NEWMAN NEWS In this issue... The Christmas Edition 2012

EUROPEAN Newman NEW YORK, Day of Day NEW YORK! Languages Page 03 Page 04-05 Page 07

In league tables published by The Sunday Times, Cardinal College Tops Newman College ranked as the top college nationally, above all other sixth forms in the country! The figures, which were released on NATIONAL Sunday 18th November, show that Cardinal Newman has topped the table once LEAGUE again with an enormous 3,403.1 points per student.

The tables which were published in the Schools’ Supplement in The TABLES! Sunday Times, showed the ranking of state-run sixth form colleges, based on the average number of points per student gained in A Level and equivalent examinations over the three years from 2009 to 2011.

The points per student indicators are becoming increasingly important to students who decide to apply for universities at the end of their two years at college, as they are considered by many university admissions offices. Therefore, this outstanding achievement for the College means that students at Cardinal Newman have in fact beat off the competition of other students throughout the whole of the UK!

Principal Nick Burnham said: “To be the highest performing College in the country, consistently, is an absolute testimony to the talent and hard work of all the staff at the College. It is also to the immense credit of our students, who take full advantage of what the College offers and achieve such outstanding results.” 02 Newman News The Christmas Edition 2012

curriculum is perhaps more academically demanding MEET... Father now, but it still has it’s unique character of being a faith college. So in essence, it really hasn’t changed Jim Clarke that much! It is still a great family atmosphere.” How do you think life has changed for Newman Chaplain students over the years? First year student Bethany Monaghan-Wilson formerly “I’ve always really felt that the students have a positive of Brownedge St Mary’s interviewed Father Jim to find experience at Newman College — many even return to us out about his time working as Chaplain at Newman: as teachers! There are much more exciting enrichment activities such as visits abroad and clubs within College How has the College changed from when you for willing students. And of course there is a great started to now? Chaplaincy team which does all sorts, including lots of “Well when I first came to Newman in 1997, I was part voluntary and charity work.” of the Chaplaincy team and was involved in a lot of the How do you think Newman College differs from charity work here. I then went to Brazil for 6 years other colleges in the area? where I did a lot of charity work as part of my pilgrimage and came back to Newman in 2004 when “Well of course I think it’s the best! It is by no means an I became Chaplain at the College. In that time the exam factory. Newman prides itself on being a Catholic College has grown a lot; it is now much bigger with a College that is a community full of respect, love and bigger community. There are more students and the compassion.” ARCHBISHOP Patrick Kelly VISITS Cardinal Newman

At the beginning of October, Archbishop Patrick Kelly paid the College a visit in celebration of the feast day of Blessed John Henry Newman. Archbishop Kelly, who is Archdiocese for Liverpool, was a former student of the College when it was known as , so the visit was of equal prominence to him as it was to students and staff at Newman. The visit consisted of a wonderful mass in the Chapel, lead by Archbishop Patrick Kelly himself and College Chaplain Father Jim Clarke. The College choir performed and students read prayers and readings from the Gospel. The feast day was celebrated with free Divine Fairtrade chocolate for all and a buffet for friends of the College who were also invited to attend. Newman News The Christmas Edition 2012 03 Meet the PRINCIPAL During November there was a ‘Meet the Principal’ event held at College for students to ask any pressing questions regarding College life. Those who weren’t able to make it were even able to live tweet their questions through to the Student Union Twitter page!

Attendees were able to direct questions straight to Principal Nick Burnham regarding his past experience within education and what he sees for the future of the College. Students equally enjoyed the chance to share their experiences of College with the recently appointed Principal. Nick was asked how he is enjoying the job so far, to which he replied: “It’s strange being your own boss for the first time!”

Discussions arose on life after College for students and Nick gave his advice to those looking to study at university and the financial cost of being an undergraduate student.

The event was a great opportunity for students to find out more about their Principal and discuss the issues which matter to them. Students also got the chance to thank Nick for the positive changes which have already been made. The event was hosted by the Student Union and the Learner Voice, ensuring that all students were able to ask the questions they wanted to ask and importantly have a valued voice within the College community. EUROPEAN DAY of Languages

Many of our students enjoyed our Modern Foreign Language students popular foreign films which are in European Day of Languages which was also enjoyed taster lessons in Polish, stock and can be enjoyed by non- celebrated at the end of September. Greek and Portuguese. They worked language and language students alike. Over 80 members of staff wore stickers in mixed language teams to complete to commemorate the day printed with quizzes about the countries of the EU At lunch students sold and decorated their favourite foreign word or phrase, and took part in a treasure hunt around cakes which they had baked and ranging from the cryptic to the deeply College in the language they study. donated and £270.50 was raised for philosophical, generating much Sean Haslegrave’s 1500 mile charity discussion amongst colleagues and The library also got involved and walk. Overall, a ‘fantastique’ day all students! displayed a wide range of books and round! A Wonderful UNION! At the heart of the Cardinal Newman student body is the vibrant and pro-active Student Union who have, again, had a fun and busy term. They have arranged numerous events both inside and outside of College including the College Fresher’s Do, a Guild 2012 Time Capsule Burial and a pyjama day in order to raise funds for Children in Need. The Student Union also hosted a Chocolate and Chat Day, where students were able to express their thoughts on any aspect of College life whilst enjoying a chocolate fountain! 04 Newman News The Christmas Edition 2012 Newman Day 2012 It was a fun-filled There were a range of different enjoyed throughout the day and things to do and enjoy, such as an energetic Zumba class at November 15th henna painting and hand massage lunchtime proved to be a hit with and the chance to buy a variety of students and staff! for students at ethical goods including Cuckoo Bags and Beads of Hope, not to Each year the Chaplaincy team invite Cardinal Newman, mention some delicious Fairtrade guest speakers from all walks of life chocolate! Fantastic circus skills to share their personal journey or as they enjoyed and relaxation sessions were mission, often challenging perceptions and sparking debate amongst the celebrating the students. This year a reputed author and former prisoner annual Newman discussed the realities of life behind bars and his journey Day at College. to better himself.

There were motivational and challenging talks from the ever popular thalidomide Newman News The Christmas Edition 2012 05

survivor and comedian Gary Skyner medical aid and the chance to find out about organisation opportunities to volunteer abroad. committed to providing Over the lunch period, students, medical aid visitors and staff were able to enjoy where it is most performances from the College’s jazz needed and band and open-mic sessions from also to raising talented students, as they perused awareness of the the charitable goods on offer. plight of the people they help. As well as acting as a well-deserved break from the students’ busy Cath from Christian Aid/ academic schedule, Newman Day aims Fairtrade was present and to raise awareness of wider issues at spreading the message of home and abroad. Local, national and how the students’ involvement international charities such as CAFOD, can ultimately make a Christian Aid and Médecins Sans difference to the lives of Frontières (MSF) all sent volunteers. others. This message was MSF is an independent, humanitarian suitably represented by this year’s theme of ‘Growth is the only evidence of life’, which echoed throughout the day. The BEAT Goes On…

It’s been a particularly busy and exciting year for the Cardinal Newman Dance Academy with performances for the Ecumenical Service for Preston Guild 2012, numerous professional dance companies visiting the College and many in-house performances. More recently at the beginning of November the Academy were invited to perform at Blackpool Grand Theatre to open a new show for professional company ‘12 Degrees North’. The Academy students were delighted to be asked to perform at such a prestigious event and had the opportunity to perform a dance piece commissioned by choreographer Lindsey Brocklebank: Oscillate. The event was a great success and members of the Academy were supported by over 20 other dance students from College. 06 Newman News The Christmas Edition 2012

‘DR DANCE’ shows DON’T MISS a Thing! You can now keep up-to-date with what’s students some moves going on at Newman by liking our page on A group of first and second Facebook, following us on Twitter and if you year Psychology students are an ex-student (calling all older siblings headed off to Manchester and parents!) you can now join our this term to attend a Facebook alumni page. Psychology Conference at the university. Facebook: /cardinalnewmancollege The aim of the conference was to show students how much psychology has an impact in our daily lives, as well as discussing new and interesting topics within the field. Twitter: @Newman_College A particular highlight of the day was the talk from ‘Dr Dance’, a leading Psychologist in dance and hormones, who talked about his Alumni: research into how our hormone levels effect the way we dance, and ultimately how we might attract a mate! He even showed the /cardinalnewmancollegealumni students some moves to maximise their social skills! BERLIN got me thinking... In November, 17 A2 German and of just under 3000 concrete towers. Thinking group took a trip to Wannsee, Critical Thinking students set out for where the Nazis planned the 'final Berlin to practice their German skills Day 2 - The second day started with solution'. The day was rounded off with and find out about the ethical issues a trip to the DDR Museum before a visit to Checkpoint Charlie; an old surrounding Nazi Germany and the we enjoyed a tour of the Bundestag American checkpoint on the border period of the Berlin Wall. Second year (German Parliament) and between East and West Berlin, where student Owen Hurford, formerly of Hohenschonhausen, a former Stasi escape attempts are documented. Lostock Hall, has reported on what Prison in the centre of Berlin. It was they got up to: fascinating to find out what life was Day 4 - Our final day began with a really like in Communist Germany! walking tour of 'Another Side of Berlin', DAY 1 - On arrival in Germany we seeing how Germany has preserved got straight into our sightseeing, Day 3 - Everyone enjoyed the its history plus more modern parts of starting with some of the most opportunity to visit the Berlin Wall the city. We finished off the trip with a famous landmarks in Berlin such as memorial and see the ghost station of visit to the Potsdamer Platz Christmas Brandenburger Tor and the TV Tower Nordbahnhof which was trapped in the Market to get us in the festive spirit! (the tallest building in Europe!) We then middle of the wall. German students Before we all knew it, it was time to made a particularly poignant visit to the had the chance to meet with Dr. Elke head back to the UK. The whole group Holocaust Memorial which is made up Hirsch to listen to her experiences of really enjoyed the trip and it was East Germany, whilst the Critical amazing how much we managed to see in just four days! Newman News The Christmas Edition 2012 07 NEW YORK, NEW YORK! Students from Drama, Dance, and visiting the 9/11 memorial. Performing Arts and Travel & In addition to the sights, students LAW in Tourism enjoyed an action-packed ate the best pizza in Brooklyn, few days in New York City this ice-skated round the famous October. As well as going to Rockefeller Centre rink and joined London watch some Broadway musicals the singing waiters in entertaining including Spiderman and Turn customers at Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Students studying Law at Cardinal Off the Dark, the group Newman were given the opportunity to participated in a Stage Combat visit London for three days at the end workshop and had the opportunity of the last half term. The trip allowed to get career advice from a students to observe cases in the Court seasoned Broadway star. of Appeal, Supreme Court and the Old Bailey and they also had a guided tour Sightseeing in this incredible city of Parliament. included taking in the Manhattan skyline from the top of the Empire Some of our Law students are hoping State Building, cruising past the to become barristers or solicitors and Statue of Liberty on the Staten so this experience allowed them to Island Ferry, walking across the gain a real insight into the work Brooklyn Bridge, shopping in the involved in these careers. Acting Head famous FAO Schwarz toy store Drama and Dance student Tom Heyes said: “This was the most of Law, Heather Brooks said: "The fulfilling trip I’ve ever been on. students found the tour of Parliament I thoroughly enjoyed the shows and fascinating and were able to visit the soaking up the culture of such an House of Lords and the House of amazing city. It has really inspired Commons which was fantastic! They me to travel further and to use my thoroughly enjoyed watching real life experiences in my acting career.” cases in some of the highest courts in Students and staff had a wonderful England and seeing how their studies time and planning is already translate in reality." underway for next year’s visit. Although it was a short trip, the students still found time to have some fun and do some sight-seeing in London; visiting Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Downing Street and even stopping off in the West End to watch Billy Elliot!

Since the trip a group of A2 students competed in the regional heat of the Citizenship Foundation's Bar National Mock Trial Competition at Manchester Crown Court and came first beating Blackpool Sixth Form College!

The students will revisit London, when they go on to compete in the national final of the competition in March 2013 at the Royal Courts of Justice! Newman News The Christmas Edition 2012

group aims to find potential athletes professional coach, learning how to and put them through their paces, with row; and building her skills and Sporting a view to competing in the Olympics strength up to Olympic standards. one day. Olivia said: “I will continue with this Olivia joined 3000 others in signing up for a couple of months to see if I like GIANTS for rowing, where she was selected it and if the people running the alongside just 300 potential rowers for programme definitely want me. If Newman student Olivia D’Arcy trials. The trials consisted of measuring they do then I will be training as (St Michael’s) is a keen sportswoman, height, strength and stamina to gauge much as I can every week and will as part of the College Netball Academy, each person’s potential to be an aim to go to a university with a but decided to challenge herself Olympic rower and Olivia was one of rowing programme, most likely further by joining Sporting Giants, a just 20 girls selected to continue in Manchester so I can continue to group set up for tall sports people the process. She now trains three train at Salford. The aim is ultimately looking to learn a new sport. The times a week at Salford Quays with a to become an Olympic rower.” Netballers Badminton Eight Newman students entered the WINNING BCS North West Badminton tournament on the 10th October at Nelson and College competing STREAK in all five categories. There were outstanding performances from The Cardinal Newman Netball Sabrina Rose and Anna Campbell who Academy have had a phenomenal were victorious in the ladies doubles, start to the season, winning defeating the home team in the final. They will now progress to the national every match so far by a mile! finals in Bath next year. The rest of The team started the season off with a bang, the team all reached at least the semi- winning 138 - 1 against Accrington and finals in their respective categories. Rossendale College and have continued the winning streak ever since. Dave Evans, the team Co-Ordinator and Head of Sociology said: “In terms Netball Academy Assistant Coach Jemma of strength in depth, Newman were Garvin said: “We have had an incredible arguably the strongest team start to the season. The team have put in competing at the event. Congratulations a lot of hard work and dedication with to all who competed!” their training and I am hugely proud of all of their efforts.”

The team are also flying high after winning the Lancashire Schools’ County Round at Stanley Park, Blackpool and are now looking forward to competing in the regional round in January! Good luck to all the girls!

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Photography by Clive Lawrence and CNC Marketing. Designed and produced by CDM Student Contributors: Sara Bapu, Christina Eastham, Ilaria Gatto, Tel: 01254 777752 www.cd-marketing.co.uk Owen Hurford, Kelvin Keeley, Bethany Monaghan-Wilson & Raheema Omar.