News

New prospectus for new students

The newly published undergraduate prospectus, for entry in 2006, is already going down a storm with prospective students after just five appearances at UK higher education fairs.

Lindsey Gill, Head of Publications, explained how this year's 'duckling and egg' front cover theme was chosen: 'As in previous years, we took three different prospectus cover designs to the Colchester Sixth Form College to speak to our target audience. The students continue to prefer the concept which we have been running for a number of years over the more traditional prospectus covers. They said they liked the bright colours and thought the Essex prospectus stands out from others.'

New courses for 2006 entry include a BSc in Mathematics and Network Security, and East 15's foundation degree in Specialist Performance Skills which is the UK's first full-time course in stage combat, stunts and related performance skills.

Landmark victory in Muslim dress case

Lawyers at the Children's Legal Centre have recorded a landmark victory at the Court of Appeal which could have wide ranging consequences for freedom to manifest religious beliefs and will have significant impact on school dress codes.

Appeal judges have found that Shabina Begum's human rights were breached by her former school when it refused to allow her to attend classes wearing a jilbab, a Muslim form of dress covering her arms and legs.

Lawyers from the Children's Legal Centre have been representing 16-year-old Shabina since February 2004 when she challenged Denbigh High School in Luton, its board of governors, and the Local Education Authority (LEA).

Julia Thomas from the Centre explained: 'We argued that the School's actions amounted to unlawful exclusion, and were a denial of the right to education under Article 2(1) of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and in breach of her right to religious freedom under Article 9(1) of the ECHR, and Section 6 of the Human Rights Act. Lord Justice Brooke has agreed on all three points.'

Investors in people

The Accommodation Office has been achieved an Investors in People award.

The Accommodation Office, including the Private Sector Office, the Conference Office and the Post Office, were assessed for accreditation in late 2004 and were judged to have reached the standard at the first attempt. Given the diversity of services these offices provide and the number of staff involved this is a significant achievement.

The Investors in People standard involves a process which ensures that staff are fully informed about business objectives and their role in achieving results and then receive support and training to be effective in their particular role.

Tim Melville-Ross, Chair of University Council and also of Investors in People UK, presented the award to Vivien Insull, Director of Residential Services last month.

Speaking about the award, Vivien said: 'Communication is the key to ensuring all staff can play their part in a successful business and this has to be an on-going process. I was delighted with the support I received from all of the staff in the offices concerned and our success at the first accreditation assessment was due to their commitment and enthusiasm.'

Staff from the Accommodation Office with their Investors in People award

Also in the printed March edition of Wyvern:

• HEFCE awards £15 million to University Campus Suffolk
• Local schoolchildren learn about life in Tajikistan
• Easter comes early for Essex Skills Award