wlv dialogue october 09
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Welcome to the October issue of WLVdialogue.TRANSCRIPT
WLWWVLL dialogueOctober 2009 | Issue 6 | University of Wolverhampton | www.wlv.ac.uk
Gallery on track Station given new lease of creative life
learninG to excel The secret to having the X Factor
Distance learninGUniversity helps to transform education on remote island
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insideWeWW leecll occ moo emmOctober 2009 | Issue 6 | www.wlv.ac.uk
Among them were comedian Frank Skinner
and food writer and cook Nigel Slater. We
caught up with them after the ceremonies and
you can read their interviews on pages 12-15.
Elsewhere you’ll find research into child stars
and the effects of fame and find out from
our academics on page 8 what really makes
the X-Factor as the popular show takes
over Saturday nights on the small screen.
The University is supporting an interesting
education project on the remote island of St
Helena, and you can find out more on page
20. There’s also news of an unusual art venture
and graduate successes.
We hope you enjoy this latest issue of
WlVdialogue. We’re delighted to have been
shortlisted for a CIPR Pride Award in the Best
Newspaper/Magazine category. Winners will
be announced at the end of November.
If you’d like to send us your views, feedback
or comments please email:
Our next edition will be out in January
next year.
Best wishes
emma kilvert
Editor
Welcome to the October edition
of WlVdialogue.
With news of the economic
downturn still dominating, the
University is delighted to have
secured funding for a business initiative which
is helping companies in the region. Information
about the Knowledge Transfer Partnership
scheme and its benefits can be found on page
16. There are also details of the University’s
business engagement strategy outlined in an
interview with Professor Ian Oakes, our Pro
Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, on
page 18.
In addition, you can find out more about
how we’re helping graduates boost their
employment prospects and develop distinctive
attributes to help them stand out from
the crowd.
Someone who knows the importance
of investing in graduates is Ian Powell,
Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Born
in the Black Country and educated at the
University of Wolverhampton, he is one of
our most successful alumni. Read about his
achievements and ambitions on page 20.
September saw thousands of students
graduate from the University at our annual
ceremonies. It was a wonderful occasion and
the University also presented Honorary awards
to many notable figures.
contents
one
neWs aiming high – University provides help for graduates seeking employment 2
Gallery on track – Art student’s vision transforms former station 4
researcHthe price of fame – Research reveals difficulties faced by child stars 6
learning to excel – Experts share the secrets of having the ‘X Factor’ 8
ProFileraising aspirations – Q&A with Professor of Education, Mick Waters 10
GraDUation FeatUreeducating Frank – Comedian Frank Skinner on how learning changed his life 12
cooking class – Honorary award recipient Nigel Slater returns to his roots 14
BUsinessknowledge is power – £24.3 million cash injection for recession-busting scheme 16
enterprise exchange – Q&A with Pro Vice-Chancellor Ian Oakes 18
international Distance learning – University supports education on the remote island of St Helena 20
PeoPleopportunities count – Alumni Ian Powell, PricewaterhouseCooper Chairman, shares his story 22
Graduate success story – TV assistant director Gemma Wright shares her success 24
WHat’s on GUiDe Events coming up at the University 25
Learning to excel
Cooking class
Opportunities count
contents
two
Today’s graduating students
face a catch-22 situation. they
want to get a job but do not yet
have the required experience,
and cannot gain the experience
without a job.
It is a difficult situation made worse by the
current economic climate. At the University of
Wolverhampton, significant steps are being
taken to arm students with skills and attributes
to make them employable from the moment
they collect their degree scroll.
According to the National Union of Students
(NUS) 77% of students say they come to
university to enhance their career prospects
and get a job. The recession has hit all levels
of businesses and reduced the number of
jobs available. But there are signs of hope
on the horizon, especially for those who
have gained a higher education qualification.
Wolverhampton has always placed emphasis
on the importance of employability and has
added to this ethos with a number of new
initiatives to boost students’ credentials.
Dean of students, Jon elsmore,
oversees the University’s careers
and employment services.
He says: “We have a duty to provide students
with the best opportunities to get work after
they have graduated. With the class of 2009
we have gone the extra mile. We and the other
universities in the region have been active in
initiatives developed by Graduate Advantage,
which allow students to gain part and
full-time placements.”
One of the most high-profile schemes is
the West Midlands Graduate Internship
(WMGI) programme, supported by central
Government. Graduates take an unpaid work
placement with a West Midlands company, but
are still entitled to claim employment benefits,
enabling them to be able to afford to gain
the experience.
So far Wolverhampton has been successful
in placing students with large companies
including Caparo, who are looking to take up
to 30 graduates on internships.
The scheme has proved popular with
graduates, including Iyasha Arabley, who
heard about it via The Workplace at the
University. She gained a BA (Hons) Accounting
and Finance in 2009 and is completing an
internship with Caparo Testing Technologies.
“After graduating it was difficult to know where
to turn,” Iyasha says. “With the downturn in the
economic climate it was not the ideal situation
to be seeking employment.
“I have found the whole experience very helpful
and the scheme effectively matched my skills
with the employer’s needs.
“I am very excited about the placement and
I believe it will boost my chances of finding
a job.”
This positive view is reflected by employers.
John Wood, Chief Executive of Caparo
Engineering Ltd, sees the internships as a
great way of supporting new talent.
“The West Midlands Graduate Internship
scheme is an excellent initiative,” he says. “It
gives companies of all sizes the opportunity
to supplement and strengthen their resources
during this difficult period. The projects are
worthwhile in their own right, but I am also sure
the scheme will lead to permanent recruitment.
The graduates have the opportunity of real
job experience, to strengthen their CVs and to
impress potential employers.
“The University understood our needs and
is working hard to arrange suitable matches.
I recommend this excellent scheme to local
companies and graduates.”
There are also national initiatives such
as the Graduate Talent Pool, which is
regularly advertised to all students by the
University, and matches graduates with
internship opportunities.
In addition, the University secured funding
of £68,000 from the Leonardo Da Vinci
programme, an EU initiative to support
education and training, to enable students
to gain work experience abroad. Graduates
from any discipline can complete a 12-week
placement at a Dutch company, where they
will learn new skills and enhance their job
prospects. And there is also help for overseas
students through the International Student
Enrichment programme which enables them to
get work experience locally to enhance their job
prospects when they graduate.
the Wolverhampton student
Looking ahead, Wolverhampton is developing
distinctive graduate attributes to make students
stand out. These skills will be embedded into
the evolving curriculum from the point of entry
for students, with careers advisors teaching
modules about employability. This is a long-
term strategy, so even when the job market
improves graduates will be better equipped to
deal with the challenges of the world of work.
Jon Elsmore says the University is in the
process of developing three distinctive
University of Wolverhampton
Graduate Attributes:
• Digitally literate: Graduates will be
confident users of advanced technologies.
• knowledgeable and enterprising:
They will know how to critique, analyse
and apply knowledge they acquire in an
enterprising way. Graduates will constantly
nurture their own intellectual curiosity.
• Global citizens: Graduates will have
personal and professional values that help
them to lead, and take a substantial role in
their local, national and global communities.
bAiAA imii iinii HiHH hgii hhgnnUniversity gives graduates the skills to succeed
three
news
He adds: “The graduating class of 2009 are
not the only ones who are going to be affected
by the downturn. The impact will continue for
a few years to come. The whole university
is refocusing the curriculum at the moment
to embed employability in courses from the
moment students start. We are engaged with
employers and students to develop these
graduate attributes, and when our graduates
finish their programmes they will stand out as
being ready for the world of work.”
As well as placement initiatives, the University
has a number of services available to students.
The Careers and Employment Service is open
to students at any point in their course, and
this remains a resource for graduates. Those
who have moved out of easy reach of Campus
can access information via a new live chat
service and other e-guidance.
“Once our students have graduated we don’t
abandon them,” Jon says.
“Our students can get one-to-one
guidance and help with CVs and interview
techniques. Students increase their
chances dramatically by getting that
help from us.”
There has been an increase in the number
of students visiting the Career Centre at the
University. Simon Brandwood, Head of Careers
and Employment Services, says: “Students are
saying there are not many opportunities out
there, because of the bleak picture portrayed
by the media. But in times of recession, there
are always other opportunities, and that is
what our staff are telling them.
“We advise them to apply for things and get
themselves known, and there is a range of
full and part-time placements and voluntary
work they can do. They really need to get work
experience and the new schemes for voluntary
internships allow students to get a foot on
the ladder.
“Companies are particularly looking for
internships in marketing and business
development as they need to attract
new business.”
In 2008, the Destinations of Leavers from
Higher Education survey found that 91% of
University of Wolverhampton graduates were
in employment or further education or training.
Jon Elsmore is realistic about the figures for
2009, given the national picture.
“What we don’t yet know is how the graduate
class of 2009 is going to fare, but it is
important to us and our students that we
maintain a high percentage.
“There are still jobs out there. It is just that now
the field is increasingly competitive. And it is
important for graduates to remember that their
first job may not be their perfect job, but it is
a start.”
And there is always the opportunity to stay at
university, and enrol for a postgraduate course
to boost skills even further, an option taken up
by many students.
So the future does look bright for
Wolverhampton graduates wishing to grab the
various opportunities available to them and
shine out in a crowd.
Employers, students and recent graduates can
find out more by contacting the The Workplace
at the University on tel: 01902 323400
Or email: [email protected]
Web: www.wlv.ac.uk/careers
four
The historic low level train
station in Wolverhampton closed
in 1972. With the progression
of electrification work on lines
across the region, services to
the once-thriving station had gradually
been reduced.
Since then it has remained empty. Over the
years, there were several proposals for the
redevelopment of the site, including a Chinese
restaurant, casino and even a plan to convert it
into a transport museum. None of these came
to fruition, despite a recent two-year
restoration project.
Now, over 150 years after it first opened, the
Victorian building has been given a remarkable
new lease of life thanks to a Fine Arts student
with a vision.
Antoinette Allyne has transformed the former
station into a public art gallery, the Volte,
and has been overwhelmed by the positive
response she has received.
Through word of mouth, she ended up with 54
exhibitors for the opening last month – and a
waiting list of over 150 for future exhibitions.
The old station provides a striking setting for
the displays of textiles, paintings, illustrations
and digital installations, which have all captured
the imagination of the public. A local florist even
supplied specially-created floral art.
The seeds for the project were sown during the
51-year-old’s studies at the University’s School
of Art & Design.
“I did an exhibition module in my second year.
I got a real buzz out of it and absolutely loved
it,” says Antoinette. “I just had this idea that I
wanted to create, curate and direct a gallery.
“I wanted a challenge and started looking for
venues all around Wolverhampton. It’s amazing
how everything has taken off.”
Antoinette put together a proposal and
contacted the developers, Oswin, who were
behind the restoration of the landmark site,
which still houses a section of the original
Brunel train track.
A year-long lease has been signed for the new
makeshift gallery, but bosses are not
charging rent.
“I’m just so pleased they had the vision
and gave me the support,” says Antoinette,
“I couldn’t believe this massive blue-brick
building had just been standing there.
I used to go for walks around the city with my
sons when they were younger and I remember
walking near the train tracks and seeing the old
building. Even then, I thought it was beautiful.”
As her project has grown, Antoinette,
who is from Islington originally but made
Wolverhampton her home 20 years ago, is
now spending a year out working on it, with
the full support of the University. She will return
to her studies full-time next year.
“The University has been amazing,” she says.
“I have had so much encouragement.”
GaGG laalll oyell ryyee noo araakcaakktrrtrack
news
five
It has become a real team effort with staff and
students helping with everything from printing
and designing flyers and posters to
taking photographs.
“It really has brought together so many
people,” she says. “There is no selection
process for artists who want to display their
work, and no commission on any work sold.
“I just wanted to gather together artists,
regardless of their background. It’s just
been wonderful; all these people with a
common interest.”
She is full of enthusiasm and plans to organise
a new exhibition every couple of months.
“Since starting my course, I haven’t looked
back.” Her son had graduated with First Class
Honours from the University of Wolverhampton
and encouraged her to pursue her artistic
dreams and sign up for a course. Antoinette
was not daunted by the prospect as she has
always enjoyed studying.
She made a seamless transition from a mum
who loved knitting and being creative into a
full-time mature student.
Now, she is excited about her role as gallery
curator and exhibition organiser.
“I can’t believe where my studies have taken
me,” she says. “I feel like it’s opened up a
magical box.”
the next exhibition will be on display from
october 30 to november 30. the gallery
is open from 10am-8pm Monday to Friday
and from 10am-4pm on saturdays.
For more information call Antoinette on tel:
0779 4459330.
Pho
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ThTT ehh p crppiccrr ecc o ffoo aff emaa eeof fame
There is a huge power impressed upon these
children. In my PhD thesis, I linked this to Carl
Jung’s theory of the child archetype which
suggests all human beings have the need to tell
similar stories and one is the story of wonderful
children, such as Hercules and Merlin.
“In contemporary Western culture, the
manifestation of this is the ‘child star’. There
is a need to have a child to symbolise all that
is good, beautiful and innocent. They become
public property and we project a lot of our
desires of what is good on these children.”
But Jane says when you look at the experience
of these children in the limelight, things start
to unravel. They suddenly have power usually
associated with being an adult.
“Childhood is a private space, when you are
not economically active and do not have a
professional persona, but child stars transgress
those boundaries. They are, in some cases,
supporting their family, and are open to the
same mud-slinging aimed at all celebrities.
They are outside the protective boundaries of
childhood and that can be very damaging to the
emerging identity of the individual.”
Another recurrent refrain from child stars is that
they ‘just wanted to be normal’.
“Children hate to feel different and left out of
whatever their peers are doing. They say that
they wanted to be in show business when a
child, but did not understand the implications
for the rest of their lives of having a famous face
or a recognisable name.”
But the people who would have some idea
of the potential implications of fame are the
parents, and they are often characterised as the
stereotypical pushy mum or dad.
Dr O’Connor continues: “Parents are often
defensive about being accused of being a
pushy parent. For example Charlotte Church’s
mother said her daughter wanted to be a
singer and she just wanted to help her. It is the
ubiquitous line of defence, but parents have to
enable children to be involved in
show business.”
Charlotte Church is a good example of a
so-called rebellion against the media image of
the perfect, innocent child. Known as having
‘the voice of an angel’, the young Welsh star
sang classical and religious songs and was
adored. But when she became a teenager, she
rebelled against the angelic image, was pictured
smoking and was often portrayed by the media
as enjoying a party lifestyle before she settled
down and had children. But it is hard to see
what the TV presenter did as being
particularly extreme.
Jane, who joined the University in 2007 and
teaches a module on children in the media,
says: “We expect these children to be special
and they disappoint – by just being normal.
We project symbolic significance on them,
embodying hope and goodness, and then they
turn out to be a normal teenager.”
There are more opportunities than ever before
for children to step into the limelight, with
reality shows such Britain’s Got Talent allowing
youngsters to audition. In the latest series, a
child burst into tears on stage, raising questions
about whether children should be protected
from the pressures of stardom. Jane says our
dominant ideal about children is they should
be protected from the demands of adulthood,
but the child star seems to fall outside of that.
It is generally illegal for children to be taken out
of school to work – except if they are shooting
a film or performing in the theatre. There are
safeguards in place for child actors regarding
the hours they work and that they must be
suitably chaperoned, but these laws date from
the 1960s. There are calls from some quarters
to review these policies.
A common problem for child stars is eating
disorders. One half of the Olsen twins, Mary-
Kate, had a high profile battle with anorexia, as
did 1970s star Lena Zavaroni, from Opportunity
Knocks, who tragically died from the disorder.
Dr O’Connor says there is value placed on
looking cute, but adolescents do not always
have that same power. She also identifies a
phrase associated with child stars that they are
a ‘has been at 10’ which is a lot to cope with if
you are starting to become an adult. This may
explain why some stars such as Home Alone
actor Macaulay Culkin, marry at a relatively
young age.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel for
the current crop of child stars, including the
11,000 youngsters who have appeared in the
Harry Potter films. One of the most iconic child
stars, Shirley Temple, went on to become a UN
ambassador. For Jane, one of the key insulating
effects for the child star is to have another string
to their bow. Emma Watson, the actress who
plays Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter
films, was recently pictured heading off to
America to start studying at Brown University.
And Jane O’Connor says that one suspects the
actress will be fine, suggesting there is life after
childhood stardom.
seven
research
When pop legend Michael
Jackson died earlier this
year, newspapers, websites
and tV screens were filled
with images from every
stage of the singer’s life.
Journalists pawed over his 45 years in the
limelight, from the early days performing on
stage with his brothers in the Jackson 5 to the
worldwide success of albums, right through to
the latter years characterised by controversy
surrounding his relationship with children.
Jackson, who performed from the age of five,
is one example of a child star who grew up in
the full glare of publicity and had a number of
personal issues.
Dr Jane O’Connor is an expert in child stars at
the University of Wolverhampton’s School of
Education. The Senior Lecturer in Childhood
and Family Studies says Jackson was one of a
number of child stars who have spoken about
not having a childhood due to the demands of
the show business lifestyle.
“Michael Jackson described himself as the
Peter Pan of pop and said he did not have a
childhood so relived that time as an adult. This
reinforces the idea that childhood is a special
time that cannot repeat and if you miss it, then
there can be a lot of problems with the
adult identity.”
There is a dominant idea that there is a
curse surrounding child stars. They are often
described as having ‘too much too young’
or being ‘scarred for life’ by success, ending
up as drug addicts, alcoholics or anorexics.
While some have gone on to have a stable
and successful career as an adult, such as
actress Jodie Foster, there are many high
profile examples of stars who have had public
meltdowns before they hit their 20s. Jane cites
Drew Barrymore as an example of a star who
had the public problems associated with fame
at a young age, such as drug addiction and
alcoholism. The actress entered rehab twice
before she turned 14, but came through the
other side and built a successful adult career.
But where does the interest around child
stars come from? In her book, The Cultural
Significance of the Child Star, Jane says the
phenomenon of a ‘wonder child’ is nothing new.
“Having a few children in every society that are
adored is a universal human feature. If you look
at ancient civilisations and legends there are
always stories of wonder children.
For some people, standing in front
of an audience of thousands
and singing a few lines of your
favourite tune is the stuff
of nightmares.
For other talented – and not so talented –
people, this is living the dream. The X Factor
is undeniably one of the most popular shows
on our television screens, attracting millions of
viewers each week. But what do performers
experience when they step on stage and
has the show skewed music students’
understanding and expectations of this
competitive industry?
Steve Cooper is Senior Lecturer in Popular
Music at the University of Wolverhampton’s
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure.
He is also an extremely experienced musician
himself, having appeared alongside the likes of
Robert Plant and Lionel Richie. To get on the
BA (Hons) Popular Music course, prospective
students have to audition.
“Students think it will be like the X Factor but it
is not like that at all. It is much more personal.
Some say they are worried, but we are not
trying to put them in an awkward spot, we are
just trying to make sure they have skills we can
work with,” Steve explains.
But the live performance experience is not
something that every singer or musician can
cope with, demonstrated by the number of
contestants who forget the words or say they
can perform their song “much better
than that”.
“When you see less experienced performers it
is easy to see how stressful the performance
situation can be. The X Factor puts people
who are generally not experienced in situations
where you require a lot of experience to
draw on.
“It is well documented that nerves can hold
you back in a performance situation. One of
the things you can try to do is work out what a
performance will take out of you. For example,
if you can perform a piece so it is 90% right in
a practice situation then you are almost there.
But when you are on stage, you can lose
about 20% in terms of nerves, which means it
will only be about 70% right in front of people –
and The X Factor exposes that,” Steve says.
Another skill tested by Simon Cowell and his
fellow judges Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and
Dannii Minogue is the ability to shine in a very
short amount of time. Contestants have no
more than two minutes to perform for the
judges, but must wow them in the first
few seconds.
“It shows that it is about the preparation
you put in beforehand. There are so many
distractions in the room – the sounds will
be different or you may look at an audience
member and catch their eye and then find you
are lost, and it is about knowing how to deal
with that. The more confident and experienced
you are, the less likely you are to slip into
those habits.
“With our students we try to teach them
performance is about preparation and knowing
what to expect. If you are going to be nervous
then you have to face it and think of ways of
minimising that. We encourage them to think
of exercises they can do or things they can
focus on.
“Performance does not come naturally to a lot
of people. The most successful performers are
the ones who communicate what they mean
and feel through their performance. It is not
always about leaping around, but something
that connects with the audience.”
Another talent show, BBC’s Strictly Comes
Dancing, partners celebrities with professional
dancers and tasks them with performing new
routines each week.
Sportsmen and women have done well over
the previous six series of the show, possibly
because they are more accustomed to
competition or are more co-ordinated. But
Dr Matthew Wyon, Reader in Performance
Science, says that dance is still a very different
skill from sport.
“Success in sport is easy to monitor; basically
you have to either run faster, jump higher or
score more goals than your opponents. But in
dance and other arts, success is determined
by the audience’s subjective view of your
performance. You might have performed
out of your skin, but if the audience doesn’t
like it, have you really succeeded? The main
difference is about entertainment, dance is
there primarily to entertain whilst in sport it is
to conquer.”
What is the x Factor?
One of Steve’s students, Treyc Cohen, made it
through to the last 24 contestants of this year’s
series of the X Factor, before mentor Simon
Cowell revealed she was not going through to
the live shows. Steve, who has worked with
former contestants Journey South, Ben Mills
and Brenda Edwards, says that of all the very
talented students he has encountered, Treyc
was the one he would have guessed would do
well on the X Factor.
“She has a great voice and a great personality
and I knew she would do well. I think she will
be able to build on the experience, particularly
locally. She will be able to use the contacts she
has made and the promotion the show has
given her to expand her horizons.”
There are many critics of shows like the X
Factor, but Steve says it is good as it creates
jobs for musicians. But it does give the illusion
of instant success, whereas many musicians
and singers have to work extremely hard for
years before gaining recognition, money
or fame.
eight
Experts reveal the key to having the X factor
LeLL aee raanrr ninnnngnn t eXee cXXecc leeott
“In reality, it is very small steps rather than one
big rush of success – but that is the nature
of the show. It takes you from zero to hero in
eight weeks rather than slowly and steadily
building up contacts and seeing how
that develops.
“Having the X Factor is about having the whole
package. You have to look right, particularly
in the live shows – they probably spend more
time on the styling than the vocal coaching.
It also helps to have a back story as well and
they seem to have to come up with something
more extraordinary each year.
“But I would say if you can make a career in
the music industry then you have the X Factor.”
For dance science expert Dr Matt Wyon,
having the right body for the particular dance
genre is important, as is possessing an
underlying talent.
“Dance is about visual aesthetics. You find
there are people who are technically good and
then there is someone who is awesome. Often
the X Factor is something underlying, that has
come together in one person. It is about being
technically great and being able to interpret
the technique to make it look beautiful. For
example ballroom dancers perform smooth
movements and make it look effortless – even
though it may be hurting them and be hard – it
is a look rather than a reality.”
Students are encouraged to have an
entrepreneurial outlook during their studies,
and Matt says many go on to have their
own dance schools. Steve Cooper adds
the Popular Music degree is evolving to
further embed a career focus in the course.
Employability is one of the strands of the
degree, providing students with an awareness
of what it means to be self employed.
research
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This is supported by a technological aspect,
with students being shown how to build their
own website, as it is now expected that all
musicians will have an online presence.
And what last piece of advice can Steve offer
the budding stars hoping to follow in the
footsteps of Leona Lewis, Girls Aloud and
JLS? As with many things in life, the reality is
hard work and determination to succeed.
“Be patient and never say no to anything. If
someone asks you to do something for free in
a church hall, then do it. You never know who
you will meet.”
aspirations
Mick Waters was
recently appointed as
Professor of education
at the University of
Wolverhampton. He
works with the Black
country children’s services improvement
Partnership in raising aspirations and
influencing teaching and learning for
children and young people in the region
through initiatives such as the Black
country challenge.
He was previously Director of Curriculum at the
Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA)
and took a lead role in national reviews and
helping schools to rethink their approach to
curriculum design. Before that, Mick was Chief
Education Officer for the City of Manchester
and worked in Birmingham Local Education
Authority as Chief Adviser.
What does your work at the University of
Wolverhampton involve?
My role involves working with partners to
raise aspirations in the community and the
leadership of schools, through the Black
Country Partnership and Black Country
Challenge. I am also hoping to help on the
Initial Teacher Training programmes and
possibly get involved in the research profile of
the University.
What do you enjoy most about the role
and find most rewarding?
I have been impressed by the enormous
professionalism and energy of the people in
the Education Partnerships team. They are
absolutely committed to making things better
for young people in the Black Country. I have
been in to some schools in the area and have
been impressed by the efforts being made to
give youngsters better life chances and provide
a rich and rewarding education. I have also got
to know a little of the University and recognise
what an important asset it is to the local
community and the tremendous depths and
strengths of the academic Schools.
ten
RaRR iaasii gissnggii AsAA epss eereearr itaaiioii noo snn
profile
What is your greatest professional
achievement?
In my career I have been around the education
block a few times! I have been Director of
Curriculum at the Qualifications and Curriculum
Authority (QCA) and I have had significant posts
in two of the biggest education authorities.
Some people would think my biggest
achievement is getting people to think afresh
about the curriculum at QCA, and some would
think it is school improvements in big cities.
I think it is probably maintaining professional
optimism and challenge in every job that I do
and keeping young people at the heart of
our work.
you work with the Black country
challenge – why do you think it is
important for universities to work with
schools in the region?
Good universities are a central part of the
community they share. They influence the belief
of people in their own community and they
influence the local economy. The University of
Wolverhampton is working incredibly hard to
help people who live in the region understand
the value of education and gain the most they
can from it throughout the rest of their lives. It
is natural that the University should be a key
player in the Black Country Challenge and
one of the key things it can do is help local
and national businesses understand the role
they can play. The University has a key role in
informing regeneration and strategic thinking as
part of the renaissance of the Black Country.
What are the major challenges facing the
education sector today?
The challenge is helping young people to see
that we have got to work together to create
a better world and that they can develop the
skills and the desire to make a difference. If
we want a better world children need greater
skills and better understanding than they have
ever had before. This is difficult when people’s
perception of schools are often planted in
the past. We need modern schooling with a
forward looking outlook to prepare children for
their futures.
How do you think curriculum reforms
have helped children to increase their
opportunities for the future?
What happens to policy at a national level
is not as important as where learning meets
the child in a school. Discussion about
curriculum reforms helps people to think about
the fundamental aims for learning and what
children need in a developing society. A lot of
people think curriculum reform is about which
artist, poet or battle children should learn
about when really we need to think about the
importance of art or history to society and to a
better world and the benefits of these subjects
to the individuals themselves.
What are the key factors for making
education attractive and interesting for
children and young people?
All learners need to see learning as a natural
activity. Just look at older people in art galleries,
museums, parks and historic houses. They
just want to find out more and understand
more. Schools need to build on the natural
inquisitiveness of people and help youngsters
see why learning matters. Learning is not
always easy and we have to work at it, but
overall children learn more when they are
engrossed, when there is a real purpose and
when there is an audience that matters
to them.
if you were at University today, what
subject would you like to study
or research?
That is the sort of question we should be
asking children from the age of about eight
years onwards, so they gradually understand
that university and the range of opportunities
to study are enormous. I might like to study
the history of art, or physics or psychology. In
the end I think I would end up in the School of
Education trying to find the answers to some of
the things about learning that still perplex me.
Which famous people do you admire
and why?
I like pioneers. Christian Barnard carried out the
first heart transplant amid criticism of his ethics
and 40 years later millions of people across the
world have benefited. I like unsung heroes like
Colin Murdoch who invented the disposable
syringe and the animal tranquiliser dart or
Ray Rowe who came up with the first mini
roundabout. I like people who create beauty
like Jane Wernick who helped design the
London Eye and the aerial walkway at Kew.
Do you have ambitions you still wish
to fulfil?
I have never really had ambitions but I have
always had belief and passion for learning
things. I am a realist and know things will never
be perfect, but that is not a reason for not
making the best of whatever you are trying to
do. I’d like to be able to play the piano though!
eleven
“If we want a better world children need greater skills and better understanding than before”
twelve
Trying to keep a classroom full
of noisy children or teenagers
enthused may not seem the
obvious launch-pad for a
successful career in stand-up
comedy. But for Frank skinner, school
was the perfect place to debut his
material – both as a child and an adult.
“I loved school – too much probably. At
school I was already working as a stand-up
comedian,” he says.
Frank is a great believer in the importance
of education, and describes gaining his
own degree in English from Birmingham
Polytechnic as the “biggest change” in his life.
So returning to a higher education setting to
receive an Honorary degree from the University
of Wolverhampton was both an honour and
familiar territory for Frank. At the graduation
ceremony this September, he told students
and their families that education had opened
up a whole new world of possibilities for him.
“I am a big fan of education. It really changed
my life getting a degree – for the first
time in my life I felt like I had achieved
something special.”
Life could have taken a very different direction
for the comedian, who left school and worked
in a factory before realising it wasn’t the path
for him.
“Growing up in Oldbury and Smethwick, I
thought my destiny was to leave school and
work in a factory until I died, but education
opened up another life a lot more than being
on telly did.
“It was the biggest change in my life – even
more than the fame thing. I really felt my
head expand.”
He admits he first read a book when he was
21, but went on to develop a real love of
literature, including the poetry of Wordsworth,
Tennyson and Gerard Manley Hopkins. Frank
has gone on to become an author himself,
publishing his first book, Frank Skinner,
which became the top selling entertainment
autobiography of 2002, and his latest book
Frank Skinner On The Road, winner of a
Richard and Judy Book Club Award.
After also studying a Masters degree in English
at the University of Warwick, he became a
lecturer in English at Halesowen College, whilst
also doing stand-up comedy as a side-line.
But he remembers again using the classroom
as a platform for his comedy too.
“As a teacher I was a pretty good stand-up
comedian – at the end of the day, it was an
audience. I am a great admirer of teachers – it
is an amazing job. To get through to someone
as a teacher is incredible,” he says.
After four years as a teacher, he left to become
a comedian full-time, and the rest, as they say,
is history. He performed his first stand-up gig in
December 1987 and four years later went on
to win the prestigious Perrier Award. During the
mid 90s Frank sold-out two massive UK tours.
He also established himself as a leading name
in television entertainment, going on to star in
a succession of hit comedy shows, including
Fantasy Football, The Frank Skinner Show,
and Baddiel and Skinner Unplanned at the
Edinburgh Festival.
His prolific career has also seen him attain
three number one hits with the football anthem
‘Three Lions’, alongside David Baddiel and The
Lightning Seeds and star in the hit West End
show Art in 1999. Frank returned to live stand-
up in 2007 and his third tour sold-out 69 dates
across the UK.
Frank Skinner’s Credit Crunch Cabaret
resumed its West End residency, for its third
extension, on October 12 and Frank Skinner
– The Ultimate Collection will be released this
autumn on DVD.
His latest book, Frank Skinner On The Road,
explores his stand-up comeback; from how
an act is put together to the terrors and joys
of trying to make a live audience laugh night
after night and the nature of comedy itself. At
the graduation ceremony, Frank presented a
comedy award to two drama students from
the University’s School of Sport, Performing
Arts and Leisure who are launching their own
career in comedy. The double act, Sami and
Tilly, gained genuine stand-up experience
while studying at the University, and Frank
recognises the value of being able to test
material in friendly surroundings.
He says: “You cannot teach comedy, but
you can teach funny people to be stand-up
comedians. There are a lot of funny people
who start off doing it and it can be pretty
horrible and not everybody gets through it. But
a course like the one here gives them a chance
to get the horrible stuff out of the way in the
company of friends.”
Frank described receiving the honorary
award as “a great honour” and wearing his
red and gold gown and black cap after filling
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre with laughter
as he collected his award, Frank is still
singing the praises of gaining a higher
education degree.
“Doing a degree made me a human being. It
gave me an analytical mind and I don’t think I
would have found comedy as easy if I had not
done that degree. The actual skills I had gained
applied to all sorts of other things in my life.”
For more information on all Frank’s projects
visit: www.frankskinnerlive.com
EdEEudd cuu iacc tiiaa nii gnn rFrr nknnarr nnFrank Skinner is one of the biggest names in British comedy. In September he returned to his Black Country roots to receive an honorary degree from the University of Wolverhampton in recognition of his contribution to comedy, particularly stand-up.
thirteen
feature
fourteen
Nigel slater’s recent BBc show
simple suppers took everyday
ingredients, including leftovers,
and turned them into tempting
but easy to accomplish meals.
The classic cook’s back to basics approach
shows that a great dish doesn’t have to be
complicated. While many modern chefs strive
to create unusual new flavour combinations,
Nigel firmly believes tried and tested always
works best.
“I think every recipe has been imagined,” he
says. “We are now going back on ourselves.
“For me, cookery writing is about what you
know and are comfortable with, but putting
a slightly different slant on it. I think very
traditionally about cooking; I’ve never done the
wacky stuff.”
Nigel was brought up in Wolverhampton and
was delighted to receive an Honorary Degree
of Doctor of Letters from the University’s
School of Sport, Performing Arts and Leisure in
recognition of his many achievements.
Accepting his award at the Grand Theatre,
where he fondly remembers watching
the annual pantomime as a child, he told
graduates: “Don’t limit your horizons.”
He thanked his junior school teacher Philip
Staley for inspiring his love of words and said:
“He encouraged me to understand the joy of
words on the page, both reading them and,
later, writing them.”
Nigel began cooking at an early age and it was
his careers teacher who suggested he pursue
it as a vocation.
“I remember him looking at my results and
saying: ‘Have you ever thought about going
into catering?’.”
He adds: “Catering was what you did if you
were not very academically well off. The
thinking was that you would always have a job
and you’ll always eat. It was very different
back then.”
He worked in various restaurants from the age
of 16 before moving to London, becoming a
recipe tester and a cook for food photography.
In 1988, he joined Marie Claire magazine as
the food editor and by 1993 he was writing
about food in a column for the Observer’s Life
magazine. He became the principal writer for
the Observer Food Monthly supplement and
his first book, Real Fast Food, sold over a
million copies.
Yet he insists much of his career has been a
“happy accident”.
“It’s the most extraordinary thing,” he says.
“It’s so easy to go through life saying you can’t
do something, but really you can.
“When you say ‘yes’ to things, life becomes
easier. I thought I couldn’t write a book, but I
got pushed and we came up with the idea for
Real Fast Food.”
He remembers Mr Staley encouraging him to
write when he was at Woodfield Avenue Junior
School in Wolverhampton.
“He was very important to me because he
got me reading and writing. I was practically
allergic to poetry before he came along.”
The teacher must have spotted some star
potential in Nigel which made him hold on
to his work. Just two years ago, he sent his
former pupil a package with an essay he had
written about a cat and a drawing he had done
of his house.
“I was so thrilled to get it; it was a joy to
receive,” he says.
Mr Staley was also there for Nigel when, aged
just nine, his mother passed away.
“When my mother died, he was the teacher
who had to deal with the stuff teachers don’t
think they’ll have to deal with when they go into
it. His support was incredible.
“I remember turning up for school not in
uniform because my dad didn’t know how to
do the washing.” Mr Staley just took him to
one side and explained that he understood but
that it would have to be sorted out soon.
Nigel has written movingly of growing up
in Wolverhampton in his frank, bestselling
autobiography Toast: The Story of a Boy’s
Hunger, which focuses on his love of food, his
childhood and his family relationships.
While he thought his mother disliked cooking,
he has since realised it was her illness taking
its toll and that she was trying to protect him
from the truth.
Wolverhampton-born Nigel Slater, cook, author, columnist and broadcaster, returned to the city to be presented with his honorary degree. He tells WLVdialogue about his remarkable career and memories of growing up in the city.
CoCCooo koo gikknggii ClCC ssssaCllCCCC ss
fifteen
feature
“Mum was a family cook. I thought she didn’t
like cooking but I didn’t know she was very
poorly and it was exhausting for her.”
He rarely returns to Wolverhampton but he and
his brother came back to the city a few years
ago when their last remaining relative
there died.
“We went to look at our old house. It was
exactly the same, even with the same
privet hedge.”
They didn’t feel they could ask to go in but
some time later the owners got in touch and
invited him to come and look round. He did
this as part of a TV show, ‘Eating With...’,
tracing his childhood and examining how food
changed his life.
Relishing the opportunity to revisit his old
home, he was astounded that the cupboards
his father had made were still there in tact,
more than 30 years later. The memories came
flooding back.
“It was a place that had been very happy but
became very sad after my mother died,” he
says. “That doesn’t mean my memories of
Wolverhampton are sad. As you get older it’s
the good bits you remember most; all the bad
stuff goes into one lump and doesn’t really
matter any more.”
Nigel considers himself lucky to have a career
he enjoys so much and still loves writing
his Observer column. He said receiving his
honorary award was: “the icing on my
little cake”.
He modestly maintains that he is an amateur
cook but the phenomenal success of his
books means his place in the nation’s kitchens
should never be underestimated.
As the University’s new semester is underway,
some students may be faced with the prospect
of cooking for the first time. For them, or
anyone who doesn’t know their pots from their
pans, Nigel dispenses this advice:
“Stick a chicken in the oven. It really can’t go
wrong and you can use the leftover bones to
make soup afterwards.”
True to the ethos of the simple suppers
which are the trademark of this traditional but
inspirational cook.
For more information on Nigel’s work visit:
www.nigelslater.com
“For me, cookery writing is about what you know and are comfortable with, but putting a slightly different slant on it.”
sixteen
is powerKnKKonn woo dlwweddll gdd egg
removing barriers to success and offering
targeted support to unlock new potential in
existing and new technologies.
“Universities and business working together
through partnerships such as this can benefit
the economy of the West Midlands.”
A KTP serves to meet a core strategic need
and to identify innovative solutions to help
that business grow. KTP is proven to deliver
significant increased profitability for business
partners through improved quality and
operations, increased sales and access to
new markets.
The companies involved benefit from the skills
of a graduate who will work on a core project,
supported by an academic mentor. They will
also have access to all resources available at
the university.
The initiative enables companies in the region
to remain competitive and gives graduates an
opportunity to launch their careers.
The benefits of KTPs are clear from the
testimonials of participants and the increased
profits of the companies involved. Linking
academia and business is vital for future
success.
Businesses aware of the initiative are starting to
look ahead, beyond the challenging economic
climate. One construction company has
recently taken on a KTP graduate, despite
difficult times in the industry, in order to plan to
meet the demand once the country starts to
come out of the recession.
Already top in the Midlands for the number
of KTPs delivered and second nationally, the
University of Wolverhampton is ideally placed to
drive forward the regional development of the
initiative.
The University will take the lead in establishing
partnerships, transferring knowledge and
building the capabilities of local companies.
The consortium will work together in hitting
Knowledge Transfer Partnership targets both
regionally and nationally.
Wolverhampton will also develop and lead a
regional marketing campaign to promote the
benefits to business of working with their
local University.
Marc Fleetham, the University of
Wolverhampton’s Regional KTP Manager, is
looking forward to building on the successful
existing work.
“The award of this contract is a boost to the
region’s economy and to the University. The
increase in Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
from the current position of 70 to over 200
will embed the skills and knowledge of West
Midlands universities into companies enabling
them to face the challenges ahead due to the
current economic downturn.”
Any companies who want to find out more
should call: 0800 068 5023.
Difficult financial times in recent
months have led to a downturn
in business and a tougher
jobs market.
But the University of
Wolverhampton‘s success in the Knowledge
Transfer Partnerships (KTP) initiative is proving
to be a recession-buster, helping both business
and graduates.
A £24.3 million cash injection is now set to
increase its activities even further and help
secure a future for firms across the Midlands.
Wolverhampton will lead a consortium of
12 regional universities who will work with
companies on projects to increase their
competitiveness, productivity, performance and
ultimately safeguard jobs.
The funding, from Advantage West Midlands,
the European Regional Development Fund and
the Technology Strategy Board, will enable
regional KTPs to increase threefold. It is part
of £40 million support to help stimulate and
increase levels of innovation in small and
medium sized businesses across the
West Midlands.
The money is being invested in seven
‘Solutions for Business’ products – the
Government’s suite of public funded business
support products – which help businesses to
develop their innovative capacity.
Pat McFadden, Minister for Business,
Innovation and Skills and MP for
Wolverhampton South East, believes the
investment will make a huge difference to the
region and has stressed the importance of links
with higher education.
He says: “It brings universities and business
together, which is very important in shaping our
industrial future.
“To succeed in this hi-tech, low-carbon
economy of the future, to drive growth and
to secure more high-value jobs in the UK, we
need to create the best possible conditions in
which UK businesses can thrive;
seventeen
business
ktP FactFile• KTPisaUK-wideprogrammewhich
aims to help businesses to improve their
competitiveness and productivity through
the better use of knowledge, technology
and skills.
• Thefundingannouncementmeansthe
number of partnerships in the region
should treble from 70 to 210 over the next
three years.
• KTPscanvaryinlengthfromonetothree
years (Classic KTP) and from 10-40 weeks
(Shorter KTP) depending on the needs of
the business and desired outcomes.
• Onaverage,participatingbusinesses
can expect to increase annual profits by
around £227,000 before tax.
• TheUniversityofWolverhamptoncurrently
manages 31 Classic KTPs and seven
Shorter KTPs.
• TheKTPRegionalProgrammeispart-
funded by Advantage West Midlands, the
European Regional Development Fund and
the Technology Strategy Board.
eighteen
By doing so, we will create a more enterprising
culture across the University, have a positive
impact on industry, business and the
community and create a financial surplus for
the University.
What is the key to successful university-
business collaboration?
A University-wide business engagement model
with a clear, coherent and consistent product
offering in the market place with strong
linkages between these activities and
research and teaching within the University,
generating benefit to staff, students
and business partners.
How important is the University’s role in
supporting and regenerating the
regional economy?
Universities are considered to be a primary
source of the most valuable assets in the
knowledge economy, namely educated people
and new ideas. They generate new knowledge,
absorb knowledge created elsewhere and
diffuse knowledge into the economy.
Knowledge and skills transfer between
universities and business is now recognised
as being strategically important to regional
economies. Universities are now considered
to have a role to play in fostering growth,
establishing new companies, working
with existing companies in applying new
technologies, as well as increasing the
professional and technical skills levels of
the workforce.
The University of Wolverhampton is a major
provider of Knowledge Transfer activities for
business and the wider community both in the
region and elsewhere.
In addition, the University is engaged in
promoting innovation and enterprise in
the Black Country, Telford and Wrekin and
Shropshire. The University also has a number
of centres and institutions that provide services
to individuals and businesses for high level
skills development, business incubation and
start-up including; a Continuing Professional
Development company (i-CD Ltd), an ICT
business incubator (e-Innovation Centre),
a Creative Industries incubator (SP/ARK),
a Student Placements programme for
Entrepreneurs in Education (SPEED) and an
Institute for Innovation and Enterprise.
What do you feel are the main challenges
in your area at present?
Regional and local funding streams will
alter substantially in the future, partly due
to the recession and partly due to changing
Government priorities. The role of the Regional
Development Agency is expected to change
with more responsibility and funding being
delivered to the local authorities.
In the past, the University of Wolverhampton
has been particularly successful in attracting
funding, both revenue and capital, from the
RDA, Advantage West Midlands (AWM) and
Government Office West Midlands (GOWM).
However, there has been little engagement
with local authorities. Funding from Advantage
West Midlands for new developments in the
future is likely to be severely restricted following
public sector funding cuts with the majority
of funding available being allocated to those
projects already in progress.
What do you feel has been your greatest
personal achievement?
I hope this is yet to come.
The University of Wolverhampton
has a successful track record in
research and enterprise. How do
you see these areas developing
in the future?
The University of Wolverhampton has a strong
regional reputation as a capable delivery
organisation for Knowledge Transfer activities
in the region. It is recognised as the regional
leader for Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
(KTPs) and has been instrumental in the
formulation and co-ordination of regional HEI
Knowledge Transfer activities. The quality of
this work has been recognised on several
occasions through the Lord Stafford Awards
for innovation and enterprise.
A key component of the University’s
success has been the development of staff
capacity, the establishment of a Business
Development and Enterprise infrastructure and
the appointment of Business Development
Managers embedded within the Schools.
Whilst this strategy has been highly successful
over the last five years, it is now necessary to
review it and make appropriate changes if we
are to continue to be successful in the future.
In particular, it is important that the value of
Enterprise and Knowledge Transfer activities
is recognised and they are fully integrated with
teaching and research activities. Through this
development, teaching and research activities
will find wider value and yield greater impact.
A new Innovation and Enterprise Strategy
will use the strategic elements and lessons
learned in the past and amend them in light
of changing circumstances in the future.
Covering the period 2010-2015, the strategy
will maximise the potential of the University to
become an exemplar in its engagement with
business, industry and the professions.
Professor Ian Oakes, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, is responsible for promoting the University’s research agenda and developing knowledge transfer activities. He initially worked in the automotive industry and has held a number of senior management posts in higher education. He joined the University of Wolverhampton last year.
His research interests have included developing models of world class performance in small manufacturing companies and have focused on the role of university-business collaboration in influencing regional innovation.
exchangeEnEE tnnett rreeprrrr irrsii ess
business
nineteen
the University supports a number
of initiatives to increase graduate
employability. What key attributes give our
graduates a competitive edge?
It is vital that our graduates are able to
demonstrate to prospective employers that
they are innovative and enterprising coupled
with an ability to apply their knowledge and
understanding to changing circumstances
and environments.
Who do you admire and why?
I tend to admire people who have shown
courage and bravery in the face of adversity.
One person who always springs to mind is
Mohammed Ali for his fight against racism and
his courage in the boxing ring.
What are your other interests?
My leisure interests include horse riding,
martial arts and keep fit.
What ambitions do you have for
the future?
To help the University become even more
successful and acquire the recognition we
deserve for the excellent work we do.
If asked what they know about the
island of st Helena, most people
would be forgiven for knowing very
little, or having a vague recollection
from history lessons of a connection
with napoleon.
The small island in the South Atlantic was
indeed the place where the infamous French
Emperor spent the last six years of his life
in exile. Today, the quiet island still poses a
challenge to reach, as it has no airport and
takes around a week to travel to by boat. But
in other areas things have moved on and the
Internet has transformed the lives of the 3,500
inhabitants of the British colony.
However, in 2003 when the University of
Wolverhampton’s Centre for International
Development and Training (CIDT) first started
working with the St Helena Education
Department (SHED) there was still a great need
for outside help, as there was no access to
further or higher education on the island and
the school system needed modernisation.
CIDT hopes to secure funding to take forward
the second phase of the St Helena Education
Sector Support Programme. The contract
with the UK Government’s Department for
International Development (DFID) would enable
University experts to build on the success of
the first phase of the project, which it managed
from 2003 to 2008. The main aim was to set
up and support the provision of vocational
education on the island and transform the
education system for primary and secondary
school pupils.
The team now aims to focus again on
secondary education and to build on the use
of IT in teaching and learning.
Philip Dearden is the Head of CIDT. He
says: “A significant focus of Phase One was
improving the quality of education, particularly
vocational education, in preparation for the
then planned airport. As a small island with
limited resources, reinvigorating the education
system held many challenges. Not least was
the three to seven days travel required to reach
the island.”
As well as the difficulties in reaching the island,
the public transport system is fairly new and
described as limited. Despite the challenges,
Phase One was very successful. The CIDT
team supported the St Helena Education
Department in setting up a vocational
education system for adults, as well as school
pupils. Primary education was restructured,
which included working with the teachers
to adapt the UK curriculum to make it more
relevant to the St Helena setting. The number
of pupils had rapidly declined in recent years,
so schools were amalgamated to increase the
efficiency of the teaching provided. Training
was given to teachers to develop strategies
in areas such as behaviour management
and classroom organisation. Information
and communication technologies (ICT) were
improved and distance and online programmes
were introduced.
A number of young islanders receive
scholarships to attend universities in the UK.
Part of CIDT’s work in Phase One involved
supporting the St Helenian students at UK
universities to adapt to the very different
environment and social context that UK
universities represent.
Centre staff provided support to them
throughout their studies and with career
planning for their return to the island. In
addition, British teachers were recruited
for one or two year periods to fill the gaps
in the education service and provide staff
development for the island-based teachers.
Mary Surridge was CIDT’s Programme
Manager for Phase One, and was delighted
with the results. The success was also
recognised by the UK Government, which is
responsible for the small overseas territory.
She says: “The final DFID annual review of the
programme was extremely positive, showing
that we were completely on track for achieving
project objectives.”
The proposed airport is now on hold again,
but the CIDT team hope to take forward Phase
Two of the education project, which would run
until 2012.
twenty
Harford School now transformed into an all-through primary school
learningDiDDsii tssatt naa cnn ecc
twenty-one
international
• EnglishistheonlylanguagespokenonSt
Helena, although most St Helenians speak
their own dialect.
• ThepopulationofStHelenais3,500.
• ThecapitalandonlytownisJamestown,
with a population of 884.
• TimingisinlinewithGreenwichMean
Time all year round.
• StHelenahasnoairportasyettherefore
the only mode of travel is by ship.
• Localfoodspecialitiesincludefishcakes,
pilau, coconut fingers, pumpkin pudding
and pumpkin fritters.
This time, University staff would be working
closely with Shropshire Local Education
Authority (LEA), which is one of the highest
performing local authorities in England.
The team has developed a package of support
initiatives, which includes seconding St Helena
teachers to UK schools to improve teaching
practices and developing one-to-one links with
schools in Shropshire to provide peer support.
Distance learning would be further developed
and ‘on island’ training would be offered by
experienced staff from CIDT and Shropshire
LEA to build the professional and technical
skills of teachers and school management.
In addition, the wider community would
be invited to participate in the transformed
schools by the development of a system
of governance.
Philip is full of praise for the project. “We are
very hopeful that we will be chosen by the
Government of St Helena and DFID for the
second phase of this contract.”
The St Helena project is just one of the many
diverse projects Philip’s team of 15 staff are
working on at CIDT. At any one time, staff
can be in Syria, Ghana, Rwanda and China,
among other countries. The main aim of CIDT
is poverty reduction by helping developing
countries through consultancy and continuous
professional development (CPD).
Philip believes the key to success in St Helena
and other initiatives is the staff who work on
the projects.
“Our staff believe passionately in what they
are doing, and that is what makes us so
successful.”
Factbox• StHelenaissituatedintheSouth
Atlantic Ocean, 1,200 miles from
the south-west coast of Africa,
and 1,800 miles from the coast of
South America. The nearest land is
Ascension Island, 703 miles to the
north-west.
• TheIslandis47squaremiles,10.5
miles long and 6.5 miles wide.
• TheStHelenapoundisfixedatparity
with British pound Sterling.
Harford School now transformed into an all-through primary school
Jamestown, St Helena Island
St Helena fish cakes and rice meal
twenty-two
“I thought it was a good opportunity for us
to continue to invest during the recession.,”
says Mr Powell. “I took a decision to continue
recruiting and will do so again next year. The
economy is in a difficult position but we are a
successful business that is still recruiting and
investing in the future. We give people brilliant
opportunities including the chance to
work overseas.”
This summer saw 1,000 graduates join PwC,
with more than 100 new recruits from the
Midlands.
The process is tough; usually there are up to
14,000 applications but this year saw around
20,000 applicants compete for 1,000 places.
So how can a graduate stand out against so
many others?
“I would say work hard and get a good degree
first of all,” says Mr Powell. “Graduates need
to make sure they understand the process of
what they’re going into. It’s also important to
build on the personal element – anything that
shows outstanding team work or leadership.”
He admits that the competition is very tough:
“Some of the people who apply have done
more by the time they’re 21 than I had when I
was 30.”
Sedgley-born Mr Powell, a father-of-four, enjoys
coming back to the region, where his mother
and sister still live, and taking his boys to watch
his team West Bromwich Albion. He has fond
memories of his upbringing and is proud of his
Black Country roots.
“I look back on my childhood like so many
people do – always sunny, playing football.
These are the things you remember.”
He also values the time he spent in
Wolverhampton as a student. “I had a really
good time. Although I was local we lived in a
flat in Tettenhall. There was such an interesting
mix of people from everywhere – Zimbabwe,
Brunei, Greece.
“I really enjoyed my economics course. It
was very academic and gave me a good
background and understanding. I can
remember my lectures with David Hafide and
Professor John Trudgill.”
He also credits the region with sparking his
interest in manufacturing when he worked for
PwC in Birmingham and saw how companies
such as Goodyear worked.
Mr Powell is positive about the recovery of the
economy but believes it will be a slow process.
“To come through it there has to be a focus on
value added. The UK can’t beat Eastern labour
rates so has to focus on adding value through
technology and creativity.
“I’m confident because as a country we’ve
been incredibly creative over the years and that
will come through again.”
He firmly believes that partnerships between
academia and business are crucial to a
successful future.
“To be competitive, you need to have a
well-educated workforce and that’s where
universities come in. It’s probably number one
in terms of importance.”
These are challenging times but Mr Powell
sees things differently: “You never really see
challenges at the time because you’re just
doing what you do. I think there are times when
you work incredibly hard but that’s fun if you
enjoy your job. I would approach what can be
seen as challenges as opportunities.”
In terms of his own career and plans for PwC
he says: “I still don’t have a plan. I just want to
do this job really well. We’re already number
one, but I want to build the firm into something
iconic, something really special.”
As head of the Uk arm of the
world’s biggest accountancy
firm, it’s hard to believe ian
Powell never had a career plan.
But the PricewaterhouseCoopers Chairman
insists his success is down to seizing every
opportunity that has been presented to him.
In 1977, Mr Powell joined Pricewaterhouse,
before it merged with Coopers, as a trainee
after graduating from what was then
Wolverhampton Polytechnic.
He stayed with the firm and has worked his
way up to the helm. Last year, the other 850
UK partners of the firm voted him in
as Chairman. With £2.5 billion revenue in
the UK alone and 15,000 staff, PwC, as it is
known, is number one among the accountants
by revenue and people. And Mr Powell is
relishing his role as Britain’s top accountant.
The firm is also the number one graduate
employer and continues to create
opportunities, despite the economic downturn.
Ian Powell is one of the University of Wolverhampton’s most successful alumni. He tells us about his remarkable career, Black Country roots and dedication to providing opportunities for other graduates today.
countOpOOppp opp urootuurr nuu inn itii ii seii ss
people
twenty-three
ian Powell’s success secrets:• Takeopportunitieswhenthey
present themselves
• Alwaystreatpeoplehowyouwantto
be treated yourself
• Haveapositivemindset
• Beinterestedinpeople
• Haveintellectualcuriosity.Lookfor
opportunities and just enjoy them
• Doeverythingtothebestof
your ability.
“To be competitive, you need to have a well-educated workforce and that’s where universities come in.”
Millions of viewers enjoy the plot twists
and drama of popular tV shows such as
casualty, Doctors and Waterloo road.
For Gemma Wright, watching these
programmes is a different experience,
as she has been there for the prop
checks, costume changes and re-takes.
now an assistant Director, Gemma has
built a successful career in television
since graduating from the University of
Wolverhampton.
Gemma decided to study Media and
Communications after attending an Open Day
and hearing about the course. She thought
it offered everything she was interested in,
although at that stage she didn’t know what
career she wanted to pursue.
Gemma, who now lives in Bristol, was
impressed by the tutors she met, who all had
real experience of the media industry. She says
she found one particular aspect of the course
really useful and this helped to set her on the
path to a career in TV.
“I really liked the fact that we had really good
guest speakers from the industry, including
some top people from the BBC. I got chatting
to one of the speakers after a lecture and he
asked lots of questions about what I enjoyed.
He said the best thing would be to start as a
runner. You learn very quickly in that role what
you want to do,” she explains.
Gemma completed two weeks work
experience as a runner on the BBC 1 daytime
series Doctors. This was a good training
ground and led to short-term contracts and
extended contracts on the show.
“It was a brilliant first job as everyone who
worked on the show was quite young or just
starting out, so we were all in the same boat,”
she says.
After a year as a runner on Doctors, Gemma
went on to work on Channel 4’s Teachers and
for the long-running hospital drama Casualty
as third Assistant Director, which involves
directing all the extras. Over the last four years,
Gemma has worked on the BBC 1 series
Waterloo Road, popular soap Hollyoaks and
the Sky 1 film Skellig.
Gemma says she learnt many skills ‘on the
job’, but the course also gave her a good
grounding in the media.
twenty-four
GrGGarr daa udd auu etaaee
Name: Gemma Wright
Course: Ba (Hons) Media and communication studies
Year of Graduation: 2003
“I learnt the discipline over the three years
of study. I gained a general knowledge of
the media and knowing what goes on in the
industry was really helpful.
“I love the variety of my job - the different
people you meet and the strange locations
you find yourself in. You can have up to 100
people on set so it is important for everyone to
get on well, and you make lifelong friends.
“I feel really proud when I have worked on
something and then see it on TV and realise
how many millions of people are watching.”
And Gemma has some encouraging words of
advice for students following in her footsteps.
“It is a difficult industry to get into, but you
should just keep trying. I really do think I got
into this career through my degree so I would
just say explore every avenue.”
success story
“I gained a general knowledge of the media and knowing what goes on in the industry was really helpful”
the sweetest healing
The latest pioneering research at the University
of Wolverhampton involves the unusual
ingredient of sugar. Senior Lecturer in Adult
Nursing Moses Murandu grew up in Zimbabwe
and his father used granulated sugar to heal
wounds and reduce pain when
he was a child. But when he moved to the UK,
he realised sugar was not used for this
purpose here.
Moses, from the School of Health and Well
being, carried out research into the effect
of sugar on patients’ wounds at Selly Oak
Hospital in Birmingham. He was recently
awarded the Fondation Le Lous Scientific
Research Innovation Award and £25,000 to
enable him to continue his innovative work.
Mr Murandu said: “I was happy for the patients
who suffer from terrible and debilitating
wounds with little hope of getting better, as this
treatment can ease their pain.”
Sugar can be used on wounds such as bed
sores, leg ulcers and even amputations. It
works because applying sugar to a wound
draws the water away and starves the bacteria
of water.
Picture: Jacqui Fletcher, Herve Le Lous Board Member, Senior Lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton Moses Murandu and cricketer Darren Gough.
Contact: steve Male
Email: [email protected] or call:
01902 824295
Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/
businessbreakfast
inspirational leadership seminar with Jo
Fairley – co-founder of Green and Black’s
Date: thursday, 19 november 2009
Time: 10-12pm with complimentary
lunch following
Location: Wolverhampton science Park
Contact: lina Jarvis on tel: 01902 518964
Website: www.wlv.ac.uk/lead
December
Free public lecture – Building
intelligence: autonomous characters in
Virtual environments by Professor Qasim
Mehdi, University of Wolverhampton
Date: Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Time: 6pm
Location: Mc001, Millennium city
Building, city campus
Contact: the Graduate school on tel:
01902 32 3407 or
email: [email protected]
Januaryannual Holocaust lecture – Do we
understand the lessons? Martin stern
tells his story
Date: Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Time: 5pm
Location: Mc001, Millennium city
Building, city campus
Contact: the Graduate school on tel:
01902 323407 or
email: [email protected].
Important note: Please book tickets in
advance for this event.
twenty-five
NovemberFree public lecture – Pharmacy: Past,
Present and ?? by Professor rae Morgan,
University of Wolverhampton
Date: Wednesday, 11 november 2009
Time: 6pm
Location: Mc001, Millennium city Building,
city campus
Contact: the Graduate school
on 01902 32 3407 or
email: [email protected].
Management research centre seminar –
achieving in Business and education – by
Baroness sandip Verma
Date: Friday, 13 november 2009
Time: 12.30–1pm
Location: ca026, compton Park campus
Contact: stephen Greenfield on
01902 321772 or
email: [email protected]
Management research centre seminar -
the forgotten workers? low paid workers
in the public sector, organised by the
British industrial relations association
Public sector study Group.
Date: Wednesday, 18 november 2009
Time: 2–5pm
Location: cD002, compton Park campus
Contact: stephen Greenfield on
01902 321772 or email:
increase your Profit over Breakfast
– Breakfast presentation for local
businesses to learn more about the
knowledge transfer Partnership
programme
Date: Wednesday, 18 november 2009
Location: Priorslee Hall, telford campus
Time: 7.30–9.30am
news in brief
WhWW ahh taa’tts’’ onoo
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