News

Top event

Potential young leaders from schools around the region learnt new skills at a major Youth Sports Trust event held at the Colchester campus.

More than 70 pupils, aged from 15 to 17, were guided through a day of activities promoting organisational skills, by University students who had been specially trained for the event. Inspiration came from Anne Wafula Strike, a 200m wheelchair Paralympic athlete who gave an introductory talk.

Part of the national Top Link Conference, the aim is to develop the leadership skills of school students who will now go on to organise a festival for children at primary schools in their area.

Sports Development Officer at the University, Ruth Owen-Evans, said: 'This is the third year of the event and each time we look to improve it to ensure the students go away with great ideas and full of enthusiasm to organise a successful festival.

'The undergraduates who run the day benefit too, gaining valuable skills in sports development and event organisation as part of a national programme.'

(left to right) Caron Hutchinson of Helena Romanes School, Gemma Johnson of Sir Charles Lucas Arts College, James Hughes from Baddow High School, Essex student Laura Whittington, Danielle Murrells and Sophie Bancroft of Sir Charles Lucas Arts College and Hannah Swallow of Helena Romanes School

Graduation yearbook

Following the success of last year’s graduate yearbook, the University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office is inviting all final year students to submit their details for this year's book.

Students will be able to pick up copies of the Yearbook
at their graduation ceremonies

The Essex Yearbook will include memories, stories and pictures contributed by students and staff along with general information about academic departments. Final year students will be able to pre-order a copy of the book which can be delivered or collected at graduation.

Joanne West, the University’s Annual Fund Officer, explained: 'University is one of the best times of your life, and the Essex Yearbook is one of the best ways to remember it. It’ll also be a great way for graduates to keep in touch with all their friends and the University for many years, long after their student days are over.'

Submissions must be made by 28 April. To contribute visit: www.gradfinale.co.uk. For further information contact Jo West, telephone: 01206 874185 or e-mail: westj@essex.ac.uk.

Also in the printed March edition of Wyvern:

• What is is like to be a teenager?
• Islamic integration investigated
• Promoting the Essex brand