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StudentTIMES Volume 5 - Issue 1 | October 2008

COMEDY

Get yourself a cut-price

catwalk cutPETER KAY - The Bloke from Bolton is Back!

TheK-Factor

STUDENT TIMES // 3

CONTENTS DID YOU KNOW...An asteroid wiped out every single dinosaur

in the world, but not a single species of toad or salamander was affected. No one knows why, nor

why the crocodiles and tortoises survived.

4-9 NewsLots of news, from Bond through

Tomb Raider to Kate Moss.

12 FeatureFRESHEN UP FOR FRESHER’SOur Guide to all things Fresher’s

week. How to survive, how to not

bankrupt yourself and how to enjoy

it all.

ST EXTRA13 InterviewKNIGHTS TALEWith the release of The Duchess upon

us, we look back over Keira Knightley’s

rise to fame, from footballer to royalty.

14 InterviewCULINARY CRAFTSMANSHIPArriving at University can be a daunting

experience. What do you do when

Mum isn’t cooking for you anymore.

Take some advice from teen cook

Sam Stern.

15 InterviewBOYS 2 MENWe catch up with Adulthood and

Doctor Who star Noel Clarke and ask

him all about ambition, his next career

move and writing.

30 Cover2CoverTHE K FACTORPeter Kay is finally making his glorious

return to TV. Get all the info on

Britain’s Got the Pop Factor… and the

title is just too long to fit here. But read

the full title on our back page.

FASHION16 InterviewSHOES FOR THE BOOZE

If you’ve ever stumbled home bare foot

because the high heels were simply

killing you, read all about a genius new

shoe just for you.

16 What’s HotThe latest from the High Street.

CAREERS18 Teach UKHave you ever thought about going

into teaching? If not, why not? Read all

about the joys of personalised learning

and just how easy it is to get your foot

in the door in our Teach UK section.

23 ActuariesIf teaching isn’t for you, why not be an

Actuary. Don’t want to take our word

for it that it’s brilliant? Then read one

of the profiles and get a first hand

impression of how great it is.

Welcome to the Fresher’s Issue of Student Times

Sam Stern RecipeSam Stern’s great Beef Chilli recipe!

Celebrity InterviewsInterviews with Gurinder Chadha and former X-Factor contestant Sarah Whatmore (pictured).

ALLNEW

As you can see, we’re back with a vengeanceWith all those Fresher’s now swarming around

on campus, what better time to take the young ones under our

wings and give them some advice on how to survive the first few

(terrifying but fun!) weeks of University. Jump right to page 12 for

all the tricks and tips.

Also being away from home for the first time, cooking can be

a bit of a chore, so read our interview with teen chef Sam Stern

on page 15 for some culinary delights. If that’s not enough, check

the website for one of his favourite recipes. Still not enough?

Enter our competition and try to win a copy of his book.

When your stomach is full of foody goodness, sit back, relax and switch

on Peter Kay’s newest show, soon on Channel 4! Britain’s Got the Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice is, as you might have guessed, a broad parody of the

reality TV genre. Go to our last page for more on that. Or if you’re not

the type that enjoys TV (“Who watches it live anymore,” I hear you ask?),

check www.StudentTimes.org for reviews of the best DVDs out there.

All the best and until next time,

Jonathan, Editor (letters@studenttimes.org)

STUDENTTIMES.ORGTHIS MONTH...

Reviews, Giveaways & moreLoads more reviews including Simon Pegg’s new flick How to Lose Friends & Alienate People, competitions (win Halloween costumes!) and news.

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Please recycle this publication.

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4 // STUDENT TIMES

Kate to be centre of show. ------------------------------------------------

If you’ve always wanted to see more of Kate Moss, the V&A is now offering

you the chance to do so in a new exhibition launching this month. From the middle of September until 11 January 2009, Something That I’ll Never Really See will display over 40 pictures taken by artists from around the world.

Exhibitions officer of the Herbert in Coventry, Dominic Bubb, said of the display: “The V&A often put together exhibitions which have themes or are collections of artists. Something That I’ll Never Really See draws together a diverse range of contemporary photographs that the V&A has collected during the last ten years,” he said.

“The title for this exhibition is inspired from a picture by Gavin Turk entitled Portrait of Something I’ll Never Really See (1997). The image is a portrait of the artist with his eyes closed.”

The photographs in Something That I’ll Never Really See are drawn from the V&A’s permanent collections and include some of the most innovative works created during a pivotal period in photographic history.------------------------------------------------For more information on the exhibition, go to www.theherbert.org

Time for another Wii

V&A shows off M.O.S.S.

ST NEWS

Wii console spells end for ‘real activities’. ----------------------------------------------

Students around the world too lazy (I mean, of course, busy) to play

actual golf, tennis and bowling have been rejoicing in the joy’s of Nintendo’s Wii console.

Now they will have another reason to be happy as Nintendo have confirmed that a new console is in development.

“The hardware team started work on the next thing as soon as they were done with their previous project,” Satoru Iwata, President of Super Mario Bros.

home studio said. Iwata said they were not at a point where he wanted to talk details, “but of course we’re working on it”.

The Wii surprised everyone with its popularity when it sold out over Christmas, meaning people across the UK were gesturing wildly at home.

Show-off: Kate Moss wasn’t

amused after someone tried to

give her a wedgie.

News Briefs-------------------------------------------Graduates happy with UniversitiesStudents are apparently over-

whelmingly happy with their

teaching experience, a survey

completed by third years reveals.

However, the National Student

Survey’s legitimacy was thrown

into doubt earlier this year

when it was revealed lecturers

were pressuring students for

positive results. Despite this,

the 210,000 strong survey has

continued to receive back-

ing from the Government.

In May, a recording emerged

where Kingston University em-

ployees were heard telling stu-

dents to give positive ratings or

risk devaluing their own degrees.

TUC rejects Uni feesThe TUC recently rejected

University Top Up fees, a move

with observers called critical

ahead of next year’s student

funding review. Announced at

its annual conference, the move

was warmly welcomed by both

the NUS and the University and

College Union. NUS President

Wes Streeting painted a gloomy

picture of the future if the cap on

Top up fees were raised further.

“If the cap were raised to, say,

£7,000, and a true market of price

emerges, some students will

end up owing almost £40,000

on graduation,” he criticised.

STUDENT TIMES // 5

V&A shows off M.O.S.S.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH“‘Don’t eat your dinner and you won’t get my clothes.’ She’s a fashion freak... she’s almost six.” Kate Moss on how she disciplines her daughter.

Computer Love

DID YOU KNOW...When Alexander Graham Bell

invented the telephone back in 1876, only six phones were

sold in the first month.

Trolley’s overturned, faces screaming out of mountains of money, a woman balanc-

ing large amounts of water on her head. Some of these may be everyday sights (although I doubt you often see someone buried in a mountain of dollar notes), but they are all meant to draw atten-tion to the changing environment.

All pictures are winners of the Environmental Photographer of the Year award, organised by the Char-tered Institution of Water and Envi-ronmental Management (CIWEM). Over 1,400 photos competed for the top prize of £2,000.

Lord Smith of the Environmen-tal Agency said choosing the win-

ning pictures was a difficult task. Of the winning image, Happy In Her Own World, depicting a mother carrying her child through a flooded paddy field he com-mented: “It captures the impor-tance of the relationship between humankind and the natural world we inhabit, reminding us of the joy as well as the fragility of our environment.”------------------------------------------------CIWEM’s Environmental Photographer of the Year Exhibition will be on 10am – 6pm, 17th September - 11th October 2008 at The Arts Pavilion in the Mile End Ecology Park, London, E3 4QX.

Money talks and water walks

Nottingham gives 500 PCs to disadvantaged----------------------------------------------

500 disused computers, belonging to the University of Nottingham, are on their

way to South America having been donated to charity. The PCs are being sent to Chile once they have been repaired.

Computer Aid International specialise in such efforts, refur-bishing old computers for use in communities that may not be

able to afford them. Phil Andrews, of the IT Op-

erations Team at The University of Nottingham, explains: “The University’s IT department has always donated obsolete equip-ment to good causes as we don’t like to see working equip-ment go to waste.

“Instead of being broken down and recycled, our PCs are given a new lease of life to help disadvantaged communi-ties,” he adds.

L-R - 1: Money Addict by Ben Foertsch. 2: Winner, Happy In Her Own World.

3: Elizabeth by Jon Spaull. 4: Vandalism or Art by Jakob Aungiers.

STUDENT TIMES CAMPAIGN

6 // STUDENT TIMES

NEWS

Leeds, Bath and Essex University Students’ Union are three of five Unions recently com-mended for “truly repre-senting” student views.------------------------------------------------

Bill Rammell, minister for Higher Education, is to present the awards follow-

ing an assessment under the new Students’ Union Evaluation Initiative (SUEI), which examines everything from student govern-ment to the amount of activities the students are offered.

The five winning Unions are:- Leets University Union (Gold)- University of Hull Union (Silver)- Bath Students’ Union (Silver)- University of Essex Students’

Union (Bronze)- University of Teesside Stu-

dents’ Union (Bronze)

Co-founder of SUEI Diane Boston, commented: “Students’ Unions are an integral part of the University community and play an important role in the lives of individual students. This scheme ensures that each Union enhances the student experience and these awards recognise the effectiveness of those Unions.”

President of the NUS Wes Streeting added: “I am delighted that the first five students’ unions to go through the SUEI system will be receiving their awards. This ground-breaking scheme will enable students’ unions to represent their members more effectively, and with more

accountability. I’m sure all of these unions and their members have benefited from taking part

in the scheme, and I look forward to many more unions following their lead in the future.”

Unions rewarded for excellence

New Bond has People’s Premiere at BFI Film Festival------------------------------------------------------------

The Majesty’s favourite secret agent will set out to save the world again at this year’s Times BFI Film

Festival. Accompanied by Oliver Stone’s newest political thriller about George W. Bush Jr, James Bond’s latest Quantum of Solace will enjoy its People’s Premiere at the London event. This means that Bond fans will get the chance to watch the new film immediately after the world premiere in London.

After a lot of talk about Amy Winehouse working on the Bond

theme with longtime collaborator Mark Ronson, it was recently revealed that Jack White and Alicia Keys would be collabo-rating on a song called Another Way To Die.Other films getting their UK Premiere at the Times BFI Film Festival in October

include W. starring No Country For Old Men’s Josh Brolin as current US President George Bush and the two Che Guevara biographies by Ocean 11’s Steven So-derbergh, with Benicio Del Toro starring as the revolutionary.

BFI members can book tickets from 18 September, non-mem-bers from 27 September.

Bond and Bush at the BFIIn related news…More British Film news, J.K. Rowling is offering one last treat for those who want more magical reading. The Tales of Beetle the Bard, previously limited to only seven copies handwritten by the author herself, is now going on sale in time for Christmas.

Those fearing this is just one more way for greedy publishers to line their pockets will be glad to know that the proceeds from the book will be going to charity. On top of the regular edition, Amazon is issuing a Collector’s Edition with some special treats for those wanting to read the stories mentioned so often in the last novel Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. Muggle: Potter star,

Emma Watson

DID YOU KNOW...Rolling Stones band member Bill Wyman married 19 year-old model

Mandy Smith in 1988. At the same time Wyman’s son was engaged to Mandy Smith’s mother. If his son had married Smith’s mother, Wyman would have been the step grandfather to his own wife.

Main: Daniel Craig in action as 007 in Quantum of Solace. Below right: Josh Brolin

plays a game of catch in W. Bottom: Benicio Del Toro as Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara.

ADVERTORIAL: NHS Scotland

Top talent, top futures at NHS ScotlandWhen people think about a job in healthcare, they often only consider the clinical roles filled by doctors, nurses and other medical specialists. Yet behind them is a management team responsible for handling finance, directing staff and taking daily operational decisions that influence how the service works. At NHS Scotland, an organisation with 150,000 employees and a yearly budget of £8 billion, the career opportunities for managers are as varied as the challenges they tackle.

Since 2005 NHS Scotland has run a graduate training scheme, selecting those with the potential to go right to the top. “A previous trainee described it as a golden ticket, and I wouldn’t disagree,” says Jill Sandford, programme manager for the graduate course. “But that doesn’t mean an easy ride. It’s hard work from day one, and our trainees learn on the job, sometimes in areas of Scotland they don’t know well. At the same time they’re knuckling down to an MSc in health and public leadership.”

Shazia Ashraf, part of the Scottish Government Health Workforce Directorate’s Employee Experience Team, is enthusiastic about the career benefits of joining NHS Scotland. “The long-term prospects are excellent.

Compared with many other professions job security is high, but that doesn’t mean working life will be dull or routine. You can switch to new paths or disciplines during your career, moving from long-term planning to emergency response, from pastoral community care to ground breaking high-tech science. Some managers choose to specialise in areas like procurement, finance or personnel. The very best become chief executives.”

While personal reward is important, true motivation for joining NHS Scotland lies in the intrinsic satisfaction of providing an essential service. Jill adds: “Every person and community in Scotland deserves the best from their healthcare service. Selecting management trainees is part of that duty. As a result our selection procedure is strictly meritocratic. Whatever background or cultures our applicants have, the successful ones share that critical ‘X factor’: a heartfelt passion for healthcare, matched by minds that will make decisions with intelligence and integrity.’

For more information contact: Jill Sandford, Scheme Manager. Tel: 0131 244 3451 and e-mail jill.sandford@scotland.gsi.gov.uk.

8 // STUDENT TIMES

NEWS DID YOU KNOW...Each nostril of a human being registers smells in a

different way. Smells that are made from the right nostril are more pleasant than the left. However, smells can be

detected more accurately when made by the left nostril.

Jolie passes the baton to new ex-Olympian Lara Croft-----------------------------------------------------------------

It seems the recent sports fever caused by the Olympics has spread far beyond just the television screens and has now hit games consoles. The

newest Lara Croft – the Tomb Raider played by Angelina Jolie in two movies – is 23 year old Alison Carroll, a former gymnast.

But since Croft is so much more than just a pretty face when roaming the earth for trea-sures, her flesh and blood counterpart has to be able to keep up. Alison will prepare for her part with some unusual training, which includes being taught how to use semi-auto-matic firearm, a SAS survival course (one of

the toughest in the world) and of course the requisite study of ancient relics in the form of an archaeology course.

Speaking about her new job, Alison said: “I still can’t believe they chose me to take on the role of Lara – and I can’t wait to get stuck in. This is my dream job – I have al-ways wanted to be an action hero and hope to be able to use my gymnastic ability to per-form all of Lara’s stunts. It is slightly daunting but I am really excited at the same time.”

The Tomb Raider series has been a massive success, with games being released steadily since 1996. Two years ago, Lara Croft was named the most successful human video game heroine by the Guinness Book of World Records, always a useful source of facts.

Tomb raiding time again!

Flying high: Alison stopped

smiling when she saw they’d

moved the mattress. Ways to survive the credit crunch-------------------------------------------

10 Only take £20 with you

on nights out. Once

spent, flirt with bartender.

9 Walk and cycle everywhere

– no

expensive

taxis. Far

away

friends

can visit you.

8 Don’t text – Use Facebook

and email. Might be

slower, but who really wants

to be reachable 24/7.

7 Get tech saavy. If

your PC is always

on, use messengers and

VoIP instead of phones.

6 Go vegetarian three days

a week. Cut out expensive

meat and track

down your

local (non-

supermarket)

grocers. Much

better deals. Or…

5 Drop in on friends around

dinner time – hint that

you’re hungry and sponge

off them shamelessly.

4 Only

rent

DVDs.

Instead

of buying

Prison

Break for

£30, rent it

for a fiver.

And…

3 Find your local library and

cut back on your book buying.

Added bonus of saving trees.

2 Borrow the newest album

from a music-obsessed

friend – then “lose” it.

1 If all else fails, find a rich,

attractive partner. That

way, you can ignore

all above points.

TOP TEN

STUDENT TIMES // 9

QUOTE OF THE MONTH“I’ve worked with stupid actresses. I’ve worked with Angelina Jolie – she saw a sign that said ‘Wet Floor’ one time, and she did!” - Joan Rivers takes a shot at Angelina Jolie.

Students are taking thousand’s of pounds worth of possessions with them to uni.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The days of impoverished students are a thing of the past, ac-cording to a new survey.

Student insurer Endsleigh quizzed 1,000 fresher’s on their possessions and found that, on average, they were bringing £6,000 worth with them to University.

Once you take into account the laptop/PC, iPod or other MP3 players, instruments and games consoles, it could easily be in the thousands (not forgetting an often extensive DVD collection many have as a way of breaking the routine of hard studying we know we all indulge in).

Unsurprisingly, this trend has also led to higher debt among students, as living costs continue to rise.

Bear in mind that the survey was conducted before the current economic slump that is causing problems for students as some struggle to pay their fees. Results by Fresher’s this year might be quite different.

Students insuring record amount of possessions

In related news…Inflation rates are predicted to be higher for students than for other people in the community. At 6.6%, students will have an even harder time paying for necessities such as budget food items. You might have noticed the price hike with various brands of pot noodles.

NUS President Wes Streeting argued: “Students need better information, advice and guidance on how to manage their finances - particularly in the current economic climate.”

“We need a single national student support scheme, so it is simpler for students to make a claim, and so that support is based on what students need, not where they study.”

Tomb raiding time again!

Calling all Bright Young Things!Are you a bright, sensible young adult aged between 18-20 years old who would be interested in helping to research new legislation?

If the description above matches you or someone you know, please contact us to apply to become a Mystery Shopper.

This can be done via www.tns-global.co.uk/mysteryshopping/information or alternatively contact Kim Bowring via email Kimberly.bowring@tns-global.com.

Why are we asking?Well, TNS Mystery Shopping has recently won a new and exciting job that requires us to send young adults into leading Supermarkets to test a new ‘Think21’ campaign. What is ‘Think21’?‘Think21’ is an initiative to reduce the instances of age restricted products being sold to underage people. What will this entail? We will be required to visit every outlet across the UK and attempt to purchase alcohol and check if the

appropriate questions, including proof of ID are asked. What are the rewards?You will be helping to monitor/track an important piece of research, you will be paid a fee and expenses for the completion of the task. In addition, you will be given an amount of money to spend in the store and the products you buy you will be able to keep. And finally, you will be part of the TNS Mystery Shopping Panel which means you will be able to conduct other Mystery Shopping visits on our behalf.

We look forward to hearing from all the future Mystery Shoppers!

10 // STUDENT TIMES

WORLD NEWS

www.shu.ac.uk/study/pg

ComputingSocial work

Engineering Food and nutrition

MidwiferyCriminology

GeographyPolitics

Accounting and Finance

NursingFilm, theatre and performance

Tourism

PsychologyPhysiotherapyMarketing

AnimationMedia and Communication

Paramedic studiesForensics

Art and DesignEnglish and History

Occupational therapyLaw Banking and Financial services

Architecture

Come and visit us at Gradjobs National recruitment fair

Friday 31st October & Saturday 1st November NEC, Birmingham

Postgraduate courses from Sheffi eld Hallam University

The National GraduateRecruitment Exhibition

The School of Science and TechnologyThe School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University is one of just a few places in the UK where youcan study core sciences alongside innovative areas like computing, forensic, sport and biomedical sciences. State-of-the-artfacilities, an outstanding reputation and links with big names like Microsoft, Siemens and GlaxoSmithKline get our graduates’careers off to a great start.

We offer a range of courses in the following areas:

Biological Sciences SportBiomedical Sciences ChemistryPhysics and Astronomy Forensic ScienceMathematics Computing and Technology

What is studying at the School like?

Understanding how Science and Technology relate to the real world is just as important as your studies in the lecture room or lab, so we strongly support work placements. Recent Science and Technology students have earned between £10,000 and£30,000 during their placement year. Join one of the UK's most innovative Science and Technology schools and startyour career at the cutting edge.

www.ntu.ac.uk/sat

Why not visit us to see where the School of Science and Technology can take you.

To book on an open day please visit www.ntu.ac.uk/openday

Tel: +44(0)115 848 6638

Email: sat.enquiries@ntu.ac.uk

The World News grabbing all the headlines is the trouble and turmoil in the global financial markets. Banks collapsing left, right and centre and the world leaders huddled together in crises talks. So why should students worry?------------------------------------------------

The global financial market is in trouble – that much you will know if you’ve

been watching any of the news recently. But sitting in halls, the chaos of the imploding financial markets might seem distant and trivial when the first essay has to be started. So why should you

care? Because it may affect you in more ways than you think.

Inflation drives up the cost of every-thing: You’ll know infla-

tion is bad. You’ve seen pictures of Zimbabweans with wheelbar-rows of cash just to buy a loaf of bread. Obviously, the UK market is not even close to being in that situation, but the current crisis is having other effects. Along with inflation, the price of food has been increasing. On top of that, it was recently reported that rent for students has gone up almost 20% in the last four years. If that weren’t bad enough, inflation also means that student loan

repayments will be higher once you graduate.

Banking and Travel: Taking a blowWith many city compa-

nies forced to tighten their belts, leading banks being bought out en masse, jobs being cut everywhere and travel firms stranding tourists abroad when collapsing, it’s obvi-ous that this might not be the best time to break into either banking or travel. But keep in mind that some companies in these areas are still doing well, and other jobs will always be there. Consider what possible areas you could branch out into if you dream career does not immediately take off.

Move into Account-ing: If all else fails, rely on your number

crunching skills. The Association of Graduate Recruiters reported recently that while other jobs may be in decline due to cost-cutting, Accountants will always be in demand.

The Backup Plan: Cut your CostsIf you are forced to

move back in with your parents, think of that freshly ironed laun-dry and Sunday roasts on tap.

So, you see, while the credit crunch may affect you, it’s not all doom and gloom. (See page 8 on top tips on how to survive when the financial chips are down.)

Credit crunch survival guide

1 2

34

Rising prices: The credit crunch is sending

everyday household necessities

through the roof.

VISIT WWW.CAMPAMERICA.CO.UK TO START

YOUR HASSLE FREE SUMMER ADVENTURE!VISIT WWW.CAMPAMERICA.CO.UK TO START

YOUR HASSLE-FREE SUMMER ADVENTURE!

WE RECKON YOU ARE!

ARE YOU UP FOR IT?ARE YOU UP FOR IT?

ADVERTORIAL: Camp America

Way Better Than Another Summer In The UK!!!If you were told that you could spend your summer in the USA doing what you do best, sunning yourself and travelling with like-minded people from across the world, you probably wouldn’t believe it…BUT IT’S TRUE WITH CAMP AMERICA!

Camp America is offering fantastic placement opportunities this summer for anyone who is enthusiastic, open-minded and ready to have the best summer of their lives! You don’t have to be a teacher or a professional coach to be part of the Camp America experience. Camp America is looking for people who are willing to have a laugh, get stuck in and share their natural passion and talent with kids on a traditional American summer camp for a 9-week period.

On top of having an amazing summer in the USA meeting new people from around the world and getting to see all the parts of the USA that you didn’t know existed, Camp America offers you even more, such as:

• An inclusive return flight from London – NY!!

• Something original and unique to put on your CV

• Food and accommodation for 9 weeks, whilst at camp

• A J-1 visa (special visa granted to those who work on summer camps), allowing you to travel the USA after camp

• Up to $1350 end of camp pay (depending on age and the programme you choose)

• Top-notch customer care and support, most of the Camp America team have been to camp themselves, so we really know what we are talking about!

• Access to the Camp America website and forum which is the biggest, most exciting and thriving online summer camp community

“You’d be crazy not to jump at the opportunity, it’s the most amazing experience you could ever have!” ROSANNE, 20.

“Ever since I have returned from Camp America I’ve missed every second of the experience and the people. If it wasn’t for Camp America I would not

have the ambitions and determination I have today.” TOM, 21.

To find out more about the Camp America experience and how to apply visit us at www.campamerica.co.uk where you can download podcasts, read current participants blogs and watch video diaries from some of the individuals who took part this summer.

What have you got to lose, don’t waste away another summer in the UK, apply to Camp America today and make summer 2009 one that you will never forget!!!

12 // STUDENT TIMES

It seems such a long time ago that I packed my life into two big bags and headed for the big smoke to start my new life and chosen path for the next three years: Basically, the first day of

the rest of my life (or at least the very first day of something that has a major influ-ence on the next three years of my life).

The week that introduces you to the next three years goes by the nondescript name Fresher’s Week. These seven days (or sometimes 14) are the crux of many students’ university experience. If you miss it, you miss out on opportunities to make valuable (and sometimes not) friendships, memories and create in-jokes that’ll last for ages. During this time you may either fall in love with your new surroundings or hate it. Some people stay because they love University life, some see the degree as part of investing in their future and oth-ers simply walk away. Whatever the result at the end, this week is important, and is definitely one to do some thinking about before it starts.

If you are living in halls, missing out on this experience can make all the difference for the rest of the year. In this time friend-ships and groups are formed. Miss out on it and you will have to work harder to get to know people and get into many groups. The two most common things that may cause you to miss it are:

- Money (or: lack of it) - Illness (the dreaded Fresher’s Flu)

The best way around both of these common problems Fresher’s week may throw at is to be prepared! Here are six steps to help you get through this most important of weeks.

Hangovers, alcohol, fresher’s flu and other adventures. With a new term upon us, Jemilla Russell-Smith gives some advice on how best to survive the monster party event that is Fresher’s Week.

Make sure you have money you can put

aside. This is just in case your student loan doesn’t come through in time for Fresher’s Week. It’s unlikely to happen, but has been known to and can mean the difference between being part of something that everyone will be talking about for the rest of the year and not.

Don’t worry about your new environment. When

it comes down to it, 99% of people surrounding you are going through the same thing. The best way to deal with nerves or insecurity is to smile. One of those bad boys can get you through anything.

Go to everything (or as much as you can). Fully

embrace everything, even if it doesn’t sound like “your thing”. You will meet other students that don’t live in your halls and could become your best friends. Also check if you need tickets for events: Find out where to get them and get there early, because everyone will want to go.

Find out where your lo-cal supermarket is. This

is vital. Your loans should have come in, so there’s no excuse to start eating like a student already. Eating properly will get you through your hangovers and poten-tially ward off Fresher’s Flu. Plus, this is the best place to buy cheap alcohol.

Take time to find out where your lectures will

be. After Fresher’s week you do not want to walk into lectures late, or worse, walk-ing into the wrong ones. Check if your University has it’s lecture halls spread over several locations. Find out the quickest way to get there - whether you have to get buses, trams or tubes.

Sign up with your local GP or University GP.

Again, the quicker you do this, the less hassle you have to deal with in addition to lectures and settling into life. Plus if you were to come down with the infa-mous Fresher’s flu getting an appoint-ment will be quicker and less hassle for you.

“Fully embrace everything, even if it doesn’t sound like “your thing”. You will meet other students that don’t live in your halls and could become your best friends.”

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6

FRESHEN UP FOR FRESHER’S

FEATURE

ADVICE: Freshers

STUDENT TIMES // 13

Weird and wonderful is

the best way to describe

this claymation show

co-created by Seth Green,

known as dimwitted Chris

Griffin from Family Guy.

A parody of everything

ever on television, the first

episode kicks off with a

Drawn Together-style Real World, with Batman,

Superman and Wonder Woman at each other’s

throats. It gets steadily better from there, the stand-

outs being a Smurf mass-murderer on the loose

and a spot-on Charlie Brown parody, where the

great pumpkin gets his terrible revenge. The show

is very US-centric, but as long as you’ve gouged

on imported TV for the last few years you’ll still

find plenty to laugh about. Keep your eyes peeled

for the return of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as Sarah

Michelle Gellar tells us how an 8th Season would

have started and the newest reality show: Pimp

My Sister (does what the label says). Definitely

worth buying.

Robot Chicken: Season 1 is out 29 September

2008.

Robot Chicken: Season 1

Keira Knightley has gone from playing Natalie Portman’s double in Star Wars to starring in one of the biggest Blockbuster trilogies in recent years. With the release of The Duchess, Student Times looks over her rise to fame. -------------------------------------------------------------A Twenty-three year old celebrity with dignity seems a bit of a contradic-tion nowadays, with it almost being a rite of passage to suffer a very public meltdown. Some flash a bit too much while going commando, others use various props to beat up the Paparaz-zi following their every step. Then, of course, you also have the option to shave your head to copy Sigourney Weaver’s look in Alien 3.

Not so Keira Knightley, who has yet to fall out of a car drunkenly or generally abuse the press. The star of The Duchess might have a bit of a potty mouth (she’s repeatedly, all in good humour, told a Jour-nalist to “Fuck off” when asked personal questions), but that seems to be the extent of her wild side.

She is also very aware how her looks have helped her career. A career that has gone from independent movie (Bend It Like Beckham) to Hollywood Blockbuster Trilogy (Pirates of the Caribbean) and back again. In The Duchess she plays a distant relative of Princess Diana called Georgiana Spencer, caught up in a similarly unhappy marriage as Charles eventual wife. Knight-ley’s character might be caught in a love-less marriage, but in true fashion her public façade remains strong. Thanks to that, her trademark pout is kept at bay. “At the mo-ment I’m very much a face that pouts a bit, and it’s not doing me badly. In fact, up until now everything’s been pretty golden for me, but I’m very aware of how things can go sour. Hopefully that’s going to keep me in good stead,” she told one newspaper a few years ago. Obviously it had.

Knightley has the perfect look for period

drama and most, no doubt, would argue that she’s never looked better than during the early parts of Atonement. Said film had other advantages over her usual costume drama. “There’s always an element of fear that you’re not going to be able to make people believe in the fiction, that suddenly you’re going to be standing there in your dress and wig, and feel like a complete wanker,” she recently told the Guardian.

In the same interview, her seeming passion for costume dramas was simply coincidental and down to her following the good parts. “I haven’t been kind of going, ‘I really want to do another period film.’ I’ve just been led by what scripts I’ve thought were good,” she insisted.

More costume dramas, though, means better work, as her contemporary work is

not always her best. Apart from her break-out part in Bend It Like Beckham, there is not much worth mentioning (unless you’re one of the few who liked the Tony Scott directed Domino about a model turned bounty hunter). But even for these more questionable roles there are good reasons. “I never thought I was going to be successful, so when it did happen I tried to grab it because I thought it was going to stop,” the actress argues.

With time, however, a more level-head-ed approach to work emerged. “And then I thought: if it ends, it ends. I’d rather try and balance it out a bit. I think it’s very impor-tant to actually know why you’re working.”

For now, things may start to go quiet. With fewer movies on the horizon, she plans to enjoy life and take things slow. It still leaves plenty of back catalouge to en-joy. In only the five years since she rose to international fame, she has starred in over a dozen movies , most of them rewatchable. One can only hope that the Oscar-nominat-ed actresses pouting face will continue to keep her in good stead.

At the moment I’m very much a face

that pouts a bit, and it’s not doing me badly. In fact, up until now everything’s been pretty golden for me, but I’m very aware of how things can go sour.”

“Keira turns a cheek when Ralph Fiennes moons her.

INTERVIEW: Keira Knightley

ST EXTRA

KnightsTale

REVIEW: DVD

As if their towering headlining

performance at Glastonbury

wasn’t enough, here comes the

Southern-fried quartet’s fourth al-

bum to prove once and for all that

Kings Of Leon are now bona fide world-beaters.

In the context of a career arc this level of cre-

ativity makes perfect sense. Their sound has had a

good five years to grow from post-adolescent indie

to full-blown, manly stadium glory.

The one thing that really shows the band’s

confidence is their willingness to slow down and

really attack these songs. Caleb claims that medi-

cation’s effects influenced the writing and indeed,

the droning insistence can be almost hallucinatory.

Interestingly the first single, Sex On Fire - returning

them to the fire and brimstone, gothic territory of

their peripatetic father’s preacher roots - is the

one track that comes closest to the Strokes-aping

sound that held them back in the past. But Caleb’s

muzzy, straining voice pushes them beyond arch

post-modern irony from the big city. In interviews

Caleb’s talked about the boys tackling their ‘’roots’’

again, and this album wears its colours proudly.

Never overstaying its welcome, Only By The

Night is the album that the world’s been waiting for

the Kings Of Leon to make.

Go to StudentTimes.org for more reviews of

books, movies, music and DVDs.

Kings of Leon - Only By The Night

REVIEW: ALBUM

14 // STUDENT TIMES

If you saw Sam Stern walking down the street, you wouldn’t think twice about it. He’s young, especially for a chef (he came of age just after this interview), looks unassuming and certainly hasn’t quite had the same amount of exposure as the Gordon Ramsey’s and Jamie Oliver’s of the world. Yet don’t think this means he’s a slacker. With his fourth cook book out now, he answers our questions on how to get a student away from the pot noodles and living in culinary heaven. Interview by Jonathan Williams-------------------------------------------------------------Student Times: You’re not quite 18 at this point and have already published four cook books. Are there any goals left in life? Sam Stern: Yeah there are plenty of challenges. Food related - to develop my cooking skills. Maybe run a restaurant. Visit some great eating places (like El Bulli in Spain). Go to China, learn to cook dim sum. Otherwise, get my politics degree, trek to the north pole. Owning a Lambo-rghini would be nice, but unlikely. ST: What would you recommend as a good starter recipe for a student who lives off instant noodles? SS: Lime sherbert butterfly chicken. It’s well cheap - well simple - well fast and easy. It’s pretty hard to mess up and ticks all the student boxes. It’s also healthy, packs loads of protein and tastes fantas-tic. Cook it for yourself or split the cost with a mate or two. For a veggie option I reckon Dare to Eat Anchovy but without the anchovy – that’s spaghetti, bit of chilli, garlic, oil, seasoning, herbs if you’ve got any. That’s it.

ST: What’s your favorite recipe in your student cookbook?

SS: Awesome roasted belly pork with apple gravy. Belly pork is one of the cheapest meats you can get to roast. It needs long slow cooking but takes very little prepping. Just score the top, rub in a bit of salt (fennel seeds are a great extra but not compulsory) bang it in the oven while you go out. The gravy’s beautiful as its got an apple or two roasting up to give you a glorious fruity caramel flavour. One to share with mates - which is what you’re after.

On the veggie front I’d go for Potato, Spinach and Chickpea curry. Tastes fan-tastic and it’s cheap and lasts for ages.

ST: If you got a royal summon and 24 hours to prepare, what would you

cook for the Queen? SS: Hmmmm… I’d give her a Yorkshire Banquet – bet she likes simple Brit-ish food – everything good but nothing fancy. So that’s Roast beef, Yorkshires, cauliflower cheese, roasties, bread sauce, horseradish sauce, gravy - any greens she fancies. Our Christmas Trifle with lemon syllabub on top for pudding.

ST: Students are always busy and don’t experiment with new food, what’s the most basic ingredient most of us ignore? SS: Seasoning. You can turn really basic stuff that you’ve got in all the time into a range of great meals if you’ve got your seasonings in. So a few herbs growing on your windowsill – basil, rosemary, coriander, parsley – whack them into scrambled eggs, baked spuds, pastas, noodles, soups. Garlic and ginger lift and deepen dishes making even plain pasta and noodles tasty. So if you’re stuck with a few basic dishes they can be a bit differ-ent every time you make them.

Sam Stern’s Student Cookbook is out now, published by Walker Books with RRP of £9.99.

BOOKS: Sam Stern’s Student Cookbook

Move Over Jamie

Awesome roasted belly

pork with apple gravy. Belly pork is one of the cheapest meats you can get to roast. It needs long slow cooking but takes very little prepping.”

“

Insert: Stern Sam Stern: Above: Sam’s new Student Cookbook

WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!

If you want to try some of Sam’s recipes now, we’re happy to give you the chance to win Sam Stern’s Student Cookbook. With thanks to Walker Books, just answer this easy question:

How many cook books has Sam now published?To submit your answer, go to our awesome new website at StudentTimes.org. Good luck!

ST EXTRA

STUDENT TIMES // 15

Thinking about becoming a lawyer? Looking for a training contract or pupillage?

As a trainee in the Government Legal Service, you’ll have one client - the British Government.

You’ll represent it in court and advise its ministers on their powers and responsibilities.

You’ll have the opportunity to prepare new legislation, such as that to protect the dwindling levels of fish in our seas, which will change the lives of millions of people (and fish).

The legal issues you work on will be front page news.

And we encourage sensible working hours and take a positive approach to flexible working.

If any of the above has got you hooked, please visit the Government Legal Service website at www.gls.gov.uk for more information on how you can join a team of 1900 lawyers as a legal trainee.

We think you’ll like what you see.

A Career as a Government Lawyer?

WHAT’S THE CATCH?

PROFILE: Government Legal Service

Climate Change. The Criminal Justice System. Education. Energy. Health. Housing. Transport. We all recognise these as some of the biggest challenges facing us today. But did you know that as a lawyer in the Government Legal Service (GLS), you could be involved in shaping these and many more of the issues that affect you, your community and the country as a whole?

What is the Government Legal Service?The GLS is the collective term for the 1900 lawyers working in the legal teams of approximately 30 of the largest government departments and agencies. These include departments such as the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice, DEFRA, HM Revenue and Customs, the Department for Work and Pensions / Department of Health and the Department for Transport but there are many more.

So, is the GLS like any other law firm?In many ways, yes. Law firms have their own clients and it is the job of lawyers to advise them on their legal obligations and, where necessary, represent them in court. GLS lawyers only have one client, but that is the government of the day and it requires its lawyers to advise and represent it on almost every aspect of its work - just like lawyers in any other law firm.

But that’s only part of the story. The

newspapers and TV news are full of stories about the government’s aim and objectives. GLS lawyers are part of the teams that breathe life into policies and turn them into reality. They advise ministers and policy officials on what can (and can’t) be done under

existing legislation. If new legislation is required, GLS lawyers will help to draft and take it through Parliament in the form of a Bill. They will work closely with policy officials and Ministers and even support Ministers in Parliamentary debates.

So, you could say that GLS lawyers interpret existing laws and are involved in making new ones. No other law firm can offer that kind of experience.

Does the GLS recruit trainee lawyers?Yes. The GLS recruits around 25 trainee solicitors or pupil barristers each year. Like many law firms, the GLS recruits its trainees two years in advance. Those applying in the summer of 2008 will start their training in 2010. Full details can be found by visiting the graduate recruitment pages at www.gls.gov.uk.

Where can I find out more?You can visit the GLS website at www.gls.gov.uk. Or you could pick up a newspaper. Somewhere, behind the many of the front page headlines, you’ll start to notice the work of GLS lawyers.

ST EXTRA

INTERVIEW: Noel Clarke

From supporting parts in Doctor Who to starring in his own movie, Noel Clarke has worked hard to make a name for himself. With Adulthood out on DVD, Jonathan Williams finds out how it all came about. -------------------------------------------------------------Jonathan Williams: What helped your career more: Hard work and determi-nation or luck?Noel Clarke: Hard work and determina-tion, although something I promote, are sometimes not enough, so yeah I think luck helped me. I think I got lucky to get into the industry but, once I was in it, that’s where hard work and determination really become important because that is where they come in. You have to take every op-portunity and work 100%.

JW: Kidulthood and Adulthood both did very well – what’s the next step career-wise?NC: Well… I think I really have to do something different. A lot of people, fans and certain film companies think that I should just do another “Hood” film, when

Growing up: Noel Clarke plays

the villian in the

sequel to his

acclaimed film

Kidulthood.

Boy 2 Manin reality that is probably the worst I could do right now. The best thing I could do is do something different and show young people that they can as well. Instead of them being told if you grew up on an estate you have to write about that. Writing what you know can be cool but writing different things can be better. People already forget that I wrote an episode of Torchwood as well.

JW: Was writing a way of creating the roles you identified with – but other-wise wouldn’t be offered?NC: Offered??? The parts weren’t even there. I quickly realised that things I was going up for weren’t going to progress my career. Parts just weren’t there or good enough for me and my peers. So I started writing for two reasons. One, so I could keep busy between acting jobs instead of going mad, and two so if anything I wrote got made, maybe I would get a decent part.

Adulthood is released on DVD & Blu-ray on 13 October from Pathe Distribution Ltd

16 // STUDENT TIMES

Student Times: Where did the idea for the shoes come from - one too many time having to take your shoes off walking along the high street?Stef Heydecke: The original idea was something that a group of designers came up with but the shoe itself is the result of over two years of research and develop-ment work by a whole team of technitions, designers and manufacturers. Like most women, I have experienced the pain asso-ciated with high heels. There are so many injuries not only with wearing high heels but walking home with bare feet. The After Party Shoe is our solution to this problem; a fashionable shoe that folds up into a tiny pouch to give relief from killer heels! ST: How did it come about that you had your own shoe line?SH: Although I studied a general fashion course at University, like many women, I have always had a great love for shoes. Towards the end of my course I spe-cialised in footwear based projects and following my final year degree show was contacted by The Bacup Shoe Company who were establishing a new innovative footwear brand called redfoot. I began working for redfoot in summer 2007 and

the rest is history!

ST: Were your friends surprised or have you always been a very ambitious person?SH: I have always been a driven person. I love a challenge and always aim to work to the best of my ability. My friends love my job! I always ask their opinion on new styles or ideas we have. I don’t think they were very surprised as many of my university friends now have also have successful careers working for high end designers and brands. We’re all very ambitious people! ST: What did you study at University and where?SH: I studied Fashion Promotion and Communication for 3 years at Southamp-ton Solent University. I had the opportunity to study a wide range of different areas of the fashion business from clothing and accessory design to

Girls rejoice! High heels will no longer be a pain when walking home from a night out. We talk to designer Stef Heydecke about her solution.

FASHION

Shoes for the booze

WHAT’S HOT

THIS MONTH Alice in Wonderland shoes: Office, £85. T-shirt: White with

Graphic, french

Connection,

£25 Check: Orange ruffled

check shirt, French

Connection, £45. Deck Shoes: Green and white,

River Island, £TBA.

“I wish I could go back to

University and do it all over again!”

management and marketing. This and the courses emphasis on ‘getting into work’ meant that when I graduated I could have followed a number of different

career paths. ST: Any favourite memories from University?SH: Too many to choose from! I made some great friends and had so many amazing experiences. University really helped me realise what was important to me and decide what I wanted to do with my life. I wish I could go back and do it all over again! ST: Who’s your favourite designer and shoe designer?SH: On the fashion side I have always had a great love for the styling and old fashioned romance of Dame Vivienne Westwood. I really admire Jimmy Choo as a shoe designer and was privileged enough to meet him recently. His life story is truly inspiring and I really admire his work ethic. He told me he is now dedicat-ing himself to teaching the new generation of footwear designers and passing on his knowledge.

INTERVIEW: Stef Heydecke

ST OFFER! Do the shoes sound the

thing? Student Times has teamed with Stef to bring you a 20% discount on the After Party Shoe.

Check StudentTimes.org for details!

Left: Stef Heydecke. Flats: The stylish

but practicul

shoe

solution.

Applicable To Students OnlyFor Booking & Further Information Contact:71-75 New Oxford Street, London WC1A 1DGT: 020 7836 0606, F: 020 7240 5301 E: Geri.stein@toniandguy.co.uk

FOR COOL, FUNKY, CUTTING-EDGE HAIRCUTS & COLOURS New Oxford Street Academy: Monday - FridayAPPOINTMENTS: 9.30am or1.45pm

HAIRDRESSING MODELS REQUIRED

TERMS & CONDITIONSOffer applies when you produce this advert or by quoting the following Reference number: (7175)Please note that for classic colours a fee will be charged. 18 Yrs & Over!

ADVERTORIAL: TONI & GUY

The Ultimate Fashion Accessory – fabulous hair!TONI&GUY, a name synonymous with fashion-led hair - so who better to help you out of a style rut? What’s more, with their world famous Academy offering cut-price cuts and colour getting a suitably stylish cut & colour couldn’t be easier!

With over five floors dedicated to teaching the very latest cut and colouring techniques, fresh off the catwalk (they are the Official Haircare Sponsors to London Fashion Week), you’ll be in the hands of budding new talent under the direct supervision of some of the most talented and experienced hairdressers in the world. In fact TONI&GUY’s International Artistic Team travel to over 70 countries and teach in excess of 100,000 hairdressers a year.

So if you love fashion and want to get the latest cut and colour techniques, hot off the catwalk being a hair model could be for you. The average appointment takes a few hours but at a fraction of the cost, it’s perfect for those on a tight budget with a little time on their hands.

To find out more information or to book an appointment call the TONI&GUY academy direct on 020 7836 0606 or visit www.toniandguy.com.

18 // STUDENT TIMES

TEACH UK The Essential Courses and Careers Guide to Teaching

Meeting the individual needs of each child is a challenge for all teachers and something that is high on the policy agenda under the current label of ‘personalised learning’.-------------------------------------------------------------

Personalised learning has been defined by govern-ment ministers as that which takes place when there is an education sys-tem in which assessment,

curriculum, teaching style and out-of-hours provision are all designed to discover and nurture the unique talents of every single pupil.

In fact, this ideal has long been at the heart of education for practitioners. So what does it mean for teachers within schools and classrooms?

The key thing to remem-ber is that the term ‘per-sonalised learning’ was not introduced and developed by teachers and education experts. It does not arise from academic research, from grass-roots practice, or from the larger education policy community.

In terms of practical application, a num-ber of key processes and areas have been identified at national government level to support ‘personalisation’:• assessment for learning • a wide range of teaching techniques to

promote a broad range of learning strate-gies, facilitated by high quality ICT that promotes individual and group learning as well as teaching

• curriculum choice, particularly from the age of 14, and the development of sub-ject specialism

• the organisation of the school, including the structure of the day and of lessons, using workforce reform to enhance teaching and learning and to ensure consistency

• links to services beyond the classroom, involving the wider community and families, supported by the Every Child Matters agenda.

Personalised learning

So what can I do to meet the individual needs of each child?The job of the whole school, particularly under

the Every Child Matters agenda is to ensure that

each child is healthy, safe, enjoying and achieving,

making a positive contribution and that they achieve

economic well-being. As a teacher within the school,

you will meet those needs within an educational,

learning context. Rather than by utilising particular

styles’, the individual needs of each child can be met

by enabling them to be effective and self-directed

learners.

An umbrella term for a series of practical ap-

proaches to learning which benefit from new knowl-

edge about how the brain functions; motivation and

self-belief; accessing different sorts of intelligence

and retaining and recalling information.

Is there any point in developing self-directed

learners, especially when teachers have been landed

with the responsibility for learners’ performance?

Yes, even in the pressures of current times, those

pupils who plan and reflect get significantly better

marks at GCSE, and they achieve this in collabora-

tive classrooms. More long-term, if young people

are to make the most of themselves in a fast-chang-

ing world, their competence in this area is vital.

In classrooms which promote self-directed learn-ers, pupils are doing the following:• they are making choices – of activities, within

activities, when an activity is completed

• they are making goals their own

• they are involved in planning how they will

proceed

• they are given encouragement to offer commen-

tary on their learning – talking aloud

• they are supported in reviewing their experience –

telling the story

• they are evaluating the end-product

• they are asking others for help

• they are motivated by internal incentives.

ATL’s viewThere are limits to how far any of these forms of personalised learning can be ef-fective within a crowded curriculum and a high-stakes testing system. And if we are truly to ‘personalise’ education, surely we need to hear the voice of the pupil?

The current curriculum as taught, with due recognition of the real narrowing caused by excessive teaching to the test, is based on an inappropriate academic model. It lacks balance between the parts of personality which schools should be developing; not only thinking, but feeling, doing and making. As such, it lacks appeal to risk groups.

Only when teachers are able to focus on assessment for learning, rather than teaching to the frequent tests, within a flexible curriculum framework, will they feel empowered to move on from the repetition of the ‘Strategies lesson’ to a more cre-ative and ultimately engaging pedagogy with active learners.

“Personalised learning takes place when there is an education system in which assessment, curriculum, teaching style and out-of-hours provision are all designed to discover and nurture the unique talents of every single pupil.”

ersonalised learning

ATL is the education union for newly qualifieds.

We are the only member-led education union to offer a dedicated NQ newsletter and interactive website www.new2teaching.org.uk, discounted Masters opportunitiesthrough Edge Hill University and specialist summer seminars for when you first enterthe classroom. Our NQ publications will help you create your CV, give you interviewtips plus advice on how to meet the parents and manage classroom behaviour.

And with our CPD initiatives, confidential legal support, 24 hour stress and crisis hotline,insurance cover, free training (including voice care) and opportunities for you to getinvolved in your union through the ATL Future group, you really can rely on ATL.

With FREE membership for your first year of teaching and yoursecond year half price, plus lots more discounts, you won’t finda better union for NQs.

Join ATL Today.

0845 057 7000* www.atl.org.uk/joinTerms and conditions available online. *Local rates apply.

13345_ATL_NQ_ad 325x125mm 21/5/08 10:02 Page 1

ADVERTORIAL: ATL

Looking for vacancies?If you are looking for a teaching job or want to be prepared for when you do, ATL, the education union, has some pointers…

Induction in EnglandIf you intend to teach in England, you will probably want to make sure that you can complete or begin an induction period. If you don’t successfully complete an induction period, you won’t be able to teach in maintained schools or non-maintained special schools.

The induction period is one year for full-time teachers (pro-rata for part-time teachers), but periods of one term or more can count towards induction. So, if possible, you should be looking for a permanent post or a temporary post in which you can complete at least part, if not all, of your induction.

Make sure if you do go for a temporary job that the headteacher will agree that you can begin induction in that post.

Remember, if you trained as a primary school teacher but want to work in the secondary sector - or vice versa - there is no legal requirement in England that you have to retrain. However, you would probably be wise to try and get some work experience in your chosen sector - and it may also be harder to get a job than if you were looking for something in your original phase and specialist area.

Induction in WalesThere is now also statutory induction followed by two years of early professional development for all newly-qualified teachers in Wales. There are distinctive standards for induction in Wales. One significant difference between the arrangements for England and Wales is that there is no opportunity to retake induction in England should you fail, whereas in Wales, there is.

If you trained in Wales but want to work in England or vice versa, you can under mutual recognition of qualifications arrangements.

Induction in Northern IrelandThere are different arrangements for induction in Northern Ireland, and teachers who complete this stage in the Province are exempt from the Induction Regulations if they later teach in English schools.

Independent schools and inductionSome independent schools participate in the induction programme, but not all, as it is not compulsory for them. If you do start your career in an independent school that does not offer an induction period, you will have to complete the induction period if you later decide that you want to teach in a maintained school or a non-maintained special school. Therefore, if completing

induction at the beginning of your teaching career matters to you, you should make sure that the independent school you apply to lets you complete induction.

Other important considerations concern your pay, the type of contract and degree of job security offered, your pension, and the curriculum covered. While you will have to talk to the individual school about these details, you can get some general information about terms and conditions in the independent sector from the Independent Schools Council website.

Sixth-form colleges/the FE sectorIf you want to begin your teaching career in a sixth-form college, be aware that sixth-form colleges participate in the induction programme, but only on a voluntary basis. If you wanted to move to the schools sector after working in a sixth form college but your college did not offer you the opportunity to complete your induction period, you would have to complete it later on. It isn’t possible to complete the induction requirements in FE colleges.

Where to look for vacanciesOnce you have taken the induction requirements into consideration, you can begin your search for actual vacancies.

The local authorities: For a list of all the LAs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, please see the Department for Education and Skills website where you’ll find all the relevant contact details, as well as useful information about recruitment processes in each area. The internet: Many LAs and some schools have websites detailing vacancies. ATL has teamed up with Eteach (www.atl.eteach.com), the online recruitment specialists, to offer a unique job finder service for its newly-qualified teacher members. Newspapers: The Times Educational Supplement (TES) has pages of advertisements for vacancies every Friday. Other broadsheets covering education and vacancies include The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, The Independent, The Times, The Sunday Times and The Sunday Telegraph. Denominational schools: Look out for The Church Times (Church of England), The Universe (Roman Catholic), The Jewish Chronicle and The Daily Jang (a leading Asian paper).

What to look for in a vacancyAs a newly-qualified teacher facing an induction period, be sure to look out for vacancies advertised as being on the main pay scale (often written as `main scale’) or those that refer specifically to newly-qualified teachers (in other words, vacancies that carry no extra responsibility points).

www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk

Career Opportunities in Schools

Teaching and Support StaffThere can be few more exciting places to begin acareer in a school, or look for a new challenge, thanEssex. The size, diversity of landscape and history -all combine to make this area one of the most specialin the UK.

Get in touch and we'll tell you all about the careeropportunities in our schools. With over 570 schoolsthere are many and varied opportunities, ranging fromteaching assistant to Headteacher, from catering staffto school Bursar.

You can now apply online for our vacancies. To find out more visit www.essexschoolsjobs.co.ukor telephone 01245 436252.

ADVERTORIAL: Essex County Council

Welcome to Essex Essex welcomes well qualified, enthusiastic and committed teachers working in all phases of education to join our dedicated teaching force of 10,000 teachers. We recognise the value of, and seek to achieve a diverse workforce which includes people from different backgrounds, with different skills and abilities

Essex is a diverse county providing a wide range of educational opportunities to young people and adults in over 570 establishments in a variety of geographical settings. We have one of the largest school populations in the country with well over 200,000 children. Our schools are varied from primaries in country villages to large secondary schools in major centres like Colchester, Chelmsford, Basildon and Harlow.

Our aim is to improve the life chances for all children in Essex by raising achievement, developing social and educational inclusion and ensuring the welfare of our young people. Our vision is that every child and young person will have a life of quality, free from

fear, depression and danger, with a sense of belonging, worth and achievement.

We want young people to develop a love of learning. To achieve this we need teachers of the highest quality, with ability and imagination, who will inspire and challenge our children to achieve their potential and contribute to their changing world. We hope that our teachers will remain life long learners; we encourage and support them to be reflective practitioners.

For full details of the opportunities available in Essex please visit our web site - www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk. This website gives access to all current jobs being advertised by Essex schools, as well as information about the different career paths available in schools.

We also publish a weekly schools jobs bulletin, Jobscene, which may be sent to you free of charge for a term. If you would like to subscribe to this publication, or if you have any general enquiries about opportunities in Essex please email teaching@essexcc.co.uk or contact 01245 436252.

www.essexschoolsjobs.co.uk

Career Opportunities in Schools

Teaching and Support StaffThere can be few more exciting places to begin acareer in a school, or look for a new challenge, thanEssex. The size, diversity of landscape and history -all combine to make this area one of the most specialin the UK.

Get in touch and we'll tell you all about the careeropportunities in our schools. With over 570 schoolsthere are many and varied opportunities, ranging fromteaching assistant to Headteacher, from catering staffto school Bursar.

You can now apply online for our vacancies. To find out more visit www.essexschoolsjobs.co.ukor telephone 01245 436252.

Once you’ve identified a vacancy that you’d like to apply for, you need to make a written application.-------------------------------------------------------------

Contacting the school to request the application details is the first oppor-tunity you have to market yourself and to make a lasting (and positive!) im-

pression. Much of the following may seem obvious, but it is important. So remember:• either telephone, fax, e-mail or write to

request an application form • keep your communication brief and pay

attention to detail such as the spelling of names and including a date, as well as mentioning where you saw the advertise-ment

• if you choose to write, opt for good quality paper with an appropriately-sized envelope

• make sure you include full details of how you may be contacted.

Before completing the application formBefore you begin to complete the applica-tion form, try to ensure that you have at least the following information:• the title of the post (e.g. class teacher,

history teacher etc) • the salary range • details of who the post is responsible to • a detailed job description including a full

list of responsibilities • information on extra duties that may be

expected of the successful applicant • an indication of the expected timetable

(for secondary schools) • a detailed applicant profile, sometimes

called a `person specification’.

Go through this information carefully and ask yourself whether you would want to accept the post if you were offered it. Would it:• allow you to live where you would like

to be? • allow you to teach in the type of school

Written applications“Go through this information carefully and ask yourself whether you would want to accept the post if you were offered it.”

STUDENT TIMES // 21

PROFILE: University Of Warwick

PGCE at University of WarwickMireille Nshimirimana has just completed her PGCE at the University of Warwick training to teach in ICT for secondary schools. She had previously achieved a degree with Honours in Software Design & Networks at The University of Birmingham.

Mireille comments “I chose teaching as a career because I absolutely enjoy working with young people; I have the best, most memorable times from my two school practices. I found the course challenging especially the academic side. However, like they say, ’no sweat- no joy’!

What I find most rewarding in teaching is being able to establish positive working relationships with students and seeing them enjoy the learning and making progress.

At the end of the course all of the hard work and setbacks have paid off as I am looking forward to starting my new teaching job in September!

My advice to anyone planning to do a PGCE is to be organised, be persistent,

believe in yourself, and take criticisms with a positive mental attitude. Most importantly learn how to recognise your strengths and weaknesses. Ask for support whenever you need it and for whatever you need it for. The Institute of Education at The University of Warwick provides you with great support throughout your PGCE year. Don’t be shy, take it!

Good Luck.”

Warwick Institute of Education offers Initial Teacher Education courses in:• PGCE Early Years (3-7),

• PGCE Primary (5-11),

• PGCE Secondary (11-19)

• PGCE Diploma (14-19) in:

– Creative and Media

– Society, Health and Personal Development

– Business Administration and Finance

Learning to teach at Warwick will provide you with a PGCE from one of the top Initial Teacher Education providers in England

Would you make a good teacher?

PGCE: pgce@warwick.ac.uk or +44 (0)24 7652 8148GTP: gtp@warwick.ac.uk or +44 (0)24 7652 2918or go to our website: http://go.warwick.ac.uk/education

Warwick Institute of Education offers Initial Teacher Education courses in:• PGCE Early Years (3-7),

• PGCE Primary (5-11),

• PGCE Secondary (11-19)

• PGCE Diploma (14-19) in:

– Creative and Media

– Society, Health and Personal Development

– Business Administration and Finance

Learning to teach at Warwick will provide you with a PGCE from one of the top Initial Teacher Education providers in England

Would you make a good teacher?

PGCE: pgce@warwick.ac.uk or +44 (0)24 7652 8148GTP: gtp@warwick.ac.uk or +44 (0)24 7652 2918or go to our website: http://go.warwick.ac.uk/education

TEACH UK

Completing the application formMost schools and local

authorities ask applicants

to complete application

forms rather than apply

by CV and covering letter.

Spending time on the

application form, and

carefully planning what

you intend to include will

pay off.

Carefully follow any

guidance you are given,

especially if you are apply-

ing to more than one school

at a time.

Take a photocopy of the form and complete

the photocopy first. Write clearly in black ink. The

forms will be copied for each member of the inter-

view panel, so make sure yours is legible.

Take a copy of your completed form in case

you are called for interview. You will need to refresh

your memory about the information you have

given.

Do not submit your CV unless you are specifi-

cally asked to do so.

Always use an A4

envelope for your applica-

tion to avoid folding it and,

where possible, deliver it in

person. If you have to send

it through the post, include

a stamped addressed post-

card that can be returned

to you as an acknowledge-

ment that the school has

received your application.

Always keep to closing

dates. If you want to apply

but will miss the closing date, contact the school to

find out if late applications will be accepted.

Your real opportunity to stand out from the

other candidates is in the section called `Relevant

experience and other information’ or `Supporting

statement’.

Your real opportunity to stand out from the

other candidates is in the section called `Relevant

experience and other information’ or `Supporting

statement’. In order to complete this section with

relevance to the post, you must read the

applicant profile.

you want? • allow you to teach the subjects and age

range for which you have been trained? • allow you to complete an induction

period successfully?

The applicant profile or person specificationThe applicant profile/person specifica-tion describes the technical and personal skills, qualifications, knowledge and expe-rience required of the postholder.

It is essential to read the applicant profile in detail so that you can match your application with what the employers are actually looking for. If you can’t comfort-ably fit the applicant profile, you should think carefully about whether you want to apply for the job, as it is most likely that the profile will form the basis of the as-sessment criteria, both at the shortlisting stage and during the interview.

Points will be listed as either essential or desirable; you need to have all the es-sential ones, and as many of the desirable ones as possible.

Checklist for completing the supporting statementWrite a list of your unique selling points as

they relate to the applicant profile and job description.

Draft your statement first, making sure you begin and end with impact.

Aim to convey a sense of your person-ality. Explain what attracted you to the job.

Fill the main body of the statement with your skills, experience and achievements, including information on hobbies, travel and voluntary work, always relating them to the applicant profile and job descrip-tion.

Optimise the positive, but stay within the realms of reality! You may be asked to substantiate what you have written.

If possible, ask someone to check through your statement. They may spot errors or suggest improvements.

Firmly attach any supplementary sheets you need to include so that they don’t get lost. That said, brevity is usually the key here and, if you aim for each sentence to convey a new point, you’ll avoid aimless paragraphs and the need for extra sheets.

It is essential that you write a new sup-porting statement for each application you make. If you don’t, your statement cannot directly relate to the applicant profile and job description. Also, make sure that you don’t just borrow phrases from the job

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If you’re looking to build your career in an environmentthat encourages success, then look no further.

We’re home to an exceptional variety of schools – Hertfordshire includes over 550, fromsmall village primary schools to large comprehensives.

We have a real need for Maths, Science, English and ICT specialists, and all ourteachers enjoy a dedicated programme of Continuing Professional Development withinsupportive working environments.

As soon as you join us, you could be at the forefront of local and national initiatives,working in an Authority with an excellent reputation for innovation and success.

We pride ourselves on our young people’s record of achievement and are constantlystriving to help every student realise their potential.

Combining the best of urban and rural living within easy reach of London, Hertfordshireis a great place to build a career.

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98089 ST sept 2/9/08 10:38 am Page 1

TEACH UK

description. Use your own words, not the ones provided by the school.

Writing a covering letterIf your supporting statement has been well written, there will be no need to include any further informa-tion in the covering letter other than the points listed here. Avoid being ingratiating, and remember that brevity is vital!

Application forms usually have to be sent to the headteacher. Make sure you address the person as they address them-selves on the school letterhead.

State your thanks for the application form.

State what you have included in your application, i.e. `Please find enclosed my completed application form for the post of... and a stamped addressed postcard for acknowledgement of receipt’.

End with the expectation of a reply, fol-lowed by `Yours sincerely’. Print your name as well as signing it, if there could be any doubt as to who is sending the letter.

Make sure your letter is headed with your full address, contact telephone number(s) and e-mail address (if you have one).

Applying by letter and CVOccasionally, candidates are asked to apply for a post by letter and CV, par-ticularly in the independent sector. It is a good idea to have an up-to-date CV ready anyway so that, if you are asked to submit one, you don’t have to rush to prepare it.

Applying by letter and CV means that your covering letter has to be far more detailed than it would be if accompanying an application form. Most importantly, your letter must include a detailed supporting statement that relates directly to the ap-plicant profile and job description.

You can submit a typed or handwritten letter. If your handwriting is neat, it might be a good idea to write your letter (using black ink), but there is no unshakeable rule to follow. Be sure to mention in the letter that your CV is enclosed, in case it becomes separated from the letter.

A basic CV formulaAlways type your CV and print it on no more than

two sheets of good quality paper. Avoid printing on

both sides and make sure that the second page is

numbered and carries a header (in smaller print)

with your full name. There are several CV-writing

programmes available, and there are often advertise-

ments for CV-writing services in the press. However,

the safest option is to produce your own CV that is

tailored to the teaching profession. Make sure there

are no gaps in your CV, as these will be spotted

easily. If questioned about periods of unemployment

or illness, simply explain how positive the experience

was in terms of what you learned from adversity.

A CV should contain the following information:

• your name, address, telephone number and, if you

have them, fax number, mobile number and e-mail

address

• your education and qualifications, starting usually

with A-levels. Include brief summaries (one or two

sentences) of your degree course(s) and teaching

qualification

• your employment history or work experience

including your key responsibilities in any relevant

jobs. If you are returning to the profession and

have an OFSTED (ESTYN for schools in Wales)

report pertaining to your work from your previous

school, you could include any relevant quotations

here as well as details of any continuing profes-

sional development courses you have taken

• any positions of responsibility you have held

outside employment (for example, leading youth

groups or being a society president at college or

university)

• your other qualifications and skills¬ for example,

musical instrument grades, any driving licences

you hold, etc your hobbies (be honest!)

• a skills summary -¬ this should be no more than

two to three sentences outlining positive aspects

such as motivation, determination, drive, com-

mitment, ability to work to deadlines and to work

effectively with colleagues

• referee details.

Some people also include their date of birth.

Use your CV-writing time as an opportunity to

get to know yourself. Be conscious of your experi-

ences and clarify in your mind what each one has

taught you. Doubtless, you’ll be pleasantly surprised

at the breadth of skills you have accumulated!

STUDENT TIMES // 23

STUDENT TIMES

T ACTUARIESThe Essential Courses and Careers Guide to The Actuarial Industry

Your questions answered.

What does an actuary do?

How do I choose my university course?

Where can I work as an actuary?

www.actuaries.org.uk

24 // STUDENT TIMES

ACTUARIES

Actuaries are some of the brightest people in business today. They’re

• problem solvers • business analysts • consultants • and financial risk assessors

who consider past and present information to develop and communicate a picture of the future.

Actuaries in a nutshell• It’s all about managing risk • It’s as highly regarded as medicine,

architecture and law • It’s a global profession with internation-

ally recognised qualifications • You’ll need an A-level or Higher in maths

and a good degree (2.1 or above)

6 good reasons to become an actuary

1 Diverse and varied workActuarial skills are in global demand

across many financial sectors - from in-

surance, pensions and benefits, investment and

asset management, to banking and healthcare.

2 Influential roleWith specialist training and unique skills,

actuaries are usually behind many high

level strategic decisions made by financial

services companies and governments.

3 Intellectual satisfactionActuaries are problem solvers. They anal-

yse and interpret data, assess risks and

estimate outcomes, and communicate all this to

people from a wide range of backgrounds.

4 A good work-life balanceWith variety comes flexibility, allowing you

to balance professional commitments with

personal interests.

5 Well paidSalaries and benefits packages are

excellent - even for those starting out in

their career. In fact, it’s one of the highest paid

professions.

6 ProfessionalismActuaries uphold the highest professional

standards. The job demands that actuar-

ies combine good business sense with safe-

guarding the public’s future financial interests.

So what is an actuary?Careers: Areas actuaries work inActuaries operate in a wide range of areas and offer a range of services to clients:

Actuarial consultancies offer a range of services to their clients such as:• acquisitions • mergers • corporate recovery • financing capital projects

Actuaries in insurance• design new insurance policies • set premium rates • calculate a company’s financial status • answer technical queries from policy-

holders

Actuaries in pensions• design and advise company pension

schemes, especially where a value needs to be placed on a scheme’s accumulated pension promises.

Actuaries in investment are involved in a range of work such as:• pricing financial derivatives • working in fund management • working in quantitative investment

research

Actuaries Profiles HannahPosition: Trainee Actuary - Pensions (part-

qualified)

Studied: MORSE at Warwick University

Now working for: Punter Southall, London

“I really enjoy maths and statistics and wanted a

job that would allow me to apply them to real life

situations. My dad had studied actuarial science at

university so I already knew a bit about it. I wanted

challenge and variety in my career and thought that

being an actuary would tick all the boxes. I chose a

degree that would help me become an actuary, but

I also went to university with an open mind about

other possibilities.

I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of

support within the teams. At Punter Southall, there

are lots of different people to learn from, you can

ask people at all different levels for advice.

Within pensions there is a lot of job variety. On

any one day I could be doing individual member

calculations, such as transfer values and costing

options, to project work such as an actuarial valu-

ation where we investigate the ability of a pension

scheme’s assets to meet its liabilities.

There is a lot to learn quickly, but there’s also

a lot of training and support. I’m working with new

interns and

it’s made me

realise that

I’ve actually

learnt a lot

- I know

more than I

thought!

It’s

challenging

to balance study and work but it is really rewarding.

There’s a great variety of work and brilliant devel-

opment opportunities.”

“Actuaries are some of the brightest people in business today. They’re problem solvers, business analysts, consultants and financial risk assessors who consider past and present infor-mation to develop and communi-cate a picture of the future.”

DON’T TAKE RISKS,CALCULATE THEM.Actuarial Mathematics & Statistics BSc (Hons)

Choosing a university needn’t be a gamble. In fact, it’s the perfect time to start thinking like an actuary – weighing up important factors to model your own future.

Firstly, consider what you’ll learn. With modules including Accounting, Linear Algebra,Regression Modelling and Financial Risk Management, this is a course designed with futureprofessionals in mind.

Then there’s location. A thriving riverside town only 25 minutes from the vibrant heart of London,Kingston gives you access to a huge choice of social, cultural and professional activities.

And finally, your future. With our strong emphasis on developing your employability as well as your professional skills, you’ll leave us ready to command top salaries across the globe.

Worked it out yet? Good, then come to Kingston – you’ve clearly got a great actuarial future.

“excellent for teaching in maths and stats”Sunday Times University Guide 21.09.2008

www.kingston.ac.uk/actuarial

ADVERTORIAL: KINGSTON UNIVERSITY

Degrees with a Career FocusMany students considering their options for university will be uncertain about the future – and no wonder. The recent upheaval in the world’s major financial markets may make you think twice about a business career, but there will always be a need for well-trained specialists – and with the cyclical nature of the markets, graduating in a few years could be perfect timing.

So if you’re considering a course in Actuarial Maths, you’re definitely giving yourself a good start. As the rest of this publication shows, it’s an excellent choice with lots of potential to develop your career.

Kingston University, rated by the Guardian Guide 2008 as one of the UK’s top 10 Universities for Maths and “excellent for teaching” in Maths and Stats by the Sunday Times (21.09.2008) has a very strong focus on preparing students for their future careers.

“Academic achievement is

obviously a top priority, but we also encourage students to take a professional placement during their course. Not only does it give them valuable work experience for their CV, but also our results across all courses show that students who’ve done a placement go on to get higher grades” says Dr Peter Soan, who teaches on the Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics course at Kingston and is also the faculty’s admissions tutor.

Dr Soan is a strong advocate of the real business experience gained through a Professional Placement. “Some people are put off by the old description of Sandwich Degree, but a modern professional placement is

an opportunity to get paid for improving your chances of a good career! As well as giving you a major CV advantage when applying for jobs, you may well find that your placement employer will be assessing you for a future career and invite you back when you graduate.”

With companies like Royal Bank of Scotland, Accenture and Lloyds TSB coming in to talk to

Kingston students about placements, it’s clearly a good way to boost your career potential.

As well as the financial world, there are wider opportunities for actuarial students. Pavneet Arora is currently doing a 12 month placement at GSK (Glaxo SmithKline) before returning

to Kingston for her final year of actuarial maths and stats in 2009. “It’s a broad statistical role, working with researchers on clinical trials and development projects, which is fantastic for broadening my knowledge and experience”.

Pavneet, originally from India, is very positive about Kingston. “In many ways I was sad to move away from the uni for my placement” she says. “I was a little unsure when I first came here but everyone has been so positive, supportive and friendly. It really helps to put what I’ve learned at Kingston into context and I know I’ll go back for my final year with a lot of confidence.”

For more details go to www.kingston.ac.uk/actuarial or email Peter Soan on cismtutor@kingston.ac.uk

Pavneet Arora

26 // STUDENT TIMES

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Answers to your questions about ActuariesWhat qualifications do I need to be-come an actuary?In practice the majority of employers are looking for graduates with at least a 2.1 degree and excellent A-levels or equivalent.

The minimum entrance requirements for admission as a student of the Actuarial Profession are maths A-level at grade B, along with a second A-level or equivalent in any subject at grade C, English GCSE at grade C, and two other GCSEs in any subject at grade C (or equivalent).

For holders of a second class honours degree or above in any subject, the maths A-level requirement is reduced to a grade C. For holders of a third class honours or above in a mathematical or actuarial science degree, the maths A-level require-ment is dropped. How do I choose my university and course?• For the majority of actuaries, a good

degree is essential. • Most employers prefer candidates with

numerate degrees from a university de-partment with a strong reputation.

• Studying a numerate degree may also offer the opportunity for exemptions from some of the Profession’s exams.

• Actuarial science degrees, in particular, are likely to give the most exemptions.

Will I benefit from studying a degree in actuarial science?Several universities offer undergraduate degrees in actuarial science. Some of these degrees offer exemptions from all the Core Technical subject examinations. Other actuarial degrees offer exemptions from a subset of these subjects.The advantages of studying for one of these actuarial degrees are:• An opportunity to find out more about

actuarial work before starting employ-ment.

• If a sufficiently high standard is achieved in the appropriate university exams, then the student will be recommended for exemption from the corresponding professional exam.

Forecast your future MSc in Actuarial ScienceMSc in Actuarial Management As one of the world’s leading academic centres in the actuarial and

insurance fields, it’s no surprise that gaining a qualification with us

can lead to exemption from many of your professional exams.

• Bothcoursesareavailableoneitherafull-timebasis(overoneyear)

orapart-timebasis(overtwoyears)

• Part-timestudentsattendlecturesforonedayperweek,

whichfitsinwellwiththestudyleavepackageofferedbymost

actuarial employers

• Lecturesaresupplementedbydedicatedon-linematerial

• BothcoursesareaccreditedbytheActuarialProfession

• MScinActuarialScienceoffersexemptionsinSubjectsCT1toCT8

• MScinActuarialManagementoffersexemptionsinSubjectsCA1

andST1toST6(andstudentsmayalsocompleteoutstanding

CTsubjects).

Forecast your future by attending one of our regular

information sessions. Contact us on +44 (0)20 7040 8468 or

visit www.cass.city.ac.uk/masters to book your place.

www.cass.city.ac.uk/masters

ACTUARIES

Actuaries Profiles

GauriPosition: Consultant - Insurance (qualified)

Studied: Actuarial Science at City University

Now working for: PricewaterhouseCoopers,

London

“My route was reasonably direct. I was good

at maths so, before I applied to university, a

careers adviser suggested the actuarial profes-

sion. As it was a shorter degree than dentistry

I went for it! I also knew that it was a reputable

profession that solved practical problems.

I love the team ethos. On my very first day at

PricewaterhouseCoopers, I was taken to a client

meeting so I really felt part of things and that I

was making a contribution. Strangely enough,

another highlight came when I had to work late

one evening. I didn’t expect to enjoy it (as nor-

mally, I’m off home by 6pm) but I was working

with seven or eight other people and I look back

on it as a key moment. You get a huge sense of

achievement when you complete a tough project

and there’s a lot more variety than I expected.

I particularly enjoyed meeting senior people

on a recent project. I remember one meeting

where I was obviously less experienced than

many of the Board members, but they really

listened to my opinions because I had the spe-

cific actuarial knowledge. I also enjoy the non-

actuarial aspects of my job, for example, I advise

companies generally on risk management, not

just general insurance issues, and I enjoy the

early responsibility I have been given to manage

junior members of my team.

And because the profession is constantly

evolving, you never get bored. You can also

develop a lot of transferable skills. The exams

are definitely challenging so you do need to be

focused. I qualified in under three years but I

had to give up quite a few weekends to do this!

But it is definitely worth it. If you’re numerate

and analytical, this is a fun, challenging job with

great rewards.”

28 // STUDENT TIMES

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422HC_HC Advert_sept08 V2 17/9/08 19:57 Page 1

• A graduate from an actuarial degree should be able to qualify more quickly than a graduate from another course with fewer exemptions. This may lead to them being more focused on their work and promoted more quickly.

• A higher number of exam passes may mean that the actuarial graduate may receive a higher salary (probably stag-gered and dependent on future exam success).

• An actuarial degree gives an excellent grounding in subjects like economics, finance, mathematics, and statistics, as well as the more actuarial subjects. This makes actuarial graduates suitable for a range of careers, not just actuarial work.

But I won’t be at a disadvantage if I’m not doing an actuarial degree, will I?There are benefits to studying alternative degrees:• Non-actuarial degrees enable students

to experience a greater range of courses and to pursue a variety of interests out-side actuarial work.

• Non-actuarial degrees may be lead to exemption from a few of the Core Tech-nical subjects (eg CT3 Probability and Mathematical Statistics).

• Some employers are less enthusiastic than others about employing actuarial science graduates, so you may wish to seek the views of your favoured employers.

• Experience in the office is at least as important as exam passes. Actuarial graduates should not assume that they will necessarily be paid more than other graduates.

What about postgraduate degrees?Postgraduate degrees which offer exemp-tion from Core Technical subjects or Specialist Technical subjects are available. These have similar advantages to the actuarial science degrees noted above. However, students typically have to find private funding for these postgraduate courses. Where can I get sponsorship?It is more usual for employers to spon-sor students through their professional examinations, as opposed to undergradu-ate or postgraduate study. There are some companies who offer postgraduate study sponsorship. Please see www.actuaries.org.uk for details. How many years does it take to qualify?In order to become a Fellow of the Faculty or Institute (FFA, FIA), students must pass

examinations, demonstrate satisfactory completion of modules, and acquire a satisfactory level of work-based skills. Av-erage qualification time is currently three to six years. What exemptions from the professional examinations will I obtain?Exemptions are always looked at on an individual basis. They will depend in each case on the scope and standard of the subjects covered by the particular examinations and on the achievement of a satisfactory level of performance by the applicant. Exemptions will normally be lim-ited to Core Technical Subjects CT3 and CT7. However, some university courses include a number of modules in actuarial science and offer more exemptions. It is possible to gain exemptions from all eight of the Core Technical subjects on some undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Other postgraduate degrees offer the opportunity for exemptions from Core Application and Specialist Technical subjects.

Actuaries Profiles MikePosition: Trainee Actuarial Consultant - Pensions

(part-qualified)

Studied: Maths at Sheffield University

Now working for: Mercer, Manchester

“I always wanted to do something with maths

and was looking at things like banking or ac-

countancy, then I heard about actuaries and saw

this as a small, elite and prestigious profession

where I could fully apply the skills from my degree.

I decided to do a summer internship with Mercer,

and have been working there for almost three

years now.

My week generally breaks down into office-

based consultancy work, a day of study and

sometimes a day with a client. Having said that

there’s no such thing as a typical week. I’ve been

given a lot of autonomy and the freedom to man-

age my own workload. It’s also an open profes-

sional environment at Mercer, with lots of debate

over methods and assumptions and what is right

for any particular clients.

There is also hard work to be done on your

study days in order to prepare for the exams. You

need to be committed to get through them. You’ll

have 15 exams and it usually takes three to six

years to qualify. However, I have a study mentor

at Mercer so I’m well supported throughout the

process - I get a lot of training and development

internally.

I was really surprised about how approachable

my senior colleagues are. They ask me for my

opinions on things and they respect them. It’s defi-

nitely an exciting profession to work in - you could

quite easily find yourself working for a company’s

HR Director, Finance Director or the Chairman of

the Board on a project.”

ACTUARIES

Where are actuaries based in the UK?Actuaries work in cities throughout the UK and not just London. For full listings of ac-tuarial employers by location are indicated in the List of Actuarial Employers at www.actuaries.org.uk.

Do I have to work as an actuary to qualify?Yes - as well as passing the examinations, Associateship and Fellowship requires the satisfactory completion of a work-based learning log. Contact wbs@actuaries.org.uk for further information.

Will I need to continue training once I have qualified?Fellows are required to maintain their com-petence once qualified through continuing professional development. This is manda-tory for regulated roles.

For more information please see www.actuaries.org.uk

© 2008 Grant Thornton UK LLP. All rights reserved. ‘Grant Thornton’ means Grant Thornton UK LLP, a limited liability partnership. Grant Thornton UK LLP is a member firm within Grant Thornton International Ltd (‘Grant Thornton International’). Grant Thornton International and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms independently.

Work for a Grant Thornton member firm anywhere in the world and you’ll be a valued contributor, right from the start. With a high ratio of partners and directors to staff, you can expect more time with your member firm’s leaders and more direct contact with clients. So today’s big decision could be tomorrow’s reality.

To explore opportunities available at Grant Thornton, visit www.grant-thornton.co.uk/graduates

Where can I be somebody?

Graduate opportunities with

Recruiting nowLCP is a leading actuarial partnership, expandingrapidly and uncompromisingly client focused.

As a result we are currently looking for 15 highlynumerate graduates with strong communication skillsin London and Winchester within our Pensions,Insurance and Investment consultancies.

• Our clients range from major multinational to mediumsized private companies

• We offer the best of both worlds - big enough forspecialised practices (e.g. M&A, Trustee Consulting,Corporate Consulting, research, investment, international)but still retaining the essential characteristics of thesmaller firm

• We have 71 partners and 325 staff in offices located inLondon and Winchester. We also have offices in Belgium,Switzerland, the Netherlands and Ireland

For more infomation and an application form pleasevisit www.lcp.uk.com/graduatecareers

Deal yourself a

winning hand

Actuaries ad A5 landscape 2008:Layout 1 03/09/2008 10:30 Page 1

PROFILE: LANE CLARK & PEACOCK

Find out about the closest thing to a sure thing in your career as an actuary. Want to work for the consultancy named “Actuarial Consultancy of the Year” and “Investment Consultancy of the Year” by the UK Pensions Awards?

Now recruiting 15 highly numerate graduates with strong communication skills in London and Winchester within our Pensions, General Insurance and Investment consultancies.

We specialise in providing our clients with practical, bespoke and robust solutions, covering corporate pensions, strategic investment advice, general insurance and specialist financial services including risk appraisal, business modelling and valuations.

We welcome graduates from a wide range of disciplines who are prepared for a high level of mathematical content. Ideal graduates would have at least a 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) and an A grade in A-Level mathematics (or equivalent). We also require good A-Level grades in other subjects equating to a total of 320 UCAS points.

We have an excellent induction training programme with a buddy system to help you settle into LCP smoothly. We also have a structured training and development programme covering professional and technical skills, structured on the job experience and development and an in-house mentoring system. We also offer an excellent study package including full financial support for a range of professional exams, 40 days study leave per year and study materials.

The deadline for applications for our 2009 graduate intake is 24th November 2008. However, competition amongst graduates is high so we encourage those applying to get their applications to us in good time to avoid disappointment.

30 // STUDENT TIMES

COVER2COVER: Peter Kay

ST EXTRA

Watch out Simon Cowell, comic superstar Peter Kay is back with a new Channel 4 series, a merciless and no doubt belly-aching send up of TV talent shows. Student Times tells you all you need to know about the man himself. -------------------------------------------------------------So this is Peter’s first new show in four years. What can we expect?We can’t wait! Britain’s Got the Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly on Ice, will be airing on Channel 4 in October. The show will be a spoof on the never-ending barrage of TV talent shows such as The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. Word is the show will feature a girl band composed of elderly women and four black dwarves in a group called Men Two Boyz. Kay will play a transsexual singer (called Geraldine McQueen), while another contestant will break wind to ac-company the song She’s Like The Wind.

So what was Peter doing before he found fame and fortune?The young Peter left school with one GCSE in art and proceed-ed to drift through a variety of jobs including cinema usher, factory worker, petrol pump attendant, Bingo hall assistant, steward at the Man-chester Arena and mobile disc jockey. It was these jobs during his “wilder-ness years” which gave him an endless supply of characters and

situations to draw on for material for his comedy shows.

Are most of his characters inspired by real life?Yup. One of his early shows - The Peter Kay Thing - featured several charac-ters such as The Oldest Newspaper Boy in Britain, who was based on someone called Leonard. Leonard was an eternally cheerful, evangelical Christian who loved shopping in char-ity shops. Peter Kay befriended him and one was one of four people who attended his funeral.

So did he always want to be a comedian?No, at school, young Peter aspired to be a bin man – honest!

Tell me about his Big Break.Peter’s big break came when he audi-tioned for the North West Comedian of the Year competition in 1996. He still pretty green, but against tough competi-

tion was voted best act. He later said of

his perfor-mance:

“Other comedians talked about sex, drugs and drink, but I didn’t drink. I’d never done drugs and if I talked about sex my mum would have battered me senseless out of embarrassment. So I talked about what I knew best, myself, and it proved to be a breath of fresh air.”

Family man or showbiz tart?Sorry girls and boys. To all Kay would-be groupies – Peter is married!

Help me place the accent...It’s from Bolton. Born and bred, man and boy. A lot of his material is based on his experiences growing up in Lancashire and in particular in his beloved Bolton.

Gary Barlow & Peter Kay Xmas nov-elty song – just a rumour?It’s 99% confirmed that Kay has teamed up with Take That’s Gary Barlow for a Christmas novelty single. The track will be tied in with the new show. “Peter and Gary have already put pen to paper. They are good friends and think it would be a laugh to do it,” reported the Sun. Hey, the Sun says, so it’s got to be true!

-Factor

Word is the show will feature a girl band composed of elderly women and four black dwarves in a group

called Men Two Boyz. Kay will play a transsexual singer, while another contestant will break wind to accompany the song She’s Like The Wind.”“

Cover Star: Geraldine McQueen played by Peter Kay

The Best Peter Kay’s One LinersWhen I was a kid I used to pray every night for a

new bike. Then I realised that The Lord doesn’t

work that way, so I stole one and asked him to

forgive me.

I’ve often wanted to drown my troubles, but I

can’t get my wife to go swimming.

I was doing some decorating, so I got out my

step-ladder. I don’t get on with my real ladder.

A cement mixer collided with a prison van on the

Kingston Bypass. Motorists are asked to be on

the lookout for 16 hardened criminals.

Well I was bullied at school, called all kinds of

different names. But one day I turned to my

bullies and said ‘Sticks and stones may break

my bones but names will never hurt me’, and it

worked! From there on it was sticks and stones

all the way.

My Dad used to say ‘always fight fire with fire’,

which is probably why he got thrown out of the

fire brigade.

Sex is like playing bridge: If you don’t have a

good partner, you better have a good hand.

If we aren’t supposed to eat animals, then why

are they made out of meat?

Politicians are wonderful people as long as they

stay away from things they don’t understand,

such as working for a living.

Right now I’m having amnesia and deja vu at the

same time. I think I’ve forgotten this before.

The

More characters from

Kay’s new the show

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