Network News 7.2

newsVolume 7: Issue 2

In this Issue...

Also...Essential advice for Environmental and Teaching Careers

Pick Me Up,

I'm Free!

The Newspaper for BME Students & Young Professionals

PREVIEW:Inspirational portraits by photographer John Ferguson PG26

FASHION:Gentlemen of Bocongo – Setting the style on the streets of Congo PG29

Dev Patel and Freida Pinto - Hollywood’s new golden couple

www.networknewsuk.com

MILLION RUPPEE

KISS

For further information about our publications and websites please visit: www.talentmedia.org

putting diversity in the spotlight

putting diversity in the spotlight

NetworkNewsuk.com 3

4 UK News6 Comment: NUS Black

Student campaign7 Comment: Diane Abbott MP

Feature8 Slumdog MillinaireMatch made in MumbaiMove over Brad and Angelina, all

eyes are on Slumdog Millionaire stars,

Dev Patel and Freida Pinto.

28 LifestyleWinning The Dating GameLeading Asian singles agency shows you

how to be successful in online dating.

Grad Career Advice10-11 Graduate News and career advice from around the UK

Careers13 EnvironmentGreen Careers - A future in the Environment Sector

18 Teach UKBecoming a Teacher…courses, tips and teacher profiles.

Media25 NewsTV Talent HonouredNews from the inaugural Cultural Diversity

Network (CDN) awards ceremony

celebrating diversity in the TV industry

Arts & Culture26 ExhibitionHomegrown TalentBlack Britannia: inspirational portraits of Black

Britons by photographer John Ferguson.

29 BookSuits YouSapeur’s Style – cutting edge

fashion from the Congo.

Your Uni Society30 Bath UniversityUniting Asian CultureSpotlight on university societies

nationwide… this issue Bath University

Asian Student Society (BUASS).Publishers Isabel Appio, Darren Waite and Danielle Carter

Business Development Director Darren Waite

Editor Isabel Appio – [email protected]

Art Direction and Design: Entwurf – www.entwurf.co.ukJon-Paul Daly – [email protected]

Cover image courtesy of Channel 4.

Published by Talent Media Ltd, Studio 37, The Riverside Building64 Orchard PlaceLondonE14 0JW

E: [email protected]: 020 7001 0754F: 020 3070 0017W: www.talentmedia.org

© Talent Media Ltd

CONTENTS

Dear readers,Welcome to this issue of Network News. On our cover we pay tribute to two, young rising stars, Dev Patel and Freida Pinto, whose on-screen and off-screen

romance has captured the imagination of celebrity-watchers everywhere. Network News looks at their parallel routes to success.

NUS Black Student’s Officer Bella Ribeiro-Addy reports on the hugely successful Black Student’s conference, in which a whole range of pressing issues were addressed including civil liberties on campus, student fees and the forthcoming election. Talent Media organised the conference goodie bags ladened with gifts from the generous sponsors Grace Foods, BBC1-Extra, i-could.com, and Channel 4.

Penna Barkers, one of the leading recruitment communications providers has raised the debate of graduate recruitment and the skills which industry values. Read what the industry really thinks about graduates on page 10.

We take a look at the construction industry, which is still coming under criticism for not utilising the talents of a diverse workforce. A recent report has called on the building industry to step up action on recruiting non-white ethnics into the sector.

In her regular column, Diane Abbott MP warns of the dangers and discrimination of the DNA database and we report on the winners from the newly launched Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) Awards.

And finally, we call on all you society members at university and colleges to send us your news and opinions.

Happy readingThe Network News Team

Welcome back to Network News!

Did you know...The longest recorded flight of a

chicken is thirteen seconds.

PG29

PG26

PG6

PG10

4 NetworkNewsuk.com

Leading jobs website www.totaljobs.com tells you how to ensure your “digital dirt” doesn’t affect your jobseeking prospects…

It’s difficult to turn on the TV, read a magazine, or delve into your email these

days without social networking getting a mention. And how many of us can resist logging on to check our Facebook, MySpace, or Bebo accounts when we get a spare moment?

It should come as no surprise then that social networks are having an impact on the world of jobseeking. But be a little wary...

Putting yourself out thereBecause every man and his dog has a social networking profile these days – whether on one, or a number of sites – it shouldn’t be too shocking to discover that employers have started logging on to check out prospective employees.

If your profile is available for the world to see, this could leave you in a bit of a sticky spot; especially if there are embarrassing photos and blush-

worthy comments on your page Your ‘digital dirt’, as it’s known by some, can send your CV to the recycle bin faster than you can click ‘untag photo’...

Have you been Facebooked?

Monitoring: Employers checking you out online

News BriefMandelson puts the squeeze on UniversitiesUniversities must improve the experience they offer students and make amore explicit contribution to the economy if they are to charge higher fees, the Government has stated.

Students should be entitled to full details about the quality of

teaching, time with tutors, academic support, and the work expected of them.

Vice-chancellors would be given responsibility for filling skills gaps in the economy, particularly in science and technology, collaborating with businesses on more practical research and focusing on “employability”, under a ten-year plan announced by

Lord Mandelson, the Business Secretary, whose remit includes higher education.

The Labour peer added that public spending on higher education faced “constraints”, leaving business and students to make a higher contribution, supplemented by universities seeking philanthropic support and more earnings from overseas students.

UK NEWSDid you know...The longest recorded flight of a chicken is thirteen seconds.

Here are some simple Do’s and Don’ts that might help:

DO:a�Make your profile private to ‘friends

only’ if you’re jobseekinga�If you have a ‘wall’ make sure to delete

any comments that could be misconstrued or give a negative impressiona�Ask your friends not to ‘tag’ you in photos

or leave off the cuff messages for you while the job search is underwaya�If you’re part of a network or group, leave it for

the duration of your job hunt - membership often means your profile is visible to everyone in the same network, whether you know them or nota�Search for pages or groups set

up by potential employers

DON’T:r�Use a negative status or tagline on your profiler�Use less than savoury language on your own

profile, or in messages that you might post on friends profiles, groups or forumsr�State in your profile ‘about me’ section your love of

partying every night or your disdain for going to workr�Make negative comments about your current place

of work or colleagues anywhere on the siter�Post photos of yourself or others that you

wouldn’t want an employer to seer�Of course, nothing relevant to your personal

life should have an impact on your jobseeking activities, but erring on the side of caution will mean you have nothing to worry about.

Mandelson: Education cuts.

McMillan School ofTeaching, Health & Care

Open your mind and… develop others

For more information about our courses:

01274 433333 www.bradfordcollege.ac.uk

Our mission is to help you make a rewarding and positive contribution to your community.

That’s why we have a wide range of courses that provide the perfect foundation for a career in Early Years environment, Schools, the Care Professions, Counselling, Youth and Community Development work, Social Work, or Post-compulsory education.

Our guiding principle is to ensure the well-being of all. Whatever subject you choose to study, we will develop your potential so that you can make a difference where it matters the most.

6 NetworkNewsuk.com

Did you know...No word in the English language rhymes with month, orange, silver, and purple.

NUS BLACKSTUDENTS CAMPAIGN

Black communities; Ashok Viswanathan from Operation Black Vote who reminded us that we were the future of this country and the importance of using our democratic rights to vote and American Civil Rights activist Shanta Driver who outlined the role of young Black people in participating in the historic campaigns for civil rights in America.

Our ‘challenging Racism – One Society Many Cultures’ plenary featured Dr. Abdul Bari, the General Secretary of the Muslim Council of Britain about the increasing threat of Islamophobia, and addressed the recent horrific attacks against Muslim students at City University which saw students stabbed. Sabby Dhalu of Unite Against Fascism outlined how the BNP are gaining ground against the backdrop of racist hostilities and talked about how students have an important role challenging fascism. Hicham Yezza gave a personal account of how racist anti-terror legislation is being used to victimise students and erode civil liberties. The most moving account was from Michael Abatan from the Justice for Jay Campaign who gave a first hand testimony on the brutal murder of his brother and the continuous fight to bring his killers to justice, who remain free to this day.

We were particularly privileged to hear from the speakers on our international Peace and Justice plenary who had come from three

different continents to address our confer-ence. Egle Sanchez a trade unionist from Venezuela spoke about the immense social change happening there, Selorm Drake from the All Africa Students Union spoke to the conference about the challenges that the continent and its students face as well as thanking the BSC for our continual support and Khaled AlMudallal from Let Palestin-ians Study about defending the rights of Palestinian students to access education and the illegal, inhumane siege on Gaza.

With the upcoming general election, a debate was held on the concerns that young black people have about the country. A range of issues were discussed under Education, Social policy and International relations. This debate will continue and all Black students will be invited to contribute to the Manifesto of what Black Students will be demanding from the next government.

Thanks to Talent Media and the spon-sors Grace Foods, Shell Livewire, BBC1 Xtra, Channel 4 and icould.com every Black student was presented with a special conference goody bag.

The event was attended by the country’s most conscious, active and brilliant young Black people, completely trashing all the stereotypes that are so often bandied about in the media. With the ever apparent rise of racism in this country it appears that we have formidable challenges ahead. However the NUS Black Students Campaign is engag-ing Black students and young people at a critical time to realise the potential of the next generation for all our communities.

Look out for the conference brief which is available on www.nus.org.uk

Celebrating Conference SuccessThe recent NUS Black Students’ Winter 2009 Conference was a success and the largest conference ever, with hun-

dreds of African, Asian, Arab and Caribbean students in attendance from all over the coun-try, the largest event in the country of its kind. Black students were given the opportunity to come together and learn about the Campaign and its initiatives. It also allowed them to engage in debates on contemporary issues while networking and sharing information.

Thanks to the trade unions the NAS-WUT and CWU, Talent Media, The Voice newspaper and money raised from the Black Students Handbook, we were able to give free places to all Further Educa-tion Students that attended. Our campaign has always done everything in our power to increase the participation of students in FE, especially because this is where 60% of Black students study. These free places saw a 200% increase of FE students some of the most disadvantaged students.

The conference was addressed by promi-nent speakers from our communities nation-ally and internationally. In the first plenary ’Winning for the Black Community in the 21st Century’ we heard from Lee Jasper from the National Black Alliance and the African Academy who stressed the importance of the unity needed amongst the different

“With the upcoming general election,

a debate was held on the concerns

that young Black people have about

the country. A range of issues were discussed

under Education, Social policy and

International relations.”

Hundreds of students gathered at the NUS recent

Black Student’s Conference. Bellavia

Ribeiro-Addy, NUS Black Students’

Officer reports on its highlights and

achievements

“The event was attended by the country’s most conscious, active and brilliant young Black people, completely trashing all the stereotypes that are so often bandied about in the media.”

NetworkNewsuk.com 7

Diane Abbott MP NETWORK NEWS COLUMN

Young Black men are disproportionately represented on the DNA database. Diane Abbott MP highlights the dangers and discrimination behind the current legislation

Young Black men are dispropor-tionately represented on the DNA database by a long way. Whilst

clear figures are difficult to come by, estimates suggest something like 50 – 77% of the entire population of 16 – 35 year old black men have their profiles on the database.

The discriminatory element of the DNA database was really driven home to me during an advice surgery I held

in conjunction with Liberty in Hackney. With quite minimal advertising (there was no budget to hold the surgery) we were inundated with constituents who had their DNA on the database and wanted it removed. The surgery was overwhelm-ingly filled with young Black men and a few young Black women accompanied by their concerned parents. These young people had been stopped by police, and sometimes arrested, time and time again but never been cautioned or charged. They were being stopped effectively because they are young and Black.

The DNA database has been around for almost fifteen years but has always been dealt with bit by bit within wider pieces of legislation. MPs have not had the opportunity to debate the issues surrounding the database as a whole. That is part of the reason I held a debate in Parliament in December. Not surpris-ingly MPs from all sides of the political spectrum turned up to argue their case

against the database. What is more sur-prising is that almost all of us agreed with each other. Holding the DNA profiles of innocent people is just plain wrong.

I believe the database creates semi-innocent people. In my mind, and indeed in the eyes of the law, you are either guilty or you are innocent. But hundreds of thousands of people who have never been convicted of a crime have their DNA profiles retained on the database for no reason other than that the police have arrested them at some point. That

is bad enough as it is. But when you add in the fact that there is no transparent or easy way to get your DNA removed from the database; and that you are more likely to be arrested by police if you belong to a certain race or age group it is devastat-ing.

It is easy for the Home Office, and for others of us who are lucky enough not to be in those groups that are often mar-ginalised and criminalised, to gush about the crime-fighting benefits of the DNA database. But as the inventor of DNA fingerprinting technology, Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys has said, putting hundreds of thousands of random samples on the database would have the same crime-fighting benefits as keeping the DNA of innocent people on the database. Once proven innocent of the crime you were arrested for you go back to being part of the non-criminal population. It is unfair, disproportionate and unprincipled to have it any other way.

Labour MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington

The Dangers of DNA Databasing

“…hundreds of thousands of people who have never been convicted of a crime have their DNA profiles retained on the database for no reason other than that the police have arrested them at some point.”

News BriefScot-Asians enjoy better health Ethnic minority groups often have better health than the majority of Scotland’s white population, according to a new report.

Findings from the Health in our Multi-ethnic Scotland report indicate that south Asians from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka backgrounds living in Scotland are healthier than Scots.

The report also said action was required to tackle higher rates of coronary artery disease and diabetes amongst south Asians compared to the general population.

Dr Laurence Gruer, director of public health science at NHS Health Scotland, chair of the Scottish Ethnicity and Health Research Strategy Working Group, which produced the report said: “It’s been known for a long time that our ethnicity - the mix of our ancestry and other factors such as culture, religion and diet – can have a big influence on our health.

Chief medical officer for Scotland, Dr Harry Burns, said he welcomed the report and “strongly supported” the working group’s conclusions that the top priority must be to improve the quality of data collection.

Tesco Asian Network highlights family influence on career choice

A recent report by leading supermarket retailer, Tescos reveals

that A quarter of British Asian students say their families have a significant influence on their choice of career compared with fewer than one in 10 white students.

The report comes from the Tesco Asian Network, which is a group inside Tesco that aims to help Tesco’s British Asian employees develop their careers within the company and attract

more people of British Asian ethnicity to join the business.

Some British Asian students surveyed said they would put their family’s wishes ahead of their own (3%), the same number would follow their parents’ suggestions and 18% would let their family’s views strongly affect their decision.

Faisal Sheikh, a programme manager at Tesco.com and spokesman for the Tesco Asian Network said: “With families having such a significant

influence on Asian graduates’ career choice, Tesco realises the importance of getting this message out to them.”

COMMENT

8 NetworkNewsuk.com

Slumdog Millionaire is available on DVD

FEATURE

Move over Brad and Angelina, all eyes are on Slumdog Millionaire stars, Dev Patel and Freida Pinto who look set to become the new Golden Couple of the film world. The two young actors have recently bought to life their onscreen romance and their celebrity status is rapidly on the rise. Network News takes a look at their two very different lives which have come together in what could be a perfect match.

Match made in Mumbai

Initially reluctant to take the job (in Skins), because of the controversial sex,

drugs and nudity storylines, his mother made sure he didn’t turn down the chance of a lifetime He was apprehensive when he found out he’d have to appear naked, he said: ‘Oh God I am going to have to show my bum!’ I told him: ‘It’s only a bum, you’ve seen lots of people’s bums before.’”

“ I got into modelling for the visibility factor, hoping that portals would open

up for me to act. I did a lot of print because people found me too skinny in India to do television. We have the voluptuous, full-figured woman thing. People say I need to get a boob job, but I’m just comfortable the way I am.”

“

Did you know...If you spell out consecutive numbers, you have to go up to one thousand until you would find the letter “a”

NetworkNewsuk.com 9

Dev PatelBorn: 23 April 1990Family Background: Born in Harrow to Indian/Kenyan Hindu parents. Dev still lives at home saying: “I live two different lives when I’ acting and then I go home and my mum is saying, make your bed and help with the washing-up. It keeps me grounded.”Educational Highspot: GCSE Drama, for his “self-penned portrayal of a child in the Beslan school siege”. His drama teacher stated: “Dev was a gifted student who quickly impressed me with his innate ability to communicate a wide variety of characters imaginatively and creatively.”Big Career Break: Patel began his acting career in late 2006 when he auditioned for the E4 teen drama television series Skins. Patel’s mother saw the casting ad in a newspaper and took him to the audition even though he had an AS science exam the next day. Slumdog Millionaire casting: Director Danny Boyle’s daughter had seen Dev on Skins and recommended him to her dad. Boyle had considered hundreds of young male actors, but found that Bollywood leads were generally “strong, handsome hero-types”, not the personality he was looking for! Hence he picked the more natural, innocent Dev. Other Talents: Martial Arts supremo – he holds a black belt in Taekwondo and was a bronze medallist at the 2004 AIMAA World Championships.Views on Nudity: Dev played the, sex-crazed Anwar in Skins, which involved nude

scenes. Initially reluctant to take the job, because of the controversial sex, drugs and nudity storylines, his mother made sure he didn’t turn down the chance of a lifetime, saying:, “He was apprehensive when he found out he’d have to appear naked, he said: ‘Oh God I am going to have to show my bum!’ I told him: ‘It’s only a bum, you’ve seen lots of people’s bums before.’ Now Dev thanks me for making him go to the audition.” Future Projects: Dev has been cast in a lead role as Fire Nation’s evil prince Zuko in M Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender, alongside Twilight’s heartthrob Jackson Rathbone.

Freida PintoBorn: October 19 1984Family Background: Frieda Pinto was born in Mumbai – her mother was a teacher and her father a bank manager. Pinto states that she is “completely pure Indian”, but her family is Catholic, possibly with Portuguese ancestors. She lives at home with her family in a posh suburb of MumbaiEducational Highspot: (BA) Degree in English Lit from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai.Big Career Break: A former model, Pinto was also featured in several television and print advertisements for products such as Wrigley’s Škoda, Chewing Gum, Vodafone,

Airtel, and DeBeers. Freida spent several years modelling and appeared in runway shows and magazine covers the world over. Slumdog Millionaire casting: She was spotted when presenting a travel programme on Zee TV. After six months of casting, having had no acting experience, she finally landed the role of Latik. She has said of breaking into Bollywood: “It’s really difficult. You have to have a godfather or parents who can get you in. I got into modelling for the visibility factor, hoping that portals would open up for me to act. I did a lot of print because people found me too skinny in India to do television. We have the voluptuous, full-figured woman thing. People say I need to get a boob job, but I’m just comfortable the way I am.” Other Talents: Freida is trained in several different forms of Indian classical dance as well as Salsa. Her keen sense of style earned the accolade as one of Vogue’s 2009 top 10 stylish women. Views on Nudity: “I don’t think I’d have an issue (doing a love scene), but it all depends on the director – what kind of work he’s done in the past. In India, I probably wouldn’t do something like that; it’s kind of taboo. It usually gets cut off at the censorship board level, so what’s the point of having shot it?” Future Projects: In 2009 it was announced that Frieda Pinto was to become the highly lucrative ‘face’ of L’Oréal. Freida also has a starring role in the latest Woody Allen film and is touted as being the next Bond Girl.

NETWORKNEWSUK.COM

Visit the Network News website today

10 NetworkNewsuk.com

Penna Barkers, one of the UK’s leading recruitment communications and solutions providers have raised the debate over the present and future state of graduate recruit-ment and development.

The recent inaugural Graduate Forum organised by Penna Barkers was chaired by their Managing

Director Anne Riley and joined by a panel of leading resource managers.

The forum was held against a backdrop of some facts and figures denoting trends from the last twelve months, including HECSU’s recently reported 12 year high in graduate unemployment and the AGR’s own figures of a 24.9% reduction in graduate vacancies.

Several commentators commended students for a positive approach in the current economic crisis whilst gently urging them to seek out the more vocational higher degrees and to use this graduate recruitment hiatus to their best advantage.

It was generally agreed that doing a Masters doesn’t necessarily put you at an advantage when going for a job and is unlikely to increase your pay, according to recruitment specialists who attended the debate.

Graduate recruiters also discussed why in the current market it’s difficult for candidates to differentiate themselves and difficult for employers to identify quality candidates. A good education is now a given - there are lots of people who go to good Universities and get a 2:1– therefore education is now no longer seen as a differentiator. But there is a concern that the lack of graduate jobs currently available is leading to too many students staying on to complete Masters degrees.

Martin Thomas, Head of Recruitment at BT said: “If I was advising a graduate who is thinking about doing a Masters or going travelling now I would tell them to go travelling. A Masters will get them in more debt and I can honestly say that I would not automatically recruit someone with a Masters over and above another candidate with the same first degree.

“We need graduates with the right skills and experience. Research shows that many graduates lack “soft skills”, such as team working and this is what we are

Graduate Recruitment

The way forward

A revealing report out by GradFutures.com says top employers need to strengthen their brand

awareness amongst graduates. Major employers are failing to recruit

top graduates because their weak branding means they are not recognised by candidates. So says recent research by recruitment website GradFutures.com. The survey found that only a third (37 per cent) of FTSE 100 companies were recognised by the majority of the potential candidates.

Demetrios Zoppos, director at GradFutures.com, said: “Employers’ recruitment strategies

are failing them – many have jobs to offer, but graduates don’t know what the companies do or that they even exist.

“Times are tough for graduates but there are still plenty of opportunities out there, particularly among the top 200 graduate employers. These employers have a great opportunity to choose from the cream of this year’s graduates but they are not doing enough to market these positions effectively.”

According to the study, graduates have a perception that high street and well-known consumer brands are

Branding Power

GRADUATECAREER ADVICE

the largest graduate employers. The study also found the majority

of graduates (86 per cent) believed the recession had greatly reduced their employment opportunities.

However, in response to the report, several graduate employers told Personnel Today their graduate schemes were always over-subscribed, and that they had no problems attracting new recruits.

Gerry Bishop, employee development manager at aerospace firm Cobham, admitted his firm was less famous compared to others in the FTSE 100 list, despite it making £2bn turnover a year. But the firm had still received hundreds of applications for just 12 positions on its graduate scheme next year.

finding as employers – we need graduates who can demonstrate they have these skills and are ready for the world of work.”

Phillip Lane, Head of Planning at Penna Barkers says, “It’s very difficult to judge like for like when looking at work experience and many of the more qualitative skills at the first stage of a recruitment process, which makes it very difficult to select the most suitable candidates. But these skills are arguably more important than academic qualification and will continue to be the differentiating factor.

“The challenge for employers is to communicate what is of real value to them and to make sure that their recruitment

systems and processes are set up to select candidates who have these skills. And the challenge for graduates is making sure that they get the right experience and can demonstrate they have these soft skills.”

In conclusion, what became clear over the course of the event was that developing graduate talent within a business is every bit as important as attracting that talent in the first place, and has become even more so in the current climate. As we prepare for coming out of recession there are likely to be challenges in retaining and developing the talent already in place that are every bit as acute as those we have faced in recent years in finding and attracting talent from outside.

Did you know...Only one person in two billion will live to be 116 or older.

Grads must be skilled for the world of work.

NetworkNewsuk.com 11

Did you know...40% of McDonald’s profits come from the sales of Happy Meals.

Enquiry reveals poor recruitment practices stop ethnic minorities entering the construction industry

A negative image of the construc-tion industry and poor recruitment practices are contributing to the

low numbers of ethnic minorities entering the industry, according to the results of a special inquiry by The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

Ethnic minorities make up just 3.3 per cent of the construction industry work-force, up from 1.9 per cent in 1999. This compares to ethnic minorities making up 7.9 per cent of the national workforce.

The Race Discrimination in the Con-struction Industry inquiry saw evidence that suggests the industry is no less appealing to ethnic minorities than it is to white people with 45 per cent and 42 per cent respectively saying they were inter-ested in a career in construction.

However, a prevalence of word of mouth recruitment, a lack of job or career progression and problems making the transition from training to work, prevent ethnic minorities from getting jobs.

Although the majority of witnesses felt that overt racism had declined in recent years, there is evidence that some forms of racist ‘banter’ are still tolerated in pock-ets of the industry.

EHRC Commissioner Kay Allen said: “The level of ethnic minority represen-

tation across the industry must improve. This is a vital industry for the British econ-omy. It is important to acknowledge that it is facing some critical challenges from the recession and the changing nature of the British workforce. To remain competi-tive and ensure that it has the right skills for the future; it must invest in training and recruiting the best candidates from the widest possible pool of talent.

“It should be recognised that the in-dustry is taking steps to increase diversity. There are many positive initiatives and examples of good practice designed to increase representation. However, clearly there is more that needs to be done.

“Our report presents a call to action to the industry to build on its good work to date and address the causes of under-representation and continuing discrimina-tion taking place in parts of the industry. It also represents a challenge for the Commission to support the industry in building on its good practice, while ensur-ing that those who do not comply with the requirements of equalities legislation are

penalised appropriately”.The inquiry report makes 31 broad-

based recommendations for key issues to be addressed to improve representa-tion of non-white ethnic minorities in the industry. These range from training and education, recruitment and contracting, retention, unlawful discrimination and monitoring and influencing change.

Construction industry still needs more ethnic minority workers

Job Hunting – Stay motivatedIn challenging times it can be easy to lose motivation while jobseeking. Finding the perfect job can be difficult and time-consuming, but it’s important not to let the knockbacks get you down.

The length of time you could be on a job hunt depends on a number of factors, mainly how buoyant your desired job sector is and whether you have relevant, up-to-date skills. But you will be more successful if you remember these general tips:

• Set goals and take regular actions to prevent your search from becoming stale.

• Keep in touch with old contacts and make the effort to meet new people to keep from feeling isolated.

• Don’t be disheartened if you don’t get a job you interviewed for. Just prepare for the next one.

• Make the most of everything that job sites, like www.totaljobs.com, have to offer and keep on top of all the latest vacancies.

• Use our Jobs by Email service to have a regular stream of opportunities sent to your inbox.

• Treat your job hunt like any other professional project. Set yourself deadlines and use your time effectively.

• The right job for you is out there and, although it may take a while to find, it will be worth the wait.

For more information see www.totaljobs.com

News Brief

Law firms stiffen selection Many leading law firms are tightening up the graduate selection process in order to cope with a flood of candidates returning from gap years following the legal market’s biggest-ever trainee deferral programme. A report on the leading legal website www.thelawyer.com says that predictions for training contract applications would soar as a result of the investment banking industry scaling back graduate recruitment programmes. One leading law firm said: “It’s a bit like a pressure cooker at the moment, and next year we’re going to see application numbers shoot up with the big backlog of students who’ve decided to delay their applications.”

She warned: “Conditions could potentially be a lot worse as gap-year students go head-to-head with penultimate- and final-year students against the backdrop of a contracting training contracts market.”

Youth: Building industry faces critical

equality challenges

A lot of people hAve good intentions.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or age.

Here at the Charity Commission, it’s our job to make sure charities really deliver on the promises they make. So we understand

that there’s big difference between saying the right thing and actually doing it.

It means that when we talk about our commitment to diversity, our welcoming culture and our variety of roles, you can be sure

that they are a lot more than words. These are not just good intentions, they are our everyday reality.

to find out more about exactly what’s on offer, visit our new recruitment website: www.charitycommissionjobs.org.uk

Making good intentions count

the difference here is that we make sure they count.

We don’t mind what genes you haveAll shapes, all sizes, all styles. Diversity has always been in fashion at the GMC; it’s an integral part of everythingwe do and – as one the key aims in our business plan – very high on our agenda.

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t employ doctors. As the regulator of the medical profession, we take onpeople from all kinds of backgrounds who want to help us protect the public by ensuring proper standards in thepractice of medicine.

You’ll enjoy a real career from the start. Whatever your strengths, we’ll build on them with exceptional trainingand development. And we’ll reward you with a fantastic package that includes a final salary pension scheme,private medical insurance and generous holiday allowance. So whatever your genetic makeup, find out aboutopportunities at jobs.gmc-uk.org

The GMC values diversity and has made a public commitment to processes and procedures that are fair, objective, transparent and free from discrimination.The GMC is a charity registered in England and Wales (1089278) and Scotland (SC037750).

jobs.gmc-uk.org


CAREERS IN THEENVIRONMENT

Welcome to the “Green Rush”

With environmental issues still high on the global agenda, opportunities in the renewable industry are on the rise. Leading recruitment website greenenergyjobs.com, gives a guide to the expanding sector.

Few industries are guaranteed such fast global growth as Green Energy. As issues such as climate change and the exhaustion of global oil reserves percolate deep into the wider corporate, political and public consciousness, the psychological shift is starting to be seen. Every day more strategists are waking up to the fact that we must immediately step out of our reassuring dream of a glossy future based on cheap unlimited oil.

The coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol has meant that there are now more

than 140 countries committed to mitigating climate change and moving beyond fossil fuels to a future revolving around a matrix of renewable green energy supply systems. Whilst these gradual steps to address climate change are already stimulating fast growth across certain sectors of renewables industry, it will be the price of oil that detonates the true explosion of green energy investment across all sectors.

Those who have been experimenting with, and advocating green technologies such as solar systems, wind turbines and eco-buildings for the last 20 years have had a hard time. Until recently, being ‘Green’ was at best considered a rather socially divided fringe activity. Suddenly, after years of ridicule, we are being asked to navigate a safe passage through the largest technical, social and economic revolution since fossil fuels swept aside our previous green age of sailing boats and beasts of burden. This 21st century ‘Green Rush’ will expand at a rate and power that will stretch human and material resources to the limit.

Jobs in Renewable Energy The accelerating demand for skilled

personnel in the renewable energy industries has led online job sites such as Green Energy Jobs to offer a platform where such opportunities can be advertised to the global audience of industry professionals.

Finding Work in RenewablesWorking towards the goals of a sustainable future is hard to beat as a profession, both in terms of job satisfaction and now financial reward. There are a myriad opportunities there are for individuals to enter and prosper in the varied sectors embraced within the renewable energy industries.

Transferable Skills & ExperienceObviously, demonstrable success within any field of renewables is a valuable and increasingly sought after commodity. But in an industry that already needs to attract capable individuals from outside, the future holds great promise for those with useful transferable skills. Individuals with experience and skills gained in other industries are already

being taken on in all sectors and at all levels – this trend can only continue.

Language SkillsThere is increasing emphasis on language skills. Job descriptions often have specialist skill sets combined with bilingual requirements. Strong language skills combined with proven success in a similar role is enough to interest many international companies who are developing operations in new markets.

Specialist Renewable Energy QualificationsThere are now an increasing number of renewable energy focused courses being offered across the world. Undergraduate and Post-graduate degrees in Renewable Energy Technologies, Sustainable Development and Sustainable Building Design are now available. Some of these can be undertaken via distance learning approaches. There are other shorter training and installer courses on offer for those who may wish to start installing micro renewables.

For full information see www.greenenergyjobs.com

Working towards the goals of a sustainable future is hard to

beat as a profession, both in terms of job satisfaction and now financial reward.” “

Did you know...The most common name in the

world is Mohammed.


Shared HeritageThe presence of ethnic minorities within European nations is a feature of the 21st Century. Through the centuries, the continual movement and settlement of people have created our shared cultural and environmental heritage. All national cultures are unique combinations of different multicultural elements.

Making multicultural heritage visibleWho we are and what we can achieve depends on how we see ourselves against the enormous pressure of how others see us. How shared multicultural histories are represented within cultural institutions powerfully shapes national identity and influences the life opportunities of citizens. This is true for the historic and the green environment.

There is no definitive history. Each era writes its history according to its values and beliefs. Historians who believed in the rightness of slavery wrote the history of slavery. It is our responsibility to constantly re-interpret and re-present history to reflect the contemporary values of society. A lot was achieved in the year 2007, the Commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Abolition

of Trans-Atlantic Slavery. It is our privilege to pass our judgement on history and move positively into the future by re-positioning intercultural relationships within our nations.

Promoting equal participation in the Green EnvironmentOur neighbourhoods and local green spaces can be linked to heritage alongside providing outdoor activities, which directly affect physical health and well-being. Multicultural festivals in local parks can feature mainstream cultural aspects at the same time and purposefully promote intercultural understanding and social cohesion through bringing people together to have fun. All of us love what we enjoy and we protect what we love. Starting with providing enjoyable and educational activities ultimately leads to the care and protection of the environment. Many ethnic minority communities also have traditional environmental skills and knowledge that can be highlighted and shared. Most of all, what makes a space one’s own are the invisible layers of memory, resulting from everyday use of the space, or from the meaningful marking of a space with memory through

a special activity. In Nottingham, the Sikh community created woodland in Bestwood Park, planting 300 native British trees to mark the birth of Khalsa, the Sikh scriptures. It is now simply a community woodland for everyone. One sees nothing but trees, but for the Sikh community, the memory of the colour and pageant of the day, and the meaning of the planting are awakened every time they play or rest in the woodland. The echoes will always be there.

Care, share and dare to negotiate heritage in the Green EnvironmentPeople are a force for change. We are living in a complex and optimistic era that aspires to equality and social inclusion. Working with disadvantaged and socially excluded groups is not about doing favours to small groups of people. It is about working towards a 21st Century vision of an inclusive society of which we can all be proud. We need to care, share, dare to negotiate heritage and increase participation on all fronts!

Judy Ling Wong CBE, FRSA, HonFCIWEM, Hon PhD is Director Black Environment Network (UK)

Heritage in the Hood

In Nottingham, the Sikh

community created woodland in Bestwood Park, planting 300 native British trees to mark the birth of Khalsa, the Sikh scriptures. It is now simply a community woodland for everyone.”

“

Judy Ling Wong promotes Multicultural Heritage and Environmental Participation through the Black Environment Network (BEN). Here she urges us all to protect our neighbourhoods and make the most of our local green spaces and in doing so connect to our collective cultural heritage.



Did you know that the Forestry Commission is the biggest provider of outdoor recreation in the UK, and that most of that recreation is free?

Every year we welcome more than 50 million visits by people who come to relax and have fun in the forests and woodlands that we look after in England, Wales and Scotland. We’d like to welcome you too, whether for the first time or back again. There is so much to do.

Searching for some peace? Just come and chill: the quiet, woodland-scented air will revive your spirits. Bring the family for a picnic and games, or stay a few nights in a stunning Forest Holidays camp or cabin site.

Fancy getting close to nature? Join one of the many inspirational events run by our forest rangers, who’ll help you to see and understand the wonders to be found in our woodlands.

Need some exercise? Try our forest trails for a brisk run, walk or bike ride. Our paths are well sign-posted and suit every fitness level – enjoy our natural (free) green gym.

Looking for an adrenaline rush? We have world-famous mountain bike trails for daredevil experts and beginners alike. Or swing through the trees on a Go Ape aerial adventure trail.

Many of our forests have children’s play parks, cafes, shops and information centres. We strive to make our forests accessible to all, and have

hundreds of paths and trails that are suitable for people with different abilities.

Why not visit us? There’s almost certainly a wood or forest not too far away. Visit our website and easily discover your nearest woodland and what you will find there. If this is your first time, ring your local Forestry Commission office (details on the web) and they will happily help you to get the most from your visit.

The Forestry Commission is a public-sector organisation managing, on your behalf, the country’s forests and woods in an environmentally and socially sensitive way. We aim to increase all the benefits these wonderful places can bring to everyone.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Find out more at www.forestry.gov.uk/ whatson, / places to go, and / contact; or call 0845 FORESTS 90845 367 3787.

Forest Holidays: www.forestholidays.co.uk; call 0845 130 8225 (cabins) or 0845 130 8226 (caravan and camping).

Go Ape: www.goape.co.uk; call 0845 643 9215.

ADVERTORIAL: The Forestry Commission

diverse woodlands, diverse communitieswww.forestry.gov.uk/vacancies

engineers

admin assistants ecologists

recreation rangers

It’s your skillsthat are important to us.

HR practitioners

oh...and foresters!apprentices

forest craftspeople

statisticians

scientists

community rangersIT specialists

auditors

economistseducation rangers

Enjoy the outdoors for free!


ADVERTORIAL: Natural England

Protect and improve England’s natural environmentWho we areNatural England is an independent public body, employing approximately 2,500 people across England, whose purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to engage with nature. We promote access, recreation and well-being and ensure natural resources are managed so they can be enjoyed now and by future generations. In all our work we strive to ensure that the natural environment is accessible to all and we are committed to establishing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

We are also leading on a project called “Access for All” which is funded by £25 million from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces Programme, the scheme is open to projects that want to broaden access to nature for children, the elderly, black and minority ethnic

groups and people with disabilities from our most disadvantaged areas.

Since applications opened in April 2008, we’ve awarded 45 grants worth £11.6 million. By 2014 we want 1.7 million people across England to have benefited from these grants. One

specific projects receiving funding is the national Mosaic Project which hopes to improve the diversity of visitors to National Parks by building links between parks and black and minority ethnic communities. The project has received funding to train more people to promote

National Parks within their communities and help the National Park Authorities reach ethnic minority audiences.

Who we’re looking forYour ability is what we are interested in, whether you want to apply for advertised roles, graduate internships or to volunteer your time and skill as part of our extensive volunteering programme. We welcome applications regardless of gender, race, disability, age, religion or sexual orientation and recruit through fair and open competition.

The types of roles we offer are very diverse ranging from Communications experts, environmental scientists, land management advisers, bat workers, business managers to IT specialist.

To find out moreVisit www.naturalengland.org.uk

Climate scientists say that to limit global warming to a 2C average rise the world must reduce the growth of greenhouse gas emissions by 80% in 2050 and ensure that there is appreciable decline from around 2015 to 2020.

Major aspects of the current debate that leaders hope to thrash out at the conference stem from the issue of “burden-sharing”. For example, the Prime Minister of Russia, Vladimir Putin has said he would reject an agreement of plans of carbon cuts if China and the US fail to sign up. In a speech to academics in Moscow he said: “The United States and China are leading economies and leading polluters. Should we restrain our development because of them?”

Another contentious issue is finding the “money” to make these changes. For

example, richer developing economies such as China and India along with developed countries, United Kingdom and US must make up a budget to help poorer nations in Africa and the Caribbean adapt to the cost of going green.

At the World Climate Conference in Geneva last September, John Odey, Nigeria’s minister of environment stated:

“Unless African nations are equipped with proper and adequate information on the climate, the continent may not benefit from solutions being ssought to the climate problems.” He also said that Africa’s massive infrastructure deficit added to the challenges of endemic poverty and huge disease burden and it’s absolutely essential to agree on the innovative mechanisms for funding a science and information based adaptation”.

Green HistoryAt the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen, industrial nations including China and India will be hammered out a new treaty as a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, phase one of that agreement expires in 2012. What is in it for poor developing nations in Africa and the Caribbean? asks Dionne C. Walker



Unless African nations are

equipped with proper and adequate information on the climate, the continent may not benefit from solutions being sought to the climate problems.”

“

However, NGOs such as Oxfam argue that some of the challenges of poverty Odey mentions, are a consequence of the industrial development of G8 countries. The historical context is that developing countries in Africa and the Caribbean have never possessed the infrastructure of industrial nations and to date they are not manufacturing to the extent of China and India, therefore they have not played a significant role in the depletion of the Ozone. Oxfam suggests that people in poor developing countries don’t have to be told about the impact of climate change they already know. They say it will have devastating impact on the already poor countries and it will cost several thousand lives.

So what are the solutions and what innovative means are being sought to

increase awareness and bring about change in developing countries? NGOs and some governments are investing in sustainable initiatives which include the development of alternative means of energy. In the Caribbean and Latin American region, H.E Liz Thompson, winner of the Champions of the Earth award 2008, in her role as Environmental Minister in Barbados and member of the Small Islands Developing States has implemented policies and initiatives that have increased awareness and action. The Solar Energy Foundation has opened up new horizons for 10,000 villagers in Rema, Ethiopia. They won a 2009 Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy. And in nearby Uganda, the Kampala Jellitone Suppliers are Uganda’s first producer of briquettes made from agricultural waste, they also won the 2009 Ashden Award for Sustainable Energy.

Left: Boat, Brandon Bay.

Above: Massa Gold Banner.

For more information about the SDC and the job opportunities that arise from time to time in London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Belfast, please visit www.sd-commission.org.uk

SDC is the government’s official independent advisor on sustainable development, reporting directly to the Prime Minister, to the First Ministers of Wales and Scotland and to the First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland. Through advocacy, advice, capability building and scrutiny, we help to put sustainable development at the core of government policy.

Our success is built on the quality of our people – our Commissioners,

Secretariat and Board Members. SDC strives through its policies and practices to achieve equality of opportunity in the employment and fair treatment of all our people. We are working to mainstream diversity and create a sustainable working environment where everyone can take full part.

As an employer we welcome people from all walks of life, in so doing we benefit from the diverse perspectives of different cultures.

Could you help put sustainable development at the heart of government policy?


Becoming a teacher...Teaching is an important and increasingly popular choice of career for all kinds of people. Whatever your circumstances – if you’re about to graduate, or looking for a change of direction – there are more ways to enter the profession than ever before.

Choosing a courseThere are hundreds of different initial teacher training (ITT) courses available in the UK. Choosing between them is a challenge in itself, and you should be prepared to put in a lot of research.

Your choice of initial teacher training (ITT) provides the foundation for your future as a teacher. You should consider:

The subject and age group you intend to teach ITT courses and programmes are organised according to an age group and/or subject. If, for example, you’d like to teach a subject to an advanced level, you may choose to teach at a secondary level, rather than primary.

The kind of ITT you’d like to completeThere are many ways to train as a teacher, designed to support a wide a range of individual circumstances. The courses are designed to be flexible. Choose from:

• School-based training schemes, such as school-centred initial teacher training (SCITT), the graduate teacher programme (GTP) or the registered teacher programme (RTP). These courses are taught on the job with the support of experienced teachers. Lectures or discussions that

cover the same material as college-based or university courses may make up part of this programme. Please note that SCITT is funded differently from the GTP and RTP.

• Universities and colleges offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses which include at least 18 weeks spent teaching in schools. Research your course and training provider thoroughly before applying.

• Study online from your own home. These courses are suitable for individuals who have employment and/or family commitments.

All trainees will spend time in real classes on your school experience.

Where you’d like to trainWherever you want to train, and for whatever reason, you’ll find there are ITT providers all over the country for you to choose from.

The institution you’d like to attend No two courses of initial teacher training are the same – largely because no two ITT providers are the same. Universities, colleges and schools all display varying characteristics, strengths and entry requirements, not to mention course content and structure.

For more information see www.tda.gov.uk


A School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) is a consortium of Primary and/or Secondary schools from the maintained or independent sectors in England. They have a commitment to providing a high quality training environment for tomorrow’s teachers, an environment in which students can learn from the enthusiasm and best practice of their professional colleagues.

A SCITT course is based in and run by schools and therefore offers a distinctive type of training. A feature of SCITT training is that, from day one, students are in a school environment, which enables them to acquire quickly, the depth of knowledge and range of skills required for effective teaching. SCITT programmes allow you to be taught by experienced, practising teachers, tailored towards local teaching needs.

If you prefer to spend more time training in the classroom, putting theory into practice and gaining confidence through increased contact with the school environment, then a SCITT programme is a

good option for you. SCITT groups are accredited by the TDA to run courses of ITT for graduates leading to the award of QTS. These courses may also lead to a PGCE validated by a higher education institution.

How to ApplyYou will need to apply for SCITT through the graduate teacher-training registry (GTTR), though a few providers will require direct applications.

You are allowed to apply for up to four providers, in order of your preference.

You should apply for the SCIIT course the year before you intend to study as the courses have to follow the academic calendar, so your training will start around September/October.

A feature of SCITT training is that, from day one, students are in a

school environment, which enables them to acquire quickly, the depth of knowledge.”“

MMU Institute of Education

Knowledge is precious...pass it on

At MMU you don’t just learn theory, you practise it.Students participate in school based placements to get a feel of what the teaching profession is all about. With its commitment to high quality training, MMUstudents can be confident in playing a key role in raisingstandards to improve lives of young people.

The wide range of education programmes on offer at MMU has been developed to include the latest ingovernment policy. This ensures you are kept updatedwith changes that affect your education course, andyou can be confident that your course will give you theessential skills, knowledge and qualification for a futurecareer in education.

Students from a range of educational and culturalbackgrounds are drawn to the warm, friendly andsupportive atmosphere and the commitment to equalopportunities within the Institute.

MMU is able to meet the challenges of the teachingprofession head on because our teaching staff activelyengage with relevant agencies and organisations toincrease awareness of developments and policies in thefield of education. In turn, you get to be properly informed.

Once you have qualified as a teacher, the Institute is here to support and develop your career with full and part-time Continuing Professional Developmentprogrammes leading to Diploma, MA, MEd, MSc, MPhil,EdD and PhD qualifications.

The Institute also provides degrees in Early ChildhoodStudies, Childhood Studies, Youth & Community Work,Careers Guidance and Education Studies.

For more information, please visit our website at www.mmu.ac.uk/ioe

www.mmu.ac.ukThe University for World-Class Professionals


Network News (NN): As a child what did “you want to be” when you grew up?Caroline King (CK): I actually still have a piece of work which I did when I was in primary school and I was around nine years old. On the list then was a musician, concert pianist or teacher. My mum has always said that I have always known exactly what I’ve wanted to do.

NN: Who or what has been your biggest influence on your career choices?CK: The biggest influence on my career choices have been the children I have taught. I realised quite early on that my impact could reach beyond the 30 children who were in my class. I worked closely with my parallel class teachers which then began to shape a year group, then a key stage and now I’m a Deputy Head Teacher influencing and shaping policy across the whole school.

NN: How would you describe the challenges and rewards of being a teacher/Head Teacher today?CK: The rewards are that you get to see

impact and changes every day whether that comes in the classroom, with a member of staff or a parent. This job means that every action and thought impacts on a child. It’s great waking up every morning knowing that your inspired idea, smile or way of communicating with children is moulding and shaping the future. The challenges must be reflected upon, learnt from and I like to consider if there is something that needs to be done in my place of work to turn those challenges into learning points.

NN: If there was one key change/improvement you would like to see implemented in our educational system, what would it be?CK: I would look at teacher training policy and teacher recruitment within inner cities. In order for a teacher to make the greatest impact they need to able to connect with children beyond the academic realm. You hear a lot of people say they want to work in a ‘challenging’ school so they can ‘make a difference’. Define challenging? I often feel that this is based on a perception and can often lead to people entering the profession or an establishment with a pre conceived notion of what children are capable of or what communities are able to achieve. The ‘challenge’ then becomes educating teachers so they understand that what challenge is in their eyes is real life for children and to that end education and opportunity is what we’re here to provide; not a watered down version of it based on low expectations.

NN: How would you describe yourself in 3 words?CK: Determined; Passionate; Reflective

NN: Favourite proverb/motto and why?CK: When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that I would have not a single bit of talent left and could say “I used everything you gave me.”Erma Bombeck

AND

Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. Aristotle

TEACH

This job means that every

action and thought impacts on a child. It’s great waking up every morning knowing that your inspired idea, smile or way of communicating with children is moulding and shaping the future.”

“

Using everything he gave meCaroline King, Deputy Head Teacher, is passionate about and dedicated to the education of young people. Caroline has just entered her tenth year of teaching and, as she says: “is still excited by the prospect of inspiring children every day.” Caroline aims to become a Head Teacher within the next 12 months.

Postgraduate Certificate of Education and Qualified Teacher Status Ready to start building cultural bridges in the classroom and at professional level?

Steady to consider opportunities for secondary schoolteaching in:

Modern Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Science, English, Geography or Business Studies?Go for it! Be a part of a diverse community where allindividuals are valued.

At Portsmouth we welcome applicants from all ethnicbackgrounds and are committed to equality of opportunity.

A training bursary of up to £9,000 awaits for students andsupport is available to assist with tuition fees and living costs.

Early Years Professional StatusWant to have the Early Years Professional Status? The “new status to graduates…designed to improve the livesof young children and their families by driving up quality…”(CWDC 2008)

The University of Portsmouth offers 3 pathways. Subject toeligibility, the cost of tuition fees and supply cover can be met.

t: 023 9284 5204

f: 023 9284 5365

e: [email protected]

w: www.port.ac.uk

ww

w.p

ort

.ac.

uk

WHERE YOU CANEXPLORE YOUR FUTUREIN EDUCATION.TEACHER TRAINING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PORTSMOUTH


www.teacherstalk.co.uk brings you...

PGCE Interviews are pretty daunting, and nerves can easily get the better of you if you’re not well prepared. Here are a selection of useful tips from Teachers and students that have been there and gone through the interview process. Some people sail through with confidence, others mess it up first time, but try again, more determined than ever.• Be Honest! You are not expected to know everything, though you should have done enough preparation to

ensure you can answer the majority of the questions asked. If you are unsure ask them to clarify the question, if you don’t know, tell them that you don’t know. • Look smart, but do not overdress, you

may see people turning up casually dressed, but being smart will give you the confidence, and present a good impression. For PE courses check that if you will need appropriate dress for activities. (don NOT wear jeans!)

• Read the sample PGCE Interview Questions on www.teacherstalk.co.uk, for a flavour of what you may be asked.

• Be prepared to reveal your opinions, ideas and attitudes.

• Reflect on your teaching experience, and apply it to your answers.

• Group Tasks - ensure that you are seen to be taking an active part in any activities, do not be too agressive, but take leadership if you have the chance.

• Try to avoid a simple question/answer format, expand on any given questions, using your experience and knowledge of education issues (see tip 1).

• Take with you a bag containing, certificates, notepad, pens, evidence of experience and any material given to you prior to the interview. Take a drink (you’ll need it) and a small snack, just in case.

• If asked about hobbies, try to link them back to education and teaching.

• Try to get across your passion for your subject and teaching, this is a key area that you are being tested on.

For more information see www.teacherstalk.co.uk

We’ve literally every kind of school you can imagine in the London Borough of Bexley. Rural, urban, large, small, primary, secondary, special needs, selective – whatever you want from a school, you’ll find it in our borough...

More to offer...

Listening to you, working for you www.bexley.gov.uk

For further information on the London Borough of Bexley and for details of current vacancies within our schools please visit www.bexley.gov.uk/schoolworkforce or call us to discuss opportunities on 020 8836 8395 / 8402

View

Science MathsEnglish

TeachHead Teacher

Teaching AssistantNQT

Bursar Midday Supervisor

Librarian Administrator

Nursery Nurse SEN

School Business Manager

Premises Manager

Finance

Technician


TEACH

Network News (NN): What led you to become a teacher? Patrick Cozier (PC): I was one of those fortunate people who knew at a young age what I wanted to do. I decided I wanted to become a teacher when I was 17 and doing my A levels. The school I attended had a scheme in place where Post 16 students did community service within the main school. I helped out in the Learning Support department supporting about eight students with their reading and writing skills. It was brilliant – such a rewarding thing to do. The thanks and appreciation that I received from the students was great and inspired me to become a teacher. Now, 20 years later, I’m in the very privileged position of being a Headteacher with the opportunity to have am impact on a much wider scale.

NN: You recently said teaching poses specific challenges for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) teachers. Tell me about that.PC: I have experienced both positives and negatives as a result of being a BAME teacher. In most ways it has been advantageous, such as my ability to relate to students from a wide variety of backgrounds. Many people of BAME origin who have grown up in the UK (like me) have had to work hard and learn to switch between relating to their home (BAME) culture and that of the indigenous UK culture when at school. I think that this can equip you with particular skills of adaptability, insight and understanding when it comes to being able to connect with students from all cultures.

Another challenge is the high level of expectancy that can exist within the BAME student body and their parents of you as a BAME teacher. However, I tend to interpret this as a positive pressure. I value their trust

and support and I accept that it comes hand in hand with the territory.

NN What’s the best thing about your job?PC: The chance to make a difference! This opportunity makes whatever obstacles and challenges that exist more than worth it. When you experience the positive feedback from students regarding the impact that you have had on preparing them for their future ambitions it is very pleasing. When you see young people overcome significant barriers to thrive and be successful it is inspiring. Isn’t that why we all do the job?

NN: What’s the best advice you’ve been given?PC: This is a difficult question to answer, as I have been given so much valuable advice from so many different people. I think that ultimately, being told by my mother to ‘stay true to who you are, keep your values close by, and believe in yourself’ probably resonates with me more than anything else.

NN: What do you look for when recruiting new teachers? PC: I look for teachers who are committed to bringing the best out of young people. Excellent teachers who know their subjects and can engage and enthuse their students – those who possess the key qualities of integrity, respect and fair play. Ultimately, I want teachers who will be remembered by their students as people who care and inspire.

NN: How would you like to be remembered?PC: I would like to be remembered as someone who lived and breathed my core values, acted with integrity and compassion, and tried my best to make a difference.

This opportunity makes whatever

obstacles and challenges that exist more than worth it…When you see young people overcome

significant barriers to thrive and be successful it is inspiring. Isn’t

that why we all do the job?”

“

Lessons for Life From an early age Patrick Cozier knew that he wanted to be a teacher. Twenty years later he is now Headteacher at Highgate Wood School, north London and still enjoying the challenges and rewards of the teaching profession.

Did you know...The world’s youngest parents were 8 and 9 and lived in China in 1910.


Twenty three year old Rondell Wanza is about to complete the Graduate Teacher Programme with Bromley Schools’ Collegiate and gain Qualified Teacher Status. He will then start his Induction year in the school where he trained.

Born in Trinidad, Rondell came to the UK on his 3rd birthday and grew up in South East London. He attended Bonus Pastor Catholic School in Lewisham which he credits with having given him a strong moral sense and a respect for education.

Interested in how the mind works, Rondell studied Psychology at Middlesex University, gaining a degree in 2008.

Whist studying, he took a part-time job with Vodafone to help make ends meet. After graduating, Rondell reflected on what he wanted to do next. ‘I always wanted to make a difference to people’s lives and it was during this time that I thought about becoming a teacher,’ he said.

His first break came when he was appointed as a Learning Support Assistant at Bullers Wood School in Chislehurst. ‘I was assigned to work with specific students but I also supported classes from year 7 to 11. I felt my work was really valued by the school and after only 6 weeks in the job, I was asked to accompany a school trip to France for a week. This really helped me to appreciate all that goes into running a school trip and I immediately felt part of the group. I was treated as an equal by the teaching staff and I built up a good rapport with the students – some of whom I still teach in Y10!’

So impressed was the school with how quickly Rondell adapted to his new role, that they took him on to the Graduate Teacher Programme to begin a 3 term training programme in January 09.

He will be assessed in December 09.‘I love training through the GTP as it

is so ‘hands on’ and builds on my prior experience as an LSA. I prefer to be very practical. It is a lot of paper work but this is helping me to become more organised and developing my professional skills. Most of all, I love getting to know the kids - I am very happy with this.’

Rondell has been mentored by Jed Stone, Head of RS at the school. ‘Jed has been very supportive. He has really believed in me and has seen my potential to become a good teacher. He has taken time out to develop my subject knowledge and has suggested lots of reading and research. He gives me really positive feedback on my observed lessons.’

When asked what have been the challenges of training through the GTP, Rondell recognises that he has very high expectations of himself and others. ‘If a lesson goes wrong, I feel I have let the students down. But I have learnt that not every lesson can be a perfect lesson.’

The GTP has been a formative experience for Rondell who now plans to stay in teaching and pursue a pastoral career, perhaps progressing to managing SEN in a school. ‘I am interested in behaviour issues and why pupils behave in the way they do. This is something I may explore at Masters level in the future.’

There is no doubt that Rondell has enthusiasm for teaching in abundance and he shows every promise of being a successful teacher. Contact Gill Kendall at Bromley Schools’ Collegiate for information about the GTP: 0208 300 6566 www.bscteach.co.uk

CASE STORY: Bromley School Collegiate

Make a difference

Rondell Wonza: Trainee Teacher making a difference


TEACH

Hugh Goulbourn is a solicitor and became governor of Lister School in Hackney in 2004.

Why did you decide to become a School Governor?I consider that education is the key to ensuring equality of opportunity for all. Equipping our young people with the technical and spiritual skills that they require in order to get the most from themselves and conduct themselves as valued members of the wider community. A passionate and multi-skilled School Governorship can make a decisive contribution to ensuring that we deliver a high quality of education and essential skills to our children.

Which aspect of the role did you find most rewarding?As a Community Governor I have acted as critical friend to the school, helping to restore financial stability to the school and so enable staff to concentrate on the most important task, educating students. As part of this process I have developed my understanding and dialogue with other governors, members of staff and students. It has been fantastically rewarding to find that there is little difference between my values and the motivations that drive members of various other groups within the community.

How has your experience as a governor, helped you in your own life, either professionally or personally?Becoming a school governor is one of the most personally rewarding ways of helping our community. Through this role I feel that I have developed a more rounded lifestyle, broaden my skills base by taking on greater responsibility and become a more effective communicator by working with people from outside of my immediate day-to-day environment.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a school governor?Anyone who is considering taking on a leadership role in their community, is probably also looking for broadly the same things that I was, namely to learn more about their community and to feel part of a higher purpose.Becoming a school governor was a life changing moment for me. Through greater community engagement I have discovered what really motivates me in life. I have been encouraged to set goals and aspirations for the future that I would not have considered without this experience. I would strongly encourage anyone who wants to make a difference to contact the School Governors’ One-Stop Shop today.

For more information on how you can volunteer as a school governor, please get in touch with the School Governors’ One-Stop Shop on 020 7354 9805 or visit www.sgoss.org.uk

Go back to school – become a governor!Volunteering as a school governor offers the chance to grow and develop skills in a range of work related areas at the same time as making a fantastic contribution to your community. Governors act as the non-executive board of the school. They allocate budgets, set the strategic direction and appoint and evaluate and appoint the head teacher.

MYTH: You need to be a parent to be a school governor

FACT: Anyone over 18 is encouraged to apply. Only parent governors are required to have children.

MYTH: I don’t have anything to offer a governing body

FACT: You don’t need any special skills or knowledge of the education system to be a governor. The most important quality is a desire to help give children the best possible standard of education.

MYTH: I don’t have enough time

FACT: Being a governor generally takes between 6 and 8 hours per month, mostly in the evenings and during term time.

Myths There are many myths surrounding school governance:



The Awards were set up to celebrate and promote excellence in diverse creative output in the TV sector. The ceremony took place at Channel 4 last November and were hosted by Alan Carr, with Gok Wan and The Wire’s Idris Elba among thosepresenting awards.

And the Winners were:1. Excellence in creative output – diverse content Heavy Load BBC Storyville (Met Film Ltd, HI8US)

2. Excellence in creative output – making diversity more mainstreamFind Me A Family Channel 4 (Betty)

3. Excellence in off-screen recruitmentOLGA TV

4. Outstanding contribution to promoting diversityTessa Ross, Head of Film & Drama, Channel 4

5. Special Recognition Award – The fifth award is a special category recognising those unsung heroes who worktirelessly behind the scenes to promote diversity. Bob Clarke, Founder, MAMA Youth Project

Left to right: Bob Clarke, CEO Mama Youth. Oona King, Head of Diversity Channel 4.

Idris Elba, Actor. David Akinsanya, Presenter of Channel 4 Series Find Me a Family. Paul

O’Grady’s Production Company, Olga TV – winner of “Excellence in off-screen recruitment.

The CDN was set up in 2000 to bring together broadcasters and other key stakeholders to address some of the key issues of diversity in the media.

Channel 4 is the current chairing organisation of the CDN and the aims of the network are… “to provide a platform for collective action on the key issues of diversity in the media. It enables member organisations to communicate with one another and challenge each other to do better, to be more imaginative and to ensure the needs of our multicultural audiences are met.”“To modernise the portrayal of ethnic minorities in mainstream programming, so that racial diversity on-screen and behind the screen reflects today’s multicultural Britain.”

Cultural Diversity Network North (CDN) The Cultural Diversity Network North (CDN North) was founded in 2004 to help the media industry in the North support its distinctive diversity needs. Its primary focus is to increase ethnic diversity within the media in the North.www.culturaldiversitynetwork.co.uk

The Cultural Diversity Network

The Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) held its inaugural awards ceremony celebrating diversity in the TV industry.

MEDIA

TV Talent Honoured

99BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2008www.blackhistorymonthuk.com

Greater Manchester has a vibrant and diverse community and we feel that it is important that as an organisation we reflect this diversity in our workforce to ensure we can reach out to all our communities and strive to make Greater Manchester a safer place

Many people still have the view that to be a firefighter you have to be over 6ft and well built. People who have the potential to become excellent firefighters may rule it out as a viable career option because they believe that height restrictions, physical strength, lack of qualifications and even their background / gender can rule them out.

The reality is that there are no height restrictions or any qualification entry requirements. Instead we are looking for people with a range of personal qualities, such as good communication, the ability to work well with others, calm under pressure and non judgemental.

The role of a firefighter involves much more than working on fires and road traffic collisions. We spend a great deal of time talking to people about fire safety, which means we place as much emphasis on personal qualities as we do on physical attributes.

However the Fire Service is not just about firefighters, we also have a dedicated support team who are as important as our firefighters in the running of the service. With a variety of jobs which range from working in HR to Finance and IT, from administrative staff to mechanics and electricians, there is something for everyone.

For more information about firefighter opportunities go to www.gmfrs-thinkagain.co.uk or why not book a place on one of our taster days on: [email protected], For support roles visit: www.manchesterfire.gov.uk.

Vibrant and Diverse

PROFILE: Greater Manchester

No one is born to fight fires. And in our experience there certainly isn’t a firefighting ‘type’. We have

people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds in our team. And we actively encourage that diversity.

Because it puts us in a better position to meet the needs of the different communities we work in.

If you want a career where you can actively protect those closest to you, visitwww.gmfrs-thinkagain.com

THINK YOU KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A FIREFIGHTER? THINK AGAIN.

FIREFIGHTING DOESNʼT HAVE TO BE IN YOUR PASTTO BE A PART OF OUR FUTURE.

No one is born to fight fires. And in our experience there certainly isn’t a firefighting ‘type’. We have

people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds in our team. And we actively encourage that diversity.

Because it puts us in a better position to meet the needs of the different communities we work in.

If you want a career where you can actively protect those closest to you, visitwww.gmfrs-thinkagain.com

THINK YOU KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A FIREFIGHTER? THINK AGAIN.

FIREFIGHTING DOESNʼT HAVE TO BE IN YOUR PASTTO BE A PART OF OUR FUTURE.


ARTS & CULTURE

HOMEGROWN TALENT


Black Britannia showcases 30 inspirational portraits of Black Britons by photographer John Ferguson, celebrating their contribution to British culture and public life over the last few decades.

Surgeons, teachers and fire-fighters feature alongside celebrities such as Lewis Hamilton, Frank Bruno, Charlie Williams and Ms Dynamite.

Each photograph demonstrates the individual’s strength of character and determination to succeed in their

chosen field, establishing them as someone to look up to. A broad range of professions are represented and the portraits include comedian Gina Yashere, jockey Royston French, singer Estelle and firewoman Vicky Henry.

Black achiever’s from Liverpool are also represented in the exhibition. Including boxer John Conteh, who was the first British boxer to hold the World Light Heavyweight crown in 25 years, and Gloria Hyatt, founder of the country’s

first independent school to cater for Black and racial minority pupils and Liverpool’s first Black headteacher.

Ferguson’s vision for his photography is to inspire Britain’s Black youth in a society where he believes the kinds of Black role-models people grow up with are almost entirely negative.

Ferguson said: “Growing up, I had my own heroes who helped me challenge prejudice in my own life – individuals like Charlie Williams, John

Conteh, Joan Armatrading and Bill Morris all included here. This exhibition is my own attempt to give something to the next generation of young Black people.”

Black Britannia is on until 28 February 2010, International Slavery Museum Albert Dock, Liverpool, Admission FREE, Open 10am-5pm, information 0151 478 4499. Website liverpoolmuseums.org.uk.

Opposite page: Rudolf Walker.

This page clockwise from top left: Ivor

Etienne, Samantha Tross, Shevelle Dynott,

Lewis Hamilton, Ms Dynamite, Estelle.

All Photograph by John Ferguson C

Did you know...Intelligent people have more zinc

and copper in their hair.


Did you know...Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a “Friday the 13th.”

FEATURE

For young Asian professionals, finding a long-term partner who shares your religion, values and beliefs can be a challenging task. As online dating agencies

become more and more popular in the match-making game, AsianSingleSolution.com offers you

a helping hand to finding your life mate. Dating Coach James Preece guides you through the process.

Winning the Dating Game

Typical members are graduates and work in

professions such as accounting, law, media and design, or are people who run their own businesses.”

“

Historically, as a British Asian, the dating process can be a lot more intense, seen as a lifelong commitment and generally involving pressure from the whole family. With religion, culture, class and profession often being the deciding factors for Asian families, these are different priorities for your average speed dater who may initially just be just looking for a fun-time companion. However family pressure can take the fun out of the dating process and make it extremely dated. Culture and traditions may still be strong but times have changed. British Asians are becoming increasingly independent but they are also working longer hours than ever before.

That’s why AsianSingleSolution.com was launched. They are one of the market leaders in the industry and offer dating services to discerning single men and women who have a sense of fun, and who are looking for a long-term relationship. Typical members are graduates and work in professions such as accounting, law, media and design, or are people who run their own businesses.

AsianSingleSolution.com differs from other dating sites by giving their members the best of worlds, running singles events

as well as online dating. They provide their members with enjoyable and regular events in London and Birmingham, where they can meet up with other people on AsianSingleSolution.com network. This includes Hindu & Sikh Singles parties, Wine Tastings, Theatre Trips as well as Muslim Speed Dating events.

Now in their 8th year, AsianSingleSolution.com has now run over 500 events with over 50,000 guests and are still thriving with many success stories. The success rate is very high and every week they hear about new partnerships, as well as weddings. They constantly innovate and run weekly parties with optional speed dating and fun icebreaking activities to get everyone mingling. They also have their own Dating Coach, leading expert James Preece at all events to offer advice and dating tips to help guests get the most of the events. The company also hires the best hosts to personally introduce and welcome the members, so nobody feels nervous. Many Asian members attend the parties as a way to network and extend their social circles as well as seeking potential partners.

The AsianSingleSolution.com Dating Coach, James Preece offers five top tips to help you get the most out of online dating:

1. Have a fantastic photo. This is the golden rule of all for online dating. If you don’t have one on your dating profile then nobody will ever contact

you. Profiles with photos attract 7 times more hits than those without. If you don’t have a good one, get a friend to take a happy smiling picture for you.

2. Be the best you can be. Make the most of what you have, rather than focusing on what you don’t. Always be well groomed and dress nicely, you

Finding Ms or Mr Right never who you might meet today!

3. Be proactive. Mr. or Miss Right won’t find you unless you take action and get yourself out there. Go to lots of our singles parties and use the dating site to contact anyone you might find interesting.

4. Know what you want. If you aren’t clear then you won’t know when you meet the right person. Write down a “shopping” list of exactly what you

are looking for. Be realistic and work out what you really need and what you are prepared to compromise on.

5. Don’t give up. Dating is a process that you can learn and it can take time. Just enjoy the fun of dating and the adventures and new experiences it will take you on.

Right: Dating Coach

James Preece

Single?: Matching discerning, professional single men and women with a sense of fun.


A small suburb of Brazzaville in Congo has become a world-leading style capital, thanks to the fashion sense and creativity of its local people. Dressed to outshine any western catwalk, in bowler hats, exquisitely tailored suits and impeccable accessories, ‘Sapeurs’ strut their stuff in the capital’s streets. Italian photographer Daniele Tamagni recently captured the fantastic fashion in a glossy book Gentlemen of Bacongo.

British designer Paul Smith says in admiration of the Sapeurs sense of style: “We have become so complacent in today’s world that everything is so readily available to us. The Sapeurs, however, have to work hard and dedicate time and money to afford and source these clothes. The passion they have for clothes is so unusual today, while the care and attention to detail given to everything they wear dates back to the time of the first dandies, when entire outfits would be carefully considered on a daily basis. Nowadays, we all seem to be in too much of a hurry to do this.

The attitude of the Sapeurs and their way of being is unique, not just the clothes, the ties, cufflinks, socks, shoes and famous cigars but also their elegant manners and place in society.”

Gentlemen of Bacongo by Daniele Tamagni is published by Trolley Books (£19.99, www.trolleybooks.com)

WORLD FASHION

Top: Daniele Tamagni’s book Gentlemen of

Bocongo. Left: Imagery from the book.

SUITS YOU

“We have become so complacent in today’s world that everything is so readily available to us. The Sapeurs, however, have to work hard and dedicate time and money to afford and source these clothes.”

Did you know...A ‘jiffy’ is an actual unit of time:

1/100th of a second.

ARTS & CULTURE



YOUR UNI SOCIETY

Bath University – Uniting Asian culture

BUASS aims to unite students from the many different Asian cultures at the University of Bath.

BUASS’ main objective is to provide regular events to cater for everybody’s different tastes. We organise religious celebrations, sporting activities, society meals and cultural shows amongst other activities. We will attend social events in Bristol, Cardiff and London to interact with other societies around the country.

BUASS is a brand new society which was formed this year; our journey began with “BUASS Link” which was an opportunity for new students to get to know the society’s members and committee. This was a fantastic success as we were able to make the international students feel an integral part of our community.

Once everyone had settled into University life, we decided to hold a Diwali Aarti celebration inside the chaplaincy. This was the perfect venue to unite cultures as the chaplaincy was filled with both Asian and non-Asian students.

First class professional service firm “Ernst and Young” has identified BUASS members as potential employees and has subsequently agreed to sponsor our society. This enables our society to build the bridge between students and employers. Local restaurants “Eastern Eye” and “Yum Yum Thai” have also sponsored our society and this in turn improves the quality of food we can offer at our events.

We intend to hold an Asian Night in March which is the largest cultural event in the student calendar at the University of Bath. The night will embody a fusion of the vibrance and elegance that the Bath University Asian Student Society has at its disposal through its collection of cosmopolitan members. This formal event promises to be a colossal success, drawing a massive audience and creating an amazing, enigmatic and exciting atmosphere.

We have been holding regular dance classes from our resident expert which aims to provide every student the opportunity to perform at Asian Night despite their initial ability. Some of the University’s best talents will be showcased, from traditional and modern dances to comedy sketches and live music. A fashion show will display the most decorative and elegant clothing the Asian culture has to offer.

BUASS will always provide the opportunity for our members to grow in confidence as they can meet new friends and celebrate festivals with each other. Our society is increasing the diversity of the Student’s Union and will help represent students from all over the world. Students of all backgrounds will have the opportunity to come to our events and experience our cultures. Our long term goals are that in future years BUASS is still uniting Asian cultures together and proudly promoting our talents.

“We intend to hold an Asian Night in March which is the largest cultural event in the student calendar at the University of Bath. The night will embody a fusion of the vibrance and elegance that the Bath University Asian Student Society has at its disposal through its collection of cosmopolitan members.”

Peter Poobalasingam from Bath University

Asian Student Society (BUASS) explains the

many benefits of joining this vibrant new society

30 NetworkNews.co.uk

Did you know...All of the clocks in the movie “Pulp Fiction” are stuck on 4:20.

Are you part of a University Society? Network News would like to hear from University and College societies which cater for BME (Black Minority Ethnic) students. Tell us about your forthcoming events, email us pics for our online picture gallery, and tell us about all your news and opinions. Email: [email protected].

Your society

To find out more, go to channel4.com/diversity

Who wants TV without colour?

Channel 4 is proud to promote diversity in all parts of our business. On and off screen.

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is the national governing body for cricket inEngland and Wales. Integral to our Cricket Equity Policy is our intent to ensure that therewill be open access to all those who wish to participate in all aspects of cricket and that allparticipants are treated fairly.

The ECB website (www.ecb.co.uk) provides details of opportunities to be involved in thegame as a player, coach, official, volunteer or spectator. We are proud of the diversity in thegame and also within our organisation.

The ECB is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors ofthe community. Please be aware that the ECB advertises all of its job vacancies on thewebsite www.ecb.co.uk.

Cricket - one game accessible to all

#26380 - EO ad - NN:Layout 1 08/12/2009 12:23 Page 1

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