had put down plastic sheeting at the top of the glacier to prevent further snow and ice melt. Last year, the covering saved two metres of snow from melting, aiding the ski sector.

The champions were filmed by Swiss television company Swiss Info and conducted 11 UK radio interviews. They have also been writing their blogs, which can be found at www. climatechallenge.gov.uk David Saddington, 13, from Stockton-on-Tees, has written: Day 1. At Waterloo station I was standing with my fellow champions and found myself doing my first Newsround report.

I couldn’t believe it. After hours and hours of travelling by train through Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany and finally Switzerland, where the scenery was amazing. It was so awesome. We stayed in the Hotel Aurora on the night. I was looking forward to tomorrow.

Thursday, day 2. Today I have had a fantastic time. It started when Prof Haeberli gave a talk on glaciers and how climate change is affecting them. The talk was great, I learned a lot about permafrost. Permafrost holds the rock together. It freezes the rocks together. Then we went to the cable car and took it to the Gemsstock, above the Gurschen Glacier.

The ride was awesome, you could see all of Andermatt and look down on the glacier. It was fantastic.

Then we had a talk by Herr Heinzer of the Gotthard Sportbahnen Firma. It was really interesting, I was impressed as the Swiss are protecting the glacier by covering it in a protective foil with wood and hay underneath. This is to slow down the melting of the snow that protects the glacier.

After that, Prof Haeberli gave another talk on top of the cable car station and he showed us all the glaciers around. By this time, we were pretty hungry and so we had lunch. Next we went down to the south of the Gurschen Glacier to see the remains of a glacier. Dr Zemp told us about this and how it may only survive for another five or so years. We then went back to the cable car and returned to Andermatt. It was so great! Then I did two radio interviews with stations in my region.

Public enquiries 08459 335577 For more information about the competition log onto www.climatechallenge.gov.uk 49

The next time you find yourself walking late at night not paying attention to what you are doing listening to your MP3 player and texting your friends on your mobile, consider this: You’ve got Mugging/Attack Victim written all over you.

Yes, even you, Mr. Superman / Superwoman But it doesn’t have to be that way. Investigate what security options are available to you. Figure out where you need to be and get there—fast, efficiently and, preferably, with a mate. Leave your MP3 and phone in your bag and trust your instincts while you walk to and from home. And if something or someone looks or feels wrong, it probably is. Get somewhere safe, and don’t EVER feel too self-conscious or afraid to ask for help.

Here are our 20 Top Tips for getting home safely: 1. If you are at college find out what kind of security/safety programmes your campus runs. Some colleges have late-night buses to take students to and from certain areas, others have security guards who can be booked to walk you to across campuses 2. Investigate whether your college, school, nearby gym or YMCA offers self-defence courses. These are not only great for improving your health, but they can also increase your selfconfidence and make you appear less of a victim 3. Stick to main roads and forsake all shortcuts. Take a route home that has the most traffic 4. Put aside a bit of extra money in a separate pocket of your purse or wallet at the beginning of the night. That way, if you are out late, you’ll remember that extra £20 and you can take a taxi home 5. Find a friend to share a taxi with or who is going back in your direction and leave with them. Better to leave a bit early than not get home at all 6. Choose black or licensed taxis over mini-cabs, unless you’re travelling with friends. You don’t want to find yourself late at night, in a slightly dodgy car with a stranger who may not know your direct route home. And certainly don’t give away any personal information about yourself during the ride 7. If you are travelling alone on a Metro or a train, stay near the ticket collector until the train arrives, and get on at the first carriage near the driver 8. Ask your bus driver politely if they can let you off at the stop closest to your street. They are not usually allowed to do this

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but it can’t hurt to ask 9. If you walk home and think someone is following you, cross the road or duck into a shop or restaurant until they pass.

If they still linger, call a friend to see if they can come meet you or pick you up, or report it to someone in the shop or restaurant 10. Keep your belongings close to your body, and don’t faff about looking for keys, your mobile or anything else while you walk. If you seem distracted, you will make for easier prey.

Have your keys ready. These can also be used as a handy weapon if necessary 11. Do not consult maps or directions out on the street; make sure you know where you are going before you leave from anywhere 12. Walk confidently, and look from side to side regularly.

Victims become so because they appear weak and/or afraid 13. Do not wear a MP3 or talk on your mobile, unless absolutely necessary. Your sense of hearing is one of the greatest tools you can use to protect yourself 14. Trust your instincts at all costs. Foresight can be your best defence. If you feel uncomfortable about a situation, don’t be embarrassed to ask for help or refuse the attention of a stranger 15. If a stranger does approach you, remember that you didn’t ask for help and they are not someone you know.

Decline the offer, no matter how charming or compelling it may seem, by using strong verbal and body language. Raise your hand up and say things like “No, I don’t want your help” rather than, “No thanks, that’s fine, really” etc. It is better to be on the safe side and be harsh to someone who may have been genuine, rather than be too nice to someone who is out to harm you 16. If you feel you are in danger of being attacked, shout loudly words such as “Stop! Stay Away! Do not come any closer!” repeatedly. Shouting “Help!” or “Save Me!” may make you seem even more a victim, so use aggressive language and it may work to your advantage 17. Activate a personal alarm if you have one. Any distraction may give you a few extra seconds to get away 18. If you get grabbed from behind, try kicking into your assailant’s shin and scraping downwards from the knee to the ankle, or skewer their foot with your shoe heel 19. If must use self-defence, aim higher, rather than lower.

Kneeing someone in the groin may be painful, but often it only makes your attacker’s adrenalin kick in and can make them angrier. Try striking bony parts of their body (knees, elbows,

ankles etc.) or claw at their eyes. A hard punch on the bridge of the nose will usually do the trick.

20. If you ever feel frightened or in danger, phone 999 on your mobile and give them your location before any other details

ARM YOUSELF They say it’s better to be safe than sorry, and for once, we agree.

There are many things you can do to stay safe when out at night or on your own as we have highlighted above But for that extra bit of Superhero-ness you may want to consider getting a Personal Attack Alarm.

They’re inexpensive, legal, small and most importantly, they make enough obnoxious noise enough to distract or draw attention in a scary situation.

Of the companies we investigated, our favourite is Cambridge-based walkeasy ltd (www.walkeasy.ltd.uk) It sells about eight different types of alarms, including aerosol and key-ring-sized screechers but we dig their triple-action Trident Personal Attack Deterrent.

Not only does the Trident belt out a 138db scream but it also releases a foul, Resident-Evil-esque stench and covers your assailant in an ultra-violent identifier spray that adheres to skin and clothing and can be viewed under police lamps.

SELF DEFENCE On guard! ncrease strength, boost self-confidence, learn how to give a damn good kicking and reduce your chances of being attacked by taking a self-defence course.

The best place to start is with your campus student union.

See if there are any programmes offered through the uni or college’s sport or security departments because these are more likely to be affordable and convenient.

Failing that, snoop around your local health club or ring up the local council. Some self-defence courses are open only to women, so if you’re male, make sure you ask whether you can participate.

Or, if Bruce Lee-stylee action is more your thing, try a Martial Arts course, such as Ju Jitsu, Karate, Aikido, Judo, Atemi-Jutsu, Kempo, Shiai (Competitive), Iaido, Ken-Jutsu or Kung Fu. These are generally for people serious about training and are put on by specialist clubs, so check the Yellow Pages or wander around your neighbourhood to find out if there are any beginners courses. But if you can’t commit to training every week, for example, you may want to take a shorter-term class.

And soon you’ll be ready to go forth, and conquer.

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Here’s your homework for this month guys and girls. See if you can bring this crazy creature to life for a chance to get your hands on a cool new ipod shuffle!

If you manage to tackle this monster then send us pics of you and your new mate to: production@distinctivepublishing.co.uk