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News & Politics
WesternEye Oct 2011
A worthy investment?
UWE Product Design graduate shortlisted for major award
Claire Martin
> UWE Product Design graduate shortlisted for major award.
>Rise in tuition fees for the next academic year influences and affects prospective student’s decision to come to UWE >Gap year plans put on hold to avoid the rise in tuition fees
newsandpolitics@westerneye.net The day of A-Level results is tense and nerve-wracking at the best of times, with this year being no exception. Unlike the years prior to it, this academic term has become synonymous with the ‘last chance saloon’ phenomenon that has culminated in a mad rush to achieve target grades in order to avoid paying the immense £9000 fee that looms before next years’ university students. In previous years, taking a year out to either retake A-Levels, gain more work experience or even travel the world has been a common pursuit. However, unlike the former years, this year proved to be somewhat of a frantic scramble for university places as prospective students battled amongst themselves with the intention of avoiding the fee rise. Some may hold the opinion that the steep rise is worthwhile, steering universities towards the old fashioned elitist establishments that they were meant to be. However, this opinion does not take into account the fact that intelligence does not equate to wealth and it could be argued that in this century, surely everybody should be given the same opportunities regardless of wealth? According to the government, students from families with a lower household income are set to receive a larger proportion of financial help in the form of grants than they have received previously. However, it appears that the students whose family income falls just short of the payment bracket are set upon with the biggest conundrum, receiving little financial help from either the state or their families through no fault of their own. It could therefore be argued that the steep rise in tuition fees that some universities are implementing is perhaps an unfair disadvantage to such students who intend to embark on a university course next year. Whilst in 2010, gap years were commonplace, this year they seem few and far between with the pressure to attain a university place being at its pinnacle with an estimated
583,501 candidates that were said to have applied for higher education. Furthermore, the estimated total of those set to be disappointed due to lack of places has been met with a ballpark figure of around 180,000. So what is left in store for the young people who did not achieve a place? “I’m going to try and get on an apprentice scheme”, says Rosie Younger, 18. “Its so much more competitive now than it was but I know I’ve just got to give it my best shot. I was devastated when I didn’t get into university, but neither of my parents went and they’ve both managed to have successful careers.” Indeed, students currently studying for their GCSEs and A-Levels are also considering other options. WesternEye caught up with Sophie Grundy, 16, who is now looking into more practical internships and apprenticeships rather than the costly Sociology Business degree that she was planning on taking. “It’s just not worth the cost”, states Sophie. “I really wanted to go to university, not just for the degree but for the life experience that it provides, but I really don’t want to spend my whole life in debt. My sister went to university and loved every minute, but she is still in a lot of debt, and I don’t want that to be me for even longer.” Furthermore, many mature students have decided that it is essential to attend university this year, rather than putting it on the back burner. “I wanted to take another year out to save more money”, states Robert Davis, 26. “I decided to go to university last year when I sought a change of career and decided to work for two years to save up. However, the fees rising meant that I would be working even longer in a job I disliked to save up, thus I’m here now, and will end up with a loan!” As can be seen by the aforementioned comments, the rise has certainly changed many prospective students’ plans. However, while some people have clearly made drastic changes to
their future plans due to the rise in tuition fees, others are still planning on attending university despite the increase. Evidently, the increase in fees has been dramatic. According to the government however, students will have less to pay back at a time with the amount to be paid back also suspended until their income is greater. It seems then that some people still regard university as a good investment into their future and it also stands to be argued that a new government in the coming years could very well change everything again, this is however, rather unlikely. For many students who have always dreamed of going to university, the increase in fees is merely an obstacle but not necessarily a compulsory dead end. In addition to this it appears that some students will inevitably take a gap year regardless, continuing on the path to higher education next year in accordance with the government’s plans. Despite the fee increase, some students are still determined to go about their route to a degree in the same way, and for some students, a year out in work experience or getting the necessary qualifications to get into university is still on the horizon. While many people forgot the idea of a gap year as soon as the new fees were introduced, others have seemingly decided to tolerate the impending fee rise with hope that the government won’t be too harsh about the pay back in the long term, which it argues is actually fairer and more manageable. Whilst, undoubtedly, many people have been affected by this, there are clearly lots of other options for students. Apprenticeships and internships are commonplace and have been a growing popular decision for students this year, while some students are still continuing with their original plans. It has certainly been a fraught year for students and it is clearly evident that everybody on a university course at UWE and elsewhere, has done well to get in despite such a competitive environment.
Responding to the global call
>Bristol residents unite to vent their anger and frustration towards the current economic crisis
Benoit Dutilleul Responding to the global callout of the Spanish ‘indignados’ movement alongside the expanding occupations in the US, including the infamous ‘Occupy Wall Street’, and to coincide with the arrival of marches from all around Europe in Brussels, approximately 150 people converged upon College Green to kick-off ‘Occupy Bristol’ on Saturday 15 October. The occupation known as ‘Occupy Bristol’ became one of 951 other cities in 82 countries to take part in the global, historical action. The occupation lasted throughout the night containing approximately 400 people camping until Sunday
morning, following suit with the London occupation whose constituents have stated that they will stay at the site until Christmas. At approximately noon on College Green in Bristol, a small group placed a banner in the middle of the square with the slogan ‘It’s not a recession, it’s a robbery’. The crowd, which gradually amplified over time in the calm, sunny atmosphere contained citizens from both within and around Bristol and was represented by all age groups, creeds and colours. Over the course of the afternoon, many people took to the microphone and spoke through the aptly titled ‘people’s mic’.
One young lady spoke of many issues that angered her, highlighting the absurdity of NHS cuts whilst the UK wages war in Afghanistan. At around 2pm, one young man spoke to the masses, reminding participants that the occupation was in solidarity with movements and occupations around the world, especially those in the US and Spain. The aforementioned occupier suggested that people speak out to explain their personal reasons for attendance, stating that he was twenty-four years old, unemployed and currently residing with his parents. He told the audience that he has not one, but two degrees and is angry at the education system because he believes to have been “lied
...continued from front cover “I started with the problem of ‘improving the quality of life for arthritis sufferers and after a lot of hard work and research the product slowly emerged”, says Will Drake. The design brief was simply to ‘design something that solves a problem.’ However, Will’s inspiration was driven by witnessing the everyday struggles of his friend’s father who suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Paraffin wax bath
“Seeing a friend’s father really struggle with everyday life, I had no idea which direction the project would take me”, explains Will. “I was shocked at how difficult everyday tasks can be for arthritis sufferers and how we take these for granted.”
Many would agree that Will’s success is a fine example of how UWE students have achieved great feats when the correct effort and support is utilized. Will speaks out to aspiring young designers who are seeking triumph with their own products.
The unique focus of Will’s product was to improve the experience of getting up every morning with a desirable product that a sufferer wouldn’t hesitate to use, unlike the many stigmatizing, unattractive disability products that he came across during his research.
“Your friends will be out all the time and you will be stuck in the studios late. But stick at it and it will be worth it in the end”, says Will. “Just think how sweeter that pint will be when you hand in your project and you get a First. Time management is so important, and something I struggle with”.
Will’s research also took him to the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, where his product really began to take shape. “They helped me through the whole process”, states Will. “As well as validating the product, they uncovered a number of insights which influenced the final function of the product such as the movement and direction of the massage.” “The tutors at UWE have also been brilliant and it’s a testament to the standard of teaching I have received from the UWE Product Design Department. I would not have achieved it without the help of Drew Batchelor, Kurt Gauss and all the other lecturers and technicians who helped in my final year. The next and most important step for me now is to try and get the concept to market and that will be the real challenge.”
to by university in order to sign up”. His anger surely augmented by his current status. Across the proceedings and with the aid of the ‘people’s mic’ many people took to the stage to say a few words to the masses and to air their views. Citizens both young and old spoke of their anger and criticism towards bankers, political parties (especially the Con-Dem government), cuts and wars. Asking to support forthcoming strikes and struggles in the work-
“Have another activity to take your mind off work. Designers never stop thinking about work, and your mind needs a rest”, advises Will. “A lot of people told me to give up rugby in my final year but I stuck at it as I was desperate to make the first team and play at Varsity. I think having that kind of ‘motivated distraction’ kept me going. I was very lucky to see Jonathan Ive (Head of Design at Apple) and he kept saying ‘God is in the detail’, this is so true - refine your idea the best you can.” Will is currently working freelance for a Bristol student who has received a grant to develop a sex education board game, and is now in talks with an investor from London who has shown interest in developing the hand massager project further.
place, many citizens encouraged each other to speak and to talk to each other, discussing pressing issues and debating solutions. The occupation was deemed by those involved to be a great success with participants showing solidarity with other cities across the UK and around the world. Such action encourages the hope that further occupations and strikes will not only heighten their cause but also show the governments of the world that things do need to change