Issue 1456 Monday 13th May 2024
Free
Est. 1948 thecourieronline.co.uk
Accidentally discovering bees can survive underwater
Post-exams summer plans
Science | page 10
Travel | page 16
“We will not rest until our demands are met:”
Diary of a Small Business Owner: Papa’s Freezeria Gaming | page 26
Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus encampment crosses ten day mark Sam Norman - Head of Current Affairs
A
s first reported by The Courier on Wednesday May 1, the Newcastle University encampment opposite the Northern Stage passed the ten-day mark on Friday May 10. The student-led group, under the moniker Newcastle Apartheid Off Campus, are standing in solidarity with Gaza through a series of demands towards the University. The encampment follows months of protesting and campaigning from students after disappointment with the University’s transparency around their relationships with defence and security companies. Visiting the camp, The Courier spoke
to media representatives who spoke of the “insane” support from the local community and businesses. They stressed the difference between “hearing and feeling overwhelming support” through the amount of donations received. Schedules are posted each morning of daily activities in the encampment, with recent ones including board games, movie screenings and teach-outs. Those in the camp told The Courier they find it a “productive way of channelling emotions” with recent activities like Palestinian poetry. As reported by The Courier on February 19 and on March 13, the movement has remained impassioned through protests on campus. Covered in a live blog by The Courier, this Wednesday May 8 saw an escalation in the encampment, stemming from allegations of cancelled and rescheduled
meetings with the Vice Chancellor (VC) Chris Day. The day’s protest ran from lunchtime through to the evening, forming a barrier around all King’s Gate entrances and exits making it difficult to enter or leave the building. King’s Gate hosts staff and student services. In a statement to The Courier the university said: “We are aware that some students were unable to access their student health and wellbeing appointments as a result of the protesters’ actions. “We acted promptly to contact students to move services online, but sadly some students did miss appointments as a result of the disruption. We are contacting students to re-book any missed appointments.” Image Credit: Arthur Ferridge
Continued on Page 3
Graduating students voice anxiety over jobs market Katie Siddall - Puzzles Sub-Editor
The Courier investigates the current student sentiment towards graduation.
I Image Credit: Chris Thompson on Flickr
n recent years, graduation appears to be a relief for most students; however, it has become increasingly scary due to job prospects. The Courier undertook a survey from current Newcastle University students – who are graduating this summer – and alumni. 53.8% of Newcastle University students, in said survey, say that they are applying solely for graduate (‘grad’) schemes. Another 30.8% said that it depends on what they come across online; if it’s a grad scheme that looks attractive then they will, if it’s an entry level job with the same qualifications
they wouldn’t pass the opportunity up. But what does this mean? Firstly, graduation – why is it a relief? Within the same survey, many students stated they simply are “ready for the next chapter” in their lives. One student even said they are “eager to leave” and to “start building foundations of a career”, which in the current job climate appears to be a common sentiment among graduates. Rather than furthering their education, even if they wish to, students are wanting to get their foot in the front door for job opportunities. Graduation itself is typically an exciting time for students, with a lot using the word “bittersweet”. The ceremony, though boring to many, is overshadowed by the memories, the pictures with friends and family by the Newcastle University arches and the fact that your university chapter is ending. Whilst, as previously mentioned, many of the students are excited about what’s going to come in their future, it doesn’t mean to say they aren’t sad. One student noted that they’re “proud to have
finished but sad to end this chapter”, which is a short summary that explains a lot of the reoccurring emotions in this survey. Other reoccurring emotions in this survey are seen on a 1-5 sliding scale, with 1 being the lowest. 38.5% of students felt negatively about the climate of the job market and placed themselves on the 1 – 0% were at the top end of the scale. This is a surprising statistic as 100% of survey participants are either in a job, or are applying, rather than staying in education (to do a Masters, or PhD, for instance). As it stands the job market within the UK appears threatening for students entering the world of work. It has become highly competitive with entrylevel jobs, often no longer meaning that you can go in with transferable skills; often you have to walk in with years of experience. As entry-level jobs are becoming Continued on Page 3