TOMORROW’S
PROFESSIONALS
JULY 2016 // LEEDS BECKETT UNIVERSITY
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Welcome!
What’s life like as an undergraduate university student? One group of ‘tomorrow’s professionals’ found out at Leeds Beckett University...
SIGNING IN, AND FINDING OUR WAY
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Universities can be pretty big places, but with student ambassadors on hand, and LOTS of sign posts on campus, tomorrow’s professionals find their way.
Tomorrow’s Professionals: An Insight to University Life “Leeds Beckett University has organised a residential for the young people of the community, labelled as ‘Tomorrow’s Professionals’. The purpose of the residential is to give aspiring university students a chance to experience university life and to provide them with an insight to Leeds Beckett’s courses. The students have a broad range of strands to choose from, from Film & Music Production to Health & Social Sciences, depending on their interests and preferences. Each course has specialised activities and workshops designed to inspire students and develop their interest in a particular subject area, as well as a taster of the courses that Leeds Beckett University offer. “As participating in the Film and Music production course, I have been involved with many exciting activities and workshops that will provide me with life skills and knowledge that I will apply to my university course in the future. As well as the specialised course activities, I have also participated in a personal statement session in a lecture theatre. It was largely beneficial to me as it provided me with the requirements that are needed for a successful personal statement, from a university perspective.” - so says a student that recently took part in the residential. As well as the day-time participation on campus, the students have the opportunity to leave the campus and explore the city of Leeds on a visit to the Everyman Cinema and the local-but well known- restaurant, Red Hot Buffet. The students are also staying on campus in the university student accommodation to really give them a feel of the whole university experience. The accommodation provides the students with a form of independence as well as communal living with people they haven’t met before. This has benefited the students greatly, as it’s given them a chance to socialise with other aspiring university students that have the same interests, building friendships and relationships.” Alicia Farish
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT...?
Lectures in the lecture theatre “The reason I came to the Tomorrow’s Professionals Residential was to learn more about Higher Education and what University life was like in general. I think that staying in the accommodation and all the workshops have quite sufficiently shown me what university life is like and I’ve really enjoyed it so far.” Aruba Mohammed
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“All students from a variety of different schools came together at Leeds Beckett university to see what it was like in a lecture and to experience a part of everyday life in higher education. Many students won’t have had much experience about what university is like before July 2016, so this was a very good way to give them an insight of what it is like. It also gave them a way to meet as many new people as possible by getting to know others in the lecture halls, workshops and groups which they had been put into due to what strand/subject they chose.
The students got to see the halls and what it was like to stay within them which also gave them a new experience and gave them a bit of time to be independent and more confident about going to university. Tomorrow’s professionals wasn’t just about getting the experience of higher education and getting to meet knew people it also allows the students to learn more skills within the strand/subject that they chose, which will also help to make them consider if this is the subject they actually want to study within university. Leeds Beckett Tomorrow’s professionals is all about giving the students who are getting ready to start university a few days to get a feel about what it is really like and see if this is the university for them! Megan McGlone Social School Society “To get a taste of student life, outside of education; enlightening students knowledge of societies, clubs and sports teams in which they can make friends and build relationships outside of their course. Expanding knowledge and experience in the sector of the applicants choice, boarding their views and potentially expanding their horizons. Being guided by professionals that have experienced higher education, the students will have professional guidance and access to equipment to match. The student hub supplies students with all manners of support, ranging from emotional to physical, all main building have disability access.” Luke Shinkins and Vanessa Caxinga
HOME FROM HOME Carnegie Village - the Acre! “From first arrival at Leeds Beckett University and Carnegie village I instantly knew now much i was going to love this place and how a in a slight way reminded me of home but just far away. After signing in and picking up all the stuff we were given, we walked round the corner and saw beautiful scenery which I had seen since setting off from home. AsI live in the middle of fields, nature and scenery doesn’t normally have an impact on me, as it’s all I have to look at for most of my day, however the large piece of land (which I later found out on the same day was called the “Acre”) was a breath of fresh air after traveling through concrete jungles all morning. The acre fit part of the campus perfectly, along side the James Graham building and other buildings which all looked similar but built around the acre. With having this bit off grassland placed in the middle of the buildings which are used for lectures and lessons, and the buildings which are filled with the rooms for students it shows a perspective of British heritage, but at the same time shows universities are not all just tall buildings with views of other buildings and car parks, but shows the university’s beauty alongside the freedom you cam have compared to sixth form or college. The acre holds many different purposes, some of which I have already experienced in my short time here already. The acre is a good social platform, in regards to waiting for friends before or after lessons/lectures, or on a nice warm day playing sports or sunbathing. Luckily in my time here the weather has been great for England meaning I’ve been able to use it to my advantage.” Georgia Hartley
Experience of Higher Education “Students joined the residential to become accustom to university life. During their time here; they will learn what it would be like to be an independent student for the first time. When the students first arrived, they were greeted by student ambassadors to register and collect their free hoodies and backpacks. They were then taken to their rooms to unpack. Once they had unpacked, the students were taken for lunch where they could get a free drink and food. After lunch, the students where allocated specific ambassadors who would take them on a campus tour. Once the tour was complete the students attended their work shops based on their chosen strands; followed up by some team building activities on the evening.” Charlie Firth and Ben Ibson
Q&A with student looking to come to Leeds Beckett Q) How has your time been at Leeds Beckett university been? So far I have enjoyed the experience that the university, however I felt although the days were very long which restricted us to have some down time! Q) What are you hoping to do if you choose to come to uni? Something to do with media and broadcasting as I really enjoy that sort of thing. Q) What have you gained from the Leeds Beckett camp? That uni is not for me and that an apprenticeship would be better Q) Seing as you don’t want to go to uni, would you recommend Leeds Beckett to a friend? Yes, I definitely think that the campus has great facilities which would benefit some of my friends who do in fact want to go to uni. The equipment that is available for the students to access is unbelievable and helps them create amazing pieces of work. Q) What would you recommend for next year’s residential?
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More days so that the days aren’t as long, meaning that there is more time for people to chill as the activities are tiring. However activities are entertaining and enjoyable. Ellie and Olivia
“‘Tomorrow’s Professionals’ is a great way for students from all over England to socialise away from home with other students that they have never met before. It also allows students to gain experience of independent living through been away from home and living in the university accommodations, while escaping from their parents for a whole four days. Students are therefore able to get some insight of what it is like to attend Leeds Beckett, this then enables them to see if the university life is right for them, what it is like to be away from home and defending for themselves without their parents by their sides.” Kat LEEEEDDSSSS BECKETTTTT “Leeds Beckett University is an educational institution located close within the center of Leeds. I chose to join the residential (Tomorrows Professional 2016). I came here not expecting what to do; but once I came in, everyone just seemed to get along and the tutors were immediately quite welcoming and friendly. There are great activities in place so that there is always something to do when passing time and the campus itself is situated within a great location. Activities vary such as working on personal statements to gain knowledge on preparation (for when applying for uni), or something as simple and chilled out as sitting down to watch the Simpsons. The food contains a very open choice because there’s something always suited to the needs of every individual so it was easy to find something I’d enjoy eating. I feel that anyone who’d come study here would just fit right in and feel as welcomed as I did “ Khizer
MORE THOUGHTS OF TOMORROW’S PROFESSIONALS So, 14/07/2016… “As I sit here, writing this post with the deadline at my feet, chasing me down I am reflecting over this experience so far. Many strange and new experiences have happened over this last day and a half. I’ve experienced the hectic journey into Leeds at 8 in the morning…nasty, I’ve experienced a taste of living on my own in student accommodation for the first time, and of course I’ve experienced the uni itself… oh is it good? Well I’m writing this post under high stress, in a packed classroom with 20 minutes left and I’m actually interested in the outcome of it…so what do you think? But none of this is the strangest part of it to me. Its not the journey, not the staff, not even the uni itself… it’s the sole fact that their is a person at this uni, in this country, on this planet…who has never tried a Hobnob chocolate biscuit before… and that my friend reading this is a strange thing indeed… have a nice day and enjoy your stay at Leeds Beckett.” Micheal McGee. A lover of biscuits…
The Student Of Tomorrow “One of the main reasons why I wanted to take this opportunity is because it would show me what I wanted to do as a future career. Because I’ve always had the thought of becoming a musical performer, I thought that the residential would give me a glimpse of what that career would be like. The pure essence of just living the university lifestyle was also a major pull factor for me. The experience of higher education, the social life (not to mention the free food) was what made me choose to take this opportunity. Getting to know new people and make new friends was always on my wishlist when going to university, this is possibly the most important part of the life of a uni student. if you don’t socialise, make friends or ever go out of your room, you wouldn’t get as further in life than you wanted. Education at university is a crucial point in a student’s life. The teachers make sure that you feel comfortable in the course you took and gradually befriend you faster than waking up on hectic Monday morning. Because of this, you feel the course is a lot more entertaining and makes you feel like you are progressing in what you want to pursue.” Harry Taylor
What Life Will Be Like As A Student At Leeds Beckett “One of the main reasons that I decided to come on to this residential was that I wanted to get an experience of what life could be like as a student at Leeds Beckett, and so far they haven’t disappointed. I’ve experienced living alone,also what to expect from workshops and lectures and they are not as bad as they sound. It’s clear from my short time here that it’s a very social place with very friendly people.Just from this short residential it’s clear that Leeds Beckett has a wide range of extra activities to get involved in, and only yesterday I took part in energetic yoga which I never thought I would be doing. Overall I think life as a student at Leeds Beckett would be great, allowing me to create more confidence for myself and allow me to socialize with more people,it will also allow me to get involve in things I wouldn’t normally. James Titley My Experience “When I came to the Tomorrow’s Professional Summer Residential at Leeds Beckett, I wanted to learn more about the editing and film process during the Film and Music Production course; also I wanted to see what the university life is like. It has been an amazing experience so far, I was able to meet a lot of friendly people as well as working with people who have the same interest as me. I think what I have gained from this experience so far is having a lot of confidence with working in a team as many people in my group had the same interest as me so it has been a good experience to share my ideas with other people and being able to produce a film. Victoria Lock
Being you “It takes guts to express how you feel and follow your heart when you are constantly being judged. Coming to Leeds Beckett has made me realize that you can be who you are without caring what others think. I am currently studying ICT, Drama and Music as in these subject, I can strive to achieve and believe in myself to do well. Each one of my lessons, I am achieving Distinctions in ICT and Music and also a C in Performing Arts so every time I go into a college, it gives me the chance to enjoy myself but also do well in what I enjoy and want to pursue what I want to do for the rest of my life. In the future, once I have come out of my education, I would love to continue to follow my dreams of being on stage and performing for the rest of my life. To be on stage in Musicals and Theatre makes me feel confident and in charge of the person I am; being able to entertain people and give them something to enjoy with their friends or family is just a bonus. Coming on this Residential has made me feel 100% clearer on the choices that I want to make in the future and how I want to address the things that lie ahead of me. Looking at Film and Music production has given me the opportunity to make a music clip for a film that we have produced and by doing this, it allowed me to enjoy the experience of being in a recording studio and using the facilities that were available. By using this professional equipment, it has motivated me to have some time in a studio so i can finally record a CD and start to compose and sing my own covers of songs and original songs by myself. Leah Brough
The student ambassador speaks! “As a student ambassador I have worked at many events with many different students. This is my first Tomorrow’s Professionals and it is awesome! It has been amazing to see students creating work that a university student would be proud of. It is great to see them becoming more confident in their work and being able to teach them the knowledge I have learnt from my degree. I have loved spending time with all the other student ambassadors who are like a second family! It is a fun-packed week full of events and activities everyone can enjoy! P.S Sarah is fabs” Kathryn Pegler
“I participated in the Tomorrow’s Professionals Leeds Beckett summer residential for a few reasons. The first being that it gave me a wonderful insight into university life and the path of higher education. After having only been in school for my education, I wasn’t used to being independent and being fully responsible for my learning. In this way, coming on the residential really opened my eyes and made me realise how much I would like to go to university as I’d love to have a sense of responsibility and to know that what I have produced has been solely my creation. Also, I was keen on the idea of improving my social skills by meeting new people as this is something I struggled with. Everyone was so welcoming at Leeds Beckett University and I felt that I was treated as not only a student, but part of a team. The university itself is an incredible building and I found the campus to be very picturesque. I chose to do Music and Film production because, as well as science, music is something that I am extremely passionate about. I was intrigued to find out about the facilities which would be provided and to gain a more detailed insight as to what the course would entail. I feel that it would enhance skills which I already have and that my learning, as well as continuous, would be thoroughly enjoyable.” Gabrielle Thomas Goddard
“I enjoy Performing Arts and Music, which have been my passion for many years and I would like to continue studying Music or Performing at University. I am currently a College student where I am studying Music, Performing Arts, Information Technology and English Language which are subjects which I am passionate about and I want to continue to study Music and Performing Arts in particular in the future and I wish to pursue my dreams and have a future career within these subjects.This experience has really given me the opportunity to explore the Film and Music courses at Leeds Beckett University, which is something I am interested in studying in the future. Being part of Tomorrow’s Professionals has given me an insight to life at University, which includes the courses and accommodation and I believe that this experience will really benefit me when it comes to choosing Universities in the future. Leeds Beckett has enabled me to explore the different aspects of the courses and also to look at other courses available which I didn’t know were available here at the University, which has given me an idea about what I would like to study in the future. Throughout this experience, students will meet new people, which is something I have enjoyed as I have been able to speak to people who share the same interests and goals as myself, therefore I able to speak to new people and speak to current students who are studying at Leeds Beckett who have studied the courses over the last couple of years who have experience in what it is like.” Alexandra Wood
Tomorrow’s Professionals, Exploring Today “As a year 12 who is exploring her options as too exactly what I want from a university, I aim to seize every opportunity I can that helps me do this. So when I heard about a summer school at Leeds Beckett how could I refuse. But of course I first had to explore what courses they had because what was the point if they didn’t have what I wanted to do and after looking through their prospectus, I found a film making course. Now that I knew they had the course I wanted I could apply and wait to see if I was accept. I was and now I’m here, exploring the facilities and opportunities that are available to their students. Accommodation was also at the top of my list of things I need to ask about because after all that’s where most my student loan is going. I found that there are a variety of options and got some useful advice from student ambassadors. The equipment was next on my list, after all I own very little myself and saving up for equipment takes a while, so I need to know that I can borrow any camera’s or mic’s that I need in order to get the best product possible. I’ve found that good quality camera’s are available, with a range of mic equipment that I didn’t know existed, so I’m pretty set on front. Overall I’ve found that Leeds Beckett is pretty good university and I’m looking forward too the rest of the residential.” Chloe Grocott
Communal living: For the first time “My friends and family go/have gone to university and live on campus. I have asked many questions about their experiences as I am unsure where to live whilst at uni. By going to the Tomorrow’s Professionals residential I could actually experience uni life and living within the Headingley campus. The idea of living at campus is daunting by meeting new people and being a more independent person however from the days living in Carnegie Village I have learnt more from the student ambassadors also. Living on my own means I have to become a more independent individual although I am excited by the future ahead in communal living which ever university it is. After the residential I will hopefully have a better understanding of Uni life and help me decide where I will be living whilst at university. Harry Armstrong
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Q&A Q: Jodi: What has been your favourite part of the tomorrows professionals residential so far? A: Sophie: I enjoyed most of my time here, but my favourite part was getting involved in the editing side of things and meeting all new, different people. Q: Sophie: What have you achieved from this experience and what skills have you gained? A: Jodi: I have gained more social skills, learning to communicate with different types of people. I’ve also learnt how complex the process of making a short film is. Q: Jodi: Has this residential made you consider coming to Leeds Beckett in the future? A: Sophie: This experience has definitely made me consider coming to this university, however I am still indecisive of what course I want to do. Q: Sophie: Do you now consider taking a course in the strand film or music? A: Jodi: Even though I enjoy studying film and media, I have already decided the route I want to take when I am older is teaching. Although I will always have an interest in media. Sophie & Jodi
And suddenly, new people appeared! “Hello my name is Daniel Leo Anderton, I’m from Kirkby Stephen grammar school, and I would like to do something interesting when I’m older” I say under much restraint from trying to say something mildly offensive that I find to be the tiniest bit amusing. So then I let the moment pass onto the next person so they can tell us their hopes and dreams. But something momentous has happened in the last few days that threatens my composure, that affects the very future as we know it- this occasion was the long overdue release of Pokemon go. Now, for the ordinary man/woman/person stuck on the tutorial, any tutorial, which asks “now are you a boy or a girl?”, this means nothing except a new fangled thingimibob for the youths. Yes, they are old. very old. But that matters not to the glorious race of geeks- we who have made it past all tutorial to join our nerd brethren in the fields playing video games. Whilst we frolick in actual real fields breathing actual fresh air not filtered through a window vent we transition into members of the human race again. I may actually leave my room properly for the first time in six years. I may get a girlfriend. Which would be nice. I keep seeing people with girlfriends having proper functioning relationships except for one that lasted only two days. But I guess it doesn’t really matter at all really.” Daniel Anderton
Tip #1: DO NOT think that you won’t be doing exercise. I came across plenty of situations where I needed some more forgiving clothes in terms of how far they can stretch. Tip #2: Take some ear plugs. When you take almost 300 teenagers who are most likely away from home for the first time and put them all in accommodation with their friends, things start to get a bit loud. Tip #3: Don’t go OTT with your more formal outfits because trust me when I say that nobody else has. Take whatever you feel comfortable in because at the end of the day, if you don’t feel comfortable wearing something and it turns out it’s only you that’s dressed up to the nines then you will feel miserable and that’s not fun. Tip #5: Take the basics. Whatever you normally use in your daily routine at home, take that. Just because you’re going away from home it does not mean that you need to pack everything but the kitchen sink. Tip #6: This isn’t really a packing tip, but have fun! This is a great experience, whether you come to Leeds Beckett for university after you get your results or not, it shows that you’re passionate for your course and it’s great to put on your personal statement. I’ve learnt so many things from team building skills, to leadership and social skills and I think this will really aid me in my crusade into higher education.” Erica Snowden
EDITOR’S NOTE: COPY FOR THIS PUBLICATION WAS PRODUCED IN 27 MINUTES! WELL DONE ALL!
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All I Know Now “When I first thought about packing for university, even for just this brief experience, I didn’t know where to start. Obviously, I didn’t need to go out and buy whole cupboards worth of food or bedding and decorations for my room because I was only here for four days and I wouldn’t be living here for three years as a normal student would. However, it was still a daunting thought. I didn’t know if there would be any fitness or sports activities that I would need gym clothes for (there was, and guess who didn’t pack her yoga pants?), and I had no idea how warm it would be because, as you probably already know, the weather in England is as unpredictable as our democratic outcomes, so I had to pack for every eventuality. I think it’s safe to say that I seriously over-packed. So, with that in mind, I’m here to aid you in your packing quest.
TOMORROW’S
PROFESSIONALS
This publication was brought to you by: Sarah Cooper BSc(Hons) Digital Journalism course leader s.s.cooper@leedsbeckett.ac.uk Gareth Harborne Filmmaker, photographer, and Leeds Beckett graduate Kathryn Pegler Filmmaker, photographer, and Leeds Beckett graduate And all the contributors! Thank you to the student ambassadors for your help