ncl+ Extra-curricular Activity Awards programme 2014

Extra-curricular Activity Awards

Welcome to the 2014 ncl+ Extra-curricular Activity Awards ceremony Spotlighting the achievements of Newcastle University students in their extra-curricular and society activities

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BUFFET MENU CanapĂŠs and Fizz Mains Northumberland Beef & Local Ale Pie Roast Butternut Squash & Sun-blushed Tomato Lasagne (v) Accompaniments Creamy Mash (v) Freshly Baked Flavoured Artisan Bread (v) Garlic & Rosemary Roast Potatoes (v) Dessert Double Chocolate Brownie with Orange Blossom Cream (v) Lemon & Poppy Seed Tart with Stem Ginger Cream (v)

(v) Vegetarian

Programme 6.45pm 7.30pm 8.30pm 9.45pm

CanapĂŠ reception Hot fork buffet Presentation of awards Ceremony ends

Compered by: Eve Berwin, Education Officer and Katie Rimmer, Athletic Union Officer, both Newcastle University Students’ Union Music: Newcastle University Jazz Orchestra Photography: Yordanka Georgieva (Stage 3 Bachelor of Laws)

Photography and filming will be taking place during the event. This may be used in future publicity materials for the ncl+ Extra-curricular Activity Awards. If you do not wish to be included, please alert a member of staff.

Most Improved Society of the Year Judging panel: Ally Robson (Manager, Accenture Strategy); Emily Porter (Activities Development Coordinator, Newcastle University Students’ Union) and Melanie Reed (Senior PR & Events Manager, Public Relations Directorate, Newcastle University)

The shortlist: 20 Minute Society 20 Minute Society is the largest society on campus this academic year. They organise fun events on a fortnightly basis to cater for a diverse audience; introducing members to different aspects of the city, getting involved in SU and RAG events, and even a trip to Belgium! A new computer based text service has been introduced, revolutionising their ability to deliver messages about their core spontaneous activities to members.

Baking Society The Baking Society increased in size from 30 members to 250 at the beginning of the academic year, which led to the challenge of providing increased capacity events and activities. This issue was successfully dealt with by identifying and relocating to a bigger venue on campus. They have also established links with local businesses and charities, holding workshops and raising money.

Newcastle Entrepreneurs Newcastle Entrepreneurs have been successful in increasing membership numbers despite raising membership price, creating a network of like-minded students.

After securing funding and sponsorship, they ran an official Global Entrepreneurship Week event and have developed working relationships with many organisations, including the Careers Service and Business School, highlighting the entrepreneurial agenda of the University and promoting relevant events to members.

Newcastle University Chemical Engineering Society (Singapore campus) The society managed to successfully establish an unprecedented committee made up of Stage 2 and 3 students in Singapore, making them one of the first few pioneering societies established at an international campus without Students’ Union support. They also introduced a new ‘junior’ sub-committee who held their first events this year with support from their peers and lecturers.

ShockSoc ShockSoc has grown in size by over 400% this year, welcoming new members from a diverse background. New committee roles have been created to encourage greater involvement, and a community outreach programme has been kick started with School staff to host visit day events exclusively to encourage girls to get in to engineering. Members have benefitted from professional memberships, careers advice and opportunities.

SUSTAINABILITY ACTION Judging panel: Dr Lynsay Blake (Research Coordinator, Newcastle Institute for Research on Sustainability); Rebecca Allen (Sustainability Officer, Newcastle University) and Phil Hay (SCAN Project Worker, Newcastle University Students’ Union)

The shortlist: Christopher McCusker (Stage 2 Biology) Christopher co-founded Zenation UK Ltd, an interdisciplinary collaboration of individuals from science and engineering backgrounds, who work together on sustainability issues including raising awareness and taking action on greenhouse gas emissions. He’s fostered relationships with local and global organisations, and acquired exclusive distribution rights to a fuel additive treatment that reduces vehicle emissions by up to 40%.

Green Grants Award Scheme Volunteers This team of volunteers are the decision making body for the distribution of SCAN’s ‘Green Grants’ award scheme funding to youth groups, schools and those who work with children to deliver green sustainability projects across the region. Working independently without any external expert advice, they consider each application individually and provide carefully worded rationales for both successful and unsuccessful applicants.

Orchard Project Volunteers A team of three core volunteers in SCAN’s orchard project; they’ve been involved in planning the site, researching and selecting varieties of trees, liaising with local businesses and planting the orchard. They’ve demonstrated commitment to the project, overcoming travel and adverse weather constraints. Self-taught from a complete beginner level, they’ve seen the project through to completion and coordinated the sustainability of the project by recruiting future volunteers to continue their work.

Samantha Arathimou (Stage 2 Biology) Samantha founded and set up a studentled society to represent the ‘Student EATS’ project, promoting ethical and environmental food choices to students, as well as developing knowledge within the student community of growing organic food. She has also advocated at a national level at the Student Green Fund conference, promoting the concept of the society to other universities.

Sophie Willcocks (Stage 3 Philosophical Studies) Sophie set up the ‘Planters Project’ to discuss changes needed to improve the community environment with local residents. Working with local artists to enhance back alleys for residents and local children, and maintaining street planters, Sophie liaised with SCAN and the Council to ensure plans were formalised for the project.

She’s gained positive feedback from all involved and has improved relations between the local community and students through addressing negative preconceptions about students.

Contribution to Sport Development Judging panel: Colin Blackburn (Director, Centre for Physical Recreation & Sport, Newcastle University); Katie Rimmer (Athletic Union Officer, Newcastle University Students’ Union) and Steve Beharall (Lead School Games Organiser, Newcastle City Council)

The shortlist: Barnaby Gush (Stage 3 Architecture) Barnaby is an active member of the Sports Centre volunteer programme, working towards his Level 1 and 2 in trampolining from British Gymnastics. He has worked tirelessly all year, providing over 200 hours of coaching for the university trampoline club, and has volunteered at BUCS championships as scorers and timekeepers. Barnaby has helped beginners and competitive trampolinists alike, whilst also training himself.

Darragh O’Keeffe (Stage 2 Architecture) As President of Newcastle Lacrosse Club, Darragh has invited England players and coaches to hold Lacrosse clinics at Newcastle, and shares the knowledge he receives from being part of Team Eire with the university club. He also helps to run Lacrosse sessions in local schools to introduce others to the sport, coaches the newly formed university second team and is planning an alumni tournament with Northumbria University.

David Eastwood (Stage 5 Medicine) David has founded Newcastle Sport and Exercise Medicine Society, using it as a platform to champion exercise as a resolution to obesity and chronic disease.

He has also been an ambassador for ‘Move.Eat.Treat’, a nationwide scheme promoting physical activity. David also founded BASIK, a charity educating children in Kenya, using sport as a tool. Additionally, his work has encouraged changes to the MBBS curriculum.

Poppy Ilderton (Stage 4 Medicine) Coach and captain of the Cheerleading club, Poppy has increased participation from a diverse range of students, transforming a previously elite performance sport into a much more accessible club. The club has doubled in size under her leadership, creating two full squads that compete at national level. Poppy is also an active member of AU Exec Committee, contributing to policy making across Team Newcastle.

Randy Yeo (Stage 2 Electrical Power Engineering, Singapore campus) Randy pioneered the slacklining movement in Singapore after picking up the sport from watching videos, and introduced it to Newcastle University’s international campus in Singapore (SIT). He has conducted weekly outreach programmes across multiple sports, raising awareness and promoting the benefits in local schools and community projects. He’s also President of the SIT Rock Climbing Club and works hard to change perspectives about unconventional sports.

Society Officer of the Year Judging panel: Simon Tindall (Annual Fund Manager, Development & Alumni Relations Office, Newcastle University); Calum Mackenzie (President, Newcastle University Students’ Union) and Paul Carter (Managing Director, Get Carter Productions)

The shortlist: Catherine Nay (Stage 4 Modern Languages) As President of the Erasmus Society, Catherine has worked hard to increase the number and types of activities to integrate both home and international students, whilst showcasing what Newcastle and other areas have to offer. Activities are diverse and include social, charitable and language based activities, helping bring together students from a wide range of courses across campus to enhance their University experience whilst at Newcastle.

Gracie Whittington (Stage 4 Modern Languages) Gracie is President of the Modern Languages Society. She’s developed a new collaboration with the International Office to create a James Bond theme welcome event for Erasmus students, which was attended by over 150 students from more than 15 different countries.

She’s also established a good working relationship with the Students’ Union, running language taster sessions through the Give it a Go programme.

Inna Iljina (Stage 3 Media, Communication & Cultural Studies) Inna has used her enthusiasm and creativity to develop a united, welcoming community for international students as President of the International Society. She is involved in all aspects of the society from planning a range of diverse events, to promoting activities and leading guided tours. She has enabled international students to make friends and feel welcome at Newcastle University.

Jake Richardson (Stage 2 Architecture)

Jake has gone to great lengths as President of the Architecture Society to ensure all members enjoy being part of the society. He’s integrated charity events in memory of a former tutor, creating a better sense of community across the School. He’s also been successful in increasing interest in various trips, balls and social events, and negotiated exclusive discounts.

Rachael Levitan (Stage 3 Combined Honours) Rachael’s taken a lead role in connecting members with the local Japanese community across the region, whilst enabling members to embrace British culture, which helps to make the transition of moving abroad easier for members. As President of the AngloJapanese Society, Rachael has brought everyone together, organising two weekly socials, varying between drinking and non-drinking activities, and hosting joint socials with other societies.

Arts & Culture Judging panel: Prof Eric Cross (Dean, Cultural Affairs, Newcastle University); George Sandeman (Editor of The Courier, Newcastle University Students’ Union) and Mo O’Toole (Visiting Professor, Newcastle University Business School)

The shortlist: 4’33’’ Silent Film Festival Team The team organised the 4’33” Silent Film Festival in Newcastle, receiving film submissions from across the UK and USA. They secured professional venues across the city, creating links between the student and wider communities. They delivered an extensive programme of films across the week, giving new filmmakers an opportunity to show their work.

Chloe Burke (Stage 1 Fine Art) Chloe supports a weekly art class for people with Aphasia, developing her understanding of how art can be used as therapy. She’s also set up a connection with international charity Tearfund to create the ‘Rhythm Hub’, working alongside the local community to stand against injustice in Newcastle and globally.

Eddy Robinson (Stage 4 Fine Art) Eddy initiated ‘The Musee Imaginaire’; a weekly forum for contemporary art and culture in Newcastle, hosting events including talks, performances and exhibitions. Through his passion, he has secured funding for the project and forged links with local arts institutions, facilitating greater engagement between the School of Art and Culture and the wider artistic community.

Hannabiell Sanders (Year 4 PhD SACS) After identifying a lack of cultural events aimed at the African diaspora, Hannabiell created ‘Harambee Pasadia’; a one day family camping and music festival, bringing together different communities, professional musicians and school children from the region. Using cultural activity as a strategy for change, she’s forged connections across the local area to inspire and help others.

Newcastle Student Radio The team enabled more student involvement with the radio by securing a £6,000 grant for radio equipment and successfully bid to host the National Student Radio Conference, bringing 450 student radio enthusiasts together with industry professionals at the Students’ Union. They’ve also broken listener figure records for their outside broadcasts, including Stan Calvert coverage.

Pere Farrero (Year 1 MA Advanced International Business Management) Pere was on the board of directors that organised ‘Telecogresca’; a large scale music festival in Barcelona. He took personal responsibility for coordinating the artist bookings, festival infrastructures and liaising with Barcelona City Council. The festival had a budget of €250,000 and 12,000 tickets were sold to an international student audience – making this one of only a handful of such festivals worldwide.

Entrepreneurial Spirit Judging panel: Angie McLean (Founder and Managing Director of Fast Forward Now and Baggers Originals); Claire Adamson (Entrepreneurial Development Officer, Newcastle University Careers Service); Ed Tame and Tim Heyes (Managing Director and Sales Director respectively, The Fresh Shrimp Company Limited)

The shortlist: Brigitte West (Stage 3 Biomedical Sciences) Director and co-founder of Beauty by the Geeks Ltd, Brigitte uses the science behind the cosmetics industry to engage young people in STEM through a blog and outreach projects, including events at the British Science Festival.

She has successfully made contacts with L’Oreal and Proctor & Gamble, and has secured a number of grants for marketing and company development purposes.

Hock Soon Low (Year 4 PhD Engineering) Hock is the Managing Director at Low & Low Ltd, which aims to improve the health and quality of life of newborn babies by identifying a product to prevent Flat Head Syndrome and negotiating distribution rights for this. Over 100 leading hospitals and clinics in the UK and Ireland currently use and recommend their diagnostic tools and products, and over 1000 babies have benefitted directly.

Medics2Mongolia Medics2Mongolia is a social enterprise, which aims to improve access to education for UK college and university medical students and medics2mongolia.com Medics2Mongolia Mongolian doctors. Through their program, medical students teach English to Mongolian doctors, whilst improving their own clinical skills. They’ve helped 22 local college students with their medical school applications, provided 11 medical students with free clinical elective placements and taught 140 enlisted Mongolian doctors across four hospitals in Mongolia.

Richard Llewellyn (Stage 3 Economics) Richard set up his own company, Forell, which develops software systems for healthcare. Working with developers, designers and physiotherapists, Richard created Physio Platform. He has gained nearly 60 clients and has delivered a successful elevator pitch at Durham Castle in the finals of the Blueprint Awards. He’s currently in the process of raising funding to take the company further forward.

Stuart Maitland (Stage 4 Medicine) Stuart established mHealthful, a medical app development company, and has launched their first product, mediwikis.com; a collaborative medical education website and app with over 2 million page views and thousands of app downloads. The website was viewed by over 10,500 students in one month and enables medical students to come together and share their knowledge.

Best Society of the Year Judging panel: Rosie Leatherland (Activities Officer, Newcastle University Students’ Union); Claire Byron (Information Officer, Newcastle University Careers Service); Gigi Herbert (Development Officer, Newcastle University Careers Service) and Nitin Shukla (Senior Corporate Officer, Gateshead Council)

The shortlist: Dance Society

Offering 100% student-led classes to 450 members at all levels and disciplines, the Dance Society has increased membership by almost 50% this year. They’ve successfully competed in four inter-university competitions winning 18 trophies, and hosted a sell-out annual show.

They’ve created ‘dance families’ to help integrate new members and introduced more sober socials, such as theatre trips.

Fellwalking Society The Fellwalking Society provide the opportunity to get away from the city and have seen an increase in membership numbers, with many trips oversubscribed due to their popularity.

Consequently, they’ve offered day trips as part of the Give it a Go scheme. They’ve an exemplary safety record, ensuring all members are trained in first aid, and have overcome a variety of obstacles to ensure trips go ahead safely.

International Development Society The International Development Society raises awareness of global issues amongst students here at Newcastle University through regular events on campus, including their 2014 conference, ‘Challenging Perceptions of Security’, which attracted over 100 delegates, including an ex-UN official speaker. They also screen TED talks on a weekly basis, generating discussion on current global events.

Medsin Newcastle Medsin Newcastle have improved the health and wellbeing of over 1000 people in the local community through its range of community healthcare projects, including Teddy Bear Hospital and Homed.

Medsin also take a lead on educating and advocating global health policy on campus. They’ve introduced a new Diversity Officer and Publicity Officer to encourage non-medical student engagement and have taken members to national and international conferences.

Newcastle LINKS Having grown to over 150 members, Newcastle LINKS formed a special training team to deliver first aid training to smaller groups. They enable members to learn and put in to practice vital lifesaving first aid skills. They frequently work with the Students’ Union, providing training for the Freshers’ Crew, holding Give it a Go sessions, as well as having a weekly presence at CCTV, gigs and other campus events.

Community Spirit Judging panel: Dr Alison Oldam (Head of Student Wellbeing Service, Newcastle University); Emily Waller (Welfare & Equality Officer, Newcastle University Students’ Union) and Jamie Sadler (Managing Director, Food Nation)

The shortlist: Adam Lisik (Stage 2 Computing Science) Adam has dedicated over 600 hours to volunteering with St John’s Ambulance at a range of local and national events. Through his passion for first aid, Adam’s team of volunteers has increased from 30 to 50, and he has been involved in the Regional Coordination Centre for the North East. Adam is also the Operations Coordinator for Newcastle LINKS society, where he has lots of new and innovative ideas to help recruit students to the society.

Cassey Muir (Stage 3 Psychology) Cassey provides mentoring support to a young person with challenging learning difficulties on a weekly basis to enable them to participate in social activities that she must research and plan in advance. These activities help to develop the young person’s confidence and social skills. Cassey’s support and advice have proved invaluable to the young person’s emotional development.

Hannah Bree (Stage 3 Marine Engineering) Since March 2012, Hannah has been an Assistant Scout Leader, organising and leading a weekly programme of activities to provide the Scouts (aged 10-14) with a variety of opportunities to learn new skills, including camps and trips. In the absence of the Scout Leader, Hannah steps up to this role, supports other volunteers and has implemented new behaviour policies. She also provides emotional support for young people going through difficulty.

Liam Innis (Stage 2 Modern Languages) Liam regularly volunteers at a food bank in Byker, where he provides a friendly welcome. Liam also has a passion for languages; as German Social Secretary for the Modern Language Society, he arranges a variety of social events. He’s also a Senior Languages Ambassador for the Routes into Languages programme at Newcastle University, where he engages students from a wide variety of backgrounds about the benefits of learning a foreign language.

Sophie Moore (Stage 2 Biology) For the past seven years, Sophie has hosted Christmas for homeless people and those in shelters, providing lunch, presents and entertainment on what can be a solitary day for the individuals. She has personal responsibility for the planning and organisation of this event alongside her family. Previous beneficiaries have returned as volunteers in subsequent years, highlighting the positive effect this kindness has had on their lives.

Academic & Peer Representation Judging panel: Colin Bryson (Director, Combined Studies Centre, Newcastle University); Eve Berwin (Education Officer, Newcastle University Students’ Union) and Louise Harrison (Student Recruitment Coordinator, Newcastle University)

The shortlist: Gaurav Dubey (Year 1 MSc Transport Planning and the Environment) Gaurav has been working tirelessly towards implementing a School-wide system for upgrading basic IT skills of PG taught students, which has the potential to be rolled out University-wide. From conducting research with his peers to attending Staff-Student Committee meetings, Gaurav has championed this idea which is now under consideration by Faculty staff. He hopes to fill a critical gap in the student support system at the University.

Rebecca Rigby (Stage 4 MSci Biomedical Sciences) Rebecca has been an active member of the Biomedical Sciences Staff-Student Committee for three years. As part of her role, Rebecca pioneered an SSC newsletter as a response to demand for more accessible feedback from the meetings and has achieved a range of improvements within her School which impact her peers. She has also been a student mentor for the past two years, working with Stage 1 students.

Sabine Kucher (Stage 3 Economics) Sabine is both a committed School Rep in the Business School and Scrutiny Officer at the Students’ Union. As a School Rep, Sabine has successfully campaigned to get ReCap as standard in all Business School lectures, as well as initiating discussion at Faculty level regarding exam feedback and professional support staff. Sabine has also overhauled the outdated Scrutiny and Disciplinary procedures of the Students’ Union.

Sam Bhatt (Year 3 PhD Chemistry) As Chair of the School of Chemistry Postgraduate committee, Sam collaborates with staff and students to address problems in the School and organises advanced training workshops and presenting/networking opportunities for PhD and Masters level students. Sam also pioneered a new series of free public lectures (ENGAGE) to promote chemistry, whilst providing networking opportunities and support for the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Sourima Shivhare & Sadaf Atarod (Year 3 PhD ICM) Sourima and Sadaf have created prICM, a postgraduate research community at the Institute of Cellular Medicine to increase communication and connection between groups of PG students and staff, creating a more collaborative environment. Having successfully secured funding from the Institute, prICM has grown to have over 90 members and has organised a variety of activities including industrial visits and social events.

Congratulations!

We would like to thank all of the judges, presenters, and award sponsor, Accenture for their contribution to this year’s ncl+ Extra-curricular Activity Awards.

Congratulations to all of the shortlisted students too; you are involved in some fantastic extra-curricular activities!

Need extra support for your project?

Apply to the ncl+ Alumni Association Student Initiative Fund for funding and access to expertise for one-off, student-led extra-curricular activities.

Visit: www.ncl.ac.uk/students/nclplus/funding

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