issue 13 | september 2007

A* Future raises awareness of the international education and work opportunities available to young people. Our mission is to ensure that information about global opportunities is available to students so they can shape their own futures. From learning languages where they are spoken to full degrees in Australia or work experience in Brazil, there are many ways that young people can enhance their career prospects while experiencing other cultures. A* Future believes that international education is an excellent means of building relationships between countries that enriches the regional economy as well as the individual student. For further information please visit: www.astarfuture.co.uk.

Aimhigher is a national programme which aims to widen participation in higher education (HE) by raising the aspirations and developing the abilities of young people from groups that are under-represented in HE.

Our national webs site www.aimhigher.ac.uk provides all the information you need to get started on the road to higher education and a rewarding career.

Aimhigher North East is one of nine regional partners that make up the National Government Initiative Aimhigher. The centralaim of Aimhigher is to widenand increase participation and progression into HigherEducation.

The purpose of the BBC is to enrich people’s lives with great programmes and services that inform, educate and entertain. Our vision is to be the most creative, trusted organisation in the world.

We believe that talent isn’t about where you live or skin colour, educational achievements, gender or any number of other irrelevant factors. It’s only by having a wide range of people, from different backgrounds and experiences to work in the media industry that we’ll be able to make sure there’s enough exciting, entertaining, engaging output for everyone. To find out more about a career with the BBC, log on to: bbc.co.uk/jobs

BT is one of the world’sleading providers ofcommunications solutions and services operating in 170 countries. BT consists principally of four lines of business: BT Global Services, Openreach, BT Retail and BT Wholesale.

Openreach are the proudguardians of the nation’s local access network, sometimes referred to as the ‘first mile’. It is across this network that telephony and internet services are provided and Openreach are responsible for maintaining and repairing this network so it is fit for purpose. Our remit isto ensure that the UKtelecommunications industry,including other parts of BT, has fair and equal access to our local access and backhaul networks.

The Army offers fantastic career opportunities with jobs in anything from healthcare to engineering. Plus, if you’re not ready for a full-time commitment, the Territorial Army is a great way to meet new mates, learn different skills and earn extra cash in your spare time.

The North East Assembly shapes the future development of the region by:

n providing the statutory framework for planning,housing, transport and sustainability;n working with partners to improve the economy, theenvironment and people’s quality of life;n making sure that One NorthEast is accountable tothe region; andn creating space for debate and a strong voice forthe region nationally and internationally.

North Tyneside EducationBusiness Partnership has beenarranging education businesslinks for North Tynesideschools for more than 14years.

Our mission is to raisestandards in schools andimprove the achievement ofyoung people by developing a work-related dimension to the curriculum in partnership with local employers.

Our highly qualified andexperienced EBP team support and deliver a variety of programmes, activities andevents to develop the skillsneeded for life beyond schoolso that our young people gain the knowledge, competence and attitudes to help develop:n The community.n The economy of the area.n Lifelong opportunities foreducation, training andemployment.

Nexus is committed to helping young people attend and continue education through service provision and ticketing.For example we provide more than 300 dedicated scholars’ bus services used by pupils attending more than 90 schools. These services carry 2.24 million passengers every year. This network means that 95% of children in Tyne and Wear live within 40 minutesjourney time by public transport of an appropriateschool. Our child concessionary fare of 40p for a bus journey also offers one of the lowest fixed prices in the country.

It might be getting you toschool or college, or to yourpart-time job. Or perhaps it’shelping you enjoy a night outwith your mates withoutworrying how you’ll get home.

Look around you - the work wedo won’t be far away.

One NorthEast is the regional development agency for North East England. It was set up in 1999 to help people in the Tees Valley, County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland create and sustain jobs, prosperity and a higher quality of life.

Since it was set up, the agency, which is responsible to the people of the region and the Government, has created and safeguarded more than 86,000 jobs and helped over 17,000 business start-ups.

One NorthEast works to improve the conditions for businesses in order that theythrive in the region, grow and create jobs. It is charged with tackling issues including transport links, access to thelatest technology, research and development, well-trained staff, and sound, simple business support, all of which affect the business climate.

Derwentside is a semi-ruraldistrict in County Durham,North East of England with apopulation of 85,600. TheDistrict, formerly an areadependent on the steel industry and coal mining, has traditionally had low levels of enterprise and above average levels of deprivation. Over the last 25 years Derwentside District Council has achieved excellence through improving the environment, reducingcrime rates, lowering unemployment, securing inward investment and supporting local business growth.

The Council has recently been awarded Beacon status for supporting new businesses in the district. Having already achieved Beacon Council Status 2003-4 for SocialInclusion Through ICT,Derwentside has once againbeen recognised for itsinnovative approach to service delivery.

TWEBLO will be the lead body that provides clear strategic direction and co-ordination of a distinct range of customer focused, easily accessed, quality education business link services. In doing so this will maximise the potential of all young people in Tyne & Wear in order to increase local, regional and UKcompetitiveness.

To help you gather the information you’ll need to make an informed choice, our Full Time Directory of Courses gives an overview of what’s on offer at Hartlepool College.

You can download the information from the website www.hartlepoolfe.ac.uk or we can send you a personalised copy to browse at your leisure, just call Student Services on:

(01429) 295000.

The Heritage Lottery Fund enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy. Since 1994 HLF has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating £4billion across the UK, including the Young Roots programme which encourages young people to explore their heritage.

www.hlf.org.uk.

The A.P. Moller - Maersk Group is a worldwide organisation with about 110,000 employees and offices in around 130 countries – with global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark. In addition to owning one of the world’s largest shipping companies, we are also involved in a wide range of activities within the energy, shipbuilding, retail and manufacturing industries.

The Maersk Company established its Officer Training Scheme for people who are interested in developing a career at sea. The scheme offers many opportunities for development, whether a person wants to become a Marine Engineer Officer or a Deck Officer. In addition, later on in their career, qualified seafarers often move into careers ashore within The Maersk Company and the A.P.Moller – Maersk Group.

Enterprise is about much more than business. reaction stimulates and nurtures enterprising behaviour and skills amongst people of all ages where they live, work or go to school. As well as working with individuals, businesses and community groups, reaction also works closely with schools acrossthe region.

reaction is a community interest company whose roots are in a pilot project based in the rural north east of England set up in 2003.

Find out more about what we do at www.reaction-online.org or telephone 01434 610452.

RTC North delivers a range of world class services to help clients make the most of technological change. Whether managing high profile business support initiatives, helping companies exploit new markets or encouraging school children to develop an interest in science and technology, RTC North is a force for change and an agent supporting economic growth.

Our team believes passionately in the promotion of science and technology within the curriculum, organising activity such aseducation into industrymentoring programmes, training days for teachers and design competitions for budding inventors.

www.rtcnorth.co.uk

The North East Centre ofVocational Excellence in Health (CoVE), Skills for Health and STEPS into Health and Social Care work together in the North East to improve the skills of the health sector workforce of today and the future and promote careers in health and social care.

Together the three organisations represent theNorth East’s drive andcommitment to making acareer in the health sector apositive choice, ultimately withthe aim to contribute tocontinued improvement inpatient care.

Leadership for schoolsChallenging secondary schools often face a number of significant obstacles such as high pupil mobility, multiple spoken languages and families suffering the effects of deprivation. By introducing additional excellent teachers into these schools, Teach First hopes to help overcome these obstacles, and provide a better education for thousands of pupils who lack the opportunities that many others take for granted.

Using creativity and drive, participants are expected to raise the aspirations to the highest levels and unleash new opportunities that will measureably benefit individual pupil performance, while enhancing the quality of life experienced by all in their school communities.

The TUC is the voice of Britain at work. With 66 affiliated trade unions representing nearly seven million working people from all walks of life, we campaign for a fair deal atwork and for social justice athome and abroad and,together with unionlearn, weaim to help unions spread the lifelong learning message to even more members.

The Northern TUC Young Members Network aims to generate a greaterunderstanding amongst young people about the world of work as well as increased awareness about employment rights and the effective role trade unions play in workplaces and in local communities.

WELCOME to issue 13 of Way to Go North

East. It’s the start of a new academic year,

those summer holidays are now a distant

memory and it’s time to roll up your

sleeves, put your nose to the grindstone,

take your brain out of neutral, and put it

firmly into gear. So, it will be more revision,

more exams, and more homework, but

trust us, it will be worth it in the end when

you open those exam results at the end

of the year.

We have interviews and career profiles

from around the region, and in this issue,

our careers platform takes a look at

apprenticeships and what the future can

hold for you all after your exam results. To

help you chill out a bit, we have Playtime

in which we cast our eye over the latest

DVD’s music and film reviews to hit the

streets this month. Sit back, relax, and

check out what Way to Go has in store for

you. Go on ...try it ...you might like it!!

INTR

OD

UC

TIO

NCONTENTS

3 playtim

e - movie re

view

4 playtim

e - dvd re

view

5 playtim

e - music

review

6 playtim

e - game re

view

7 tra

nsition m

entors

in county durh

am - AIM

HIG

HER

11 are you 16-18 and at sixth

form

colle

ge? - N

EXUS

13 high fliers sco

op regional a

ward - R

TC

15 my life in

and out of w

ork - BT

17 the m

aersk co

mpany can re

ally ta

ke you places -

MAERSK

19 steps c

elebrating su

ccess

- STEPS

21 where will

you be? - O

NE NORTHEAST

27 get the fu

ture you dese

rve - CONNEXIO

NS TYNE&WEAR

29 5 years su

ccess

- TWEBLO

31 young apprenticesh

ip programme - N

ORTH TYNESIDE EBP

34 going green tolpuddle - T

UC

36 things y

ou should know about in

ternatio

nal educa

tion - A

STAR FUTURE

37 full speed ahead fo

r loca

l soldier -

ARMY

39 summer o

f fun 2007 - C

ONNEXIONS COUNTY D

URHAM

41 wanting to

earn and le

arn at t

he same tim

e? - SWDT

43 don’t try to

be clever o

n bonfire night - D

URHAM FIREBRIGADE

45 decisions, d

ecisions -

HARTLEPOOL COLLEGE

47 keep students

safe fro

m fire - CLEVELAND FIREBRIG

ADE

49 connect t

o connexions -

CONNEXIONS D

ARLINGTON

51 fast facts

- TEACH FIRST

Distinctive Publishing LTD24 Lancaster StreetSummerhillNewcastle upon TyneNE4 6EU

T: 0191 2983571F: 0191 2983561

John NeilsonSales Directorjohn.neilson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

Ewan WaterhouseBusiness Development Managerewan.waterhouse@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

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MOVIE REVIEW The Simpsons MovieAfter eighteen seasons, four hundred episodes, and innumerable awards and honors (including a Peabody, 23 Emmys(R) and a designation from Time magazine as the “best television show of the twentieth century”), The Simpsons has become a feature-length motion picture. And it’s a good thing, too, because it takes a wide screen to fully capture Homer Simpson’s epic stupidity. In the eagerly-awaited film based on the hit television series, Homer must save the world from a catastrophe he himself created. It all begins with Homer, his new pet pig, and a leaky silo full of droppings - a combination that triggers a disaster the likes of which Springfield has never experienced. As Marge is outraged by Homer’s monumental blunder, a vengeful mob descends on the Simpson household. The family makes a narrow escape, but is soon divided by both location and conflict. The Springfield citizenry has every reason to be out for Simpson blood. The calamity triggered by Homer has drawn the attention of U.S. President Arnold Schwarzenegger (voiced by Harry Shearer) and Environmental Protection Agency head Russ Cargill (voiced by Albert Brooks). “You know sir,” Cargill tells the president, “when you made me head of the EPA, you were applauded for appointing one of the most successful men in America to the least successful agency in government. And why did I take the job? Because I’m a rich man who wanted to give something back. Not the money, but something.” That “something” is a devil’s plan to contain the disaster. As the fates of Springfield and the world hang in the balance, Homer embarks on a personal odyssey of redemption - seeking forgiveness from Marge, the reunion of his splintered family, and the salvation of his hometown.

Still you can’t help chuckle at a guy whose perpetually stuck in jam - mmm... donuts.

DVD REVIEW Mr. Beans HolidayIt’s a safe bet that kids will eat up this latest slice of slapstick, in which Mr Bean’s struggle to take a relaxing French holiday is thwarted by a lost child, a hungry vending machine, an egomaniac film director (a campy Willem Dafoe) and the intricacies of Gallic public transport. However, parents who sat stony-faced through the original Bean are in for a surprise: from an adult perspective, Mr Bean’s Holiday is not all that bad.

It’s hard to explain the appeal of Mr Bean. At first glance, he seems to be moulded from the primordial clay of nightmares: a leering man-child with a body like a tangle of tweed-coated pipe cleaners and the gurning, window-licking countenance of a suburban sex offender. It’s a testament to Rowan Atkinson’s skill that, by the end of the film he seems almost cuddly.

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MUSIC REVIEW High School Musical 2:

Original SoundtrackHigh School Musical is back with more catchy songs! This follow up to the massive High School Musical is not as good as the first, there are about 8 really good songs on this album, mainly the Troy and Gabriella tracks and the songs in which the whole cast sings! The others are growers though!

As a High School Musical fan i didnt think I would be skipping any of the tracks on the album but the tracks in which Sharpay sings i just shouldn’t listen to cos they’re just not as good compared to the others! They may grow on me yet though!

The album has some very good songs, especially the Troy and Gabriella solos and their duets, they’re really good and are gonna be really popular songs!

Stand out tracks are, What Time Is It, You Are The Music In Me, Gotta Go My Own Way, All For One and Everyday! Fabulous, and Humuhumunukunukuapua’a are rather annoying and bring the quality of the album down!!

Overall this album is great and full of fun catchy songs, buy this album and you’ll be singing the songs for days!!

GAME REVIEW Trauma Center: Second OpinionTurn your living room into an operating room. The critically acclaimed medical drama turns the Wii Remote into doctor’s tools for laser surgery, defibrillation, forceps and more.

You play surgeon in this exciting medical drama simulation. You’ll need to cure patients of everything from routine medical maladies to life-threatening designer viruses. And, of course, there’s just as much drama outside of the operating room as in it.

In Trauma Center: Second Opinion, every second counts. Between a countdown timer and a patient’s vitals, the pressure is on to perform a pinpoint accurate operation. The Wii Remote controller serves as all the surgical tools you need to save lives. It’s a scalpel, a surgical laser, forceps and more.

The game calls on you to perform a wide variety of operations from resetting pieces of a shattered bone to extracting glass to removing tumors. Although you’ll use some surgical techniques several times, each operation presents a unique challenge - one in which you’ll be graded from A to C.

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The role of the Transition Mentors can be distinguished from the role of Learning Mentors in two significant ways:

1. The transition mentors focus on progression rather than academic achievement, though there are indications that their work has also had impact on academic performance2. The transition mentors work cross-phase and will continue to provide support to their cohorts in their new post-16 establishment.

Who are we?Our names are Emma and Mayira and we work for Aimhigher County Durham as Transition Mentors. What’s a Transition Mentor you may ask? Well that’s what this article is here to explain. We both work in different schools across County Durham; part of our role is to work with selected students on their options

post 16 and beyond. We provide students with the information to make the right choice for themselves and see them through to their post 16 establishment and…..…..wait for it……we follow up the students, supporting them as they settle into their college/6th form and ensure that they are happy with their chosen courses, but only for as long as the young people feel they need input from a familiar face/mentor.

What can we do for you?We are here to help you so if you are lucky enough to be assigned to a Transition Mentor please come along and ask us as many questions as you like about your options post -16 and beyond. We work all year round so are available at almost anytime via email, telephone or in person.We also believe it is important to show you, not tell you, where you might like to go, so we often take students to visit local post

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At the beginning of the school year three young graduates embarked on a new project designed to support students from 11-16 schools in the key transition from GCSEs to post-16 study. Working as a team covering 10 different schools, they devised a programme to provide support and guidance to targeted groups of around 20 Year 11 students in each school. The focus has been on progression, encouraging students to make informed decisions about their immediate future and broadening their thinking about their long term plans.

-16 institutions to find out a bit more on open evenings.We arrange motivational speakers and university and college students to come and chat with youngsters encouraging them to be the best they can be.We encourage young people to take part in the Summer Schools, Masterclasses and residential visits to local and national universities. These provide opportunities to experience universities first hand and to discover the wealth of academic possibilities and equally importantly the chance to experience student life by having lots of fun and making lots of new friends.

If you are interested in a particular subject area or just want to find out more about university please ask us directly or ask your head of year or Aimhigher Co-ordinator for more details.

Which schools do we work in?We work in the following schools:- Greenfield, Sedgefield, Sunnydale, Greencroft, Stanley, Tanfield, Moorside, Fyndoune, Consett Community College and Durham Community Business College. Please ask your head of year or your Aimhigher Coordinator if you wish to see a Transition Mentor.

So what are we going to talk to you about?Anything you like relating to your future education plans, whether it be an Apprenticeship, A levels, BTEC’s, NVQ’s and even discussions about what Higher Education courses you might want to do in the future.

What are we doing NOW to help last year’s Y11s?Opening the envelope or looking at the potentially life-changing slip of paper on the last Thursday in August is always a traumatic experience. Our aim is to make sure that whatever GCSE grades you have achieved there is help and advice available to support you with your next steps in education or training. GRADES: Were they what you expected? Were they what was predicted? Were they better than you’d imagined? We care and we want you know that we are here to give advice and guidance for you to make informed decisions about your future.

Just because you have finished school it doesn’t mean that the support from your mentors stops. In fact it may well be that this is the time when you most need help to make sure that you make the right decisions about your educational future.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about HOW WE CAN HELP YOU please contact:

Mayira Thomas and/or Emma Widdowson at:

Aimhigher County Durham: 0191 370 7812mayira.thomas@connexions-durham.org emma.widdowson@connexions-durham.org

Moving up to Year 12 whether it be at sixth-form or at college can be a daunting time, but it’s a transition lots of young people go through and presents an opportunity not only to meet new people and develop more in-depth knowledge about subjects but also to explore your options after you have finished your course. Here are some helpful tips and advice you might consider when starting out in Further Education:

n Are you eligible for EMA payments? – If you are you could be eligible for a £30 weekly payment and up to £500 in bonuses. Visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema for more detailsn Talk to a progression coach or careers adviser about what options you have got and what you might be interested in pursuing as a career. By understanding what criteria is needed for a particular job, you can pick modules/subjects which are appropriate and perhaps undertake work experience that might make the difference and get you noticed when applying for jobs. There is a massive variety of progression routes available to students no matter what their background or academic achievement. If you don’t ask for help, you probably won’t get it. Don’t be shy!n Check out if your school or college runs visits to universities in other cities. You may not think Higher Education is for you, but visiting a new city with a different vibe might make you consider it as an option! Alternatively, if you are interested in a more vocational route, see if you can try taster sessions or workshops at local providers. Again its all about asking to see what is available, and the earlier you do it the better!n If you need help, seek help. Whether it’s a problem with coursework or problems outside school/college, there are mentors, coaches, tutors and advisers whose job it is to look after the welfare of students in their care. As a student these facilities are available in one form or another and they’re there to help you overcome barriers and fulfil your potential.n Use your NUS card wherever you can to get discounts across a range of shops and services, you will miss it when it is gone! Trust me!

Michael RichardsonProgression Co-ordinatorHookergate School

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Danielle was only 16 when she spent a week living like a student in halls of residence, taking part in lectures and working closely with current students at Northumbria University. She found out vital information about higher education including finance, graduate careers and spent time with young people from around the North East building her confidence and motivation. She states, I didn’t have much idea about university, so spending a week living in student accommodation, taking part in lectures, meeting new people and taking part in some great social events helped me understand more about uni’ she goes on to say, ‘I wasn’t sure if uni would be for me, but having met the students who worked with us all week as mentors, I discovered they were just ordinary and like most other people’

Danielle is the first person in her family to go to university and admits many of her schools friends have decided not to

progress further. She has spent the past two years travelling from her home base in Northumberland to Newcastle College. At Newcastle she spent time working as a volunteer student mentor, helping other students with welfare issues to sort their problems out and get the most from the college experience.

Danielle studied Philosophy, Religious Studies and Psychology and hopes to progress beyond her degree to teaching Religious Studies in secondary school. She is excited about the prospect of moving away and starting university but admits she is finds it all a bit nerve racking.

Claire Smiles-Harrison from Aimhigher North East says it was great to hear that Danielle had decided to progress to university and even better that Danielle’s experience at an Aimhigher summer school had helped in some way to encourage her to succeed.

Two Middlesbrough brothers are heading off to University in September after gaining their A level results in August. Tom and Shane Cockerill, who will be joint first in their family to go to University are not twins – they are actually 21 and 18.

Tom aged 21 picked up grades ABB in Psychology, Law and Biology after returning to study aged 19. He has secured a place at Newcastle University on their Biomedical Science Degree course.

After spending two years in a job he found boring with limited prospects he decided to join his younger brother at Middlesbrough College. He says ‘I was bored at work and knew there were more interesting jobs out there, I wanted a better job with better prospects. I needed to get more qualifications so decided to go back to study’

Tom has been supported at college by his academic tutors and a range of activities provided by Aimhigher. Aimhigher is a national campaign to encourage more people to go to university. He goes on, ‘I was invited to go to a three day Medsim Conference at Nottingham University, where I attended lectures and stayed in the halls of residence. We worked with current university students and found out what it was really like to be a student’ Aimhigher also arranged to

have undergraduate students from Oxford and Cambridge come to the college so students could quiz them about their experiences and find out vital information. Such experiences proved an inspiration and made him determined to progress to university himself.

Shane, Tom’s younger brother picked up three B’s in Computing, Psychology and Law is headed for a Forensic Science Degree at the University of Teesside. He has found studying alongside his brother a positive experience and admits they have supported and encouraged each other during the past two years.

Whilst they will now be separated in their studies the brothers are delighted with their grades and looking forward to the challenge of University. Tom said ‘I would definitely recommend it, put the hard work in and get good qualifications – just go for it!’

Mike Bulmer the Aimhigher Co-ordinator at Middlesbrough College commented, ‘Tom came to us without having achieved his real potential. With the support of academic staff and broader experiences funded by Aimhigher he saw that he really did have the ability to go to University. I am delighted for both Tom and Shane that they have done so well’18 Year old Danielle Smith from Northumberland is off to Edinburgh University after receiving 3

grade B’s in her A level results in the summer of 2007. Danielle was a Newcastle College student and previously took part in a residential Aimhigher Summer School at Northumbria University which she says helped to understand more about higher education and gave her the motivation to stick in with her studies and the confidence to apply for a degree.

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Matthew Hunter - Coquet High School Malcom Walpole - St Roberts of Newminster and “friends”

Tom Cockerill - celebrates after receiving his A level results

Year 10 students at Newcastle university Aimhigher summer school in June 2007

Have a look at www.how2get2.co.uk. It’s brand new and has all the information you’ll need for getting to school or college this year.

n Find all the bus and Metro information for every school and college in Tyne and Wearn See details of lots of special tickets and passes for 16 -18 year old students in Tyne and Wear that’ll save you loads of money on adult fares.n And of course public transport isn’t just useful for getting you to school or college – it lets you get to your part- time job, go to the shops, meet up with your mates……..

So, check out how2get2 – it’ll save you time and money!

How2get2.co.ukGo there before you go anywhere

How2get2.co.uk is produced by Nexus in partnership with the five Local Authorities in Tyne and Wear.

If you’re not aged 16-19 and in further education, but are looking for information on public transport in Tyne and Wear - visit www.nexus.org.uk. It’s the place to go if you’re under 16, 16-19 but not in further education, or 18+ and in higher educationOr you could:

n Pop into a Nexus TravelShop – to pick up timetables and buy season tickets – and help from our friendly trained staff in planning your particular journeyn Phone the knowledgeable advisors at Traveline on 0871 200 22 33, for information about all public transport services in Tyne and Wear.

Here are the passes to buy to save loads of money on your fares to school or college every day –

If you only travel by Go North East bus – Get Around ticketIf you’re in full time education at school or college, you can save a packet with a Get Around ticket from Go North East. Tickets are available for 1, 7 or 28 days, or 16 weeks, ideal for a term, from any PayPoint agent, online at www.simplygo.com or by phone on 0845 60 60 2 60.To buy Get Around you’ll need a Get Around ID card. They are issued free and you apply online at www.simplygo.com or by post.

If you only travel on Stagecoach buses – Stagecoach MegariderThe ticket to buy if you travel regularly on Stagecoach buses. There are 3 versions available in Tyne and Wear, one for South Shields, one for Newcastle and one for

Sunderland. Tickets can be bought as weekly, monthly or annual versions and are valid for travel at all times on Stagecoach buses within the relevant boundaries. For travel outside these boundaries the Megarider Plus is available in South Shields and Newcastle. Megarider can be bought directly from the driver. Visit www.stagecoachbus.com/northeast for further details.

If you only use Arriva buses - Arriva Student TicketAvailable for anyone aged 16 and over in full time education. The annual ticket costs £480 (£450 online) and is valid until 25 July 2008. Term tickets are also available and cost £200 (£180 online). Autumn, spring and summer terms are available. Tickets can be bought in any Arriva Travelshop or online at www.arrivabus.co.uk/students.

Only use Metro? 16 – 18 Metro Student CardAll zone passes are available for one week at £8.00 or four weeks at £29.50.To buy one, fill out an application form and take some student identification to any Nexus TravelShop (valid for the current academic year) and some proof of age. You must be under 19 on 1st September to qualify.

If you use Metro and bus, or buses from different companies – Network Ticketing Teen TravelThe Teen Travelticket is available to 16 to 19 year olds, in full time, further education. Enjoy travel on most buses, the Metro, Sunderland to Blaydon rail line and the Shields Ferry all from only £1.27 a day – a saving of 25% on standard Traveltickets. You will need a current Teen Travel or college ID card to buy your ticket. Visit www.networkticketing.com for full details.

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Durham High School was announced as key stage 3 winner of the Futures Challenge, while Lumley Primary School in Chester Le Street won the key stage 2 award during the ceremony at St. Peters Campus, University of Sunderland on July 17.

Designing a Moon base to support human life, both teams worked with experts from aerospace company BAE Systems, Birtley, on a three month project to solve a brief set by European Space Agency partners, Space Connections.Pupils were challenged to apply real life emerging technology to the challenges of living in space and used a host of cutting edge ideas researched in school and on the Internet.

The pupils will now get the chance to present their award winning ideas to real astronauts at a series of lectures to be staged in the region during November. (***More details will be announced soon***)

Durham High pupils Emma Clement, Sarah Golding, Catherine Harrison, Anna Smith and Hayley Bradley nicknamed their base design ‘Artemis 1’ after the Greek God of the Moon and has been designed to be self sustaining and built on the Moon’s north pole to get sunlight all day long.

Generating energy from solar panels, growing food using water agriculture technology know as ‘Hydroponics’ and using ‘scrubbers’ to clean the air, students planned a base consisting of pods joined by connecting walkways. The ceremony was the final stage of the year long competition entered by 1500 pupils from across the region and the winning teams had to fight off competition from four other schools. Year 9 Durham High pupil Anna Smith was delighted to have won:

“We really enjoyed the project from start to finish as we learned so much about Space and technology that we thought was just science fiction. I think we will all continue to study science and technology after winning.”

The competition is run by the Education Futures team at technology consultancy – RTC North – and was established to help schools foster an interest in design, science and technology and encourage innovation at a young age.

Key stage 2 pupils Ari Hodgson, Alex Mulroy, Alex Robinson, Sam Proctor and Jordan Bell from Lumley Primary School, designed hexagonal living pods incorporating the comforts of earth and all the materials needed to survive on the Moon.

Chief design engineer Dave Berry at BAE Systems helped mentor the pupils offering advice and guidance. He said:

“All the teams in the final made an incredible effort. The detailed research and models reflect immensely well on all these schools. In the end, I think it was the delivery of the presentations which made the difference. Both winning schools gave very slick and confident presentations. It’s great to have been involved in encouraging young people to take an interest into science and engineering.”

Project coordinator, Sarah Black, added:

“This competition is about bringing science and technology to life through giving young people the freedom to invent and the quality of this year’s work is proof positive that North East schools are full of talented innovative minds.”

Organisers believe the large number of participants reflects the popularity of practical based curriculum support initiatives like Futures Challenge, Future Focus and the Young Foresight programme.

For more information visit www.educationfutures.org.uk

Two teams of budding inventors have won £1000 for their schools and an iPod for themselves for winning the grand final of one of the region’s largest design competitions.

(left to right) Lumley Primary School’s team - Alex Robinson, Alex Mulroy, Ari Hodgson, Jordan Bell and Sam Proctor

(left to right) Durham High School team - Catherine Harrison, Anna Smith, Hayley Bradley, Sarah Goulding and Emma Clement

15 16

able to help SCOPE a charity for people with Cerebral Palsy, we at BT are helping SCOPE by funding a project to help develop communication aids for those who can’t communicate. Also it has improved my training as I have been able to develop links with the local football club and their fitness coaches.

Selection to a Paralympics in the future is my ultimate goal and now I train 7 days a week it is a possibility. I want to do it not only for myself but to repay some of the faith that BT have shown in

me. It shows me that they are not only committed to helping you reach your full potential in terms of work but more importantly as a person in whatever you can achieve. It also proves that anything is possible if you have the right support.

Within my job, as well as completing all my milestones and targets for the Apprenticeship I work in Newsites planning, we are the first point of contact whenever new houses, flats or businesses are being built and require telephone service. Although I enjoy this particular job because of the amount of opportunities the Apprenticeship gives you I will be looking to move on and learn more new skills soon.

I chose the Apprenticeship because although I had got some good GCSE and A-level results and was all set for university; I felt I had taken my formal education as far as it could go. However, I didn’t want to completely stop education, BT offers good qualifications such as BTEC, NVQ and further education if you wish. Not only that but you are learning job skills and getting paid for it at the same time.

Before joining BT I had been doing a little bit of weightlifting; to cope with my mother’s cancer and just to keep myself fit and healthy. Some of the National Coaches had approached me and encouraged to take it seriously, with nothing to lose they entered me into the National Championships where I was so amazed to win bronze. From there the Apprenticeship team have been an incredible support to me. Letting me go to France to represent Great Britain’s development squad at the French Finals, where I shocked everyone and went one better winning silver. They continued to support me with internal and external publicity through interviews and national magazines. I was then rewarded with a Scholarship from UK Sport, which included some money to help cover training and traveling costs

However, my greatest experience so far was being promoted to the Great Britain senior squad and selected for the European Championships in Greece, June 2007. The whole experience was amazing, being part of the team, the publicity, the crowds; even children asking me for autographs, which was so humbling. In the championships I came 15th in the senior division but somehow managed to win silver in the junior division; breaking the European Junior Record. This was all made possible by BT allowing me to go and giving me the chance to develop not only my weightlifting skills but more importantly my personal skills and independence.

My weightlifting funding has recently been extended, which brings more pressure but had it not been for BT’s commitment to me I wouldn’t have been able to get the opportunity. The profile and publicity has helped me in so many ways; being

My name is Daniel Steward, I have Cerebral Palsy, which is a disability that affects the strength of my leg muscles and my balance. This means I walk with the aid of crutches and occasionally use a wheelchair. I am currently entering the 3rd and final year of my Apprenticeship and I am based in Oxford.

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Formed in 1951 the Maersk Company is a leading British shipping company, owning or manning a fleet of over 60 vessels, employing approximately 2000 sea staff.

In order to maintain high quality deck and engineering officers, the company runs the ‘Officer Trainee Scheme’

Officer Trainee combine academic studies with practical training onboard state of the art vessels.

“I’ve always been interested in this area and a cadetship seemed to be the best way to become an engineer. It’s good to see and learn. I’ll de doing more main engine work before

I go back to college and qualify for engineering work” Callun Deane – Engineering Cadet“I’ve already seen Dubai, India, Sri Lanka and Singapore. It’s really enjoyable, with a different experience every day – meeting new people, doing practical work as well as studying and being part of a team” Jason McAloone – Deck Cadet

“After my first academic year, I embarked on a three-month sea trip aboard the container vessel, Maersk Gateshead, en route from the west coast of America to the Far East. It was a great trip and an amazing experience. I’ll never forget sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge or into Hong Kong Harbour. Spending time at sea gave me a new prospective on life” Maria Quigley – qualifying cadet joining the Maersk container fleet.

Life at sea with Maersk offers a challenging and rewarding career for highly motivated and proactive individuals.

Get onboard, find out more www.seacareers.co.uk

Formed in 1951 the Maersk Company is a

leading British shipping company, owning

or manning a fleet of over 60 vessels,

employing approximately 2000 sea staff.

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The Young Apprenticeship programme takes place during Year Ten and Eleven and students taking part experience a range of activities along side their GCSE studies. These include:

n 50 days of work experiencen Employability and personal development activitiesn Additional qualifications

STEPS hosted two events for students and their friends and families, the Northumberland Summer Ball and Awards Evening took place at the Gosforth Marriott Hotel and the Tees Valley Summer Ball and Awards Evening at the Marton Hotel and Country Club.

Each event recognised Young Apprentices success by awarding the following categories:

n Certificate of Participationn 100% Attendancen Consistent Good Effortn Commitment to Improvement n Specific Contributionn Outstanding Performancen STEPS Student of the Year (Year TEN)n STEPS Young Apprentice of the Year 2007 Employers invaluable contributions to the Young Apprenticeship programme were also recognised and a number of employers were presented with awards for their ‘Commitment to Developing the Future Workforce’

In Tees Valley Young Apprentices taking part in the STEPS Programme are students from Manor College in Hartlepool

and Acklam Grange School in Middlesbrough.

The top award winner of the evening in Tees Valley was Lorna Al-Alawy, a Year Eleven student from Acklam Grange School. Lorna was award the STEPS Young Apprentice of the Year 2007, Tees Valley, she was selected for her Commitment, Positive Attitude, Attainment, Attendance, Positive Feedback from Placements and Improvement and Personal Development sustained over two years.

The highest award offered to a Year Ten student went to Jessica Metcalfe from Manor College who won STEPS Student of the Year 2007, Tees Valley.

In Northumberland Young Apprentices who received awards for taking part in the STEPS Programme were from Ashington Community High School Sports College, Cramlington Community High School, Haydon Bridge High School, Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham and The King Edward VI School in Morpeth.

The most outstanding student from Year Eleven in Northumberland was Charlotte Lishman from Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham. Charlotte won out over the other finalists for this award who were Paige Mullin, Sadie Rodway and Chloe Young.

Emma Brownbridge of Haydon Bridge School was the STEPS Student of the Year 2007, Northumberland, as the most outstanding student in Year Ten.

Each event was followed by a buffet with a disco and celebration. The Chocolate Fountain was a hot favourite.

The STEPS into Health and Social Care initiative, which is managed by Skills for Health, hosted two celebrations of success in the Summer of 2007, to recognise the effort and achievements of students involved in the Young Apprenticeship Programme in Health and Social Care.

TOP LEFT: Lorna Al-Alawy and Jessica Metcalfe with their awards MIDDLE LEFT: Emma Brownbridge of Haydon Bridge school was the STEPS Student of the Year 2007, Northumberland as the most outstanding student in Year Ten. CENTRE: The Balloon sculptor was also very popular along side the disco!. MIDDLE RIGHT: Charlotte Lishman receiving her Award from Lee Thurman of the Learning and Skills council. TOP RIGHT: Each event was followed by a buffet with a disco and celebration. The Chocolate fountain was a hot favourite.

21 22

The Make Your Mark Challenge is all about finding Britain’s most enterprising young people – who

can come up with a great idea and make it happen.

It might be to change something in the area where you live… to make going to work more fun…..or even setting up your own business.

Last year 20,000 young people all over the UK took part, including 15 year olds Lorna Heslop and Kathryn Elliott – part of a team from St Patrick’s RC Comprehensive school in Stockton.

Their mission was to ‘make life fun and earn a ton’. Their idea, a puzzle game called Codecracker, got them onto the national shortlist.

Kathryn says it’s given her some big ideas: “It did inspire me to think about setting up my own business when I leave school…Codecracker was a success and the reward was incredible, just the feeling of doing really well and how much we achieved.

“You need to prepare properly, stand together as a team and respect everyone’s thoughts and ideas.”

And Lorna reckons they were onto a winner: “A similar product to Codecracker was on ‘Dragons’ Den’ after the competition, and the product got £20,000!

“I really enjoyed taking part in the Make Your Mark challenge…I would love to have my own business and this has inspired me as I now know anything is possible.”

This year’s challenge goes live at www.makeyourmarkchallenge.co.uk at 9am on November 12, and you’ll have just 24 hours to come up with your idea.

The question’s top secret ‘til then, but the general theme is the impact people and their ideas have on the world around them.

If you’re up for it, make sure your school registers a team – just head for the website.

■ Tell us what your school or college is doing for Enterprise Week at www.enterpriseweek.org.uk ■ Have a go at this year’s Make Your Mark Challenge.

■ Talk to your school or college about inviting some local entrepreneurs into class or lectures, to tell you what it’s really like to run a business

■ Is there an inspiring woman in enterprise where you live? Visit www.enterpriseweek.org.uk to highlight local success stories on Women’s Enterprise Day (14th November)

■ Which class at your school or college is the most enterprising? Run a competition to see who can come up with the best idea to improve student life.

■ If you’ve got a job, does your boss encourage you to suggest new ideas – and better still, does he or she make them happen? Visit www.enterpriseweek.org.uk to tell us about your enterprising workplace

■ Get involved with Social Enterprise day on the 15th November - organise an event to raise money for your school, college or a community cause. It could be a party, a quiz night or even a car boot sale

■ Check out the stocks and shares in the papers. Pick a few with some friends, then trade and swap as the market changes…. see who ends up with the most virtual profit by the end of the week!

■ Organise a debate on an issue that’s important where you live. You need a team to represent each interested party - see who comes up with the best solution. You could ask your teachers to judge.

■ Have a go at speednetworking to get to know another class or tutor group. You only get one minute to talk to each person. See how much you can find out – and who might be able to help you with your enterprise ideas!

If your school, college or uni’s signed up to take part in this year’s Enterprise Week (12th-18th November), chances are

you’ll be checking out a special online mission - to see if you’ve got what it takes to give Sir Alan Sugar a run for his money.

The 2006 Codecracker team, St. Patrick’s RC Comprehensive School, Stockton

Enterprise Kebab is the name of a new computer programme hitting schools,

colleges and universities across the North East this term.

The idea is to help young people learn about what it means to be enterprising – from coming

up with concepts and developing their plans, to bringing them to life and making sure they work.

At each different level of Enterprise Kebab, you come up with an idea for your own business in

a virtual town. You’ll plan your business, launch it, see how much money you can make and

how you deal with any problems that come up along the way.

There are forums and blogs where you can talk about your ideas with other Kebab entrepreneurs. You’ll

also get access to a huge set of resources to help you plan and manage your business, plus the chance to test

yourself with quizzes and build a portfolio of all your work.

Claire Baudouin, 17, from Royal Grammar School in Newcastle, said: “The best applications were the ones which had the greatest interactive element to them such as the business

planner and biz e-town. These applications kept my interest and I was so busy having fun I didn’t realise until later that I had actually learnt a great deal!”

There are different versions depending on whether you’re a student at primary or secondary school, a further education college or university, and best of all – it’s completely free for everyone.

You can even log into the programme securely at home, and your teachers and lecturers can follow your progress - so you can use Kebab to help with essays or projects.

“Having all these resources easily within reach would make it much simpler to sort out any problems you had or just to check information,” says fellow student Katy McDermot, also 17. “Biz-e-town looks really good too, because it is easy to use and makes enterprise accessible for younger children.”

Enterprise Kebab has been created by Newcastle-based educational software group Amazing Learning, with support from One NorthEast.

Make sure you tell your school or college about Enterprise Kebab – remember, it’s completely free! They can find out more at www.enterprise-kebab.com. You can also see a short film about enterprise from the makers of Enterprise Kebab at www.theconkerers-movie.com, googlevideo and on YouTube.

No wonder Pip Tutty, 16, was one of the delegates at the UK’s first Entrepreneur Academy, held in Durham in July.

25 college students from across the region attended the three day, intensive programme to find out just what it takes to start and run a business.

Amateur jockey Pip, who goes to Yarm School Sixth Form and is studying Economics, Psychology and Business Studies, is passionate about starting her own business offering corporate entertainment on Race Days. She wanted more insight into the practical aspects of being an entrepreneur.

“I’m getting some practical experience in our property rental firm,” she says. “The Academy taught me how to market myself and also how to think creatively outside the box.”

The students learnt from successful business owners through a combination of taught sessions and practical exercises on marketing, business planning and funding.

The aim was to develop their entrepreneurial spirit, allow them to test business ideas, find out how to take them further, and where to get support.

Gary Lintern from Weardale - who has just launched a documentary film-making business attended because he was intrigued by the focus on the individual, rather than just the business idea: “I liked the way the programme was designed to develop me and my skills. I can now recognise how entrepreneurs think which makes me better equipped to understand my own approach to business.”

So what advice does Pip have for other budding entrepreneurs? “If you want to start a business, get as much knowledge and experience as possible because you can never be too prepared. Real business is very different from what you might expect.”

All the places at the Academy were funded by regional development agency One NorthEast and were delivered in partnership with the Association of Colleges and QED Consulting. It complements their work to identify, nurture and support future business owners across the region.

Don’t read on if you’re feeling hungry - this article’s all about a kebab. We’re not talking doner, kofta or shish… but enterprise. Confused?

“I come from a family where business is in the blood.”

The Academy students: Pip Tutty (m

iddle row, second from

right) and G

ary Lintern (back row, first on the left)

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Sign up, and we can offer you up to 20 weeks of

n Great experiencesn Real skillsn The best supportn £20 each weekn A clear plan for your future

How does it work?

We’ll give you someone who will work with you to talk about the future you want and how to make it happen. You’ll put together an Activity Agreement Plan, and we’ll give you all the support you’ll need to reach your goal.

What will the activities be?

Depends what you’re trying to get out of it, but it could be pretty much anything from trying out a new sport to sampling a new job. Your agreement can change as you progress, and you’ll meet with a keyworker every week to see how you’re getting on.

Interested?

If you’re 16 or 17, live in Tyne and Wear and have been out of education and training for 20 weeks, get in touch with Connexions Tyne and Wear on 0800 073 8700 and ask about Activity Agreement.

KRISTINA ACHIEVED WITH ACTIVITY AGREEMENT

Kristina Grant left school with an interest in Beauty and Hairdressing, but as a young mum looking after a baby on her own, childcare was a problem for her. She couldn’t really see how she could go into any training or a job without extra help.

She felt she was ready to have a go at training but really

didn’t know where to start and needed someone to point her in the right direction.

Kristina was introduced to Barbara Boydell a Keyworker for Activity Agreement. Barbara suggested that once Kristina knew her baby would be well cared for she would be much happier looking at training options.

Barbara also told Kristina about Care to Learn, a government scheme to help with childcare costs. With C2L, under 20’s can get childcare support of up to £155 per week. Barbara then suggested they visit Phoenix training, within walking distance of Kristina’s home and with a Surestart Childcare Centre on the doorstep. Kristina was impressed enough to start a taster course at Phoenix and try out the childcare.

She’s now doing really well and enjoying Beauty Therapy training at Phoenix. Knowing her baby is well cared for and just across the road from her in case anything goes wrong is the ideal set up for her.

“Without Barbara’s support and knowledge I’d still be at home doing nothing. I really didn’t think there was any way I could fit training in with looking after a baby. Now I’m looking forward to starting college and there’s a place in the college crèche for my baby. Joining Activity Agreement is the best move I’ve ever made.”

Kristina has come a long way in a few short months. Before, she only mixed with other mothers, and babies were the main topic of conversation. She’s now mixing with other young adults and is well on the way to making a stable future for her and her baby.

To find out more about Care to Learn, talk to your Connexions Adviser or call the C2L Helpline on 0845 600 2809. To find out more about Activity Agreement, call Connexions Tyne and Wear on 0800 073 8700.

If you or someone you know has been out of education or training for the last 20 weeks and you’re not getting Jobseeker’s Allowance, you could sign up for a new programme being run by Connexions Tyne and Wear to help you get back on track.

Activity Agreement is about making sure you have a plan for your future and the knowledge, skills and confidence to make it happen.

27 28

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They also got tips on what it’s like to run your own art and crafts business from craft entrepreneurs at Kirkharle Courtyard. They then developed their creative skills working with artists using origami, willow craft, frotage and photoshop!

Students studying the Sports Management, Leadership and Coaching Young Apprenticeship Programme were leading the field by impressing John Harrison, the Mayor of North Tyneside, when they assisted events organisers at the ‘Mouth of the Tyne Festival’ at Tynemouth as part of their work experience.

During July at the Castle Keep in Newcastle Art & Design students masqueraded ‘in cognito’ when they displayed their extravagant masks to the general public.The masks had been designed as part of their Btec qualification.

At

Art & Design and Performing Arts students decided to stop ‘blowing their own trumpets’ and play bagpipes and drums instead, whilst being trained by one of the North East’s leading folk groups, Wolffengrimm.

Alnwick Garden Engineering Young Apprentices made a splash by building small models of fountains and showing them off to the public. They were lucky enough to be shown round the extensive workings under the Alnwick Garden fountains by the Garden’s head engineer.

A ‘Slap in the Face’ was a great reward for the Young Apprenticeship students at the Hatton Gallery exhibition in July when they rapped, danced and sang folk songs with local artists. The students created their own performance after being trained in techniques by the artists using a Russian Futurist style.

To find out more contact: Larry Gent, 0191 200 1583 or Tom Cleghorn, 0191 200 1551 at North Tyneside Education Business Partnership, The Langdale Centre, Wallsend.

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17

In July I attended the first TUC Green Camp in the run up to the Tolpuddle Martyrs festival.

The camp was open to students and trade unionists from across the country and there were about forty participants. Emma Lipscombe, an activist from the trade union Unison, Toby Walton from Durham University and myself represented the North East.

The camp presented a good opportunity for young environmental activists to share experiences from up and down the country about how they are making the effort to conserve the planet both in their colleges or workplaces and in their own lives.

Activities were held in a Yurt (Mongolian style tent) next to the Tolpuddle Museum and addressed issues on the environment, green policies in the workplace and looked at trade union policies on green issues.

As well as spending time in the Yurt, there were film screenings including Al Gore’s Oscar winning movie An Inconvenient Truth, and the group made a number of local visits to see sustainable projects in and around Dorset.

On the final day of camp, TUC Policy Officer Phil Pearson gave a presentation and facilitated discussion amongst the groups, looking at actions we could take to make our workplaces more sustainable and what role trade unions have to play in

making our workplaces greener. Sustainable Development Commissioner Tess Gill lead discussions on the controversial proposal of the Severn Barrage looking at the potential gains in terms of sustainable energy versus the negative impact on the local wildlife and environment.

As the Green camp ended the field began to fill up with people arriving for the weekend’s celebrations. The Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival is held every year to commemorate the foundation of the British trade union movement.

What is the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival?

The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of 19th century British labourers who were arrested for, and convicted of, swearing a secret oath as members of the Friendly Society of Agricultural Labourers. The rules of the Society show it was clearly structured as a friendly society and operated as a trade-specific benefit society. But at the time, friendly societies had strong elements of what we now consider is the predominant role of trade unions. They were subsequently sentenced to transportation to Australia.

Every July trade unionists from across the world gather in Tolpuddle to celebrate the achievements of the Martyrs in establishing the British trade union movement.

Mel Whitter is from the ‘Organising Working Students’ project and a member of the Young Members Network.

Want to make a difference? Get active!If you want to get more active in your college or university Students’ Union and campaign on issues such as the environment, student

funding or many others why not check out the National Union of Students website www.nusonline.co.uk

To find out more about trade unions and the campaigns they are involved in to improve workers rights visit the TUC website www.tuc.org.uk or email aparkin@tuc.org.uk to get more information on the TUC young members network.

For more information on greening your workplace visit the TUC website: www.sustainableworkplace.co.uk

If your school has a student council why not get involved and campaign for better environmental practices in your school such as recycling and composting.

For more info about the Tolpuddle Martyrs go to www.tolpuddlemartyrs.org.uk

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Why should you think about studying abroad?

Everyone’s reasons are different but the main advantages of studying abroad include:

1. Enhancing your employment prospects: Understanding other cultures means that job opportunities may come your way that otherwise wouldn’t. 2. Improving your self confidence: Living abroad takes you out of your comfort zone – how you cope will tell you a lot about yourself; you are probably capable of much more than you think.3. Learning a language: Even if you have stopped learning languages at school, don’t let that put you off picking one up in the future. More students travel to learn languages in the countries where they are spoken than for any other reason. Learning to communicate with other people is always a fantastic achievement of which you can be very proud.4. Saving money: OK, this is not always true but it is possible that the cost of education abroad can be less than staying at home and it may well be worth your while to investigate. The relationship between price and quality is not always straightforward.5. Having fun: Let’s be honest, this is one of the most important things you want from your time in higher education. Studying abroad is a great way to make friends from around the world while gaining the qualifications you need to get on in life.

Best of both worldsStudy in English with classmates from 43 countries

Many universities and colleges from around the world now teach English qualifications in the English language, meaning that you can study abroad without having to be fluent in another language. One example of this is Prague College in the Czech Republic.

Prague College specialises in higher education in business, IT and design. They offer Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) accredited by Edexcel.

Through a partnership with the University of Teesside, you can study the first two years of a Business Management BA(Hons) in Prague and then return to the United Kingdom for your final year. This special 2+1 course gives you the chance to experience international education while getting real work experience in a foreign country. If that isn’t enough, annual tuition fees at Prague College are about £1,000 cheaper than in the UK and the cost of living in Prague is only about half the British level.

To find out more about this opportunity, search for Prague College on YouTube to see their short film.

For more information about this and other opportunities call us on 0191 490 9400 visit our website: www.astarfuture.co.uk.

If you have ever thought about spending time in a different country, then it might interest you to know that you can combine this desire with your education. Universities, language schools and colleges around the world can offer you the same high quality education as you will find here in this country but with a radically different experience.

36

The Rifles Regiment is a new regiment to the Army and was formed on 1st February 2007. It encompasses the Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, Light Infantry, Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry and the Royal Green Jackets.

Major Graham Gilbert from 3 Rifles says: “The creation of The Rifles is part of a restructuring initiative to create a more flexible and fully manned regiment that offers fantastic employment opportunities in Light Infantry roles and will bind all Riflemen together in a strong unifying brand, which will distinguish them from the rest of the infantry.”

Major Gilbert continues: “We organise recruitment drives across the North East and this is a great chance for the local people to come down and to talk to soldiers about Army Life and to find out more about what they have to offer. Anyone that wants to have an exciting and active lifestyle needs to look no further than the challenges they will be faced with if they joined the Rifles.”

“The motto ‘swift and Bold’ exemplifies The Rifles’ style based on self-discipline, mutual trust, loyalty and professionalism which will provide an excellent grounding for anyone wanting an exciting career in a light infantry role.” Major Gilbert concludes:

New recruits earn more money training in the Army than they would on any other apprenticeship or training scheme, a huge range of possible career paths, and what is probably the best package of training, travel, sporting and skills development opportunities available from any UK employer.

If you’re interested in a career that will not only provide excitement but also endless opportunities why not take a look at The Rifles Regiment.

If you’re interested in a career that will not only provide excitement but also endless opportunities, why not take a look at Pte Ruth Wilson who couldn’t drive a car when she enlisted into the Army, but now works as a Tank Transporter Driver travelling the world.

20 year old Ruth has come a long way since joining the Army two years ago. Whilst some of her old school mates are still working towards passing their regular driving tests, Ruth has a total of five different licences under her belt and now spends her time moving Challenger 2 Tanks around the world on the back of an Oshkosh, the latest tank transporter.

Pte Wilson says: “The reason that the Army appealed to me so much was because of the wide range of career paths available, which I am taking full advantage of. The

qualifications I have already achieved are mine for life and I have gained them whilst travelling around the world, something that would never be possible in civilian life.”

WO2 Kev Gibson from the Middlesbrough Armed Forces Careers Office says, ‘We encourage potential recruits to find out as much as they can about the Army before enlisting, as well as speaking to young soldiers like Ruth, who is a great example of just what you can achieve in the Army. Her experiences are fresh and she therefore he has the ability to answer any questions that people have.

“If anyone is interested in pursuing a career in the Army and would like to speak to someone like Ruth about their experiences then contact your local Army Careers Information Office in Teesside or visit www.armyjobs.mod.uk.”

39 40

Personal Advisers work with 13-19 year olds in each of the 38 secondary and 9 special schools, 4 Further Education Colleges and providers of training across County Durham as well as in 6 full-time Connexions centres and 8 outreach facilities. The service they deliver is guided by the views of young people: from the panel of around 50 who form youth focus groups in the local areas; to wider consultation on specific issues.

At this time of year there is a concentration on working with those who have not been able to progress after school or college in order to help them tackle any barriers that are holding them back. These can be anything from simple indecision to family trauma or homelessness. Personal Advisers and Employment and Training Advisers in their local Connexions Centre will work closely with them to overcome these issues and find opportunities that suit their interests and abilities.

Advisers work with young people individually and in groups. The aim is to develop their confidence and knowledge to enable the young person to feel that they have made a good decision. As one adviser said “a young person should feel that they have made a decision for themselves, not that you have made it for them”. Groups of young people are encouraged to work with Connexions to develop their interpersonal skills as part of Key fund Groups; the group devise a project, work together share ideas and to produce a bid for funding for an activity.

The Connexions County Durham website www.help4teens.co.uk provides a central information resource that young people and advisers can use covering a vast number of topics. Recently the new area online prospectus has been added to the site. This has been developed by the County Durham 14-19 Partnership and will allow young people use a single site to view the range of all educational and training opportunities available to them.

The Summer is over and all over County Durham teenagers have returned to school or made the move to a sixth form, college, training or out into the world of work. Some have made choices following a long held ambition or career plan, others because they have been supported by family and friends to make a good decision about their future. Many more will have made their plans for their future with the advice and support of their Connexions Personal Adviser.

In July and August the Connexions Motivational Activities Team have worked with Personal Advisers to bring groups from across the county together to get involved in a range of outdoor activities. From Canoeing at Hetton Lyons to fell walking in the Lake District the emphasis was on fun and personal development. The activities were aimed at the Year 11’s who had just completed their GCSE’s. Over 150 young people took part in 6 different weeks of activities.

Throughout the year the team works with schools, youth groups, colleges, The Youth Engagement Service, Firebreak and volunteer groups helping participants to achieve their

potential whilst gaining real accreditation. The team is currently helping to pioneer the PEARL Award in the North East with its focus on developing and accrediting learners in social and emotional aspects of their learning. With schools now having an extended emphasis on health, outdoor learning and successful student progression the MAP team offer a nationally respected and established range of activities designed to motivate learners to achieve their goals.

For more information call Andy Pritchard on 0191 3831777 or e-mail andy.pritchard@connexions-durham.org

We have courses and apprenticeships in:

n Business and Administration n Customer Service n Manufacturing Operations n Engineering Operations

Since August we have successfully recruited 110 new apprentices. We are committed to helping even more people find out what they want to do in life.

Contact us now for more information on 01325 313194 or you can email us at reception@swdt.co.uk

Check out our new website at www.swdt.co.uk

How do Apprenticeships work?An employer pays your wages and gives you on-the-job training which allows you to achieve National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ’s). You’ll also spend time with a learning provider, gaining key skills that’ll be useful in the work place - like working in teams, problem-solving, communication and using new technology. In addition, you could study for a technical certificate, which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your working environment. The amount of time you’ll spend studying varies over the course of your Apprenticeship, depending on your chosen profession and the effort you want to put into achieving your qualifications to get on in life.

What sort of person is accepted on an Apprenticeship?

n Committed n Able to show that you have researched the area of work you want to do, and you’re the right person for the job. But remember we can help with thisn Prepared to consider further study n Realistic about the amount of work you may have to do n Happy to work as both part of a team and an individual. n Able to use your own initiative

Apprenticeships can be demanding, but very rewarding. It’s not just a question of seeing what is out there and then selecting a career path. It helps if you are focused enough to know what you want to do before you apply.

SWDT has been working along side thousands of young people to meet their full potential.

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If you’re the right person for an Apprenticeship, being an apprentice can help you achieve your goals. It’s a great opportunity, but may not be suitable for everyone. Do you have what it takes to be an apprentice?

How do I get started on an Apprenticeship?To find out more about the Apprenticeships we offer, call 01325 – 313 194. You’ll then receive more information about the opportunities available to you. In the meantime, you may also want to approach any employers you know who are offering Apprenticeships.

Customer Service ApprenticeshipA wide variety of skills are needed for the Customer Service Apprenticeship, including identifying customers and what they value, patience, commitment to work, not being judgmental and an excellent telephone manner.

Business Administration ApprenticeshipBusiness and Administration is suitable for those seeking to learn about a wide variety of activities including managing diary systems, organizing business travel, accommodation and meetings, dealing with visitors, operating credit control procedures, using IT systems and different types of software to produce documents, operating office equipment and working effectively with other people.

Manufacturing ApprenticeshipWith this Apprenticeship, you will develop skills in a range of activities, including an understanding of technical drawings, productivity tools and theories, building assemblies and processing products. Skills involved could include forming/ molding, finishing and joining, and can

relate to products as diverse as footwear and cosmetics.

You can contact us on more information 01325 313194 or try out our new website

www.swdt.co.uk

Images courtesy of LSC

Every year in the 2 weeks before Nov 5th your fire service attends 500 calls to bonfires delaying their attendance to emergency calls.

He thought he’d give a hand lighting the bonfire

He thinks he nose everything about fires & he thinks that accidents can’t happen to him

November 5th 2004

6pm We got the bonfire going & everyone was having a great time, planning to set the fireworks off in a bit then we would just hang round till the fire goes out.

7.15pm All the fireworks are gone & we’re getting a bit bored now but at least the fires still going & we can crowd round a bit as it dies down.

“1935 hours…. One youth fallen into bonfire suffering from burns. Ambulance and Fire Service required. Emergency services informed and proceeding……

1942 hours….. Stop…Fire Extinguished. Paramedics administer immediate treatment to youth with severe burns to face & hand. …….” 7.45pm The pain is immense.

8.10pm I am admitted to hospital to start a long & very painful road to recovery, my parents arrive & don’t even recognise me, they ask a lot of questions about what happened but don’t get any answers, it hurts too much to talk. It hurts my parents too but not in the same way.”

November 5th 2005

Two skin grafts down the line & I almost have a nose again, one eye is ok but the other one will always be blurred, it dried out too much with the heat you see. The initial pain has gone but every operation brings it back with a vengeance.

November 5th 2006

Another operation & things are really looking good, not as good as I used to look but even after 2 years I’ll take any gains I can. My parents took a long time to come to terms with what happened to me & tried for ages to blame some one else but truth is it was an accident that could have been avoided if my mates & me had just gone to an organised display, never again….

Remember Remember this 5th November….. Don’t have your own bonfires, go to an organised event!!!County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service: Safer People Safer Places

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We all hope that by the time it gets to receiving our results we have a bit of an idea as to what we are planning to do in the future, but what happens if, say, you don’t get the grades you were hoping for and that course you wanted to go on is now out of your reach, or worse still your get-up-and-go has suddenly got-up-and-went, which way do you turn then?

Thankfully, help is at hand. Hartlepool College’s Entry To Employment (E2E) programme is designed to give you the skills to help you move forward, in work and in life.

If you’re aged between 16 and 18, unemployed and interested in training, then an E2E course might be right for you. An E2E gives you basic skills in literacy and numeracy as well as basic and vocational IT skills. It’s not an intensive course where you’re forced into doing things, with an E2E you call the shots.

The E2E programme offers vocational skills in almost anything you’d like to try. This way you get to have a go at lots of different things and see if any of them are for you.

These include:n Construction, Painting and Decorating, Brickwork and Joineryn Motor vehicle n Hairdressingn Beauty Therapyn Childcaren Key Skillsn Health and social caren Retailn Business admin

You’re also taught skills which will be useful in any job you want to might end up doing such as working in groups and public speaking. An E2E gives you the skills to make something of yourself.

The E2E also offers you work placements so you can get out there and give it a go. If it’s not for you then you can try something else. Easy! Don’t be forced into doing something just because someone else wants you to do it, give an E2E a go and decide for yourself.

You’ll also receive careers advice so to help you take your new skills into the workplace or further study. If you’re struggling to find out what to do, you can’t go wrong with an E2E course.

Don’t take our word for it, we spoke to two students who’ve just finished an E2E course in hairdressing at Hartlepool College to see what they thought. Stephanie Dunn found the E2E course really useful, “Compared to school it was a load more fun, it was something different.”

After being advised onto the course to help her get onto an apprenticeship, Stephanie gained loads of new skills and made plenty of new friends, “In the hairdressing salon we learnt all about different cuts and colouring but we also learnt about working in groups and things like that, which helped us make friends and gain confidence”.

After finishing school, the last thing you want is more of it, so is doing an E2E like staying at school? “Nah, you get treated like an adult like. If you treat the teacher’s right, they treat you right so it was loads different from being at school. Plus the stuff we did was practical so it was really useful.”

Has the E2E made Stephanie’s future seem clearer? “After the E2E I’m now on a Level 1 in hairdressing and level 2 is next I’d eventually like to open up my own salon.”

Lesley Thackwray chose to do the E2E when she was confused about was to do after her GCSEs. “If I hadn’t heard of the E2E, I’d probably have done nothing after my GCSEs. But now I’ve given it a go, I know I want to be a

hairdresser. I’d not even thought about it before but now I know I can do it”.

So, why does she think people should take an E2E course? “You can take all of the skills you’ve learnt with you to college or into work, which makes a bit easier for you when you start. Coz to be fair if you have got the skills you should get the job.”

After the stress of GCSEs, Lesley found a lot less pressure being put on her on the E2E course, “There’s no pressure. If we couldn’t do things, we weren’t told off or anything because we’d tried”.

If you’re between 16 -18 and have been unemployed for the past six months and you’re unsure about how to enter employment, Hartlepool Colleges E2E programme

might be your ticket to a decent career. Don’t be worried about going back to learn if you hated school. An E2E is a completely different, varied and fun route to take.

The programme lasts 22 weeks or more depending on how well you do and is about 10-25 hours depending on your options. Best of all, the course is FREE and you might be able to get money from the EMA while you learn. You can also claim travel expenses, child minding fees (and a training allowance) now, so there really is nothing stopping you!

E2E is a real opportunity for you to try something new and get a taste of things you could be doing in the future. There are loads of options after leaving secondary school, an E2E course from Hartlepool College might be able to help decide which one is right for you.

For more information or to speak to the course tutors contact Peter Ford – E2E

Gateway Manager 01429 288 276 or email pford@

hartlepoolfe.ac.uk / Andrea Willingham – Gateway

Personal Advisor 01429 275 501 or email awillingham@hartlepoolfe.

ac.uk / Tony Bower E2E/Gateway Advisor 01429 288 270 or email

abower@hartlepoolfe.ac.uk.

Well, you’ve sat through your GCSE’s, you’ve been given advice from everyone from your Mum and Dad, friends, careers advisors, Auntie Susie’s boyfriend; Kevin and teachers (delete as appropriate), and now it’s time to actually get down to the nitty gritty and make a decision as to what you are going to do now you are not at school anymore!

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Students often live in rented or multiple occupancy accommodation and according to the survey of English Housing (SHE) this means you are at a higher risk of fire. Some students will also be at a higher risk from fire if they have lifestyle habits such as smoking, drinking and socialising.

Kelly Bonner, the Brigade’s Young Person’s Advocate along with fire crews, other advocates and community safety officers will be spending five days from 24 – 28 September at the University of Teesside during fresher’s week speaking to students about fire safety.

Kelly will have a stall set up in the fresher’s fare along with other agencies and companies, to help and advise students on staying safe while giving out leaflets and other freebies. She will also be encouraging them to have a Home Fire safety Visit carried out in their accommodation.

There will also be Community Fire Safety Officers carrying out chip pan demonstrations outside of the Union and speaking to students passing by.

Kelly Bonner, Young Person’s Advocate said: “When starting university or college it is quite often the first experience a young person has of independence. With studies, the worry of keeping a roof over their heads and having a social life, fire safety may not be one of their top priorities and we want to make sure it is.

“Students need to be aware of fire safety issues in their home. Fires can cause huge devastation, so the effort of fitting and checking a smoke alarm regularly means you, your housemates and your possessions will be safe.

“Landlords are required by law to play a part in fire safety. Your landlord should make sure there is adequate means of escape and in larger properties they should also be supplying fire extinguishing equipment, fire blankets and smoke alarms fed by mains electricity.

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We will also be speaking to students about the consequences of setting off fire alarms as it caused a drain on resources.

FIRE Chiefs are urging students to be aware of fire risks as the new academic year starts at colleges and universities in the Cleveland Fire Brigade area.

n Fit smoke alarms on each level of the house

and test them weekly.

n Don’t leave cooking unattended.

n Check furniture has the permanent fire-

resistant label.

n Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking

materials.

n Never cook under the influence of alcohol.

n Never leave candles unattended.

n Practice an escape route with your

housemates.

n If a fire starts get out, stay out and dial 999.

n Call now for a FREE Home Fire Safety Visit

including free smoke alarms on 01429 874063

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Work locationsLondon, the North West and the MidlandsNumber of graduate vacancies360Disciplines recruited fromAll disciplines – greatest demand in Maths, Science, English and ICTMinimum degree required2.1Minimum UCAS points required300Starting salaryCompetitiveOther benefitsTraining to achieve OTS, opportunity to pursue third year Masters

Teach First is a unique two-year opportunity for you to be different and to achieve something special. Your energy, intelligence and creativity can transform the futures of students in challenging schools around the UK. At the same time it’s an opportunity to dramatically enhance your own career

potential and to make a tangible difference to our society.

Consider the way your life has been changed by the education you have received. Knowledge and the tools to solve problems, insight and appreciation of the world around you, and above all opportunity. Imagine if you could help other young people to access all that. Teach First takes exceptional graduates and transforms them into inspiring leaders – your leadership, inspiration and above all your example can be the key that unlocks the future for students confronted by a wide range of personal and social issues.

Your developmentAnd while you are transforming the lives of young people in schools around the country, Teach First will help you to maximise your own potential, discover new skills and build on those you already have. High-profile recruiters from all sectors recognise that the skills and strategies developed in the classroom are highly relevant and applicable to management careers. That’s why over 80 companies, government agencies and public bodies back Teach First to develop top talent for the future. Put simply, if you can engage, manage and stimulate a class of under-performing teenagers, you can handle pretty well any situation in any business. How it worksTeach First recruits high-calibre graduates for two years to train and qualify as teachers. Initially you will attend six weeks of intensive training at one of the UK’s leading teacher-training institutions before being assigned to a school. Parallel to your teaching experience you will participate in the Teach First leadership programme – designed and delivered in collaboration with our business supporters and education partners. This will further develop your leadership skills and provide you with valuable contacts, coaching and internship opportunities, and business training. And, as a Teach First Ambassador, you will continue to benefit from engagement with the Teach First network of supporters and alumni long after you complete the programme.

To apply for Teach First or the Accenture/Deloitte/JPMorgan deferred-entry schemes visit www.teachfirst.org.ukClosing date for applications:Winter - 30/11/07 for History, Geography, Citizenship and Modern Foreign Languages and all other subjects if you have a strong regional preference. Final - 28/3/08