Two Birmingham Professors have been handed one of the UK’s most prestigious higher education teaching awards.

Birmingham City University lecturers Andrew Kulman, Professor of Graphic Art, and Professor Mark O’Hara, Associate Dean for Student Learning Experience have been named among the Higher Education Academy’s 55 new National Teaching Fellows.

The accolade is recognised as the top individual teaching honour for lecturers and researchers working at universities across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The pair have been named amongst the new Fellows after being nominated for their commitment to teaching and supporting students.

Professor Kulman splits his time between working as a practice graphic artist and teaching, making a number of innovative curriculum designs and developing partnerships overseas.

He has worked with associations including D&AD and the Association of Illustrators and was elected to serve on the Representative Board of the European League of Institutes of the Arts last year.

A former early years and primary teacher, Professor O’Hara has dedicated his career in higher education to providing opportunities for students from all walks of life.

He has led a range of inclusivity projects at Birmingham City University and currently serves as the Chair of the UK RAISE Network’s Inclusive Practice SIG and sits on the Department for Education’s Disabled Students Sector Leadership Group.

Professor Andrew Kulman said: “It’s great to receive this award which recognises the importance of teaching to both our profession and our institution.

“It makes even more pleasing to be acknowledged in the field of art and design, which at its best has a genuinely significant role to play in people’s lives.

“This now gives me a platform to support others in working towards similar recognition which again is extremely for the University.”

Professor Mark O’Hara said:

“I am very pleased at the outcome and acutely conscious of the opportunities that the University has provided, as well as being indebted to the support and contributions of colleagues over the past four years, without which it wouldn't have been possible.”

All recipients will receive their awards at a special ceremony held in London on November 1.

Professor Philip Plowden, Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, said: “

This award recognises the role teaching plays in higher education and the transformational impact that we can have for our students.

“The award of two of these prestigious accolades to our academic colleagues in the same year is recognition of their outstanding work, and provides further evidence of the commitment of our academic community to delivering innovative and sector-leading teaching.

“Andrew and Mark join a community of National Teaching Fellows at our University, and we will be celebrating their success with our students.”

The new National Teaching Fellows have been selected from across Wales, Northern Ireland and England – and come from across mission groups and from a broad range of subject areas.

The recipients were nominated by their institutions and submissions had to show evidence of three criteria – individual excellence, raising the profile of excellence and developing excellence.

Higher Education Academy Chief Executive, Professor Stephanie Marshall, said:

“A National Teaching Fellowship is the most prestigious individual award for excellence in teaching in higher education. These awards represent a fantastic achievement by all 55 new NTFs. I am sure the whole sector joins me in applauding them in their success.

“I am also delighted that we have really high-calibre finalists for the Collaborative Award, and I congratulate each and every team.

“The UK is justifiably proud of its higher education sector and its reputation is enhanced by the examples of excellent teaching highlighted by these awards.”

With the Spring school holidays just weeks away, parents and kids alike are hunting for ideas for a fun-filled two weeks. From unique animal encounters to vibrant local festivals and family friendly events, NSW has something for everyone these school holidays.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said, “Spring is a perfect time to take a short break, explore new destinations and discover new experiences that the whole family will enjoy”.

Destination NSW offers some suggestions for the upcoming Spring school holidays:

REGIONAL NSW SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAY IDEAS 

• Camping festival style: Deni Ute Muster, in the Riverina, celebrates all things country and offers families a designated camping area. Kids will love the camel rides, balloon entertainer, racing pigs, reptile displays and Brophy Bros Circus. Parents can rock out to some of Australia's top country music stars including Shannon Noll, Lee Kernaghan and The McClymonts.
• Tour and taste the Riverina: Learn where your food comes from at the annual Taste Riverina festival, a month long celebration of the region's produce. The whole family will enjoy the authentic camp oven experience at the Grong Grong Earth Park Camp Oven Tea, the Bush Tucker Tour and Lunch with Wiradjuri Elder Michael Lyons at Sandhill Artefacts in Narrandera and Blast from the Past in Barellan where you camp out under the stars and enjoy the demonstrations of the working Clydesdale horses, as well as learn how to milk a cow, churn butter and brew your own ginger beer.
• Get wet wet wet: Jamberoo Action Park, near Wollongong, opens just in time for the Spring School Holidays. Perfect for teenagers, the Perfect Storm will have the adrenalin rushing as this 290 metre long water ride sees them travel through three tornados and up to 40km hour in a four person raft. While littlies will enjoy Banjo's Billabong, a 760 sq metre aqua play area with 198 different water features.
• Blooming Blue Mountains: Celebrating its 30th Birthday, Blue Mountains Botanic Gardens Mount Tomah is set to have its biggest display of bulbs in flower, with more the 20,000 bulbs blooming from August to October. Pack a picnic hamper and reserve your own picnic spot so you can spend a day amongst the flowers.
• Wild about Devils: Book a night or two at the newly opened Devil's Retreat, near the amazing Devil Ark – the largest conservation breeding program for the critically endangered Tasmanian Devil in the wilds of the Barrington Tops. Sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a stay at the Devil Retreat includes a private Devils in the Wild tour, a two and a half hour walking tour in the Devil Ark to see these endangered species up close and the rare opportunity to witness a communal feed to encourage wild behaviour.
• Test of strength: Contrary to the name, the Australian National Goanna Pulling Championships in Wooli on the NSW North Coast is actually a test of strength between two people, whereby contestants get down on all fours and are linked by a leather belt over their heads, enabling them to pull backwards, tug of war style. Weird and wonderful, this event needs to be seen to be believed. The Goanna Pulling Championship includes many other events including wood chopping, men's, women's and children's novelty races, dog obedience trials, tug of war teams, market stalls, a jumping castle, an Old McDonald's Farm, Australian Reptile Show, bungee trampoline and a ferris wheel.
• Run with the sheep: The Running of the Sheep at the Boorowa Community Bank Irish Woolfest, in the Riverina, is NSW's version of the Running of the Bulls, but with sheep. This fun weekend, includes plenty of sheep events, Irish bands and dancers, street parade and craft and food stalls.

A University of Wolverhampton graduate has used her degree to produce success by bagging a role as Broadcast Journalist/Digital Video Producer at the BBC.

Simone Stewart, 26 from Goldthorn, Wolverhampton graduated with a degree in Broadcast Journalism in 2012.  The multi-module course covered writing, TV production, radio and photography and allowed her the freedom to explore and consider a variety of options.

During her time at University, she attended a work placement with BBC Radio WM and worked on the Joanne Malin Morning Show where she shadowed the producer and helped to put the show together.  She also did some voluntary work at 101.8 WCR FM Radio in Wolverhampton and at the Aston Villa Football Club radio station as well as working as Sports Editor on a local youth magazine, writing sports articles.

Simone said:  “It’s so important for students to start creating their CV when they are studying. Work experience is vital to complement your academic achievements.  I knew I wanted to work in sports journalism and I tailored my work-experience to create openings for myself.

“Without a doubt, the course I studied at University has opened so many doors for me and the course equipped me with some really good practical skills.  I’m a local girl from Wolverhampton and it was right on my doorstep.  I made some life-long friends and it was a really good experience.”

After graduation, Simone worked in a variety of different jobs while she continued to build contacts in the media industry. She secured a year’s placement at BBC Radio Humberside working as a trainee sports journalist before moving to the post of Researcher for BBC Sport Get Inspired in Manchester.  She has been working as a Broadcast Journalist/Digital Video Producer with BBC England since January 2017.

In her role, which is based at the Mailbox in Birmingham City Centre, she shoots and edits digital videos, finds and researches stories, looking for newsworthy items on Social Media channels and she creates digital content, pitching her stories to London and other regions.

For anyone who already has their results, applications for courses can be started now through our Clearing website.  Call the Clearing Hotline on 01902 518585 or contact us through our Social Media channels Twitter@wlv_uni or Facebook/uniwolverhampton.

A University of Wolverhampton graduate is laying the foundations for success in the construction industry.

Rachel Toor, 26 from Bilston in Wolverhampton, is graduating with a first class honours degree in Construction Management from the University’s Faculty of Architecture and Built Environment in September.

Rachel began her career by studying for an Apprenticeship with Walsall Housing Group where she learned the trades as a plumber and gas engineer.

Rachel said:  “I didn’t get great career advice at school but always knew that I wanted to be out and about doing things rather than being office based. I really embraced my apprenticeship and started in the construction industry by learning a trade, with the view of working my way up.”

Rachel achieved her Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Plumbing and Gas and secured a job with Dudley College in its Waste Management department, moving on to work with a Local Authority whilst at the same time studying part-time for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Building Studies at the University of Wolverhampton.

Rachel is now Trainee Site Manager at Shaylor Group, putting her skills and knowledge into practical use on site. “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the University of Wolverhampton and it’s true that qualifications really do lay the foundations for working in industry. I’m using things I’ve learned during my degree at work, making improvements on site as well as ustilising contacts I’ve made during networking events. There’s so much more to a degree than just a piece of paper.

“The construction industry is starting to introduce new processes and develop new ways of effecting change. I feel that I can be a part of that and bring more to the table, not only as a result of my qualification and my learning, but as a woman working in the industry. My aim is to pass on my knowledge to the next generation and inspire young women to consider careers within the property and construction industries.”

More than 2,000 jobs and apprenticeship opportunities in the City of Wolverhampton will be on offer at a special event for residents.

The City Jobs Fair, which has been organised as part of the build up to Wolverhampton Business Week, will be held in the WV1 Suite at Molineux Stadium (WV1 4QR), on Friday, September 8, from 10am to 1pm.

More than 50 employers from across Wolverhampton will be at the event to showcase the jobs available to city jobseekers.

They include Adecco, Debenhams, Royal Wolverhampton Hospital NHS Trust, Wolverhampton Homes, McDonalds, Magna Specialist Confectioners, Radis Community Care, Premium Choice, the Armed Forces, and many more.

The event is sponsored by Workbox - a new initiative in the city providing residents with information about jobs, training and support all in one place.

Wolverhampton's team of advisors, along with Jobcentre Plus, will also be on hand to offer advice and support.

Councillor John Reynolds, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: "We have an ambitious long term plan to encourage enterprise, empower people, reinvigorate our city and improve the prosperity of businesses and residents - and this event supports that.

"This is an excellent opportunity for residents looking for work or a change of career.

“Over 50 local employers will be exhibiting and with a wide representation of job opportunities - both full time and part time - on offer, this event is not to be missed.

“We're optimistic about the future of the city. It is a great place to live, work, visit and do business."

Sarah Jury-Onen, Department for Work and Pensions District Manager, added: “The City Jobs Fair will be an excellent opportunity for jobseekers to find out about the job vacancies in the Wolverhampton area, both in established and new business.

“It promises to be a fantastic event and I would encourage everyone who is being helped by the Jobcentre to go along.”

The event is open to everyone. You can pre-register at www.wolvesworkbox.com to avoid the queues, or just turn up on the day.

The event takes place in the lead up to City of Wolverhampton Business Week, Monday, September 25 – Friday 29. The week-long programme includes events for businesses of all types and sizes, and aims to support the city’s economic growth.

Students heading to university are reminded by Public Health England (PHE) to get vaccinated against deadly meningitis and septicaemia. The MenACWY vaccine protects against four strains of meningococcal disease known as Men A, C, W and Y, which can cause meningitis and septicaemia.

MenW is one of the most aggressive and life-threatening forms of meningococcal disease and can be fatal. Many survivors are left with life changing disabilities, including brain damage and loss of limbs.

Eligible teenagers who has missed vaccination in previous years remain eligible up to their 25^th birthday, whether attending university or not. Students starting university for the first time are particularly at risk if unvaccinated.

Dr Helen Carter, Deputy Director, Healthcare Public Health at PHE West Midlands said:

“The MenACWY vaccination programme will save lives and prevent lifelong and devastating disability.

“We have seen a rapid increase in Men W cases across England in recent years and vaccination is the most effective way of protecting against infection.

“Young people are particularly at risk from the MenW strain. Being in confined environments with close contact, such as university halls, pubs and clubs increases the chances of infection if unprotected.

“We urge anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Remain vigilant and seek urgent medical help if you or someone you know may be showing signs of infection.”

While the MenACWY vaccine is highly effective in protecting against four deadly strains, it does not protect against all strains that can cause meningitis and septicaemia. It is, therefore, important to be vigilant in spotting early symptoms of infection and to seek prompt medical assistance if concerned. Symptoms of infection may include:

• Fever, cold hands and feet
• Severe headache, joint or muscle pains
• Stiff neck
• Dislike of bright lights
• Vomiting and/or diarrhoea
• Pale, blotchy skin with or without a rash
• Irritability and/or confusion
• Drowsiness, difficult to wake up
• Convulsions/seizures