The news magazine for York St John University AUTUMN 2011

Transforming the Fountains Learning

Centresee page 2

In the spotlightLukas Njenga, Chaplain

Medal winnerGraeme wins silver at World University Games

Focus on…Student Services

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Vote of confidence from NSSYork St John has risen 29 places in the National Student Survey (NSS) for 2011, gaining its highest score to date.The survey, conducted by Ipsos MORI, asks final-year undergraduate students to rate their experiences, including feedback and assessment, learning resources and personal development. This year York St John achieved a record 74 per cent student response rate, which is higher than the national average of 65 per cent. The overall student satisfaction score was 84 per cent. Particularly high levels of overall satisfaction were achieved by Theology & Religious Studies at 97 per cent, Psychology at 94 per cent and Teacher Training at 93 per cent, which were amongst the highest in the country in these subjects.

Vice Chancellor Professor David Fleming commented, “These high ratings are a reflection of the hard work and commitment of staff across the organisation. Faculties and Directorates will be looking at the results in detail to identify areas and action plans where we need to close gaps in satisfaction and to build on our successes. Staff enthusiasm, ideas and commitment will be central to this work, which will help us deliver an exceptional student experience.”

The NSS results are available at www.unistats.com

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talk CONTENTS02 News

08 Focus on… Student Services

10 Research news

11 In the spotlight

12 The view from the Students’ Union

13 Opinion: Frances Dodd brings together psychology and business

14 Widening participation

14 Announcements

16 Noticeboard

Transforming the Fountains Learning Centre

National praise for teacher trainingThe latest Ofsted report has rated York St John as ‘outstanding’ for its secondary teacher education and ‘good’ for its primary programmes. The University received particular praise for its recruitment and selection process and for its leadership.

Keither Parker, Head of Programme for Secondary, remarked that she and Imelda O’Grady, subject tutor, were both delighted with the report and that it was “a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our secondary partnership to developing quality teachers and leaders for our local and national schools”.

The report states that a key strength of the provision is “quality trainees who display good professional attributes and become reflective professionals with high expectations of themselves and their pupils.”

Mike Hickman, Head of Initial Teacher Education, said, “The report is testament to the very high levels of commitment and achievement of both our teaching staff and our trainees. It confirms that we are innovative and excel in our approach. I am particularly pleased to see that the inspectors singled out for praise our selection process which we believe ensures that we recruit the very best and most highly motivated future teachers.”

The £1.1 million Fountains Project is now complete, with the refurbished Fountains Learning Centre open for business at the start of Welcome Week.

“My first reaction was ‘wow’,” said Leigh Hankinson, Union President. “The layout of the ground floor has changed completely – it all looks bigger, more open.

“The University listened to our opinions throughout the project and we are over the moon that they have made this investment.”

In just four months, the building has been transformed to enhance the resources and environment available for study. The help desks for the Library and ICT Services have merged into one visible, central location on the ground floor to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ for all enquiries. Previously closed-in

spaces have been opened up, and booksand other resources more closely integrated into expanded study areas. New furniture and space dividers allow for lively group project work or individual study.

Lap top connection services have been installed, and a new student portal and a virtual desk top for remote users are being developed.

“We re-organised every item in the collection during the August Bank Holiday weekend,” explained Linda West, Information Services Manager. “That amounted to almost 38,000 linear metres of material being moved into the new shelving layout. The project has already brought library and IT staff closer together and we have now moved into one large,

open-plan workspace. Being in the same office will improve communication and make us more accessible to users of the building; this is just the start, we are learning all the time. We will be asking users to comment on the refurbishment through a wide variety of channels that include a Comment Wall and video interviews.”

Shifali Saini, Estates Manager, added, “It has been brilliant to see the project come together over the last few months from the initial design conception. Everyone involved has worked well as a team and, knowing that the end objective was to enhance the user experience, it’s all been worth it! I’m really excited to see people’s reaction to everything we’ve achieved over the summer.”

Key facts• A £1.1 million investment

• 20% increase in open access PCs

• £50,000 to increase the book stock

• Ground floor open 24/7

• Quick access reference texts

• Self-service collection, issue and return

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Course developments in BangladeshAnita Backhouse, a Senior Lecturer in Education, has made her first visit to the Bangladesh Health Professions Institute (BHPI) at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) Headquarters in Savar, Bangladesh.

Together, BHPI and CRP provide vital care and support for people from all over Bangladesh. BHPI is hoping to offer an MSc in Rehabilitation in conjunction with York St John’s Faculty of Health & Life Sciences and Queen’s University in Canada.

The purpose of Anita’s visit was to discuss the potential for a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PCAP) with academic staff and health practitioners and to offer reflective teaching and learning sessions. She commented, “After a very productive week, the staff were all extremely keen to participate in a full PCAP programme in the future, as part of their preparation for M Level provision.” For more information about CRP and BHPI, please visit www.crp-bangladesh.org

Promoting OT in UgandaIn her role as a University Teaching Fellow, Corinna Klaentschi, Faculty Placements Development Officer in the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, has spent a week in Uganda at the Katalemwa Cheshire Home and Providence Home.

Her aims were to carry out placement visits to two third-year Occupational Therapy (OT) students and their educators; to assess the potential for placement opportunities for physiotherapy, counselling, psychology and sport students; and to deliver the Support for Learning in Practice (SLiP) module to qualified OT and physiotherapy clinicians.

Eighteen therapists attended the SLiP course, which is the only one of its kind to be offered in Uganda. Corinna said, “It was not until I collected the attendance list that I realised that the principal occupational therapist from the only OT school in Uganda was one of the attendees. Chatting together over lunch has led to a potential long-term collaboration between York St John and Mulago, the main teaching hospital in Kampala.”

Graeme wins silver at World University GamesGraeme Law, a third-year BA Physical Education & Sports Coaching student, was part of the silver-medal-winning GB football team at the World University Games.

He was selected for the squad of 20, made up of students from across the UK. They defeated Ghana, Canada, South Korea and then Brazil on penalties en route to the final. Unfortunately, they were unable to prevent a strong Japanese side from clinching gold with a 2-0 win in front of 30,000 fans. The Games, held in Shenzhen, China, saw over 12,500 students from 150 countries compete across 20 sports, with Great Britain competing in 15. Commenting on the team’s success, Graeme said, “The whole team were absolutely thrilled to come home with a silver medal. The men’s

football team achieved their best ever finish at a World University Games, and this is something extra special to be proud of.”

Creative Chaos in York and TerniThe Creative Chaos 2011 Summer School attracted 39 students – from York St John, Turkey, Italy, the USA and Canada.

The event was hosted by the Creative Business team in the Faculty of Arts, working with their partners from the CAOS Arts Centre in Terni, Italy. The students spent two weeks in York and one in Terni. They engaged in an intensive programme of study, designed to enhance and deepen their existing knowledge and skills in their chosen strands of Screenwriting, Performance or Documentary. The resulting pieces of work were shown at the Evento

Corinna Klaentschi Children from the CRP school.

Graeme Law with his silver medal from the World University Games.

Winners of new graduate theatre prizeThe theatre programme in the Faculty of Arts recognises the need to support Level 3 students in their transition from university to professional practice.

The introduction of a new graduate theatre prize, jointly sponsored by York St John and York Theatre Royal, is an example of this drive to promote professional and career development opportunities.

The inaugural graduate prize was awarded jointly to Lucie Chester and Sophie Wills, for devising and performing Playgiarism, and Moji Kareem, for directing Eugene Ionesco’s The Shepherd’s Chameleon. This year’s judges included York Theatre Royal’s Artistic Director, Damian Cruden, and Associate Director, Juliet Forster. The prize winners will receive a period of artistic mentoring at York Theatre Royal and the opportunity to present work at a platform event hosted by the theatre.

“My period of traineeship at the theatre will give me grounding as a director and equip me, not only with skills for the rehearsal room, but also skills needed to lead a

company,” said Moji. “I will showcase a production of my own at the Theatre Royal on 4 October, giving me the opportunity to work with professional actors. The prize is a dream come true. I could not have wished for a better opportunity following graduation.”

(left-right) Juliet Forster, Associate Director at York Theatre Royal, winners Sophie Wills, Moji

Kareen and Lucie Chester, and Matthew Reason, Senior Lecturer in Theatre.

Finale on the final night in Terni. For further information, please visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/creativechaos or contact Faye Alexander at E: f.alexander@yorksj.ac.uk

Creative Chaos students performing outside York Minster.

A special presentation ceremony was held on 14 September for 24 members of the Sangat Community Centre in Keighley, to acknowledge their successful completion of a course which focused on young people’s social development. Youth Work and Young People was attended by local imams, foster carers, nursery workers, parents and people who work in a voluntary capacity with children and young people. It was delivered by Patricia Norris of the Faculty of Education & Theology. Zale Khabi, one of the participants, said, “The course has developed our understanding of the importance and benefits of encouraging all young people to contribute, interact and participate in group activities, regardless of ability or background.”

York St John has been developing and implementing a series of innovative community outreach projects which have been delivered at the Sangat Community Centre over the last three years. These have been designed with local people in an effort to raise aspirations and encourage progression to higher education.

Successful community outreach project

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Studying indoor play centres

Phoenix Centre set to soar

The Phoenix Centre, the campus-based business incubator, has proved to be a resounding success with activity confirmed to extend beyond the original two years of the scheme.

York St John has taken over the reins from Science City York in managing the unit, which was launched in 2009 to kick start the development and growth of a new generation of creative and digital businesses for Yorkshire and North East.

The latest cohort of seven businesses has now taken up residence. Occupants’ business remits have been broadened beyond solely the creative and digital sector to include any innovative start-upbusiness. Darrell Hooper has been appointed as the Centre Manager; he will work to support the long-term sustainability of the unit. Science City York are continuing their support, providing a series of programmes bringing differing expertise under one roof through an open innovation acceleration programme.

Sue Reece, Pro Vice Chancellor (Development), commented, “We have seen fantastic collaborations between the incubating businesses and our staff and students, giving both a taste of what is possible when creative and business minds collide. The Phoenix Centre further enhances York St John’s reputation in encouraging growth.”

Please visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/phoenix for details of this year’s businesses, which are Spinning Top Films, Orillo Productions, WeEnrich, Inspired Youth, Own Beat, Rogue Frame Productions and Langtree Photography.

MALIC course goes global

In partnership with Robert Kennedy College in Switzerland, the Business School has attracted senior managers and professionals from a range of organisations across the world to the MA in Leading Innovation and Change, which was first offered at York St John in 1995.

Most of the learning takes place at a distance, through e-learning methodologies, including video lectures, and there is also one week of face-to-face classes at a residential event.

Senior Lecturer George Boak and MALIC Head of Programme Sarah Crabbe led a residential event in Zurich in June, which was hosted and supported by David Costa, Director of Robert Kennedy College. It brought together 28 participants from countries including Kenya, Japan, Egypt, South Africa, Jordan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Dubai, Belgium and the Bahamas. One participant said, “It was amazing to experience a bit of globalisation within a single room.”

Promoting HIV/AIDS education

A project involving Nkrumah University College (NUC) in Zambia and York St John has received a Development Partnerships in Higher Education grant from the British Council.

The partners intend to work as a catalyst for the mainstreaming of HIV/AIDS education in Physical Education (PE) teacher training, embedding research skills training and promoting sustainable development. Sylvester Mbewe and Edmond Muleya from NUC recently visited York St John to attend research skills training and e-learning technology sessions as well as an Introduction to Moodle 2 course.

Davies Banda, Senior Lecturer in Sport Policy and Development, said, “The benefits of the project will soon reach the key stakeholders such as undergraduate trainee teachers, in-service teachers, schools and the wider community through sport-for-development, non-governmental organisations where PE-trained teachers find alternative employment. The most important point is to build the sustainability of the project outcomes.”

(left-right) Davies Banda and Dr Michelle Jones of the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences;

Edmond Muleya and Sylvester Mbewe of NUC; and Professor David Maughan Brown

MALIC students with George Boak (centre) and Sarah Crabbe (centre right) at the Zurich

residential event.

The Business School has celebrated the most recent publication of books written by members of its staff with an event attended by colleagues from across the University.

It is intended that this becomes an annual event. The authors covered a wide range of topics in business management, tourism, language and applied linguistics.

Guests at the book celebration included (left-right standing) Chris Hall, George Boak, Christine Mortimer, Rachel Wicaksono and Andrew Merrison; and (left-right seated) Steve Watson, Angela Goddard, Taka Jimura and Stefanos Nachmias.

Business School book celebration

Students and lecturers from the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences have joined forces with the Play Providers Association (PPA) to carry out studies into the benefits of indoor play on a child’s health and wellbeing.

They are leading projects at Creepy Crawlies play centre and adventure park in York. Andy Buckton, Senior Lecturer in Sport, will measure physical activity of children during free play. He said, “We aim to identify the role PPA members can have in enabling more children to engage in sufficient physical activity.”

Another study will focus on the role that indoor play has in developing and building movement skills. Lois Addy, Senior Lecturer and Advanced Clinical Occupational Therapist, will work with OT students to create a series of graded and structured play circuits at Creepy Crawlies to extend children’s skills. “It is important to provide these types of therapies in a natural context in order to promote both social and educational inclusion,” she explained.

Janice Dunphy, Chair of the PPA and owner of Creepy Crawlies in York, commented that the new project was vital to the future of the sector, adding, “We are pleased to announce this new partnership, which will give our members the tools to be able to inform their customers of the health

benefits of their centres. We ultimately aim for GPs to be able to offer ‘play on prescription’ so that everyone can access our facilities and so that children can have a healthier start in their lives.”

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“Developments in advice and support services are driven by students themselves.”

Based in the Holgate Student Centre, Student Services is the first port of call for any questions students or staff may have about the student experience at York St John. Developments in advice and support services are driven by students themselves. Anthony takes an evidence-based approach, quoting higher education consultant Professor Paul Ramsden: “Students are not passive consumers. They are active partners in a relationship.”

One of the aims of the Student Experience Strategy, which is being developed and implemented throughout this academic year, is closer engagement between Student Services, faculties, departments and the Students’ Union. The new Student Experience Working Group brings together key service managers, with a focus on communication and practical improvements to services. Another initiative currently being investigated is the trial of an online survey instrument, with support from HEA, that measures students’ engagement with their courses and their perceptions of the quality of other aspects of their university experience. Unlike the NSS, this survey will be completed by all students, not just those about to graduate.

Student Services are working to engage with students prior to their arrival at York St John, through Welcome Week and their first term, and throughout their academic career, graduation and beyond. “We are piloting a Peer Mentoring Programme this year, where first years are matched up with students from other years to provide extra support,” explains Anthony. “We have had a great response from alumni wishing to become mentors to our second- and third-year students.

“We are also working towards increasing internships and work placements, with the aim that all students will have opportunities for engaging in real-work experience. Encouraging volunteering opportunities and transferable skills will add to this drive towards promoting employability. With the recent move of the Careers team to the Phoenix Centre and the development of YSJConnect as a ‘one-stop shop’ for opportunities, students now have top-class resources to assist them in preparing for their futures.”

Better communication with the University community is another of Student Services’ priorities. Their web presence was greatly enhanced over the summer months: easy to navigate and full of information for students and staff, the new pages flag up the Student Advice Team as the initial point of contact. Online support systems – promoting interactive self help – have been implemented to ensure that students can access help when they need it.

“In just a few short months we have shown how far we can go in integrating support across the whole student experience at York St John.”Anthony comments, “These ICT developments enable us to reach out and provide flexible support to many more students – but these initiatives only supplement rather than replace human contact. It is through quality relationships that we will deliver a really exceptional student experience. I’ve been most impressed by the dedication and expertise of the wonderful staff here. The developments that have taken place in just a few short months illustrate how far we can go in integrating support across the whole student experience at York St John.”

Find out moreHot line for staff enquiries relating to student support T: 6479

New-look web pagesFind the Students section of the University’s website and click on ‘Student Support’or visit www.yorksj.ac.uk/student

Head of Student ExperienceAnthony Payne joined the staff at York St John in March. He was previously Director of Equity & Diversity at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia.

“I chose to come to York St John because of its commitment to fostering a supportive, creative, critical and reflective community,” he says. “I saw lots of opportunities to contribute, especially with the new leadership team in place.”

Anthony Payne, Head of Student Experience, and Kathryn Ward, Student Advice Manager.

FOCUS ON…

Student Services“Exciting opportunities ahead,” says Anthony Payne, Head of Student Experience. He is talking about his development of a Student Experience Strategy for York St John. “We are focusing on joining up existing services, as well as providing increased support for staff. Our approach will build on the positive results of the recent National Student Survey (NSS).”

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In the spotlightLukas Njenga, Chaplain

What attracted you to join York St John?York St John is a Church Foundation University with a great community spirit. I was convinced that this is the kind of community I would like to serve.

What have been your impressions so far?I have found it very welcoming, and working closely with the Vice Chancellor has given me great insight into the dynamism and great potential that we have as a university. I have already made many good friends and, although I am very new here, I feel as if I know everybody, which makes it a real joy to work here.

Please describe your career to date

After school, I worked briefly for the Kenyan Government as a civil servant. I then joined the Anglican Church as an evangelist; I was ordained as the youngest Anglican priest in Kenya at the age of 24. I pioneered a church in Kitengela near Nairobi, before going to South Africa as the first Kenyan missionary to Kwa Zulu Natal. I worked in a township community known as Sobantu in Pietermaritzburg. After five years, I returned to Kenya where I taught in a theological college before accepting a post in Glasgow, Scotland. I served as the Priest in Charge of St George’s Maryhill, and then joined Glasgow Caledonian University in 2005 as the Anglican chaplain.

And your commitment to social enterprise?I have engaged with several government, church and charitable social enterprise projects. I founded the Heart for the City charity in 2003, which now has a presence in 11 different countries; I served on the board of the Church of Scotland Priority Areas Strategy Group; and I was the chief promoter of Ushindi Commercial Bank, a micro-finance project addressing the challenge of the ‘unbanked’ community in Kenya. I have travelled extensively in Africa, India, South East Asia and the USA to speak at conferences and introduce my social enterprise models as a sustainable way of poverty elevation.

What does your new role entail?Encouraging faith development in the University for all, developing a befriending atmosphere – offering spiritual nurture and care to all staff, students, friends and families, and promoting charitable activities on campus and beyond. I also have a wider role of creating links with other faith institutions, churches and ministers throughout the city.

What are your first priorities?For me, it is so important that I get to understand the University and how it works. I have been very keen to spend time with Revd Chris Cullwick, who has been a great mentor and associate. Understanding the University will stimulate priorities in line with York St John’s strategic plan and vision. I am very committed to working alongside staff and students in their day-to-day challenges, and also to join them in celebrations of life.

I hope to have a vibrant worshipping Christian community on campus that will help reflect the Church Foundation under which the University stands.

What will be your major challenges in the next 12 months?We are all looking at a great time of change. Parents, students and staff will have to deal with issues that have not been addressed in the past. Supporting our many international students, with their diverse cultural and faith orientations, will demand extra skills, patience and willingness to adapt. My short experience of York is that the majority of the residents are local and therefore there are various dynamics that need to be addressed in the coming years. I hope to face these challenges with sensitivity and a learning attitude.

Lukas NjengaAn innovative project is linking contemporary dance students at York St John and L’Ecole des Sables, a dance school in Senegal.

The school is situated near a small fishing village called Toubab Dialaw, 55km south of the capital, Dakar, and it attracts students from all over Africa. A centre for traditional and contemporary African dance, the school was created in 1998 and is run by Germaine Acogny, a dancer and choreographer with an international reputation. Christy Adair, Professor of Dance Studies, and Jenny Zobel (JZ), of the Centre for Global Education York, have returned from a visit to the school where they interviewed Ms Acogny and some of the main choreographers, and attended the last part of a 10-week dance course.

JZ reflects on her conversations: “I particularly focused on a human rights theme as I know that a lot of Germaine’s work has been about defending rights and exposing injustice. I picked up those themes through the personal stories of the participants, especially the young women,

Research newsExploring contemporary dance in Senegal

and also through Germaine’s latest feisty solo performance which challenges the ills of globalisation.

“Germaine told me that there is no such thing as art for art’s sake in Africa, particularly in the domain of dance. Art has to be useful, and dance is used to tell, to teach, to celebrate, to inform, to affirm, to protest, to reveal, to expose. But to do so effectively, dancers need to be firmly rooted in their own dance traditions. By doing so, they will affirm their identity – without this rootedness they will lose their identity and their dancing will have little meaning or impact. Germaine says to her dancers, ‘If you don’t know where you’re going, look where you’re coming from’.”

Christy and JZ are now planning a series of workshops with contemporary dance students at York St John which will focus on human rights and dance, informed by their research in L’Ecole des Sables.

Focus on undergraduate researchThe first British Conference of Undergraduate Research was held at the University of Central Lancashire in Preston in April. The conference included poster presentations, spoken papers and workshops by undergraduate students from all disciplines and all parts of the UK. Five students from York St John gave presentations – Victoria Boast, Charlotte Drew, Paul McGivern, Lyndsay Lindley and Dasha Zhurauskaya. “The conference gave me a great opportunity to present my dissertation to a wider community,” said Dasha, “which boosted my confidence a lot. The feedback form the audience reaffirmed the validity of my research which was great!”

Addressing cultural tourismSteve Watson, Principal Lecturer in the Business School, was invited by the University of Western Sydney to take part in a research workshop on cultural tourism and to deliver a seminar at their Centre for Cultural Studies. He gave a paper on the influence of travel writing on touristic perceptions of Spain and contemporary marketing policies. The workshop brought together scholars from around the world to work on a new book (to be published in 2012) that will examine the relationship between tourism and heritage. Steve will contribute a chapter and co-write the introductory chapter as well as co-edit the final volume.

Dance students at L’Ecole des Sables with JZ (fourth from left) and Christy (fourth from right).

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The view from the Students’ Union

“Our SHHH! campaign encourages students to cut back on anti-social noise.”

with YSJ International on developing packs for international students who arrive in York after long-haul flights. Each contained a bottle of water, a Pot Noodle, a toilet roll, hot chocolate and a mug – all things designed to make students’ first nights in York a little bit easier.

“Several of our ‘getting to know you’ events were also included on the check list of things to do given to international students – so as well as attending registration and induction talks, they were also encouraged to take part in events like a Cruise on the Ouse. This is a great way to meet other students – and anyone who completed all the events was entered into a £200 prize draw.”

The Union has relaunched its Silent Students Happy Homes (SSHH!) campaign this year. The Zippy mascot has been retired to be replaced by several Morphs. “Each Morph costume has a reason why students should be quiet in residential areas printed on their back,” explains Leigh. “Our volunteers will be out and about throughout the year working with our Night Marshals to encourage students to cut back on anti-social noise.” Information packs have been sent to around 300 homes, introducing local residents to the campaign. Photo challenges – for students for pictures taken with a Morph and for residents for photos of SSHH! window stickers – are being used to increase awareness as well.

Now in his second term as President, Leigh is developing a productive working relationship with the University’s leadership team: “We have frank and open discussions, airing plenty of views and opinions. Daniel Ridsdale, our Vice President – Education and Welfare, has been involved with the Union since day one as an undergraduate and has hit the ground running; and Dave Findlay, as Vice President – Student Activities, has put together a great What’s On package, including the new weekly Hyena Lounge Comedy Club. I think this should be a really good year!”

The Students’ Union has been welcoming students to York St John during the first few weeks of the new academic year. A major redevelopment of the café area and a range of social events have been designed to attract people into the Union building to see what’s on offer. And the Battle of the Halls on 25 September encouraged students to take part in egg and spoon races, space hopper races and a hula hoop challenge.

“Café Neo is now more welcoming and inviting following a £80,000 facelift,” explains Union President Leigh Hankinson. “We sent out our Welcome Guide and congratulation letters to first years earlier this year. For the first time, we’ve worked

OpinionFrances Dodd, Senior Lecturer and Chartered Psychologist in Business Psychology, is launching a series of CPD workshops – The Psychological Advantage – which aim to help local businesses become more efficient, more effective and more enjoyable. She discusses her enthusiasm for bringing together psychology and business.

This year’s Sabbatical Officers: (left-right) Dave Findlay, Leigh Hankinson and Daniel Ridsdale.

Most people don’t see psychology and business as one topic, but I see them linking together perfectly. My background is in business and, in particular, the corporate environment, although I also have experience of working in smaller companies and the voluntary sector. This business experience, combined with my Masters in Business Psychology, means I can apply psychological theory effectively to the practical issues of the workplace.

I passionately believe that practice and theory go hand in hand and this is the basis of my workshops. The business community often sees important business psychology research as irrelevant as key findings take little account of the overwhelming organisational pressures of time, money and limited resources. This is where The Psychological Advantage workshops aim to bridge the gap between academia and business.

They are aimed at small and medium sized enterprises in York and the surrounding area, and will provide continuing professional development (CPD) in key areas of business. This is particularly important in Yorkshire, where one in six people are self-employed, and over 70 per cent of businesses employ on average 10 people. These small businesses are critical to the economic success of Yorkshire, yet they have limited resources and support to help them achieve sustained growth.

In light of the government’s push for the start up of new enterprises, there is more demand than ever to meet the needs of growing businesses. This is particularly relevant as the harsh reality is that four out of five new start-up enterprises fail – as the Chancellor pointed out in the 2011 Budget.

So to help such enterprises, the workshops will be practical, informative and relevant to the local business community. They will provide knowledge and support in many areas, such as recruitment and selection; stress management; coaching and mentoring; building your team; time management; and presentation skills.

For instance, in the area of recruitment and selection, I am always amazed at some of the weird and wonderful recruitment experiences that people have had in the past. Although often amusing to look back at some experiences, this is a serious and potentially devastating area, both for the individual and the company. Despite the theory to support structured selection processes, many still rely on ‘gut instinct’, as they feel that investing in a structured approach is too costly, both in time and money. But recruiting the wrong person is far more costly, as this leads to high turnover, staff shortages, poor team morale and a potentially negative impact on the company’s reputation.

Frances Dodd

The workshops will be launched in October and as part of the press launch local businesses will be sent leaflets and sharp red pencils! These CPD workshops will fill a current gap for small and medium sized enterprises here in Yorkshire, and make York St John a resource of choice for the surrounding community.

“I can apply psychological theory effectively to the practical issues of the workplace.”

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Widening participationCelebrating children’s learningAs a member of the York Cares Children’s University, York St John is now a learning destination for young people from the ages of 7 to 14. The Children’s University is a national framework that aims to ensure that every child has access to high-quality, out-of-school learning experiences.

Martell Linsdell, Widening Participation Co-ordinator, explained, “During the pilot stage of involvement, we are validating the York St John Inclusive Sports Club with its regular Saturday morning sessions of multisports such as Boccia, Goalball (see below) and New Age Kurling.

“The Children’s University portfolio of modules will then extend into other academic areas with short courses of six weeks that culminate in a Golden Moment celebration in schools. The University will recognise and celebrate young people’s participation in activities through hours banked in their own Passport for Learning. Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards can be worked towards. The young people’s awards will be celebrated at a formal graduation to recognise their achievement and learning. The participants gain an insight and experience of being part of a university.”

For more information or to suggest a short course that could become part of the Children’s University’s portfolio, please contact Martell Linsdell on T: 6288 or E: m.linsdell@yorksj.ac.uk

In November, 3rd-year Psychology PhD student Lizzie Freeman will set out on a month-long expedition to Nepal in an attempt to reach the summit of Mera Peak (6,467m) and Baruntse (7,129m).

She will be working with the expedition leaders and team to monitor group dynamics, wellbeing and mental health. In particular, she will utilise the knowledge and skills developed during her PhD, which examines people’s experiences of wild places. Lizzie hopes that being part of this venture will inspire many others to challenge themselves. Please e-mail e.freeman@yorksj.ac.uk if you would like to help her reach her sponsorship goal of £4,500.

Sue Yore, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education & Theology, is planning to take part in Action for Charity’s Women V Cancer cycle ride in Kenya. The challenge involves cycling 400km over five days through the Rift Valley. She needs to raise £2,800 in sponsorship by December 2011 in order

Sue Yore (top) and Lizzie Freeman

Above: Skydivers Kirstin Thompson, Emma Wilkins, Daniel Ridsdale and Helen Woodall.Below: The Sri Lankan and Pakistani cricket teams at Acomb Cricket Club.

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Yorktalk onlineDid you know that you can read Yorktalk online?Go to the staff infohub and click on ‘News and events’ to find the current and past issues. If you feel that you or your department receive too many copies of Yorktalk at present, please contact Amy Hey in the Marketing department, E: a.hey@yorksj.ac.uk

Continued from back page

Angela Goddard, Professor in English Language, YSJ Business School

Dave Greatorex, Senior Lecturer, YSJ Business School

Bob Holliday, Painter/Decorator, Facilities

Terri Hull, Cleaner, Facilities

Ged Kearney, Shift Porter, Facilities

Barbara Kybett, School Partnerships Officer, Education & Theology

Janet Looker, Clerk to the Governors, Vice Chancellor’s Office

Sarah Mallinson, Research Asst, Health & Life Sciences

Kate Metcalfe, Senior Lecturer, Education & Theology

Steven Nash, Graduate Teaching Asst, Arts

Susan Orr, Deputy Dean, Arts

Chris Sandig, Senior Lecturer, Education & Theology

Ian Scales, Graduate Teaching Asst, Arts

Val Stephenson, Senior Lecturer, Education & Theology

George Stuart, Senior Lecturer, Health & Life Sciences

Betsy Throesch, Lecturer, Arts

Wendy Vanamburgh, EFL Tutor, YSJ International

Jo Vicary, Senior Lecturer, Arts

Victoria Warburton, Senior Lecturer, Health & Life Sciences

Kate Wicker, Research Asst, Education & Theology

John Wright, Senior Lecturer, Education & Theology

Marion Yates, Director, YSJ International

to secure her place and would welcome donations from friends and colleagues: “This is a BIG challenge for me – I’m doing it as my daughter has been successfully treated for cancer and I want give something back.” If you wish to sponsor Sue, please donate online at www.justgiving.com/Sue-Yore or text SUEY57 £5 (or whatever amount you choose) to 70070.

Mountain high and valley deep SPARK updateSPARK fundraising initiatives in July attracted adrenalin junkies and cricketers. A sponsored tandem skydive involving 24 staff, students, alumni and friends took place at Hibaldstow Airfield in North Lincolnshire.

competed to win the inaugural YSJ Sri Lanka Alumni Association Cricket Trophy, sponsored by alumnus John Maw MBE. The teams were captained by Israr Azam (Pakistan) and Suranga Palliyapiya (Sri Lanka). Sri Lanka batted first and set a target of 130. In reply, students Chandan Diliwar and Mitendra Singh formed a formidable partnership, producing the required runs to inspire a Pakistan win with a couple of overs to spare. “I wish to thank Acomb Cricket Club for kindly hosting the match,” said Brett. “I hope that this will become an annual event.”

The jump from 15,000 feet raised more than £3,000. Brett Arnall, Alumni Development Manager, said, “Those taking part really stepped out of their comfort zone and there is already a growing waiting list of people wanting to do the event next year! Thanks to Hannah Spring and Kerry Sorby in the Faculty of Health & Life Sciences for organising the event, and also to everyone who took part as well as our sponsors.”

Students, alumni and friends played in a Sri Lanka versus Pakistan cricket match at Acomb Cricket Club and the event raised £200. Both teams

The news magazine for York St John University

WINTER 2010

In the spotlight

Jo Piddington, Opportunities

Coordinator, Students’ UnionGraduation 2010

York Minster provides the

backdrop for the celebrations

Focus on

Development Office and

SPARK scholarships

1010 1212

A city welcome for the

new Vice Chancellorsee page 2

0909

The news magazine for York St John University SPRING 2011

OpinionRachel Wicaksono on the international use of English

NewsThe stars come out!

Focus onCareer Development

Vice Chancellor’s team now in placesee page 02

0805 13

Contact YorktalkAny comments, news or stories for the Winter 2011 issue?Please contact Amy Hey in the Marketing department on T: 6466 or E: a.hey@yorksj.ac.uk with your suggestions by Friday 4 November.

This magazine is also available online and in other formats. Please contact the Marketing department on T: 6960 or E: marketing@yorksj.ac.uk

NOTICE BOARD

EventsFor a comprehensive list of all events please go to www.yorksj.ac.uk/events

Focus on…Go York events launch in October, replacing the Town & Gown lecture series. Go York brings together York St John’s eminent academics, high profile speakers and the local community for a series of events and lectures to be enjoyed by all. Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor David Maughan Brown will speak at the first lecture in the series about anti-colonial struggles in East and Southern Africa on 20 October. To find out more go to www.yorksj.ac.uk/goyork

Staff developmentFull details of all staff development courses and events can be found on the Staff Infohub. If you wish to book a place, please contact Staff Development on T: 6571 or E: staffdevelopment@yorksj.ac.uk

Welcome to the following new members of staffAnne-Marie Evans, Lecturer/SL, Arts

Robert Hardy, Digital Archive, Web & Systems Support Librarian, Library

Darrell Hooper, Phoenix Business & Innovation Manager, Pro Vice Chancellor’s Office

Jane Hopkinson, PA to Director, Finance

Simon Hornsby, Executive Asst to Registrar, Registry

Alan Johnston, Lecturer, YSJ Business School

Alison Kennell, Registrar, Registry

Katie Knowles, Accommodation Halls Manager, Facilities

Kaley Kramer, Lecturer, Arts

Karen McIntosh, Marketing Asst, Admissions & Marketing

Heather Maslen, Receptionist/Programme Administrator, YSJ Business School

Susanne Mills, Programme Administrator/Student Information & Support, Arts

Alison Morrison, Cleaner, Facilities

Eirini Nedelkopoulou, Lecturer/SL, Arts

Darryl Pearson, Senior Admin Asst, Education & Theology

Mark Stevens, Bricklayer, Facilities

Clare Sunley, Film & TV Technician/Demonstrator, Arts

Gavin Tilstone, Technician/Demonstrator Model Making, Arts

Andreas Walmsley, Senior Lecturer, YSJ Business School

Darya Zhurauskaya, CETL Students Officer, Learning & Teaching

We would like to thank the following staff for their valuable service to York St John and to wish them all the best for their future endeavoursPauline Aldous, Registrar, Registry

Adrian Beard, Lecturer, YSJ Business School

Peter Bell, Senior Lecturer, Arts

Mike Best, Lecturer/SL, Arts

Pamela Bustard, Graduate Intern – Opportunities Gateway, Student Services

David Clarke, Graduate Intern – Research & Evaluation, Student Services

Mary Craine, Dyslexia Support Tutor, Student Services

David Craven, Bricklayer, Facilities

Debbie Davies, Head of Subject – Business Management, YSJ Business School

Susan Ferrier, Senior Administrator, Pro Vice Chancellor’s Office

Janet Gavigan, Learning Centre Asst, ICT and Library Services

Continued on page 15

www.yorksj.ac.uk/goyork

Free events and lectures