issue 221
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26 November 2012TRANSCRIPT
FEMALE students are being warned of the dangers of walking home alone after nights out, following a series of incidents in which they have been the target of unwelcome attentions.
The Waterfront has received reports of a number of women being approached after nights out.
One female student told us: “I was walking home from work along Oystermouth Road and it was completely empty. I got to the Patti Raj and a white van pulled in ahead of me but I walked past it. It turned around and followed me, then he pulled up and asked if I wanted a lift; it was a man in his 40s with grey hair.
“I told him no but it took a while to get him to go. He gave up and drove off but stopped again in front of me, waiting for me to walk past again. He must have gone after that, [I] didn’t see him again.
“It’s made me very scared and I don’t want to walk home alone again. I’ll
be making sure that I have cash for a taxi, or have someone with me, or get a lift or something. I’ve never felt unsafe in Swansea before, but now this experience has made me re-think how safe I actually am.”
This sentiment was shared by another female student, who was picked up after a night out by a man posing as a taxi driver.
“I went out on a Wednesday night, was walking back from King Edwards Road to Bryn Road, and I was drunk. A taxi pulled up and asked me if I needed a lift as I was walking on my own… I got in the taxi, telling him I only had £2.50. He said that was fine, and that he’d take me home. I told him to stop the car as I didn’t feel comfortable, and as I gave him the money he rubbed my back. I just got out the taxi and ran to my friend’s house.”
“It’s one of those things that you hear about but you never think will happen to you, although nothing really happened, something could have, and I might not have been safe. I’m still scared and worried because you put your trust in a taxi to get you
home safely,” said the student.Steps are being taken by the students’
union to keep help keep students safe.Other universities such as Sheffield
Hallam and Liverpool operate a system of ‘cashless taxis’, where students sign the driver’s petty cash slip with the fare amount on and handover the student card to the driver at the end of their journey. They must then go to the Students’ Union within 48 hours of the taxi journey to pay the fare and reclaim their student card.
This system means that even those students who have no money left at
the end of the night are able to get home safely.
Although this system doesn’t yet exist in Swansea, plans are being made to bring it here.
In addition to this, at Bradford University, some local businesses have a scheme of ‘safety spots’, where students who are concerned for their safety whilst walking home can go in and wait in a safe place to call a taxi or someone to come and get them.
Said Becki Warrillow, students’ union women’s officer: “I have been working with the university, police and crime reduction advisers on projects that were started in the summer to address issues such as these as student safety is a priority of mine. I urge any student who experiences any issues like this to either report it to myself or the police straight away.”
With societies having their Christmas socials and more people heading out for the festive season, Becki has put advice on the students’ union website to help you stay safe after your night out. See www.swansea-union.co.uk/advice/safety/gethome
STUDENTS STALKED BY LATE NIGHT PROWLERSby Catrin [email protected]
FreeIssue 221
26 November 2012 waterfrontonline.co.uk
t h e o f f i c i a l s t u d e n t n e w s p a p e r o f s w a n s e a u n i v e r s i t y
thewaterfront
Double jeopardy for students
NEWS
page 7
Mouldy shoes... and other housing horror stories
Swansea smash Aberystwyth
FEATURES
SPORT
page 29
page 12
CONCERNED: Becki Warrillow.
INSIDEIs Cardiff playing fair? Page 5
02 I NEWS thewaterfront 26. 11.12
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Hecklers storm the stage at NUS rally in LondonSWANSEA University students were amongst an estimated 10,000 travelling to London last Wednesday to protest at #demo2012: Educate, Employ, Empower.
The NUS demonstration, against the increased cost of tuition fees and high youth unemployment, passed off peacefully in the main but ended with anti-NUS hecklers storming the stage where NUS president Liam Burns was speaking. He was forced off the stage and had to attempt to finish his speech from the crowd.
Recent graduate and NUS Wales’ Students with Disabilities Officer, Stephen Marshall, was at the demo and saw the trouble at the rally:
“Around 100 people at the front of the stage started to get aggressive and were chanting and throwing stuff like eggs and fruit at Liam.
“It was generally peaceful until the rally. I found their behaviour disgusting and very degrading, it was a sad end to a fantastic, peaceful protest.”
The decision to march was taken at NUS’ National Conference in April, and saw thousands of students marching along Embankment to the rally in
Kennington Park, going alongside the Houses of Parliament.
There were some reports of ‘mini-kettling’ occurring along the route at Westminster Bridge, but there was far less trouble than in the NUS protests in 2010, which saw some arrested for criminal damage and trespass after the Conservative campaign headquarters were occupied. Numbers attending were reduced by the floods that hit the South West and the Midlands. Liam Burns, NUS President, said prior
to the demo: “The damaging effects of recent changes to education have restricted access for future students and created new barriers for those currently studying. Our message is that a strong education system benefits not only the economy but families and communities across this country.”
Transport and lunch costs for Swansea students were covered by the Swansea branch of the Universities and Colleges Union.
Day to fight violence against womenSWANSEA University students’ union has teamed up with Swansea Metropolitan University students’ union to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Day campaign.
White Ribbon Day, which was officially marked on Sunday, November 25 this year, is the annual pinnacle of a campaign to end violence against women.
The campaign urges males to wear a white ribbons as visible pledges never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women.
Swansea University students’ union and Swansea Metropolitan University students’ union have collectively come up with the idea of painting a mural on the graffiti wall on Oystermouth
Road to highlight the campaign.Becki Warrillow, Swansea University
students’ union women’s officer said: “We are very proud to be working with Swansea Met and Sink Swansea for the first time to raise awareness
of the White Ribbon campaign in a new, different way. I also hope that it has made an impact on people and made people think about the effects of domestic violence.”
SWANSEA University has ranked as the 11th highest consumers of alcohol on a weekly basis, as part of a study into students and alcohol.
The survey conducted by studentbeans.com gathered results from 74 universities and compiled them into a drinking league table.
The table shows results of which university consumes the most units of alcohol weekly, as well as results regarding the degree course that has the most student drinkers.
Queens University Belfast topped the table in first place with 27.3 units of alcohol consumption per week, followed by Heriot-Watt University with 26.3 units, having also charted second place on this year’s University Sex League table.
Notching 13 places higher than the previous year, Swansea rank at 11th place, drinking 22.7 units of alcohol per week, compared to last year’s results of ranking 24, with 19.8 units consumed by students.
The bottom end of the table shows Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen in last place with only 11 units consumed.
Accounting and Finance students drank the most (30.6 units), followed by Economics with 27.3 units and Chemistry with 26.2 units. Computer Science and IT students drink the least (21.9 units).
Meanwhile, an alcohol awareness campaign by Public Health Wales has urged people to have two alcohol-free days a week in an attempt to prevent liver disease in later life. 43% of adults in Wales admit drinking over the recommended limit.
Uni shoots up drinks league
thewaterfront
Omani Nationalday is marked
THE celebration of Omani National Day is taking place on the 30th Nov and 1st Dec in a marquee outside Fulton House.
There will be an exhibition on Omani culture and heritage aswell as performances including traditional dancing, food and sports matches. In the evening of the 1st Dec a gala event is taking place at the University where guests will include the Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman in the UK, the head of tourism for Oman, the Lord Mayor of Neath and Port Talbot, the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan and the Vice Chancellor of Swansea University. Last year’s Omani Day took place in December in Fulton House, and was attended by more than 500 visitors. The event is being organised by the Omani Society and Mahaboob Basha, Students’ Union International Officer.
Swans are luring overseas student to Swansea
SWANSEA University has seen an influx of foreign students following Swansea City’s recent success.
Premier League football is big news in most corners of the globe and is proving to be an unexpected recruitment card.
The university’s head of international recruitment says at least that at least
ten newcomers from overseas were influenced by the attraction of the Swansea team.
Benjamin Bell-Gam from Nigeria has made it to the Liberty Stadium to watch a game already.
The 30-year-old is doing a masters degree in International Maritime Law.
“Swansea City Football Club was a factor in bringing me here,” he says.
Winning the dramatic Championship play-off final at Wembley in 2011
played its part in that.“I saw the final on TV,” he says. “I
saw the Premier League matches last season. Their football was outstanding, especially how they handled big teams.”
Adithya Rangaswamy from Botswana was also drawn to Swansea because of the football team.
He said: “I saw them play in the Championship on TV,” he says. “I thought they were a good team. “
by Catrin Lewis [email protected]
PROTEST: Students march on London.
by Jon Griffiths [email protected]
by a Waterfront [email protected]
by a Waterfront [email protected]
by Jazz [email protected]
WHITE RIBBON: The mural behind the recreation ground on Oystermouh Road.
POLICE have issued a series of warnings to students about drinking in the streets, cycling on pavements and locking their doors.
Cycling on pavementsPolice in Uplands and Brynmill say they
have received many complaints about people cycling on footpaths. Officers have been issuing verbal warnings since September but say that students are not listening to their advice.
It is an offence to cycle on any pavement that has not been designated to accommodate a bicycle.
Police are now warning that from Saturday, December 1, officers patrolling Uplands and Brynmill will be issuing fixed penalty notices of £30 to those who are caught.
Drinking in the street Police have issued a
warning to students that it is an offence to drink alcohol in the street in Swansea city centre. The map pictured shows the areas affected. The red area marks a strictly no drinking zone, and in the blue zone police officers have the discretion to confiscate alcohol from troublemakers.
If police officers see you drinking alcohol in these areas they have the authority
to dispose of the alcohol and if necessary issue a banning notice preventing you from entering Swansea city centre for up to 48hours.
Burglaries
Police officers who carried out a day time security check on houses in the Uplands and Brynmill area, found that 90% of the properties were insecure.
During ‘Operation Hand’ police officers targeted certain streets in the area checking the front doors of the properties were secure.
Police statistics show that burglaries are occurring in the afternoon and to insecure premises.
Officers are reminding students to lock their front and back doors in the day time as well as at night.
waterfrontonline.co.uk NEWS I 03
Call for action at Sin City club after students hurt falling down stairs
by Laura Fiteni [email protected]
STUDENTS are calling for something to be done after a spate of accidents on the stairs at popular music venue Sin City left several students nursing bruises and resulted in one being taken to hospital.
The Waterfront has received numerous reports from students that they have hurt themselves falling on the stairs at the Swansea club.
In a snapshot survey of students on campus, 30% of students who had been to Sin City said they had fallen on the stairs whilst 80% said they had witnessed at least one other person fall.
The two flights of stairs past the entrance appear, surprisingly, less problematic than the few small steps situated on the dance floor of one of the main rooms.
Whilst it is not unrealistic to assume that the consumption of alcohol increases the likelihood of ‘clubbers’ losing their balance or footing, poor lighting and the remains of spilt drinks could also be contributing to the number of accidents at the Swansea
Students’ Union-owned venue.Foreign language student Alicia
Nugent spoke of her experiences at Sin City and how management got involved when she became injured following a slip on the stairs.
“There are about three small steps and that’s where the accident happened. I slipped just as I stepped off the last one, as I remember that the floor was really slippery.”
“I was taken downstairs and they called a first aider who bandaged my hand and made sure I was okay. I decided to go to A&E to be on the safe side as I hit my head quite badly.”
Alicia, who suffered mild concussion, whiplash to the back and neck and an injured hand from her fall, was told to rest for several days. She said no-one from Sin City rang to follow up the incident.
Sarah Boaler, a 3rd year audiology student, was injured recently when she lost her footing on the main stairs and slid down to the bottom.
“It happened because the stairs were wet. I didn’t realise how badly I had been hurt until I got home.”
Stuart Rice, Swansea Students’ Union general manager, said: “Over the last few years the union has made a number of improvements to the stairs and will continue to review what further improvements can be made to improve the safety and reduce incidents.”
Mr Rice said improvements had
been made to the flight of stairs between level one and two where a new handrail and floor surface were introduced to address the issue.
Students are now calling for fluorescent paint or cat’s eyes lighting to highlight the steps up to the dance floor so that they may be more easily detected.
“I have been back to Sin City since the accident”, said Alicia. “However I am much more careful and I’d advise everyone else to take care too!”
The manager of Sin City, Gary Lulham, did not respond to our requests for a comment.
SIN CITY: The stairs at the venue.
Police warn students on cycling, booze and doorsby a Waterfront reporter [email protected]
NO DRINK ZONE: Street drinking is banned in city centre.
Team’s prank sparks probe
SWANSEA University Men’s Football Club is the subject of investigations by the university and Students’ Union after pulling a prank on rival team, Cardiff Met.
The fourth football team of the university men’s football club played in an away game against Bath (SUMFC) on Wednesday, November 14.
After losing to the Bath football team with a score of 5 – 0, the Swansea fourths team made off with some of the Cardiff Met football team’s kit as a joke.
They took the kit onto the bus taking them back to Swansea University. The Cardiff Met men’s football team then surrounded the bus, got on board and took their kit back.
One member of the Swansea fourths football team posted on Twitter; “[Apologies] On behalf of the football club. [It’s] not what we’re about. Some of the boys were very out of order. Apologies.”
Imogen Stanley, Swansea University students’ union sports officer said; “The university and students’ union became aware of the incident immediately after it happened.
“This is now being formally investigated internally within the club as well as by both the university and the students’ union. We hope that an incident of this nature will not happen again.”
by Gemma [email protected]
VICTIM: Alicia Nugent.
SWANSEA alumnus and first Welsh billionaire, Sir Terry Matthews arrived at Swansea University last week to launch Global Entrepreneurship Week.
He gave each of the teams in the £250 challenge their starting money. The challenge sees groups of five students compete against each other after being given start up money in an attempt to generate profit.
Sir Terry received an honours degree from Swansea University in electronics in 1969 and after an apprenticeship at British Telecom, he joined MicroSystems International (a chipmaking
company) before starting his own electronics company Mitel.
He participated in the first of Zahid Raja’s “Big Debate” on different areas of education policy affecting students and contributed to a discussion on the graduate market in Wales, along with Tom Upton, Students’ Union President.
In an exclusive interview with The Waterfront, Sir Terry gave some top tips: “My advice to any new graduate is go get a job. It almost always doesn’t matter what the job is. And then begin to learn the world of commerce.”
Asked how to encourage students to become more passionate about entrepreneurship, he said: “It’s always good if they’re in an environment where there are successful people. It makes you believe that you have a goal.”
waterfrontonline.co.uk NEWS I 05
Newsletter to replace emails
FROM today (November 26) students are to receive a weekly newsletter containing the majority of emails sent from departments and services within the university.
The aim of this new service is to reduce the volume of emails that students receive, as well as condense them into a clear and accessible format.
Past feedback from students has indicated that they would like to see the current large number of emails condensed into a regular student newsletter.
Whilst containing the vast majority of emails sent out, academic and college emails, as well as emergency emails, will remain unaffected by the new service.
The newsletter will be bilingual, in concurrence with all university information.
Business Management student, Jon May, 22, said: “This problem has been ridiculous in the past. I once got 19 student information emails in one day! The university wonders why people aren’t reading their student emails – it’s because 95% of it is the junk that comes out of Student Information!”
Those wishing to have something placed in the newsletter should email [email protected] by 5pm on Mondays.
by Rahul [email protected]
Cardiff accused of hiring professional players for next year’s Varsity gameby Craig Hadley [email protected]
SWANSEA University’s sporting rivals, Cardiff, are facing allegations that two professional rugby players have been drafted in for the annual Welsh Varsity game.
Cardiff University’s independent newspaper, Gair Rhydd, revealed that two players, who remain unnamed, have allegedly been enrolled onto university courses so they will be eligible to play next year.
Having beaten Swansea University at last year’s event, Cardiff appear to be bolstering their options ahead of the 2013 game.
Cardiff University responded to the claims by saying: “Cardiff University has a policy of providing students with every reasonable opportunity to play in a sport that is available at the university.
“Providing a student is looking to establish themselves on an academic pathway and their chosen course is accredited with 60 credits or more, that individual would be deemed as a student at Cardiff University.
“And [therefore] subject to the same rights as any other student; eligible to join a club, society or any other
VARSITY 2012: Swansea were beaten by Cardiff in the annual Welsh Varisty game.
recognised body.”With the Welsh Varsity event being
specifically for students, some people are calling it unfair to allow older professional rugby players to compete.
Given Cardiff University’s large student population, Swansea University’s students’ union sports officer Imogen Stanley doubts that they would need to bring in professional players.
Stanley said: “Cardiff have a larger pool of students on which to draw from at their university, so I doubt they need to resort to bringing in professional players.
“I see the Welsh Varsity event as a student event, for students, and should be for students to showcase their talents and not professionals.
“Swansea have a good base of
students who play rugby for us and should be prepared to show what they are made of in April.”
The annual event has grown in stature since the first match in 1997, with television coverage now available on S4C. •What do you think? Send your views to [email protected]
THE CUP: Won by Cardiff in 2012.
Billionaire alumnus shows entrepreneurs how it’s done
by Jon May [email protected]
STUDENTS are being warned that they are risking their lives by ignoring fire alarms in student accommodation.
A series of false fire alarms at the student village has resulted in many students ignoring alarms and failing to evacuate buildings.
A fire drill was arranged for the first night of Fresher’s Fortnight which appeared to set a trend. “The first week or so it went off almost every night,” said Alex Adams who lives in the Hendrefoelan Student Village.
Recently, alarms have become less frequent but not infrequent enough to restore the sense of urgency that a fire alarm should instil. The concern is that students are either not reacting to the alarm quickly enough or ignoring it entirely.
“The alarm went off and, predicting another false alarm, everyone stayed in the kitchen. It took us so long to even decide to evacuate that a warden arrived to drag everybody out,” said Alex, speaking of a recent occasion
when the alarm began blaring.“We were the only flat to even
attempt to leave at all, I believe,” said Alex.
Following the incident, a warden visited Alex and his flatmates to warn them that their behaviour had defied fire safety regulations.
The process of finding out whether there is a genuine fire can often take up to 30 or 40 minutes, leaving students standing out in the cold, often unsuitably dressed in pyjamas and dressing gowns.
The late-night disruptions are also interfering with student’s studies.
90% of students surveyed in the village said that night-time alarms made it hard to wake up for lectures in the morning whilst others admitted to having fallen asleep in lectures the morning after an alarm.
There have also been problems in the past with false fire alarms at on-campus accommodation blocks.
Alarms are designed to be highly sensitive in accordance with the strict fire safety regulations imposed by Residential Services, and students claim the fire alarms are often set of by the steam from showers.
On one occasion, a student
prompted an alarm by using popular odour-eliminator ‘Oust’.
Another common cause of ‘nuisance alarms’ is students returning from nights out and setting off the alarm as a prank.
Student accommodation contracts warn that any student found responsible for instigating a nuisance alarm will be held accountable for his/her actions.
This could mean incurring charges for misuse of fire fighting and fire detecting equipment and in the case of repeat offenders, the risk of exclusion from their current residence.
“Although it may seem stupid, having a fire alarm go off falsely so frequently really makes you take them less seriously. It was warmer inside and the fire alarm in our block doesn’t feel like it means much anymore,” said Alex.
But Students’ Union Welfare Officer Charlotte Britton warned students: “Fires do happen, and you have no way of knowing what’s real and what’s not. It’s really important that students are aware of the correct fire procedure – especially in the village where students can get confused.”
waterfrontonline.co.uk NEWS I 07
Ospreys deal to help both team and universityby Rhys [email protected]
SWANSEA University has announced an exciting new partnership with The Ospreys that will see them sharing both resources and sporting expertise in a mutually beneficial arrangement.
The deal will be an opportunity for the university to share international links which will help strengthen the university’s brand on a global scale. The deal also includes offers to Ospreys players of specially-tailored higher education.
The partnership, signed by Ospreys chief operations officer, Andrew Hore, and Professor Noel Thompson, pro-vice chancellor at Swansea University, will further build on the university playing host to the Ospreys’ European summer camps which were launched earlier this year. The university can also look forward to a new coach development programme put in place by the Ospreys community development team, helping to improve standards of training.
The pro-vice chancellor Professor Noel Thompson said: “This agreement represents a major addition to the sports offering of the university.”
Students warned not to risk their lives by skipping fire alarm drillsby Laura [email protected]
RISKY: Fire crews called out for a series of false alarms over recent years at the uni.
Swansea student wins iPad
A STUDENT at Swansea University has won an iPad in a national competition by Traveline Cymru.
Anna Mathers, a 4th year Geography and German student, received the prize from company chairman Alan Kreppel.
The competition was launched at Freshers’ Fayres across Wales during September and Anna was chosen at random from over 2,000 entries. The main aim is to encourage students to like the Traveline Cymru Facebook page and use the mobile application (available for iPhone/iPad and Google Play/Android) when using public transport.
Anna said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won the iPad. Not only will it help me with
my studies but it will make it easier for me to plan my journeys as I’m now able to find lots of public transport information using Traveline Cymru’s free apps. Since being introduced to their services in September, I have found them really useful when travelling around the city.”
Alan Kreppel. Chairman of Traveline Cymru said: “Over the past two months, the Traveline Cymru team has travelled the length and breadth of the country visiting Wales’ leading universities to encourage students to use our mobile services.
“When arriving in a new place, it can be hard to find your way around, so our mobile services can come in really handy when you’re out and about needing travel information. The number of people using our app grows day by day and a large percentage are in the 18 – 24 age bracket which proves it’s a hit with students.”
by Jon [email protected]
WINNER: Alan Kreppel from Traveline Cymru posing with Anna Mathers and her new Apple iPad.
08 I NEWS thewaterfront 26.11.12
SOME Swansea University accommodation prices have almost doubled in the last ten years, it has been revealed.
A standard medium room on Hendrefoelan Student Village cost students £41.90 per week in 2002/3 compared to £77 per week in 2012/13. On top of inflation, this works out as a 41% increase in the last decade.
On campus accommodation, Preseli, has only risen by 4.5% from £75.81 to £103, on top of inflation. In today’s money, the cost of a Preseli en-suite medium room in 2002 would cost £98.55.
This academic year, the average rent in Swansea was £95.68 a week, which is slightly above the average of £95.50 for Wales.
A recent survey* showed that average rent across institutional, nominated and private halls has increased by 25% since the last survey in 2009/10.
Charlotte Britton, the Students’
Union Welfare Officer, says:“This increase substantially
exceeds inflation and the impact that has on students is even worse because there has been no parallel rise in levels of available financial support from the government.
“We completely understand that sometimes rents need to rise as costs rise, but student accommodation should always be run on a not-for-profit basis and any rise in cost must be justified.
“At the moment, I am in talks with the university about next year’s rents and we are determined to make sure that accommodation is as affordable as possible.
“Meeting targets should always be secondary to students’ welfare, and we are hopeful that Residential Services are on the same page.”
A spokesperson for the university said: “The last two years’ increases at the Hendrefoelan Student Village have been only slightly above Retail Price Index due to the ever increasing cost of utilities.”
NUS Vice President, Pete Mercer, said: “The responsibility of universities to support their
students does not begin and end at the doors of the lecture hall.
“University heads should urgently be looking at properly planning accommodation supply and capping rent increases to ensure students are not priced out of living in halls.”
The National Union of Students
and Unipol Accommodation Costs Survey were conducted online between July and September 2012 and in total there were valid responses from 114 institutions, 34 nomination agreement providers and 32 private providers. • See page 12 for our in-depth
look at student housing.
Students hit in pocket as price of rooms rises well above inflationby Samantha [email protected]
STUDENT VILLAGE: Prices have risen above inflation in the last ten years.
SWANSEA University is being given more than £600,000 by the UK Government to fund research and spin-out businesses.
The £637,927 award will help the university focus on research areas such as health, energy, manufacturing and computer science.
Materials Engineering, Human-Computer Interaction (Techealth) and the Centre for Nanohealth are the three main beneficiary departments.
Professor Ian Cluckie, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, said: “The funding will support our scientists and engineers to help them develop projects in greater collaboration with industry, bridge the gap between the lab and the marketplace and bring research ideas to a stage where a company might be interested.”
Zahid Raja, Education Officer said: “This is fantastic news for our members – a large part of choosing Swansea University for a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) degree is the university’s potential for growth in research. The business relationship will hopefully see more Swansea students launch successful spin-out companies.”
Business Secretary Vince Cable announced the grants, provided by the EPSRC (Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), totalling £60m to UK Universities.
£600k grant to boost technical entrepreneurship
by Jon [email protected]
Malaysian minister comes to Swansea
SWANSEA University received a visit from two senior government ministers from Malaysia when they came to meet students.
Mohammed Nazri Abdul Aziz, the country’s minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs and Yusmadi Yusoff, a member of the Malaysian Parliament, visited Swansea to help strengthen links between Malaysia and the university through a well-received dinner.
The meal was hosted by the Malaysian Society and part-funded by the Students’ Union and the Malaysian delegation to Swansea.
The university provided the catering facilities; supplying an assortment of different dishes, including curry, salad and other sides.
Nazri Abdul Aziz said: “I have fallen in love with Swansea. I have never been here, but have travelled many places around the world.
“When I arrived here, even though in the short time I am here, I could savour the beauty of Swansea, the life here and I really enjoyed it.”
The Malaysian minister gave a speech after dinner, talking about Malaysian politics, the recent US election and democracy.
A question and answer session commenced after the speech where many domestic issues
were discussed such as Sharia law and recent claims of corruption in the Malaysian government.
Among the other dignitaries present, was Swansea MP Geraint Davies, who said: “I think it’s great that a Malaysian minster with such prominence should be taking the trouble to visit the Malaysian student population here and coming to Swansea, which is helping to cement and build greater links with Malaysia which is an up and coming, vibrant international economy.
“At a time when we want to encourage inward investment and trade, it is important we show a warm welcome to Malaysian students and ambassadors and encourage tourism and understanding.
“In addition to that, it was interesting to me, as well as the rest of the audience to hear an insight into the key political issues in Malaysia as we head to an imminent election and to hear how they are shaping their thoughts to be more successful and inclusive in their global future.”
“It’s a brilliant opportunity for the university and the students’ union to host the informal dinner. I believe it will help and support hundreds of Malaysian students at Swansea University,” said Mahaboob Basha, international officer.
When asked whether he preferred Swansea or Cardiff, Nazri said: “Not being diplomatic, I have been to Cardiff many times, but Swansea is like love at first sight.”
by Chris [email protected]
MEETING: Students pose with Malaysian visitors.
www.waterfrontonline.co.uk NEWS I 09
Plaid leader visits students
LEANNE Wood, the leader of Plaid Cymru, took part in an informal Q&A session with students at Swansea University recently.
The event, which was organized by Plaid Youth Swansea, took place in JC’s Coffee Side.
The Party of Wales leader discussed her party’s vision for Wales with students. She said it was essential to join forces to drive Wales’ economic recovery and create employment.
She said: “We need all of us: families, students, shopkeepers, workers, researchers… We need everyone to start driving our economy forward.”
Wood’s introduction was followed
by an informal Q&A, in which students quizzed her on a wide range of topics, from the economy, the EU crisis, Scottish 2014 referendum and environmental issues.
Plaid leader also talked about university fees, and said an affordable policy was needed to protect Welsh universities.
“The current system is flawed. The system should ensure that everybody has the chance to go to university, regardless their social background, as well as protect the current quality and excellence of our centres.”
The left-wing political party is the third biggest in Wales, and served in government alongside Labour before the 2011 elections. Leanne Wood became leader of the party in March 2012.
by Mikel Rotaetxe [email protected]
Students vote for no more involvement with Adidasby Gemma [email protected]
SWANSEA students are organising a week of action in protest over the treatment of factory workers by the Adidas company.
It comes after the students’ union voted to no longer cooperate with Adidas following the second student forum of the academic year. The motion passed with 42 votes against 27, while five students abstained from the vote.
It has been alleged that the company Adidas, are paying their workers less than $0.60 per hour and that they owe 2,800 workers an outstanding $1.8 million (£1.2 million) in pay following the closure of the PT Kizone factory in Indonesia in April 2011.
Whilst Adidas do not currently supply any kit for any sporting teams at Swansea University, the motion may compromise the students’ union relationship with Swansea City Football Club, with whom they are working in a partnership of sport, and who do wear Adidas strip.
The motion means that Swansea University students’ union is not to cooperate with Adidas until the PT Kizone factory workers are paid the
funds that they are owed. Additionally, the ethics officer, Rob
Abrams, has been mandated to send an open letter to the CEO of Adidas to express the concerns of Swansea University students.
Swansea University People and Planet Society is running a week of action called ‘Badidas Week’ from 26 November to 1 December. Members will be collecting signatures for a petition and taking photographs of students with messages for the company.
There will also be a live music event on Nov 28 at Divas, a conference on
Nov 29, and a vigil outside the Adidas factory in Bridgend on Dec 1.
The society released a statement saying: “Adidas have highlighted to us over the last year how not to do corporate responsibility.”
Charlotte Britton, the welfare officer for the Students’ Union, said: “I think it’s great that Swansea students are concious about where their goods are coming from.
“We need to be aware of companies that abuse the rights of their workers, so thanks to People and Planet for raising this important issue in the forum.”
UNPAID: The motion recognised the plight of Indonesian Adidas factory workers.
INFORMAL: Students gather for picture with the Plaid Cymru party leader.
PGCE SECONDARYVACANCIES FORSEPTEMBER 2013In your final year and about to graduateor maybe you’re uncertain about yourfuture and looking for a change incareer?
If you hold, or about to hold, a degree orequivalent qualification in any of thesubjects opposite why not study for aPGCE in secondary school teaching andgain qualified teacher status. Teaching isa rewarding profession which can offergreat career prospects and competitiverates of pay.
Apply now through GTTR atwww.gtr.ac.uk or [email protected] for further details.
www.smu.ac.uk
THOUGHTABOUTTRAININGTO TEACH?
LLEOEDD GWAGTAR UWCHRADD ARGYFER MEDI 2013Ydych chi yn eich blwyddyn olaf ac arfin graddio neu efallai eich bod yn ansicr am eich dyfodol ac yn dymuno newid eichgyrfa?
Os oes gennych, neu os ydych ar fin cael,gradd neu gymhwyster cyfwerth mewnunrhyw rai o’r pynciau gyferbyn, pam nawnewch chi astudio TAR mewn addysg ysgoluwchradd a chael statws athro cymwysedig.Mae addysgu’n broffesiwn boddhaus a allcynnig rhagolygon gyrfa grêt a chyfraddautâl cystadleuol.
YDYCH CHI WEDIYSTYRIED CAELEICH HYFFORDDII ADDYSGU?
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BETH A FYDDWCH
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PGCE SECONDARYINFORMATION MORNINGTUESDAY 5 FEBRUARY 2013THE SWANSEA SCHOOL OF EDUCATION,TOWNHILL CAMPUSIf you would like to attend, please registerYOUR place by contacting Kim Wills on01792 481202 or email [email protected]
Gwnewch gais nawr trwy GTTR ynwww.gttr.ac.uk neu cysylltwch â [email protected] am ragor o fanylion.
www.smu.ac.uk
BORE GWYBODAETH TARUWCHRADDDYDDMAWRTH 5 CHWEFROR 2013YSGOL ADDYSG ABERTAWE, CAMPWS TOWNHILLOs hoffech ddod i hwn, cofrestrwch drwygysylltu â Kim Wills ar 01792 481202neu anfonwch e-bost i [email protected]
PGCE/TAR 2013 � ART AND DESIGN � BIOLOGY� BUSINESS STUDIES� CHEMISTRY � CYMRAEG� DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY� ENGLISH � GEOGRAPHY� HISTORY � ICT� MATHEMATICS� MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES:
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SMU-PGCE-hpage-waterfront-Oct12_SMU-PGCE-hpage-waterfront-Oct12 30/10/2012 17:43 Page 1
26 November 2012waterfrontonline.co.uk 11
L i f e s t y L e f o r s wa n s e a s t u d e n t s
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Thinking of volunteering abroad?>> 23
Why sex is selling out real music>> 20
Student charter pull out>> 16
Housing horror stories>> 12
Aunt Catrin solves your problems>> 25
Expendable (pictured) are one of five acts performing at Divas on Tuesday, November 27, in a charity gig as part of ‘Badidas Week’ presented by Flux: “Love Music Hate Sweatshops”. Other acts are The Singletons, SpecialJ, Prayntell and Beth Angharad. It’s on from 7pm-1am and entry is £3. All proceeds will go to People & Planet.
Photo: Ryan O’Callaghan
ONCE again, it’s that time of year when the housing market prepares for a flurry of Swansea students looking for private accommodation.
With a recent National Union of Students survey showing that student accommodation prices have doubled in the last ten years, more students are considering private housing.
The NUS/Unipol Accommodation Costs Survey shows that the average weekly rent for a room in university-owned accommodation in the UK increased by 97% in ten years.
At Swansea University, the Hendrefoelan Student Village rose from £41.90 to £77 per week, working out as a 41% increase above inflation.
NUS vice president, Pete Mercer, is concerned that increases in rents on university-owned rooms are forcing more students to go private.
He said: “University heads should urgently be looking at properly planning accommodation supply and capping rent increases to ensure students are not priced out of living in halls.”
Students are already under great financial pressure: according to a report released today by the National Union of Students (NUS), the gap between the potential government support students can receive and the actual cost of being a university student has grown to £8,566 per year.
After the first year, it is a common choice for many students to share a private house with friends.
There are two ways to go about this: 1. With a private letting agency or landlord or 2. With Student Accommodation Services (SAS), the university and students’ union joint-owned letting agency.
Swansea University Students’ Union Welfare Officer, Charlotte Britton, is concerned that too many
students are listening to the myth that there are not enough good houses in Swansea.
“SAS doesn’t release its list of housing until January because we made the conscious decision that SAS would be better than those landlords and agents that will rush you or pressure you into signing early just to make some money as soon as possible.
“The SU Advice Centre often deal with students
who’ve rented early and now have problems with their house. That said, last year over 93% of students waited until January to rent, so relax!”
The Rate Your Landlord Survey 2011-12, set up by Charlotte, found that 71% of students last year had at least one problem in their accommodation and 52.2% of students who went through a private letting agent felt rushed or pressured into signing their contract.
Manager of SAS, Steve Daniels, shares the students’ union’s concern and hopes that the Housing Advice Week on the 3 – 7 December, will show students that there is no need to panic:
“Landlords have been known to post flyers through doors at the student village saying there is not enough private housing, so call this number.
“This is certainly not the case as there is an abundance of properties for students.
“There are numerous advantages of renting through SAS. We negotiate a fair and reasonable price with landlords, there is no deposit – just a £200 reservation fee that comes off the first month of rent.
“There are no agency fees and every contract in the house is individual.
“This way, if one of the tenants is to drop out, there is a six weeks notice period in which they are released from their rent, just like university-owned accommodation. It also means the other tenants do not have to cover the cost of an extra person’s rent.”
During housing advice week, there will be talk from SAS in Glyndwr D at 2pm. There will also be stalls and online information throughout the week.
•To complete the Rate Your Landlord Survey and to be in with a chance to win £100 worth of prizes, visit www.swansea-union.co.uk/advice.
features
12d o w n a n d o u t i n s wa n s e a
RELAX, DON’T DO IT!Already thinking about where you are going to live next year? Samantha Booth explains why it pays to wait...
(Book a house, that is)
HOME SWEET HOME: Student digs.
26 November 2012waterfrontonline.co.uk 13
When flatmates go badIt is not only the state of your house that can affect
your welfare. Holly Miller meets students who found out that good friends do not always make good
housemates.
THE Rate Your Landlord survey has so far found that 17.7% have had a dispute with a housemate that resulted in them considering moving.
For a lot of people, choosing who to live with seems to be an easy decision, but as some students have found out, you should always think about it carefully.
One student who was put off living with first year housemates again is Laura Parker, a second year Psychology student:
“One of my former housemates had a terrible problem regarding toilet etiquette. All I’ll say is the toilet was unusable for at least three days after each time.
“The culprit never owned up, but we narrowed it down to two people and I’m not living with either of them again!”
This kind of problem might be disgusting for those who live with the offenders, but is mostly harmless. It’s always worth thinking about how well you really know people before you live with them, and especially discussing the grown-up, boring things – like how you’ll divide bills, a central heating timetable and excessive water use.
“My biggest regret is that I didn’t get to delete her
from Facebook first”Catrin Lewis, 21-year-old third year Social Policy student,
found this out the hard way:
“I had a housemate for two years who made it her personal mission to get our gas and electricity bills as high as possible, whilst also stealing my best friend of ten years.
“My biggest regret is that I didn’t get to delete her from Facebook first. The moral of the story: make sure you know your housemates before you move in with them!”
First years have only been here a few months so this is always a tricky one; and that’s why it needs to be talked about first.
Do you stick with the people you are living with, because you know their behaviours, or risk moving in with course friends who seem amazing, but you are unsure of their housing habits?
Is it really better the devil you know? Whoever you decide to live with, think about the group dynamics too. You may get on with them all well, but do they get on with each other?
“You would think that living with seven other girls, would be challenging at times, but we have found that our house is more laid back without any lads” says Jess Dunn, 21-year-old Civil Engineering student.
“It also helps that we have lived together before, so we know each other’s living habits.”
Jess’s experience shows us that when you choose your housemates well you can end up having a fun, harmonious house.
The most important thing is to be realistic, put a lot of thought into it, and if it does go wrong, try to make the best of it and seek advice.
Housing Horror Stories
MELISSA Chisholm is a 20-year-old History student who has had her fair share of housing nightmares
since moving into a property on Bryn Road in Brynmill this August.
With seven other girls, the house has been let out by a private landlord and letting agency. Like many other students, Melissa and her friends felt pressured to sign the contract and pay a deposit as quickly as possible:
“We put down a deposit on the house in December 2011 and signed the contract in January 2012. We felt pressured to do it really quickly because we were looking for an eight-bed house and we were constantly told that the bigger houses are snapped up the quickest.
“Since paying the deposit we have moved letting agency three times, eventually to the landlord’s own company, and we have found our landlord incredibly difficult to deal with.”
Damp and Decay
The Rate Your Landlord survey, set up by the Students’ Union’s Welfare Officer, Charlotte Britton, has found so far that damp and mould are the most common problem found by students, with 74.9% being affected.
Melissa is one of these students:“When I first moved into my room in August
this year, situated at the rear of the house, there was dog food everywhere, no curtains, a heavily damaged mattress and a strong smell of decay.
“The main problem in my room is the damp and cold. Before I moved in, there had been a big leak in my room that caused water damage and was then rectified by a handyman.
“I thought that was the end of my worries until I started to notice that the damp smell returned and one day whilst tidying my room, I found my shoes were all mouldy.
“To add to this, black mould had grown on my floor. I tried ringing the landlord and estate agent every day and after a week the resolution was to have additional heaters in my room.
“This has caused a massive issue with electricity bills and I have one working plug, so my room is now a tripping hazard of wires.”
Final Straw
“I didn’t think it could get any worse, until I returned home from a weekend away to find that an oblong bubble of water had collected underneath the wallpaper. This was the final straw.
“Someone has come over to seal it but I’m not convinced this is the end of my troubles with my room.”
On top of Melissa’s room, she and her housemates have had a series of housing nightmares.
“We had to wait two months for a working oven, a kitchen table, fixed lighting, curtains and new mattresses, all of which were expected to be done before we moved in.
“I wish that we had sought more advice and completed more research on housing, instead of rushing into signing contracts.”
Top: Melissa in her room, also known as the Marctic for its cold microclimate.Left: The bubble of water that collected over a weekend.Above: One pair of four sets of shoes that became mouldy.
Sammie, a 24-year-old Early Modern History MA student, talks of her housing horror:“I moved into a private letting agency-owned flat in June 2009. It was perfect - except for a damp patch we hadn’t noticed when we were first shown around and a few small adjustments.It later turned out that that five houses were owned by two friends who had, without planning permission or HMOs, divided the houses into flats, five people upstairs and two downstairs. We didn’t learn this until after we had been made to sign paperwork and put a deposit down for the next year. We were served eviction papers in January 2010 by the council telling us that our flat didn’t have planning permission so we had to get out sharpish. All in all, we spent over £1,000 on rent for a flat we weren’t staying at and had to move in the middle of
the academic year, incurring the costs of another deposit. “
Jackson Brice, a 20-year-old Media Studies student, is facing issues with housing requirements:
“Upon arriving at our house on the first of September, I was informed that we would only have access to one of the two toilets. The reason for this was that our landlord had only just on that day discovered that the walls, floor and ceiling was covered in black mould which could be detrimental to the health of my housemates and I if inhaled. We assumed the problem would be resolved quickly but it has persisted and we will now have to wait until after Christmas for it to be fixed. A single toilet between seven people in a house is entirely unreasonable and very difficult to cope with.”
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14N O V E m b E r m u s t - h aV E s w i t h c at h a r r i s a N d f r a N l l O y dfashion
Keep your Tootsies Toastie Best of Winter Boots
ONE of my (many) favourite things about autumn/winter (my least favourite being exams), – boots! No more flip flop blisters! No more soggy ballet pumps! here’s my pick of 5 of the best boots around for keeping your tootsies toastie
and on trend this season:
By Emma Ailsa Williams
Topshop, ‘Mighty’ leather boots, £65 (top left) i love these boots so much – i have them in 3 colours! completely on trend with a healthy mix of chelsea/riding, these boots are great for a smart day outfit or evening. the comfortable heel adds a nice bit of height– a must have!
Ugg, ‘Classic Short in Mahogany’, £165 (left)an obvious choice, and this time last year i splashed out – and i am sO glad i did. imagine slipping your feet into a cloud… that’s what these feel like. they’re perfect for long evenings of revision in the library!
New Look, ‘Tan Biker boots’, £26.24 (right)these boots are an absolute bargain at £26 in the New look sale. Perfect for adding an edge to a pretty dress with tights or just rocking the biker chick look, these boots are a staple.
Topshop, ‘Arielle2 Glitter boots’, £90 (bottom left)Glltter boots. what more could you want? the platform means that these are surprisingly comfortable and the heel doesn’t feel too high when blessing the cobbles of wind street with your sparkling presence.
Dr Martens, ‘1460 Victorian Flowers boot’, £90 (top right)dr martens are no longer limited to the Kurt cobain wannabes; they are now a bona fide fashion necessity! these are the perfect mix of feminine and statement grunge, and will definitely put a smile on your face in those stuffy exam halls!
if you’re a vintage lover, or just looking for somewhere different to buy one-of-a-kind pieces, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a new ‘pop-up shop’ in swansea called Voodoo Vintage. this sweet little shop opened on November 3rd and is located by the Quadrant centre at 17 Nelson street, stocking a wide range of products from the 1940s era onwards. there are pretty floral tea dresses (pictured) and maxi dresses for the girls, and tweed jackets and comfy jumpers for the guys, as well as a range of leather shoes and bags. Prices are student-friendly, so you can pick up some great bargains here,
such as a jumper for £10! One find that i struggled to walk away from was a gorgeous faux-fur coat, (pictured at the far right end of the coats rack) that was only £35! much cheaper than topshop and so perfect for this season. i still haven’t stopped thinking about it, so may find myself back there very soon… the stock is sourced from a clothes and textile recycling centre, showing that Voodoo Vintage is environmentally conscious alongside selling well-priced, fashionable clothing. this little shop has a lot going for it, so it’s definitely worth checking it out.
By Jess Waymark
26 November 2012waterfrontonline.co.uk 15
Get Involved! We are constantly on the lookout for anyone interested in joining our team of writers at Waterfront Fashion to bring the latest style to the students of Swansea. If you are an enthusiastic writer/fashionista, get in touch with Cat and Fran at [email protected] We are looking for features on student fashion, events, latest trends, shopping, hair and beauty, men’s fashions, and any other ideas you could bring to the newspaper! Get involved with Swansea University whilst boosting your CV, and doing what Swansea students do best; getting drunk at fashion writers’ socials! We can’t wait hear from you all!
Pamper Yourself!Name: Rob McWilliams
Fashion Inspiration: WHEN going through the stress of exams and assignment deadlines, it is important to make an effort when coming to uni, simply because looking good makes you feel good. Student Rob McWilliams does just this and I managed to snap his well-styled look before he headed off to his history lectures. Being very humble, he said: “I don’t think I have a specific look, I like mixing lounge wear with some tailored pieces.” In my opinion it is very David Beckham, the sporty new era cap, vans and slouchy jeans from River Island complement the smart tweed jacket from Topman. It has become a new thing in the last couple of years to incorporate sporty items into your outfit and it is even bigger for winter 2012. Tailored jackets are also big in fashion THIS season and who says you’re too posh for tweed - you can make the look work just like Rob did.
STUDENT STYLE
By Lowri Evans
By Bashayer Alazmi
THE Christmas holidays are just around the corner. We all love to look gorgeous everyday and especially for all those Christmas parties. Here are some face and skin care products that I’ve tried and tested and absolutely love.I always try to use organic products. I believe it is better for my skin rather than using harsh chemicals which may lead to permanent damage or side effects
Face MasksBBSeaweed from
Lush! This product is just
awesome. I noticed an amazing result after
the second time I used it. Use this mask one or
two times a week. It is relaxing, mineral rich, purifies your skin and
softens it.
Instant hydration mask from L’Occitane A very gentle mask that helps in hydrating your skin. Leave it for three minutes only.
Scrubs
Ocean Salt Facial Scrub from Lush! This product is not only ideal for use on your face but it can also be applied your body. It helps in brightening and softening your skin and evening out your skin tone.
Popcorn Lip Scrub from Lush!
Tastes a bit odd but it will leave your lips softer and smoother
- very useful as the weather gets
colder.
Moisturisers
Hydra Life - Pro-Youth Sorbet Creme from Christian Dior
Any hydrating moisturiser - preferably an organic one - should do the job this winter. Personally, I use this moisturiser from Dior. It does wonders in hydrating
my skin. It has caused me no damage in the past three years that I have used
it. Although it is a little pricier, what better present to ask Father Christmas
for? The extra cost is definitely worth it.
Regard Radieux Under Eye Roll from L’OccitaneSo it’s the end of November which means the majority of us are bogged down with deadlines. University work and late nights add a lot of stress on us which sometimes affects our skin. After I used this product it really helped me have brighter skin under my eyes. Now no one will know you’ve left your assignment too late and had to pull an all-nighter!
There is another vintage fashion fair coming up at the Garage in Uplands on 9th December from 3-6pm. Entry is £1 and you’ll find lots of bargains for both girls and boys.
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1. THE STUDENTS’ UNIONSwansea University Students’ Union is a charitable organisation with the authority to represent students within Swansea University. The Students’ Union is governed by its Articles of Governance.
The University will:1.1 Provide funding to the Students’ Union each year in furtherance of the activities described in its Articles of Governance1.2 Ensure that it conducts its responsibilities in accordance with the provisions contained in the Financial Memorandum and Relationship Agreement between the University and the Students’ Union1.3 Appoint a member of University Council to serve on the Students’ Union Trustees Board1.4 Appoint a Senior Officer to serve as Returning Officer for all Students’ Union-run elections
The Students’ Union will:1.5 Support you to ensure that you are treated equally and are aware of your rights and responsibilities1.6 Advise you of its role as a member organisation which represents you1.7 Provide a Student Representatives System to enable your voice to be heard1.8 Represent your views through its elected full-time Offi cers and their membership of University decision making bodies1.9 Provide professional, trained advisors to advise and assist you, in confi dence, with academic and welfare issues through the Students’ Union Advice Centre1.10 Provide a range of sporting clubs and Students’ Union Societies to enhance your personal and professional development 1.11 Act in partnership with the University to enhance your student experience1.12 Support and promote good community relations1.13 Represent your interests at local and national levels 1.14 Conduct its activities in accordance with its legal requirements
student charter
By Zahid Raja, Students’ Union Education Officer
WHEN I was first taught how to write essays, the one thing that I remember being shouted about was making sure I defined my terms. For a few years now the university has moved from seeing students as consumers to talking about partnership.
The funny thing is, we haven’t really explained what that means. Time and time again we don’t adequately define exactly what we are talking about and that leads to problems.
When we don’t define the terms of our discussions, we create an atmosphere where assumptions exist. This often leads to the loss of opportunity to explore new concepts and ideas. Discussion, disagreement and negotiation towards a set of shared values should be a hallmark of how students engage with their education.
The student charter is the result of years of work to build a working partnership between the university and the students’ union. This document is the beginning of how we define our terms in how students can engage as partners in their education.
New charter sees university and students’ union working together
16Y O U R P U l l O U T A N D k E E P G U I D E T O T H E N E W S T U D E N T C H A R T E R
2. STUDENT REPRESENTATION & ENGAGEMENT
The University will:2.1 Ensure your representation through the Students’ Union full-time Officers 2.2 Provide opportunities for you to give feedback on your programme of study and your experience at Swansea University2.3 Work in partnership with the Students’ Union to ensure strong student representation within decision-making bodies so that you are appropriately informed, listened to and provided with feedback2.4 Demonstrate its commitment to the principles of the Wales Initiative for Student Engagement and the role of students as partners
As a student, you will:2.5 Actively engage with the University as partners to enhance your student experience2.6 Actively engage with and support the Students’ Union Student Representatives System
3. COMMUNICATION, INFORMATIONAND STANDARDS OF SERVICE
The University will:3.1 Provide you with the appropriate Academic Guide3.2 Inform you, at the earliest possible opportunity, of any changes to the arrangements for the organisation, management and scheduling of teaching and assessment3.3 Seek to provide you with the highest possible standards of service3.4 Commit to working in partnership with the Students’ Union to improve the way the University communicates with you3.5 Ensure that all information the University holds about you is treated in a responsible and confidential way, in accordance with the Data Protection Act
As a student, you will:3.6 Ensure that your personal information held by the University is accurate
3.7 Regularly check all electronic and other communication from the University3.8 Inform your College immediately of any absences from the University due to illness or other circumstances3.9 Inform your College immediately of any special circumstances likely to affect your performance in your examinations or other assessments3.10 Refer to the University’s Academic Guide and other relevant sources of information provided for your benefit
4. WELSH LANGUAGEThe University will:4.1 Promote a culture of bilingualism within the institution and provide a Welsh language Scheme in order to outline responsibilities in respect of the Welsh language4.2 Ensure that you have the right to be assessed through the medium of Welsh regardless of whether the module is taught through the medium of Welsh4.3 Offer support and assistance in terms of learning needs to all Welsh-medium students through Academi Hywel Teifi4.4 Increase and broaden the range of teaching and research opportunities available through the medium of Welsh via Academi Hywel Teifi4.5 Provide opportunities for you to engage with, and become a member of, the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol - a national institution that plays a key role in planning, supporting and developing Welsh-medium education and scholarship at universities in Wales
As a student, you will:4.6 Inform the University of your Welsh language proficiency at enrolment4.7 Inform the University by the required date if you wish to be assessed through the medium of Welsh4.8 Engage, where appropriate, with Academi Hywel Teifi and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol in order to provide feedback on current Welsh-medium provision and future aims and opportunities
5. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT
The University will:5.1 Treat all members of the University community with courtesy and respect5.2 Support and promote good relations with the local community, working in partnership with the Students’ Union5.3 Promote good student behaviour, working in partnership with the Students’ Union 5.4 Provide a disciplinary code and procedures to describe the actions which will be taken in the event of alleged misconduct
As a student, you will:5.5 Treat all members of the University community with courtesy and respect and observe University rules and regulations
26 November 2012waterfrontonline.co.uk 17
5.6 Be responsible for your communication, including via email and social media5.7 Behave in a responsible manner in the local community and avoid activities likely to bring the University into disrepute5.8 Notify the University immediately if you are charged or cautioned with any criminal offence during the course of your study5.9 Act as ambassadors for the University at all times when undertaking a study, work or clinical placement in the UK or overseas5.10 Adhere to regulations and requirements set by organisations providing study, work or clinical placement opportunities in the UK or overseas5.11 Ensure, wherever possible, that any guests you bring onto campus behave in an appropriate manner which does not contravene any University regulations
6. EQUALITY, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
The University will:6.1 Provide equality of opportunity regardless of age, disability, sex (gender), pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender reassignment, acting in accordance with the requirements of the Strategic Equality Plan (2012-16)6.2 Promote and safeguard the rights of all staff and students with regard to dignity at work and study and foster a learning environment free from prejudice and harassment
As a student, you will:6.3 Promote and safeguard the rights of all students and staff with regard to dignity at work and study and foster a learning environment free from prejudice and harassment
7. ENROLMENT, ARRIVAL AND INDUCTION
The University will:7.1 Provide all necessary information to facilitate your successful enrolment and to inform you of arrival and induction activities7.2 Check and record your qualifications on entry to the University7.3 Ensure an induction process that supports your transition to University
As a student, you will:7.4 Ensure that you provide the University with accurate, timely and complete information and, where required, ensure compliance with immigration regulations and the requirements of external agencies including the UK Border Agency7.5 Present, where required, a valid UK Student Visa7.6 Agree to observe the University’s academic and general regulations7.7 Consider, at the earliest opportunity, drawing to the University’s attention any special circumstances or disability that you may have7.8 Be present from the commencement of the induction week in order to attend and fully engage in induction activities
8. LEARNING, TEACHING AND RESEARCH
The University will:8.1 Continue to recruit, retain and support excellent staff8.2 Provide you with high-quality programmes of study that are research-led and practice-driven
8.3 Monitor your attendance and engagement with your programme of study8.4 Exercise its duty of care to intervene and offer support for students at risk8.5 Provide you with an educational experience that prepares you for the global workplace, further study and access to the professions8.6 Increase the opportunities for multidisciplinary teaching and to embed entrepreneurship and graduate skills in the curriculum8.7 Provide increased international opportunities for you, including work and study placements abroad8.8 Provide a suitable learning environment to support your learning and research8.9 Continue to improve the quality of its learning and teaching spaces
As a student, you will:8.10 Attend and participate in all timetabled sessions, other than in exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, in accordance with the University’s attendance policy8.11 Be responsible for the successful completion of your work and take advantage of the supervision and training opportunities provided8.12 Respect the University’s learning environment and facilities
9. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The University will:9.1 Provide information and written guidance on academic integrity and the avoidance of unfair practice9.2 Adopt systems to detect plagiarism and other forms of unfair practice9.3 Pursue allegations of unfair practice in accordance with its procedures
As a student, you will:9.4 Familiarise yourself with guidance provided on academic writing and referencing skills and the avoidance of plagiarism and other forms of unfair practice9.5 Ensure that all work you submit is your own and that you acknowledge and appropriately reference any other work
10. ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
The University will:10.1 Provide helpful, clear and timely feedback to you on all assessed work10.2 Assess your work in a way that is valid, fair and reliable in accordance with the University’s Assessment Policy10.3 Provide you with a clear timetable for when assessments are to be scheduled, submitted, marked and returned10.4 Provide you with opportunities for formative assessment10.5 Meet your specific examination and assessment requirements in accordance with the Equality Act10.6 Provide you with results, progression and award decisions
As a student, you will:10.7 Submit work by the prescribed date and time10.8 Inform your College of any extenuating circumstances which might affect your
assessment performance or ability to complete it in accordance with the prescribed deadline10.9 Make good use of feedback provided on assessed work to improve your academic performance
11. ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL SUPPORT
The University will:11.1 Provide you with a named personal tutor or supervisor(s) with responsibility for overseeing your academic progress, personal development and pastoral care11.2 Consider any reasonable requests from you to change your personal tutor11.3 Provide you with a range of Student Services offering professional, confi dential and impartial information, advice, guidance and support11.4 Refer you, where appropriate, to external sources of advice, support and further guidance
As a student, you will:11.5 Attend all meetings with personal tutor/supervisor, or in the event of any unavoidable absence, inform personal tutor/supervisor in advance of your absence11.6 Seek advice at the earliest opportunity from the University, Students’ Union Advice Centre or external organisations, should difficulties arise
12. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYABILITY
The University will:12.1 Ensure that you are provided with opportunities to discuss your personal development and employability12.2 Encourage you to undertake a work or study placement to enhance your employability 12.3 Strive to provide high-quality sport, fitness, cultural and recreational facilities12.4 Support the Students’ Union in providing you with a range of sporting - and social - clubs and societies, and other opportunities12.5 Encourage the work of Discovery Student Volunteering Swansea in providing a range of student and community volunteering opportunities12.6 Provide you with appropriate certification to record your achievements and evidence the skills you have acquired to meet the needs of employers12.7 Invite you to attend a graduation ceremony and to join the University’s Alumni Association
As a student, you will:12.8 Actively consider your personal development and engagement in the opportunities provided to enhance your employability12.9 Actively consider engagement in sporting, social or other extra-curricular activities
13. APPEALS, CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS
The University will:13.1 Deal with academic appeals and complaints in a full, impartial and timely manner adhering to published timescales and deadlines13.2 Inform you of your right to seek independent advice from the Students’ Union Advice Centre13.3 Provide details of how to refer your appeal or complaint to the Office of the
Independent Adjudicator (OIA) if it remains unresolved
As a student, you will:13.4 Raise any concern, appeal or complaint you may have as soon as possible13.5 Make use of the support available within your College, the Students’ Union or the University’s professional services13.6 Provide full evidence to support any appeal or complaint
14. STUDENT FINANCE
The University will:14.1 Provide you with clear information on tuition fees and any additional costs you may incur whilst studying at the University14.2 Provide you with information on financial support available and offer a professional money advice and support service14.3 Communicate any changes in fee levels to you via email and/or letter14.4 Provide an annual report on the use of income derived from student tuition fees on the University’s web pages
As a student, you will:14.5 Inform the University of any changes to your circumstances that might affect the amount of fees and charges the University makes or your ability to pay14.6 Seek advice where appropriate from the University’s Money Advice and Support Office or the Students’ Union Advice Centre if you run into financial difficulties14.7 Make timely payments to the University of all fees and charges
15. HEALTH, WELFARE, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
The University will:15.1 Promote the health, safety and welfare at work of all its employees, students and visitors15.2 Deliver, implement and maintain a Sustainability Policy15.3 Work to support Green Impact Students’ Unions and other environmental initiatives15.4 Promote environmentally responsible behaviours throughout the student community
As a student, you will:15.5 Take personal responsibility for your own health, safety and wellbeing, and avoid engaging in actions that put you or others at unacceptable risk of harm15.6 Observe health and safety related warnings and practices15.7 Report any accidents to a member of University staff15.8 Take appropriate steps in support of the University’s and Students’ Union’s aspirations in respect of sustainability and carbon reduction, including engaging in energy saving, recycling, more sustainable travel practices and related initiatives
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W H AT ’ s O N W I T H O L I V I A R O s E N T H A L L
PSYCHOKISS, Plus E11ven &ZookeepersSin City, Friday 30 NovemberTickets: £3
A healthy dose of hard rock is unleashed upon sin City as Psycho Kiss and the dubiously named E11ven take to the stage. Both harking from the south Wales area (Neath and Llanelli respectively), they offer up riff-based tracks that owe a debt to the likes of Velvet Revolver and 90’s Metallica. As headliners for the evening, Psycho Kiss has found a distinctive voice in Helen Clarke. It is refreshing to hear heavier music sung by a female that isn’t Hayley Williams from Paramore! Clarke’s powerful yet melodic vocals look certain to impress, whilst E11ven’s Alter Bridge-style of rock should certainly get people’s feet tapping.
Alex Mckenzie
Live and LocalSin City, Wednesday 28 November
Looking to avoid the weekly trawl through Wind street’s Wednesday ‘s finest? Then why not shake up your routine by paying a visit to sin City? This week’s Live & Local headliners are stars and Flights, a three-piece progressive/alternative rock band from Neath. Following the launch of their debut album Dropping Anchors earlier in March, bandmates James, Kierran and Bradley have been out on the road to showcase their musical ability with the promise of some exclusive non-album material, along with recent releases such as Angel squared. With support from Constructor and Decoys, the night is highly recommended for fans of Biffy Clyro, and Coheed and Cambria.Produced by the same genius that brought you Funeral for a Friend and Twin Atlantic, stars and Flights are set to go far, and with this being one of their last local shows for a year you’d be most unwise to miss out.
Bianca Maggs
SkyfallTaliesin Cinema, Monday 3 - Wednesday 5 DecemberStudent prices: £5
For those of you who have been living under a rock since its release, skyfall is being screened in the Taliesin on the 3rd of December. sam Mendes’ loving tribute to the Bond series appropriately marks a half century of a character who has become a quintessential British icon, and does so in compelling fashion. Whilst fitting in all the compulsory staples of a 007 film - the Aston Martin, gadgets, Bond girls - skyfall leads the series in a different direction, focussing on the personal side of Bond’s life rather than a generic mission. That said, the film doesn’t skimp on the action, or exotic locations; there are still enough breath-taking moments to ensure that skyfall remains one of best action films of the year, and maybe of the entire series.
Alex Mckenzie
Somewhere Under the RainbowDIVAS , Wednesday 5 - Thursday 6 December
somewhere Under The Rainbow (The Life & Times of the Annoying Girl in the Checkered Dress) is this year’s pantomime by shoreline Theatre. Written & directed by Matt Ebbs (edited by Jodie Affleck), somewhere Under The Rainbow is a camp, quirky tale following Dorothy Gale and her band of fairytale friends as they attempt to save the land of Jizz from the evil Queen LaQueefa. The show will be on in DIVAs on the 5th & 6th of December, at £3 for members and £4 for non-members. Pop along, see what’s going down!
Matt Ebbs
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3West Side StoryTaliesin Cinema, Tuesday 18 DecemberStudent Prices: £5
The Taliesin is putting on yet another classic that will put you out of the misery of essays, January exams and the lack of money you have in your bank account to buy mum that CD you forgot to get her last Christmas. If you’re anything like me you’ll be the first in line to see Robert Wise’s fantastic all-singing, all-dancing shakespearian adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet”. If you haven’t already seen it (shame on you) and are still moping around campus so close to Christmas, grab your coat and brave the storm to go and see this smashing film. There’s no need to give the plot away as I’m sure you know what happens in Romeo and Juliet anyway (again shame on you if you don’t), but who can say “no” to gangs, incredible dancing and Leonard Bernstein’s stunning score? You’ll be bopping your head throughout the showing. Plus let’s not forget the beautiful on-screen couple Natalie Wood (Maria/Juliet) and Richard Beymer (Tony/Romeo) who put Edward and Bella to shame...
Olivia Rosenthall
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Al MurrayGrand Theatre, Saturday 18 December
The UK’s top Pub Landlord, Al Murray, is bringing his bar-room banter to the swansea Grand this December. ‘The Only Way is Epic Tour’ will undoubtedly be full of intelligent, witty humour as well as an abundance of beer. With many dates already sold out, act now if you want to sample some of the nation’s finest comedy and ale.
Charly Bunker
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26 November 2012waterfrontonline.co.uk 19
Suits: a little out of the ordinary
Student’s publishing success storyALMOST everyone likes to think that they have what it takes to write a book. However, being a talented, imaginative writer is not a skill that everyone has, never mind the willpower and sheer determination that it takes, especially when you remember that the majority of students sweat at the thought of a 2,000 word essay.
However, Roisin O’Connor, a third year English with Creative Writing student, and President of the English Society, managed to buck the trend of student procrastination and co-authored a book with her aunt. Even more impressively, it was written in just over a year over email and MSN when Roisin was just 17.
The Key to Erebus is the tale of Jéhenne Corbeaux, an 18-year-old girl who leaves London to live in the South of France with her eccentric grandmother. Jéhenne becomes involved in the hunt for a magical object that will give the finder unimaginable power, having learnt that there’s a supernatural world she knows nothing about but is inextricably linked to.
The success of Twilight meant that the publishers they approached were inundated with books on a similar theme, so it was decided The Key to Erebus should be a self-published e-book; a route that many aspiring writers are taking since the Kindle and other e-book readers came into the spotlight.
“I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was five years old so the experience of writing this first book has been invaluable. During the process of writing you also learn a lot about the industry and how self-publishing and the Kindle have completely changed the way we approach literature,” said Roisin.
“Although this kind of book is never going to be on the shortlist for any of the literary awards out there, it’s still amazing to be able to know that something me and my aunt worked on together is online for anyone to read although, saying that, it’s pretty terrifying at the same time.”
Personally, I’m in awe of someone who can finish writing a book, never mind one with such good reviews. So come on, stop sitting there playing bad online games and start writing. Roisin’s putting us all to shame. The Key to Erebus can be found on Amazon and Smashbooks for download.
By Catrin Lewis
THE TV show Suits is a new and bold edition to legal drama, writes Alan Daventry.
The plot revolves around the corporate lawyer at Pearson Hardman law firm, Harvey Specter (played by Gabriel Macht), and intelligent university dropout, Mike Ross (Patrick Adams).
This show contrasts well with other law dramas. Suits does not have the corny scenes you see in Ally McBeal, or the occasionally awkward, patriotic scenes you get in The West Wing. Although Suits is not overly different, it displays a more brutal insight into the workings of the law.
Mike is in the business of taking law school admission tests for students less able to pass the exams. This generates thousands of dollars for him, thanks to his quick intelligence and impeccable memory, which always guarantees the intended result. However, the possibility of being caught by one of the lecturers always hovers over his head.
This almost happens in one episode, but the stakes get higher when he realises that his grandmother needs to go to a care home. He makes a dangerous attempt at raising tens of thousands of dollars in a single mission by selling drugs. This type of thing never happened in Law & Order.
Meanwhile, the smart but self-obsessed Harvey, recently made
a senior member of the firm, is obliged to employ a new associate. He is dissatisfied with the choice of candidates whom he considers to be no more than clones.
Coincidentally, the location where Mike is due to sell the drugs happens to be the same place the interviews for the firm are set to take place. Having been spooked by a police presence at the scheduled room, Mike attempts to get away, and soon finds himself in the hall where interviewees are waiting to be called. Is this supposed to form an ideal
basis for a law career? After watching a few episodes you may want to do the same thing. Unlike other TV shows, a significant number of people in Suits have less than desirable past lives. They are not depicted as angelic characters. They have deep and sinister secrets that must be fiercely guarded. Yet they try to make their time worthwhile; they endlessly seek to better themselves by trying to do good.
Meanwhile, back at the interviews, having impressed Harvey’s secretary, Mike finds himself at the interview
room. Impressed by his wide knowledge, Harvey tells Ross that Pearson Hardman only employs Harvard Law School graduates. Not only did Mike not go to Harvard, he didn’t go to any law school, and yet somehow this is how his life as a lawyer begins.
Harvey eventually hires Mike. He seems set to do the job albeit without a “proper” law degree, but questions still remain.
How will Mike Ross be able to keep this a secret? How will he be able to live his years lying to virtually everyone about his fake-Harvard diploma? How can he claim to be abiding by the rule of law when he breaks that very maxim every day? Are the hypocrisy and lies worth it in the face of a fantastic salary and respect?
Essentially, this is what the show is about. Sometimes in life you have to go through deep and sinister paths to approach your dreams. But the deeper you go, the harder it will be to change course, to redeem your past actions. If living that kind of life terrifies you then you have to ask, what else do you live for? You live once, don’t watch life go by. Go watch some Suits.
•Suits is shown on the Dave television channel or you can watch full episodes at www.usanetwork.com/series/suits
Ross Noble - Mindblender: Swansea Grand Theatre. November 28, 8pm. £25.Ross Noble returns to the comedy circuit for a night of his own special brand of bizarre, nonsensical comedy that you assume wouldn’t be possible whilst sober or mentally stable. I will happily eat my own owl hat if you don’t find him hilarious.
Carol Ann Duffy and Gillian Clarke: Dylan Thomas Centre. December 7, 5pm & 7:30pm. £9-12Two sessions from The National Poet of Wales and the Poet Laureate promise an exciting, thought provoking night, to celebrate the publication of Clarke’s latest works and the awarding of the Pen/Pinter prize to Duffy for outstanding literary merit. Perhaps not a standard evening out, but it definitely deserves your attention.
Previews
The cast of Suits, the addictive new US legal drama.
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20G o i n G f o r t h e r e c o r d - w i t h a l e x G i b b s
EVER found yourself whistling to Flo Rida’s ‘Whistle’ or chiming in on Enrique’s chorus of ‘Tonight I’m Lovin’
You’, thinking it’s just another innocent tune? I thought so, writes Alex Gibbs. The music industry gets bigger everyday, with artists like Rihanna having a $72 million net worth and Richard Simmons earning $340 million for co-founding Def Jam Records (Ne-Yo, Kanye West, etc.)
What I’d like to know, is whether the music industry has lost its way because of the pressure to make more and more money. Are sex, catchy beats and explicit content the keys to mainstream stardom, rather than well-written lyrics? Pitbull’s ‘Don’t Stop The Party’ video has this month been banned in the UK for its explicit nudity, whilst Flo Rida’s ‘Whistle’ sold 4 million copies earlier this year, when he clearly isn’t chatting about his love for whistling.
It is undeniable that risque lyrics have always been around. The Beatles’ 1967 hit ‘Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds’ referred
to LSD; while Paul McCartney admitted that ‘Day Tripper’ was also about the drug Acid.
Back in the 1960s, these lyrics weren’t as obvious and “in your face” as today’s explicit lyrics. Whilst the radio blanks actual swear words, crude sexual innuendo continually makes an appearance in chart-toppers. Even the “clean” versions of top-selling tracks have blatant content, including the hits Lloyd’s ‘Dedication to My Ex’, Stooshe’s ‘Love Me’ and Wynter Gordan’s ‘Dirty Talk’.
Rappers are frequently criticised for replacing genuine lyrics with swearing. Is that because it’s more time-consuming to write lyrics from the heart and time means money? An ever-increasing amount of music is all about catchy lyrics and addictive rhythms, and fans are becoming obsessed with songs that promote indecent subjects. I’m not saying it’s terrible music, because believe me you’ll find these hits on my own playlist, but is it necessary to have these
extreme, over-sexualised and suggestive lyrics? If I had a younger sister singing Flo Rida’s ‘Whistle’, I would be pretty shocked.
People like Ed Sheeran and Adele have both produced incredible and poignant starter albums, with each song showing the emotional depth and time they’ve put into it.
Contrast that with tracks on Rihanna’s 2011 ‘Talk That Talk’ album that promote her as a sex symbol with her song ‘Birthday Cake’ featuring the lyrics “He wanna lick the icing off, he want that cake.” Now tell me that doesn’t scream sexual frustration!
The music industry should focus more on promoting raw talent and artists who use their personal memories and emotions to produce good music and meaningful lyrics, rather than promoting artists who just perform for money.
Does the M in mainstream now stand for money rather than music? You decide.
Parental Advisory: EXPLICIT CONTENT!
Want to know more? Check out Groundation’s music on their homepage at www.groundation.com
SPOTLIGHT: GroundationDo you think a band or genre should be featured? E-mail us at [email protected]
By Alex Gibbs
albums singles
EVEN though this group formed in 1998, they haven’t been appreciated enough for the great talents that they possess. Establishing themselves in California as a Root-Reggae group, Groundation are currently a nine-piece band who have released ten albums and have had a total of 18 members in the span of 14 years. From the skill and charisma found in Harrison Stafford’s iconic voice alone, Groundation has an authentic reggae sound.
Groundation’s sixth album ‘Upon The Bridge’ is where music is truly epic. Stafford’s raspy yet soulful voice permeates every track in this extraordinary album. Starting off with ‘What Could Have Been’ immediately flaunts the musical unity this group has. An instrumental assortment that is astonishing from a passionate saxophone and trumpet to the exotic Cuban congas and the
classics of keyboard and bass; Groundation has a bit of everything to offer. Backed by a melodic group of choral singers, tracks like ‘Sleeping Bag O Wire’ highlights how essential their harmonies are. ‘Nonbelievers’ is drenched in anguish as Stafford cries out in the chorus and grieves that “In my prison cell, no one follow me”; you cannot help but get emotionally involved.
Each album tells a journey and brings an emotional variety and musical talent. Tracks like ‘Weak Heart’ use potent, fiery lyrics like “It takes a weak heart to judge those who suffer”, whilst ‘Music is Most High’ shows the bouncy, upbeat tempos found in Groundation’s music. Whilst their music doesn’t fluctuate greatly genre-wise and can be tedious at times, Groundation is perfect for those who need escape on a Sunday afternoon.
Luke RitchieButterfly EP
LUKE Ritchie is a fresh new acoustic singer/songwriter with a clean, passionate approach to his music, writes Jodie O’Donnell. His new EP features ‘Butterfly’ which bears resemblance to Mumford and Sons, falling into the traditional folk genre but with an alternative rock edge, making it insanely addictive. Yet the most prominent track on the EP is live edition of ‘Right Then And There’, featured on Channel 4’s Fresh Meat. ‘Right Then and There’ takes a more subdued approach to his usual acoustic tones, reminiscent of Ben Howard and Damien Rice. Ritchie’s voice is really tested in his elongated notes, which fit perfectly with his rough yet soulful vocals. The EP exhibits Ritchie’s raw talent: an excellent taster of this fresh acoustic marvel.
Ellie GouldingHalcyon
FOLK-POP siren Ellie Goulding releases her sophomore effort ‘Halcyon’, writes Thomas Sloggett. Many of the songs on ‘Halcyon’ are concerned with the sea and love, or more precisely Goulding’s recent high-profile split with Radio 1 DJ Greg James and new love interest, dubstep pioneer Skrillex. The latter’s influence is noticeable, whether it be the thumping bass of ‘Figure 8’ or the random interjected trills found in ‘Hanging On’. Goulding showcases sophisticated pop song-writing at its best; setting the bar incredibly high for British songstresses. Goulding seems comfortable whispering a stripped-back ballad as she is on a high-energy dubstep track. Folk Pixie or Electro Temptress, whichever way she moves she can do no wrong!
The Getaway PlanThe Reckoning
AUSTRALIAN four piece alternative rock band The Getaway Plan have already established themselves in the hearts of their home fans and now they are taking on the UK, writes Verity Rogers. Having just completed their first UK tour, they have released leading single ‘The Reckoning’ from their second studio album ‘Requiem’. Opening with a piano and a steady beat, ‘The Reckoning’ builds up to a massive, anthem-style chorus. Singer and guitarist Matthew Wright unveils the full capacity of his vocal range. Whilst the track may not be exceptionally ground-breaking on a musical level, it is undoubtedly an addictively catchy tune that needs to be turned up to full volume to be appreciated.
Dukes and The DarlingsStop and Go
DUKE and The Darlings are a refreshing rock group based in Manchester and have just released the impressive ‘Stop and Go’, writes Callum Walters. The song delivers well-crafted lyrics and how the instruments are arranged pays off musically. With a powerful, epic guitar sound and a noteworthy pop hook in the chorus, the listener will definitely remember this song. Even though the vocals need improvement it still fits in with the track’s style and tempo. Whilst ‘Stop and Go’ won’t blow your mind, fans of the lighter side of rock and guitar enthusiasts owe it to themselves to check this group out.
Photo Credit: Luke Reynolds
Photo Credit: Lisou (Elise)
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Argo
BEN Affleck stars in and directs this interesting film, which is based on real declassified military files. Set in a very unstable Iran in the late 1970s, when the US embassy is ransacked by hundreds of angry Iranian protesters because of America’s close relationship with their ex-leader Mohammed Shah. Most of the embassy members are taken hostage but a lucky six manage to escape, forcing them to take refuge from a very hostile country. Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck), a CIA agent, comes up with the creative but risky plan to rescue the six escapees by creating a fake Canadian film company pretending to shoot locations in Iran for the fake sci-fi film ‘Argo’. An elaborate and sometimes amusing plan builds and is put into action but falls under suspicion. Argo presents an interesting true story but fails to hold complete attention throughout because the narrative drags a little before any action is seen. However tense moments of confrontation and suspicion manage to draw attention back with a suspense filled ending. Argo presents an impressive plot with intriguing characters (and great acting by the whole cast) but it would be a lot better if it was half an hour shorter.
Look out for the new kids on the block
Reviews: Argo, Skyfall, The 5-Year EngagementBy Jordan Bradley
SkyfallTHE Blond Bond is back and on top form for the 50th Anniversary of Ian Fleming’s literary creation. Expertly directed by Sam Mendes with Bourne-esque camera work, Skyfall gives a glimpse into the future of James Bond where the battles are, as ‘M’ aptly states ‘fought in the shadows’ with anonymous hackers, computer geniuses and where field agents become ever more reliant on those behind the scenes, such as ‘Q’ (Ben Whishaw). Despite this move towards a more up-to-date political and technologically astute Bond, Mendes makes subtle yet well-crafted nods to the classic Bonds which definitely pull on the heartstrings of loyal Bond fans. Daniel Craig showcases a rugged, disheartened and generally out-of-practise Bond returning to a game he seems too old for with a new quarter master half his age, and an inquisition attempting to force ‘M’ into retirement. James is fighting what appears to be a losing battle against an enemy who holds all the cards. Javier Bardem plays the film’s psychotic antagonist ‘Silva’ whose deadly vendetta against ‘M’ drives the film’s action. Bardem’s deliberately irritating character is one of the film’s weak points and often seems farfetched. In what can only be described as a master stroke ‘M’ (Judi Dench) is cast as the main Bond girl, shining a whole new light on James Bond the protector whilst removing much of the steamy sexual tension and cheesey clichés of classic Bonds. A step away from the previous Bonds with a classy, well-made soundtrack, Skyfall will surprise but definitely not disappoint Bond fans and perhaps impress those who have in the past been Bond’s greatest critics.
By Alina Flint The 5-Year Engagement
FOUR years after the success of their first collaboration Forgetting Sarah Marshall, director Nicholas Stoller, producer Judd Apatow and writer and actor Jason Segel have reunited to create The Five Year Engagement, a romantic comedy starring Jason Segel and Emily Blunt. The pair portray Tom and Violet, a recently engaged couple living in San Francisco. Their wedding plans get started straight away, but along the road they encounter many problems, the first being Violet’s acceptance to a post-graduate degree programme in Michigan, resulting in the couple moving there. Segel and Blunt display a very realistic relationship with great chemistry. However, for a relationship lasting five years and a running time of 124 minutes, we do encounter a lot of blips. Sadly, the middle of the film tends to drag on, with some quite bizarre scenes such as Tom redecorating the house with deer fur after his newfound love of hunting. Although it feels slightly longer than it needs to be, being able to relate so well to Tom and Violet’s characters and their relationship will keep you watching to find out the result.
By Lillie Halton
THE most exciting part of 2012 has been seeing roles getting bigger and the spotlight brighter for
young aspiring actors and actresses who are showing Hollywood’s finest that they belong on the walk of fame.
Before the credits roll on 2012, we are taking a look at two of the hottest new stars that we tip for fame and stardom, who promise to deliver a host of hugely exciting performances for decades to come.
Three years ago, Australian Liam Hemsworth was sanding floors after leaving school with the dream of becoming an actor. After suffering setbacks – his character was written out of The Expendables days before filming and he lost out to his brother Chris Hemsworth for the lead in Thor - he was cast opposite Miley Cyrus in The Last Song. After the film’s modest commercial success and the new relationship formed with Cyrus, Liam was propelled into instant fame.
Now the 22-year-old newest ‘it’ boy of Hollywood has secured his place as a leading man after landing the role of love interest Gale Hawthorne in the big
screen adaptation of the best-selling novel The Hunger Games movies. Hemsworth will reprise his role in The Hunger Games sequel next year and is also starring as Ali Baba in the new adaptation of Arabian Nights. With his lead man status secure and an A-list girlfriend on his arm, the future looks bright for this young star.
Having already been dubbed as the new Dakota Fanning by fans, aspiring film director, Mackenzie Foy is set to be launched into stardom after the 12 year old bagged the much anticipated role of Renesmee Cullen in the final instalment of the Twilight saga.
Having modelled for Ralph Lauren and Gap since the age of four, Breaking Dawn: Part 2 will undoubtedly thrust Foy into a limelight that has already seen the rising careers of fellow Twilight stars Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart.
Despite the pressure on this little girl’s
shoulders to impress the ‘Twihards’ that ultimately have the power to either make or break her future in acting, Foy is determined to remain grounded avoiding the much too often unfortunate route that many other Hollywood child stars have followed – she reportedly had a swear jar on set for all the cast and gave all the takings to charity!
Although this is only her first taste of Hollywood acting Foy is already set to become one of America’s newest sweethearts having begun filming for future projects due out next year. Whatever your view of the Twilight Saga it is undeniable that it will act as a major platform for Mackenzie Foy to achieve what so many can only dream of.
With films such as The Perks of being a Wallflower and Beasts of the Southern Wild due for release in October, many other new young stars are sure to be discovered. Not only will the youngsters have achieved fame and fortune, but through their hard work and dedication they can inspire a new generation of gifted actors to aim for the sky!
By Kelsie Collins and Rachael Wines
Mckenzie Foy, star of Breaking Dawn: Part 2
Rising star Liam Hemsworth in The Hunger Games
travel
26 November 2012waterfrontonline.co.uk 23
Have a summer with a difference!IF you’re the sort of person who can’t
stand lying in the sun inspecting the inside of your eyelids, yet you’re not
too keen on the idea of rucksacks and bunk beds either, have you thought about volunteering abroad?
Seeing the world means exploring far more than just a load of bars and hostels, plus volunteering in a country allows you to really get under its skin.
That’s one of the reasons I am planning to teach English in a Malawian school next year. Researching my trip has taught me that finding the right job or programme for you isn’t always easy; however, this article will hopefully help make things seem a little less daunting, and a lot more exciting and achievable.
Why volunteer abroad? The pros and cons
Volunteering abroad will help with future job prospects as well as help you to establish your interests and career goals more clearly. Volunteering abroad will allow you to learn more about different cultures, develop new skills and language aptitude and experience the power of philanthropy and service first hand.
You can become part of the community by working and living at the heart of it. If you’re looking to experience new things, meet new people and get more than just a fleeting glance of a town or city, then volunteering abroad may be perfect for you.
The sense of self pride and self worth that you will undoubtedly feel whilst helping out on projects will be incredible and working abroad also
looks fantastic on your CV and potential employers will be impressed by the fact you’ve lived and worked in another country. The experience will be one that will stay with you forever.
The cost...As with most things, volunteering
abroad also comes with its drawbacks, the most poignant for us students being the COST! Volunteering abroad can be expensive, extremely difficult and stressful if not well researched.
Depending on which agency you go through, the costs will vary slightly, however, the majority will offer support both before and during your placements from trained and experienced advisors, to help with fundraising, organising flights, visas, vaccinations, etc – all very important things to consider. It can be discouraging to discover that many volunteering opportunities are expensive enough to deplete your long-term travel budget.
Volunteering abroad with Lattitude, and applying for a Lattitude Global Volunteering bursary, however, offers young applicants the chance to reduce the overall costs, as those who can demonstrate why they would find it particularly hard to raise the funds needed to participate in one of Lattitude’s overseas volunteering programmes may receive financial help. Remember, your money will often go directly to supporting the charity you’re working with anyway.
Which company?The number of international volunteer
programmes is growing and it can be difficult to make your way through all the brochures and web sites describing the myriad options. My top three companies that specialize in volunteering abroad
are Bunac, STA Travel and Original Volunteers.
Bunac is often considered to be an alternative to Camp America. They are the work and travel experts and have been helping young people work and volunteer abroad since 1962. Popular destinations include the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Nepal, Chile, Australia, Britain, China, South Africa and many more. They offer summer camps, work abroad, and internships.
The benefits of volunteering abroad with Bunac are that they offer a variety of options, including travelling to South Africa to teach sports to disadvantaged children, going to Ghana to work in an orphanage, teaching English as a foreign language in Nepal or possibly going to the USA for conservation work.
Bunac programmes last from a couple of weeks to more than a year. Their website features a very useful search tool bar that allows you to choose what duration of time you wish to go for, what country you would like to volunteer in and what area of interest best suites you.
STA Travel is a very good volunteering company, although considered by critics as being slightly more expensive than Bunac. STA Travel have a massive variety of volunteering opportunities, from helping with endangered animals like pandas, turtles and gorillas, building a brighter future for youth around the world, teaching skills to communities that need help, or protecting the Earth with conservation efforts. Popular countries include Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe and South Pacific, and all of their projects aim to help local people achieve a sustainable way of life in an environmentally sensitive manner.
The company also offers reliable support and guidance wherever you are in the world and their projects ensure this. A significant donation to the project is included in the price which provides vital income to the local community, so you can be sure that the time and money you invest volunteering is well spent and will make a sustainable difference. Food costs are often included in the varied
projects’ prices also, which for students will always going to be a good thing!
The company I will be volunteering with, to teach English in a Malawian school next year, is Original Volunteers. This company promises to always be behind you during your trip and is renowned for the advice and support that they offer their candidates, which allows the individual to gain confidence and develop as a person during their travels. Besides the incredible experience of working abroad, there is also opportunity to gain a qualification from your volunteering experience, the CVQ Community Volunteering Qualification Level 3 and CoPE Certificate of Personal Effectiveness Level 3, to name just two.
Flights from London Heathrow airport to Lilongwe, Malawi start at £650 flying with Ethiopian Airways next June, and free accommodation is provided, and food is a mere £4 per week! The company requires candidates to secure their place with a £125 deposit, and pay a one-off donation of £100.
Make next summer a summer to remember, and one to be proud of.
Useful links: •www.volunteerinternational.org for a searchable database of programs. •www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/work/volunteer/index.shtml#VolunteerWorkAbroadAdvisor •www.worldhum.com/travel-blog/guide/life-of-a-travel-writer/•www.guardian.co.uk/sta-travel-the-gap-year-forum/working-volunteering-learning
Helping children in Malawi.
Thinking of volunteering abroad? RACHAEL WINES, 20, a 3rd year Media Studies student, explains how to go about it.
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Dear Aunt Catrin,
I think I have a stalker. He seems to appear from the shadows, in nightclubs and pubs and even down the biscuit aisle in Tesco.Do you have any advice on how to sort this? I’ve considered making a clone of myself for him, but I have neither the time nor money for that.
Love Bridget
Dear Bridget,
Firstly, let’s look at the positive in your dilemma – you have someone who obviously adores you and just wants to be with you all of the time. It’s like my teenage dream come alive, or a slightly less hideous version of Twilight!
However, I’m glad that you’ve realised the limitations of science. Creating a clone of yourself is not practical in any way, and would be incredibly confusing. And what if your friends preferred the clone to you? Awkward.
Bridget, I think we both know that stalking is neither big, funny nor cool. It’s weird, it’s horrible, and it leaves you looking over your shoulder. So I think that what you need to do is try and make yourself as unappealing as humanly possible to him. When you’re near him, make sure you start mumbling complete nonsense, be as odorous as possible, and generally be a disgusting human being.
However, if that doesn’t do it, then give him my email address. It’s been a while since I had some human contact and I’ll be happy to take him off your hands.
Dear Aunt Catrin,
I’ve met this really nice girl, we’ve hit it off really well and we both really like each other. However, we’re both third years and we’ve got barely any time for each other. What should we do? Take the risk and potentially have it fall apart because we don’t have time, or just not bother in the first place?
Exhausted, Brynmill
Dearest Exhausted of Brynmill,
You sound absolutely adorable. In the nicest possible way, I think it’s lovely that you have this dilemma. Not only are you a man in touch with your feelings, but you’re also one that manages to remember why you’re at university in the first place – to get heavily in debt in return for a fancy certificate.
Ask yourself – how often does this opportunity come around? Finding someone that you want to spend your time with comes around rarely, or at least it does for me. There aren’t really that many people who want to hang around with a crazy cat lady with a caffeine addiction who was once complimented on their ‘child bearing hips’ by a man in Sainsburys. That said, you might fare better than me in those departments.
What springs to mind is that you must have some free time, else you would never have met her in the first place. It’s possible to make time for someone if you want to, and you shouldn’t be thinking of it in terms of spending all of your time together anyway. That’s just creepy – please refer to the previous letter for my response to stalkers.
Don’t give up at the first hurdle. And remember, as the great man Drake once said, YOLO.
Need Aunt Catrin to sort your problems? Email your questions to [email protected].
26 November 2012waterfrontonline.co.uk 25relationships
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Blind Date When Lucy Met Will
Lucy Reynolds, a 19-year-old Material Engineering student, and Will Yard, a19-year-old Economics student, meet in JC’s for The Waterfront blind date.
Lucy on WillWhat were your first impressions? I thought I’d been stood up.
What do you think of the choice of venue? JC’s do nachos, so it was a winner.
Any striking conversation points? He’s part of Boxing Club, which I wanted to join, and laughing about stupid stuff that mutual friends have done.
Any awkward moments or silences?No none, conversation flowed really well.
Did you wonder why he wasn’t in a relationship at any point?No, I hardly ever wonder that about people!
If you were to be married and have babies, what would you want your baby to inherit?His sportiness because I’m lazy.
Any potential for a kiss?Umm... Not really!
Out of ten, what is your compatibility score with the other person? 6.5, maybe...
Would you introduce him to your parents? Yeah my mum would love him.
Generally how did you think the date went? It was really good. He was really easy to chat to.
Would you like to meet again? Well I’m joining boxing so I’m sure we will.
Will on LucyWhat were your first impressions?They were good. I wasn’t stood up, which could have been awkward.
What do you think of the choice of venue?It was okay, kept things casual.
Any striking conversation points?Just mental chat.
Any awkward moments or silences?Not really, no.
Did you wonder why she wasn’t in a relationship at any point?To some extent.
If you were to be married and have babies, what would you want your baby to inherit?I’m too young to have children.
Any potential for a kiss?Nope , I don’t think it was really like that.
Out of ten, what is your compatibility score with the other person?A solid 6.
Would you introduce her to your parents? Yeah she was polite so I’m sure she would make a good impression.Generally how did you think the date went?It was pretty chilled out, we know some of the same people, so we had something to talk about at least.
Would you like to meet again?I’m sure we will bump into each other at some point within our social circles.
•If you are interested in featuring in the blind date, email your name, age, course and level to [email protected].
societies
26E n h a n c E y o u r s t u d E n t E x p E r i E n c E
sociEty updatE - Bar sociEtythE Bar society will be hosting its first intra-university mock trial on the 29th november in the advocacy suite, writes Gregory Smith.
swansea is going up against Bangor university in this first trial with the teams here at swansea university very much looking forward to advocating in their first trials.
there are many opportunities for students to get involved in mooting during their undergraduate days but there isn’t a single mock trial competition.
therefore the society took to organising the first competition – this mock trial is one of the first
milestones to achieving that, with two more trials being organised in February.
the team is yet to be chosen to represent swansea but we do know that swansea will be prosecuting a defendant accused of smashing a pint glass in someone’s face, whilst Bangor attempt to defend their client by undermining witness testimony.
this is a very exciting opportunity for students providing much needed experience before the professional stage of their legal education.
after watching a civil litigation advocacy exam, this is something the students chosen for the
swansea Bar trials program will certainly benefit from.
the program is constantly growing and we hope that by the next academic year, there will be enough universities entered to run in competition format.
We would encourage as much support from the law student body to attend as possible, to show your support for your peers and your law school.
•Contact the society via [email protected]
Want to know more about societies? check out www.swansea-union.co.uk/activities
after weeks of rehearsals the Glee society will be hosting a show in divas, with the bar open from 7pm onwards.
What’s on for societies this fortnight
Pagan Society opens its doors to students of all faithspaGanisM is any religion or
spirituality that is based on ancient pre-christian beliefs
relating to nature, gods and goddesses, and magic, writes Olivia Kinsman – and they’re open for anybody to join.
aiming to promote tolerance and understanding towards paganism throughout the university, the pagan society hopes to be of spiritual
benefit to students. this year, talks will be taking place on a variety of interesting pagan themes, whether you’re interested in the Vikings, ancient Greece or the mythologies of Egypt.
the pagan society offers a different take on traditional nights of student revelry – they recently held an open ceremony to celebrate samhain, or halloween as it’s otherwise known.
With a relaxed atmosphere that’s always fun, the most anticipated events in the pagan society’s calendar are the avebury and Glastonbury trips; last year saw a successful trip to the avebury stone circle around the village of avebury in Wiltshire, a site rich in English heritage.
the society isn’t localising itself to just swansea however, and in the new year it will be hosting a pagan conference for the entire pagan community of Wales. including live music and belly dancing, shops, stalls and a selection of reputable guest speakers, the event is currently advertising on Facebook with further information.
see http://www.facebook.com/events/309413509145316/•Contact the society via [email protected]
GLEE SOCIETY TO HOLD PERFORMANCE
ACADEMI HYWEL TEIFIWith pizza provided by the diner, Jc’s will be playing host to a Welsh language quiz on thursday (29th), following the same format as last year’s st. david’s quiz. starting at 6pm, it will be conducted on the coffee side of the su bar.
POSTER SALES IN UNIVERSITY
on thursday 29th and Friday 30th november, divas will be playing host once again to the pyramid poster sale. it will run from 8am - 5pm on both days.
OMANI NATIONAL DAY
saturday, 1st december is omani national day. Events will be taking place in Fulton house, dining room a from 9am until 10pm.
DRAMA SOCIETY’S CHRISTMAS PANTOMINE
next week, the drama society will be performing their christmas pantomine in divas. With doors and the bar opening at 7.30pm, and the show set to commence at 8pm, it promises to be a night filled with humour.
SOCIETY’S NIGHT ON THE BEERS
the Beer pong society will be having a social on Monday, 3rd december. the event starts at 7.30pm.
A TOUCH OF MAGIC COMES TO CAMPUSthE posters around campus may not
be moving, but the magic will be in abundance on Friday, 7th december as the hogwarts society brings this year’s yule Ball to swansea university.
situated in cafe West and running from 6.30pm until midnight, be sure to dust off your finest pair of dress-robes if you’re in attendance.
Featuring a sit down buffet and hagrid’s best christmas trees, there will also be live music – although
wizarding greats, the Weird sisters refused to comment on whether they will be making an appearance or not.
there will be four different types of cocktails available at the event, red, green, blue and yellow – one for each of the hogwarts houses.
tickets are 15 galleons for members and £18 for non-members, otherwise known as muggles.•Contact the society via [email protected]
SPORT I 28 waterfrontonline.co.uk
by Craig Hadley [email protected]
Swansea miss out on BUCS indoor national finals
Ultimate Frisbee
ON THE UP: Swansea’s Ultimate Frisbee club have been competing non-stop including the mixed team (above) at regionals.
SWANSEA’S men’s Ultimate Frisbee team missed out on a place at the BUCS national indoor finals despite a strong performance at regionals.
Captain Matt Nicholson has described it a “shame” to have just missed out on the national finals having finished in eighth position.
Nicholson said: “We were agonisingly one place off nationals, finishing in eighth place overall.
“It is a bit of a shame but at the same time it was our best finish ever at the event.”
The regional qualifier features the major universities from the area.
Nicholson admitted the team has had to adapt following the departure of players.
“11 of the 14 players in last year’s team graduated.
“But the influx of new players means we have great potential for the club going forward.”
The mixed team also competed, finishing in seventh.
Nicholson added: “Considering it was the mixed team’s first appearance at the event, finishing just outside the qualifying places is a fantastic achievement.”
The women’s team also competed and finished eighth, and given their relative lack of experience did well.
Swansea fail to retain their BUCS national title
Jitsu
by Alex Powell [email protected]
SWANSEA failed to defend the BUCS shield they won in 2011, finishing outside the top 10 at the Atemi national championships.
The nationals are the first major of the year with university teams coming out in force.
The jitsu club finished first at nationals last year beating rivals such as University of Bath and this year’s champions University of Leeds.
This year Swansea could only manage to finish in 11th place.
Sensei Hwyel Morrish has admitted the club had a lot to live up to given their superb performances last year, but believes injuries hampered the club.
“It was always going to be a tough task to repeat our performance of last year when we won the BUCS shield.
“But our efforts were drastically hampered when five people pulled out in the run up to the competition through uni work and injury.
“We couldn’t match our fantastic achievements of last year but everyone gave their best, learnt a lot and it was good training for the
grading in December.”Swansea’s best performer this
year was Gordon Cumming who just missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the purple belt category.
Cumming had impressed last year by winning the silver in the yellow belt category.
“I felt that the weekend was a huge success with the club showing fantastic determination and a phenomenal ethos,” said Cumming.
“Every participant from Swansea University gave at the very least one hundred percent.”
“I was glad to have come fourth in the purple belt competition.
“But I was more delighted with the motivation and encouragement shown by the remainder of the team in supporting those who got through.”
Swansea’s Harry Stunell also showed promise by making it through to the final day of the novice competition, with Jaime Morrish also reached the final day in the black belt category.
The Swansea University-based club will now be working towards the Randori national competition which takes place in February.
Swansea last year managed a haul of 8 medals at the Randori and will be looking to emulate the success.
SWANSEA secured a place in the last 16 of the BUCS Western Cup competition thanks to the heroics of Lloyd Parker in the penalty shootout.
With the scores tied at 1-1 after normal time, Swansea’s Parker saved Gloucestershire’s final penalty flick to set up an away tie at Cardiff University 4ths on November 28.
Captain Nic Stanlake was particularly pleased with the method of victory for Swansea in this tightly contested match at Sketty Lane.
“I’m so chuffed to get the result because we deserved it with our performance over the course of the match,” said Stanlake.
“Winning on penalty flicks is a great way to win.
“It’s a tough competition but let’s hope the cup run continues.”
Swansea went ahead after only a couple of minutes.
Some good movement in midfield allowed James Nicandrou time to play the ball into the D, where forward Tom Newman was on hand to provide a neat deflected finish.
Gloucester responded well to falling behind, forcing several short corners which were well kept out by the Swansea defensive line.
But Swansea could not hold out till half time as Gloucester drew level when the ball was not properly cleared, allowing Gloucestershire to tap in from close range.
Swansea started the second half playing the better hockey but could not find the final ball to reassert their lead.
The momentum of the game then shifted when defender Ieuan Jeffries was given a questionable yellow card, but Gloucestershire could not make the extra man count.
With Swansea finishing the stronger of the sides, the whistle blew with the score at 1-1.
After four successful penalties from each side, Gloucestershire were finally undone.
The decisive flick saved by keeper Lloyd Parker, to spark jubilant celebrations for Swansea.
Waterfront Sport now offers more to students through its social media
Waterfront Sport
SWANSEA’S outside centre Robyn Lock starred with four tries and a man-of-the-match display in their BUCS league victory over Aberystwyth at Sketty Lane.
Captain Eliza Slinn described the outside centre’s performance as “amazing” as she tore through the Aberystwyth defence.
“Obviously I need to mention Robyn Lock, our number thirteen, she was amazing today.
“She went straight through everyone time and time again.
“But all of the girls did well; I’m proud of them all for their performance.”
The opening minutes saw a series of penalties given away to Aberystwyth as Swansea continually failed to release the ball in the ruck.
But Swansea recovered from their
early indiscipline with the first try of the game on the 10 minute mark.
A quick pass from the scrum-half Emily Roberts slipped in Lock who ran from the 22 to touch down below the posts.
Lock kicked the conversion and scored.
Minutes after the restart Swansea’s Lauren Stanford went down following a tackle and remained down for five minutes.
Still groggy she was helped from the field to an ovation from both sets of players.
She was attended to by St Johns ambulance crew and was replaced by Angharad Llewelyn.
After the restart Roberts was again in the middle of the action, off-loading to Chantelle Lee who touched down; with Lock converting the extras, 14-0.
Aberystwyth came back at Swansea in a spell of ten minutes
following the second try. Swansea’s indiscipline forcing
them back into their own 22, but the away team could not breach the score line.
Slinn warned the team they would be “paying for it in training” following the excessive amount of penalties given away throughout.
Aberystwyth were made to rue missed chances when Swansea’s tight-head prop Ellen Maddocks scored their third, converted by Lock.
A final unconverted try came before the interval, second row Emily Batson off-loading to Lee to dot down.
Aberystwyth started strongly in the second half with their props forcing Swansea back.
But Swansea were too good to resist for long, with Lock outpacing her opponents to score, kicking the extras as well.
Swansea continued to push for more, Lock again finding space down the centre; to drive over the whitewash.
With the subsequent kick converted, Aberystwyth barely had time to restart before Lock once again had the ball.
After regaining possession, she sprinted from halfway, beating player after player to finish the game in style.
Swansea smash Aberystwyth
Rugby Union
SWANSEA 1sts 45-0 ABERYSTWYTH 1stsParker penalty save keeps Swansea in cup
Hockey
SWANSEA 2nds
GLOUCS 2nds
SPORT I 29waterfrontonline.co.uk
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: Swansea University’s Robyn Lock (above-centre) had just too much pace for Aberystwyth as the outside centre reigned supreme at Sketty Lane.
by Craig Hadley [email protected]
OUR facebook page is ideal for getting the latest multimedia items we have to offer.
We provide photos from our featured games as well as some video clips for you to get a glimpse at Swansea in action.
The facebook page is also the best place to find out where you need to be to watch Swansea every Wednesday, thanks to our fixture lists, released on Mondays.
OUR twitter account (@waterfrontspor1) is ideal for getting the latest scores from our featured games.
As well as having all the latest posts from our facebook account appearing on our feed, you will also be able to find the latest scores and results once we have them.
We will be out and about around the city to provide you with up-to-date information, signal permitting.
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Photo by: Jon Collier
CAPTAIN: Swansea’s Nic Stanlake.
by David Beale [email protected]
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SPORT I 30 waterfrontonline.co.uk
THREE Swansea goals were not enough as Cardiff knocked them out of the BUCS cup in the first round of the competition.
Captain Sophie Titcombe hopes to build on the game despite the loss to rivals Cardiff.
Titcombe said: “Despite the defeat I am really proud of the girls and pleased with their overall effort.
“We worked well together today and hope to build on it with more
SPIRITED DEFENSIVE EFFORTS: Swansea’s quick paced defender Alex Lusty building from the back against Cardiff.
Football
performances like this throughout the rest of the season.”
Cardiff’s 2nds began at lightning pace, and went 1-0 up in the first two minutes as Swansea struggled to find their feet.
Swansea responded quickly with Sue Fitzpatrick scoring an equaliser
A RESOLUTE Swansea side were eliminated from the BUCS trophy competition in the first round at the hands of Bristol 1sts.
Despite the introduction of a new coach to the team setup, Swansea were just left wanting by the final whistle.
Swansea started well, trading points with Bristol, as the travelling side led at the end of the first quarter by three points.
The home side came out after the first break determined to push Bristol to the limits.
Swansea could not maintain this pressure and found themselves down by seven at half time.
Bristol continued to score freely in the last two quarters, with Swansea struggling to keep hold of the ball.
The game finished 52-38.
First round trophy defeat for Swansea
Basketball
Photo by: D.D. Manning
A valiant effort from Swansea not enough against arch rivals Cardiff
as Cardiff’s defence broke down, leaving an open goal.
Despite Swansea working their way into the game, Cardiff led 2-1 at the half time mark.
Cardiff raced out of the blocks in the second half and scored quickly from a corner as Beth Ashlee was able to find space and slot it neatly past the goalkeeper.
Ashlee continued to be a threat in the second half as she found herself in space with the ball again, bringing the score to 4-1.
Swansea continued to fight for goals, with striker Becky Chantry being denied three times by Cardiff’s goalkeeper and midfielder Charlotte Pitt hitting the woodwork from a free kick.
Swansea were looking as if they could bring things back with a goal from substitute Bethan Rudge, reducing the deficit to 4-2.
However, Cardiff continued to play well and Gemma Schofield was able to score from a corner due to Swansea’s sloppy defending.
Swansea were able to finish on a positive note though, as winger Abi Wilson found herself in the right place at the right time and headed the ball home in the 89th minute.
SWANSEA 1sts
BRISTOL 1sts
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by Craig Hadley [email protected]
SWANSEA 2nds
CARDIFF 2nds
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by Jazz Dicker [email protected]
Confident Swansea smash Glamorgan in opening BUCS trophy fixture
Badminton Hockey
AN eight-goal blitz in the first 20 minutes put Swansea men’s 1sts on the way into the last 16 of the cup as they routed Bristol’s 5th side by 11 goals to one.
The gulf in class between Swansea, in division 2B, and division 4A side Bristol was clear to see, particularly in the first-half, and the game was never any less than comfortable for the home side.
In truth, the score-line should have been more, as some wasteful finishing, along with the woodwork on three occasions, denied Swansea a greater margin of victory.
Captain Rory Thorburn was delighted with the first half, at the end of which Swansea were 8-0 up, but had some choice words regarding the second half.
“Our performance was a bit mixed today,” he explained. “We would have liked to get a few more goals, but I’m still happy with the overall performance.
“The second half we didn’t perform to our best, especially following the quality of our game in the first half. We lost our structure a bit and took the ball in to contact more than I would have liked.
“Our conversion rate was not as good as I would have liked, as we came out of the D with nothing sometimes and against a team like that we should have been looking at least at a goal-scoring opportunity.
“Also, as a defender, I am a bit disappointed to have conceded a goal, as were the other boys, as it’s always nice to keep a clean sheet!
“However, there were a number of things to be pleased with. Obviously, having scored 11, it was a good win and it means we progress further in the cup.
“There is always going to be a chance of a bit of complacency when playing a team much lower than you in the league. But we didn’t let this affect us too much, and still won with a good score-line!”
Swansea were 8-0 up after only 20 minutes.
Nick Pestana opened the scoring, and further goals from John Perry, Michael Venn (2), Andrew Willemite (2), Will Matthews and Thorburn ended the game as a contest.
Swansea were assured, composed and clinical in the first half, but their concentration visibly ebbed at the start of the second half, allowing Bristol captain Michael Jones to pull a goal back.
However, Perry and Venn completed their hat-tricks, and a fine goal from Chris Hornby sealed the win in style.
Swansea next play Gloucestershire.
Thorburn’s side thrash Bristol in cup
SPORT I 31 waterfrontonline.co.uk
SWANSEA put on a top quality display during their meeting with Welsh rivals Glamorgan in their bid to win the trophy at the end of the season.
Alice Palmer, women’s captain and top seed, defeated both Glamorgan’s Ashley Lee and Jacqueline Tsang, dominating the court with sheer pace and immaculate precision, and placing each one of her shots with unerring accuracy.
Swansea’s second seed Ana Cowie managed to win a solid 8 points before being defeated by Glamorgan’s first seed Tsang. Despite this setback, fresher team member Cowie did not seem fazed as the rest of the women’s team powered over their Welsh rivals.
The doubles teams, consisting of Sophie Ttophi and Pippa Rogers, and Penny Scott and Rebeca Thomas, defeated both of Glamorgan’s doubles teams with a clear 2 matches, which was no surprise due to the excellent teamwork within their pairs.
Glamorgan’s Abi Parker and Rhiannon Thomas, new to Glamorgan’s badminton team this year, paired up to be Glamorgan’s second seeds and they put up a good fight against Scott and Thomas. However, the Swansea pair were on top form for the entire game, leaving their opponents overwhelmed.
Yet Swansea’s incredible performance did not stop there. Once Ttophi and Rogers entered the court against Glamorgan’s firsts Jess Hamonde and Rebecca Foster, they covered every angle of the court with swiftness and agility, leaving little chance for Glamorgan to get any lead whatsoever.
Captain Palmer announced her sheer pride in her team’s performance, stating that “I could not ask for a better result, I am more than impressed with everyone’s effort and performance!”
If Swansea’s performances throughout the rest of the season match this one, they could be on track for winning the trophy at the end of the season, which would be an excellent result for the women’s team and the whole of Swansea’s Badminton club.PRECISION: Penny Scott (above) takes aim during her match against Glamorgan.
Photo by: DD.Manning by Jodie O’[email protected]
SWANSEA 1sts
BRISTOL 5ths
11
1
by Tom Nightingale [email protected]
SWANSEA 1sts
GLAM’ 1sts
6
2
Titans suffer narrow defeat in season opener against Gloucestershire away
American Football
GLOUCS 1sts 32-30 SWANSEA 1sts
by Simon George [email protected]
RAN OUT OF TIME: Swansea Titans in possession of the ball but lacking the inspiration to turn the game in their favour.
THE Swansea Titans’ first game of the season saw them narrowly lose to Gloucestershire Gladiators, who had the perfect start, scoring
a touchdown on their first drive of the match.
Swansea however responded strongly as quarter-back Dean Jackson threw to Simon George to keep consecutive touchdown drives alive. Marcus Wyatt finished the first half with three touchdowns
after catching the ball twice in the endzone and a third showing his blistering speed leaving the score at 7-18 in Swansea’s favour at half time.
The beginning of the third quarter was scrappy as neither team controlled possession. Jack Mullins made Swansea’s second
interception of the game but the away team could not capitalise. Instead, offensive penalties and mistakes provided Gloucestershire with good field position from which they made full advantage, putting them 24-18 to the good.
Three touchdowns then came in a matter of minutes as Chris Aldred threw a long touchdown pass. The home team, who were pinned back in their own half, then managed to break a couple of tackles, take the ball all the way to the endzone and pick up two extra points rather than kicking a field goal.
Swansea’s Ollie Runswick, who had had a quiet game up until this point, then returned the kick off to within 15 yards of the Gloucestershire’s goal line. Marcus Wyatt promptly ran it in for his fourth, leaving the score at 30-32. Despite having time left on the clock, Swansea lacked composure and had to punt away possession. Unfortunately their defence could not come up with something special enabling Gloucestershire to run down the clock and leave Swansea bitterly disappointed with the result.
Swansea’s next game sees them travel away to face UWE.
sportthewaterfront
HOUSBY OVERSEES STRONG START TO THE CAMPAIGN
Free Fortnightly Issue 221 26 November 2012
SWANSEA University Rowing Club President Kate Housby expressed her pride over the club’s recent successes.
After taking on 120 new members at freshers’ fayre to add to the 60 returning members, the club and its four squads are looking stronger than ever in the current season.
“It’s been a struggle to meet the demand and get all the new members up to a good enough standard,” admitted Housby.
“However, with some serious time
and effort from both Matt Meyer and Kirstin Rodgers (novice men’s and women’s captains) we were able to send two 4+ and an 8+ to compete at University of Bristol Boat Club head last weekend.
“Despite a few minor equipment failures, all four squads got to race and achieved some fantastic results.”
Swansea’s novice men’s 4+ secured a comprehensive victory with a first place finish in a time of 4.36.3, 15 seconds quicker than their nearest rivals.
Meyer was delighted with the result. “The win reflected the hard work the whole squad has put in,” he said. “Unfortunately a technical fault
restricted the 8+ to a disappointing finish, but promising performances show signs of great potential.”
The senior men’s first four finished 4th over 3500m in 12.53.32, and the women’s first 8+ finished 3rd overall.
Rodgers commented on their 8+ performance, saying “the race didn’t go as well as hoped, and there is plenty of room for improvement, but it was still a promising result.”
Earlier races saw the senior men’s coxless 4 finish first in their division and win a pennant at the Head of the Taff race on 21st October, and a fantastic display at Fours Head on 10th October.
“I’m extremely proud of the club,”
UNITED PRIDE: Swansea University Rowing Club have achieved great success already this season, building on their achievements of the previous year.
Week 6 - November 14Women’s HockeySWANSEA 1st 6-1 GLAMORGAN 1st
Women’s LacrosseSWANSEA 1st 20-0 UWE 1st Women’s Rugby UnionSWANSEA 1st 45-0 ABER 1st
Women’s FencingABER 1st 106-134 SWANSEA 1st
Selected Results for Week 6 & 7 Upcoming Fixtures for Weeks 8 & 9 Latest BUCS TableLoughborough Bath Durham Exeter Birmingham
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Rugby
Hockey
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Inside This Issue
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Swansea’s Lock picks apart Aberystwyth University
Twenty minute demolition job sees off Bristol side
Comfortable victory for Swansea in BUCS trophy
p31
p31said Housby. “I’m very pleased with the efforts of all captains and club members this term, especially at Bristol last weekend. I’m really excited for the year ahead, and look forward to watching the club grow’.”
Coming up on 1st December is the Welsh Indoor Boat Race, where both senior squads will go up against Cardiff as a pre-Varsity clash.
And then on the 9th, the Monmouth Christmas Head where all crews will hit the water for a weekend of hard racing.
And finally there is the 2013 ‘Naked Calender’, on sale for £5 now - contact Kate Housby or look on facebook for details!
For the full list of fixtures for these weeks, you can go to our facebook page.Get the results quicker on our twitter from our featured games of the week.
Week 7 - November 21Men’s BadmintonSWANSEA 2nd 6-2 GLOUCS 1st
Men’s SquashSWANSEA 1st 3-2 GLOUCS 1st Men’s HockeySWANSEA 3rd 4-2 ABER 1st
Men’s FencingUWE 2nd 85-134 SWANSEA 1st
Week 8 - November 28Men’s HockeyCARDIFF 4th v SWANSEA 2nd
Men’s TennisS’HAMPTON 2nd v SWANSEA 1st
Women’s SquashBATH 1st v SWANSEA 1st
Women’s HockeyB’MOUTH 2nd v SWANSEA 3rd
Week 9 - December 5Men’s FootballSWANSEA 1st v CHICHESTER 1st
Men’s Rugby UnionSWANSEA 1st v CARDIFF MET 1st Women’s NetballBRISTOL 2nd v SWANSEA 1st
Women’s BasketballBATH 1st v SWANSEA 1st
by Tom [email protected]
Photo by: DD.Manning
Photo by: Jon Collier
Photo by: Jon Collier