Firstly, I would like to congratulate Joe Farish on being elected as Access Officer, it has been a very closely contested election, and I know that Access is in very safe hands over the upcoming year, and I have no doubt that he will do a fantastic job.People have asked me how I feel about not winning and my opinion on the outcome. Being honest – you learn a lot about yourself in these elections – doing things you never thought would be possible for you to do. But there was something that I realised long before voting even opened, let alone closed, was that there could only be one possible main winner in the CUSU election; but this winner didn’t actually attend any hustings, this winner didn’t even submit a manifesto, in my opinion, the main winner in this election has got to be Access.
Three very passionate and experienced candidates saw Access leap to the forefront of everyone’s mind; there were questions galore at some hustings for the candidates vying to be the potential Access and Funding Officer, and Access made it onto the front page of a student newspaper for the first time in my Cambridge memory.
I have had writers from both of the papers e-mailing me asking for my opinion and comments on the latest report into poverty being the biggest barrier to academic achievement as part of articles to go in both papers this week.
Seeing Access in the spotlight as much as it has been is not something that I expected at all when I submitted my nomination, but it is something that I’m really, really pleased about. Too often, the issues go unnoticed, left to the Access Officers to consider. Hopefully, the media coverage can help Access to maintain its profile, because there are important issues, which whilst may not be of relevant to your average student, do still mean that it is more important than ever that CUSU and the University in general are driving and extending our access programmes. As I know only too well, the Access programmes aren’t just things the University do to make it look good in the media, which has no effect – these schemes benefit real students and help ensure that those students who have the potential realise that Cambridge is a place for bright students, and that financial, social and educational background are not factors which should stop you in your quest for academic success.
For those of you wanting an answer to the question ‘So what is next for Andy?’ Well, whilst I am (obviously) gutted not to have been elected, the key thing to remember in all of this is that Access is about more than one person. It is not just about the person who holds the title of ‘CUSU Access Officer’; it is about the students in the colleges, organising their own access projects, it is about the students who give up their time to go and visit local schools voluntarily to talk about their experiences, and it is about those students who open Oxbridge up as an opportunity to those students who may never have considered it as an option before because of their misconceptions, or their fears. That, in my eyes is what Access all about, and that is what I intend to continue to be involved in – I will continue to dedicate my time and energy to Access, I will continue to do everything within my power to get the real message out about Cambridge.
So finally, if I’ve played even the smallest of parts in raising awareness of access and the many tough issues related to it, and created a springboard from which Access can jump to even greater heights, reach even more students and result in more Access success stories – then I’m proud to say that I had a part to play in that.
Thursday 5 March 2009
Wednesday 4 March 2009
Tuesday 3rd March - The end is nigh...
Today saw one final push for votes and the final hustings session which was held at Trinity.
After a bit of a lie-in (much-deserved I think after the past 2 days!) I started by flyering the Sigdwick Site, moving between the law faculty and english faculty (depending on the traffic and also where I fancied being at a particular moment in time!)
I then decided I'd actually make an appearance at a lecture! There was then time for a bit more flyering before getting some lunch!
After this it was back to do some quick flyering before going to my 2nd lecture of the day (I'm getting good at this lecture malarky!)
The evening saw the last night in Trinity Hall Bar before it shuts ready for the brand new Aula Bar to be opened later this week! However, almost as significantly - it saw the final hustings of the 2009 CUSU Elections - Turn-out may have been low (probably because most people have voted alread) but I enjoyed the opportunity to give Oxbridge Applications a good bashing when the question on it arose! I won't get into a rant about it now but if anyone is interested then just ask me about it!
Well, well, well - that is the end of the Hustings trail, and practically the end of the campaign trail (hopefully it will be the end of the miserable weather - but I'm not holding my breath on that one!) - Tomorrow sees voting in colleges before the count taking place at Jesus Forum from 8pm - it is being covered LIVE on CUR1350 - The UK's best student radio station - so please do tune in - but most importantly - whether you're boting for me, or for any other candidate, or even just for a referendum - please do vote! Whether you are a grad, undergrad, home student, international student - it is your representatives who are being elected! CUSU is the student's union, so make sure you get the people you want in! Some of the races this year are very tight so every vote is going to be important! And don't stop at voting yourself, get all of your friends to vote! It doesn't take long at all!
Until tomorrow... goodnight.
PS - Vote Andy!
After a bit of a lie-in (much-deserved I think after the past 2 days!) I started by flyering the Sigdwick Site, moving between the law faculty and english faculty (depending on the traffic and also where I fancied being at a particular moment in time!)
I then decided I'd actually make an appearance at a lecture! There was then time for a bit more flyering before getting some lunch!
After this it was back to do some quick flyering before going to my 2nd lecture of the day (I'm getting good at this lecture malarky!)
The evening saw the last night in Trinity Hall Bar before it shuts ready for the brand new Aula Bar to be opened later this week! However, almost as significantly - it saw the final hustings of the 2009 CUSU Elections - Turn-out may have been low (probably because most people have voted alread) but I enjoyed the opportunity to give Oxbridge Applications a good bashing when the question on it arose! I won't get into a rant about it now but if anyone is interested then just ask me about it!
Well, well, well - that is the end of the Hustings trail, and practically the end of the campaign trail (hopefully it will be the end of the miserable weather - but I'm not holding my breath on that one!) - Tomorrow sees voting in colleges before the count taking place at Jesus Forum from 8pm - it is being covered LIVE on CUR1350 - The UK's best student radio station - so please do tune in - but most importantly - whether you're boting for me, or for any other candidate, or even just for a referendum - please do vote! Whether you are a grad, undergrad, home student, international student - it is your representatives who are being elected! CUSU is the student's union, so make sure you get the people you want in! Some of the races this year are very tight so every vote is going to be important! And don't stop at voting yourself, get all of your friends to vote! It doesn't take long at all!
Until tomorrow... goodnight.
PS - Vote Andy!
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Monday 2nd March
Well, well, well - voting is now open -the fate of the candidates is in the hands of the electorate - but that doesn't mean an end to the campaigning!
I managed to survive my supervision (somehow!) - but I think I may just slightly have to catch up in the Easter vacs! Before running for election I didn't realise how much of an effect the process has on you - both physically and emotionally.
I then moved onto campaigning in college making sure that Trinity Hall turns out en masse (with a little time for lunch inbetween!)
Tea with Target Schools provided a welcome break from the campaigning - where I actually got into a very interesting discussion about the reasons why young carers are so under-represented at University, and the reasons why they don't go onto higher education (something which I'm very interested in, from personal experience) - It was great to see such a good turn-out (about 25 student showed up) - and hopefully the next session ON FRIDAY AT MURRAY EDWARDS AT 6:30 - COME ALONG! (sorry about the plug there!) will be even better attended - it bodes well for the target schools campaign!
Then it was time for the first of 4 hustings - we started at Murray Edwards (the same place where Tea with Target Schools is taking place, this Friday in case you forgot!) with a flurry of questions covering such issues as whether CUSU should be trying to extend its focus to those who could potentially apply as Grads, along with a question about funding Access (there were more questions but I always struggle to remember them all - it seems like such a blur!).
Then we made the short trip next door to Fitz where there was a good turn-out (about 20-25 or so) - with questions on how we would work to dispel myths.
Next was a trip down the hill to Caius... the turn-out... umm... could possibly have been a little higher (3 non-candidates present) but it meant that speeches were delivered in a different way to usual - whomever takes office as the CUSU Sabbaticals next year - they have a challenge to really try and increase interest in the elections process, and especially the hustings process - is 16 in 6 days too many? How do you increase turn-out? However, this didn't mean that we got off lightly - with a nice, technical question of whether bursaries should be linked to RPI or not.
Our final stop of the night was Clare Cellars (for hustings, not a bop in case any of you were wondering!) - which saw questions on if there any policies of the University which we would like to challenge, the effect of some colleges having better financial provisions than others, the private v state school argument in terms of where Access fits in, and also whether we should introduce positive discrimination (an issue which has appeared frequently over the campaign). We also had the first question which provoked a request for a right of reply from the questioner - it was about the effect of things becoming more expensive, but the bursaries available not matching this - issues such as the hardship grants and Cambridge's policy that no student should be forced to leave for financial reasons, all came to light in the course of answers.
Access aside, the lack of Presidents at Clare's Hustings tonight, gave a chance for welfare to be the headliners, which was nice.
Well we only have one more husting session left - tomorrow evening at Trinity - I have no idea how many people to expect, but as a Trinity Hall student, it's my turn to enter the opposition territory as they say!
As one candidate quite rightly said in their speech - no matter who you decide to vote for in this election, make sure you do vote! Turn-out so far is good, but we want as many students as possible to take part in the election.
www.vote.cusu.cam.ac.uk
PS - TEA WITH TARGET SCHOOLS, MURRAY EDWARDS, FRIDAY 6TH MARCH, 6:30PM
I managed to survive my supervision (somehow!) - but I think I may just slightly have to catch up in the Easter vacs! Before running for election I didn't realise how much of an effect the process has on you - both physically and emotionally.
I then moved onto campaigning in college making sure that Trinity Hall turns out en masse (with a little time for lunch inbetween!)
Tea with Target Schools provided a welcome break from the campaigning - where I actually got into a very interesting discussion about the reasons why young carers are so under-represented at University, and the reasons why they don't go onto higher education (something which I'm very interested in, from personal experience) - It was great to see such a good turn-out (about 25 student showed up) - and hopefully the next session ON FRIDAY AT MURRAY EDWARDS AT 6:30 - COME ALONG! (sorry about the plug there!) will be even better attended - it bodes well for the target schools campaign!
Then it was time for the first of 4 hustings - we started at Murray Edwards (the same place where Tea with Target Schools is taking place, this Friday in case you forgot!) with a flurry of questions covering such issues as whether CUSU should be trying to extend its focus to those who could potentially apply as Grads, along with a question about funding Access (there were more questions but I always struggle to remember them all - it seems like such a blur!).
Then we made the short trip next door to Fitz where there was a good turn-out (about 20-25 or so) - with questions on how we would work to dispel myths.
Next was a trip down the hill to Caius... the turn-out... umm... could possibly have been a little higher (3 non-candidates present) but it meant that speeches were delivered in a different way to usual - whomever takes office as the CUSU Sabbaticals next year - they have a challenge to really try and increase interest in the elections process, and especially the hustings process - is 16 in 6 days too many? How do you increase turn-out? However, this didn't mean that we got off lightly - with a nice, technical question of whether bursaries should be linked to RPI or not.
Our final stop of the night was Clare Cellars (for hustings, not a bop in case any of you were wondering!) - which saw questions on if there any policies of the University which we would like to challenge, the effect of some colleges having better financial provisions than others, the private v state school argument in terms of where Access fits in, and also whether we should introduce positive discrimination (an issue which has appeared frequently over the campaign). We also had the first question which provoked a request for a right of reply from the questioner - it was about the effect of things becoming more expensive, but the bursaries available not matching this - issues such as the hardship grants and Cambridge's policy that no student should be forced to leave for financial reasons, all came to light in the course of answers.
Access aside, the lack of Presidents at Clare's Hustings tonight, gave a chance for welfare to be the headliners, which was nice.
Well we only have one more husting session left - tomorrow evening at Trinity - I have no idea how many people to expect, but as a Trinity Hall student, it's my turn to enter the opposition territory as they say!
As one candidate quite rightly said in their speech - no matter who you decide to vote for in this election, make sure you do vote! Turn-out so far is good, but we want as many students as possible to take part in the election.
www.vote.cusu.cam.ac.uk
PS - TEA WITH TARGET SCHOOLS, MURRAY EDWARDS, FRIDAY 6TH MARCH, 6:30PM
Monday 2 March 2009
Sunday 1st March - Hustings, hustings and yet more hustings!
Today saw the busiest day of the campaign in terms of hustings with 5 in a single day, but it also saw us crash through the half-way point of this hustings schedule!
It started with our first lunch-time slot, at Jesus College - questions were raised about our recent Access involvement and how we propose to increase media interest in Access initiatives.
After lunch in carvery, I was off up to Churchill for radio hustings on CUR1350 - Despite having a microphone right in front of me, I actually found it not too bad - questions were submitted live during the show and we talked about students from ethnic being under-represented and how we plan to tackle this, along with a question about the purpose of CUSU open days. (If anyone wants to hear extracts from it - it should be on the CUR1350 website in the next couple of days)
With not much of a break inbetween, the next stop was Newnham (via putting a poster up at Gardies - never imagined I'd be doing that!). Questions were asked on how we would increase funding for Access and a question about international students and whether we should be encouraging them to apply.
Next stop - Homerton (via a mini-bus) - this took place in the bar and so we had some enthusastic football fans, who were obviously cheering for the candidates at various intervals (or it might have been when a goal was scored - not really sure which!) This was home turf for a number of the candidates, and so the turn-out was slightly bigger than the previous hustings - HE Funding entered the arena of discussion once more, as did what we would do in our first few months in the job, as well as a question about whether we need an Access Sabb not that applications are higher (complete with a certain CUSU President forgetting to give me my time to answer - which ended up with me getting my words into a nice game of twister!)
Final stop on the Sunday was the other side of Cambridge - Girton (via Co-Op for some of the hungry candidates!) - rumours of random questions to do with what sandwich or fruit we would be and why were proved to be unfounded - instead we had a question about whether Access is actually what CUSU should be doing, because arguably it doesn't affect current students directly.
Turn-out wasn't great today for a number of the hustings - will be interesting if we see more students tomorrow at Murray Edwards, Fitz, Clare or Caius.
As for me - I have a supervision in 9 hours - oh the joy - I'd sort of forgotten what law work was like!
It started with our first lunch-time slot, at Jesus College - questions were raised about our recent Access involvement and how we propose to increase media interest in Access initiatives.
After lunch in carvery, I was off up to Churchill for radio hustings on CUR1350 - Despite having a microphone right in front of me, I actually found it not too bad - questions were submitted live during the show and we talked about students from ethnic being under-represented and how we plan to tackle this, along with a question about the purpose of CUSU open days. (If anyone wants to hear extracts from it - it should be on the CUR1350 website in the next couple of days)
With not much of a break inbetween, the next stop was Newnham (via putting a poster up at Gardies - never imagined I'd be doing that!). Questions were asked on how we would increase funding for Access and a question about international students and whether we should be encouraging them to apply.
Next stop - Homerton (via a mini-bus) - this took place in the bar and so we had some enthusastic football fans, who were obviously cheering for the candidates at various intervals (or it might have been when a goal was scored - not really sure which!) This was home turf for a number of the candidates, and so the turn-out was slightly bigger than the previous hustings - HE Funding entered the arena of discussion once more, as did what we would do in our first few months in the job, as well as a question about whether we need an Access Sabb not that applications are higher (complete with a certain CUSU President forgetting to give me my time to answer - which ended up with me getting my words into a nice game of twister!)
Final stop on the Sunday was the other side of Cambridge - Girton (via Co-Op for some of the hungry candidates!) - rumours of random questions to do with what sandwich or fruit we would be and why were proved to be unfounded - instead we had a question about whether Access is actually what CUSU should be doing, because arguably it doesn't affect current students directly.
Turn-out wasn't great today for a number of the hustings - will be interesting if we see more students tomorrow at Murray Edwards, Fitz, Clare or Caius.
As for me - I have a supervision in 9 hours - oh the joy - I'd sort of forgotten what law work was like!
Saturday 28 February 2009
Choices, choices, choices
This article can also be found on the Varsity blog.
This week’s CUSU elections allow Access to take the spot-light within Cambridge and one of the issues to emerge is advice on subject choices, particularly at the stage of A Levels. It is assumed by many (students and teachers alike) that all students are given adequate career advice to allow them to consider their options and decide their future paths. Believe me, I wish that was the case; an education system in which every student gets individualised advice, based on their own circumstances and needs, is an education system to strive for. But as with most things, just like I’m not a millionaire, the reality doesn’t match the ideal.
When I was in Year 11, I remember being told by my tutor in those hour-long PSHE lessons where no-one in the room (including the teacher) really wanted to be there that when it comes to picking what to do at college you should ‘do something that you enjoy and something that you’re good at.’ Whilst I agree that the above is very sensible advice in general (I would be slightly worried if teachers were saying ‘do the subject you’re worst at’ or one that you hate) there was no mention about the possible effects of my decision. The word ‘university’ never came up. And this is where the problem lies: a significant number of students choose their AS Levels without realising the ways in which they may be limiting their options.
Much is made of the private vs. state divide, as if there is a huge wall between the two. Personally I think that focusing solely on the type of school simplifies and doesn’t solve the problem. There are some brilliant state schools with excellent careers guidance for their students. I think that the reason why this problem seems to be less visible in the private sector is that there are more resources to feed into the careers advice and a different ethos. Many of the best schools (whether private or state) direct students’ thinking towards University from the age of 11, so that it seems like the normal thing to do. And on a practical note, a large number of the private schools do not offer A level choices in subjects which universities deem to be ‘soft’, ‘easier’ or ‘less suitable preparation for one of our courses.’
This poses another related question: should we have an infamous ‘black-list’ of subjects? Whilst I fully respect and encourage transparency in the admissions process (something that Cambridge is getting better at – from feedback to schools on applicants’ performance to more direct and accessible information about the process), I must admit to a slight apprehension. When I finally decided to give applying to Cambridge a go, I remember thinking that I had to justify why I took performance studies, simply because it was on ‘the list’- I didn’t think that ‘because I enjoy drama’ would cut the ice with Cambridge – but why shouldn’t it?
OK, so I’ve highlighted some of the problems, but how do we begin to fix it? Whilst I’m not proclaiming to be a careers guru, I can give my opinion based on my experiences.
Firstly, the most important target are teachers: as Government adverts for teaching highlight, a teacher can have a huge impact on a student’s life. If one teacher gives poor advice to their students, imagine how many students lose out as a result over two, three, four years. Many don’t realise just how influential they are, forgetting that they can be the key to enabling a student to achieve their potential. Others just don’t think and give the generic ‘look at the UCAS website’ answer. But for someone who wants to be a journalist, this can be misleading; they could decide to do an English degree, and get involved in student newspapers at university, but so many automatically assume that a journalism degree is the only means to an end available. The same goes for lawyers, the aspiring businessman or next *insert name of your favourite politician here*.
Secondly, the information from the University should be framed in a much more positive light. Rather than listing the subjects which the University isn’t so keen on, the focus should be on the subjects that universities feel best prepare you for particular courses.
Thirdly, the access programmes need to extend their reach to those in Year 10 and 11. Whilst they aren’t at a stage where they need the ins and outs of the admissions process for Cambridge, or need information on the UCAS system, it is important that they are receiving honest advice on the effects of their choices, so that they when they make a decision, it is an informed one. This is a very different kettle of fish to forcing a student to do certain subjects; no teacher has the right to force a student into taking Further Education options which they don’t want to do, but they can provide the information and guidance to allow them to make the choice.
The burden should not rest squarely on the shoulders of the Widening Participation Teams of one University, or even universities in general. Universities should provide the information related to their courses, but it is up to the Government to improve the careers advice available to students across the board. They need to wake up and get serious – it’s time to level the playing field.
This week’s CUSU elections allow Access to take the spot-light within Cambridge and one of the issues to emerge is advice on subject choices, particularly at the stage of A Levels. It is assumed by many (students and teachers alike) that all students are given adequate career advice to allow them to consider their options and decide their future paths. Believe me, I wish that was the case; an education system in which every student gets individualised advice, based on their own circumstances and needs, is an education system to strive for. But as with most things, just like I’m not a millionaire, the reality doesn’t match the ideal.
When I was in Year 11, I remember being told by my tutor in those hour-long PSHE lessons where no-one in the room (including the teacher) really wanted to be there that when it comes to picking what to do at college you should ‘do something that you enjoy and something that you’re good at.’ Whilst I agree that the above is very sensible advice in general (I would be slightly worried if teachers were saying ‘do the subject you’re worst at’ or one that you hate) there was no mention about the possible effects of my decision. The word ‘university’ never came up. And this is where the problem lies: a significant number of students choose their AS Levels without realising the ways in which they may be limiting their options.
Much is made of the private vs. state divide, as if there is a huge wall between the two. Personally I think that focusing solely on the type of school simplifies and doesn’t solve the problem. There are some brilliant state schools with excellent careers guidance for their students. I think that the reason why this problem seems to be less visible in the private sector is that there are more resources to feed into the careers advice and a different ethos. Many of the best schools (whether private or state) direct students’ thinking towards University from the age of 11, so that it seems like the normal thing to do. And on a practical note, a large number of the private schools do not offer A level choices in subjects which universities deem to be ‘soft’, ‘easier’ or ‘less suitable preparation for one of our courses.’
This poses another related question: should we have an infamous ‘black-list’ of subjects? Whilst I fully respect and encourage transparency in the admissions process (something that Cambridge is getting better at – from feedback to schools on applicants’ performance to more direct and accessible information about the process), I must admit to a slight apprehension. When I finally decided to give applying to Cambridge a go, I remember thinking that I had to justify why I took performance studies, simply because it was on ‘the list’- I didn’t think that ‘because I enjoy drama’ would cut the ice with Cambridge – but why shouldn’t it?
OK, so I’ve highlighted some of the problems, but how do we begin to fix it? Whilst I’m not proclaiming to be a careers guru, I can give my opinion based on my experiences.
Firstly, the most important target are teachers: as Government adverts for teaching highlight, a teacher can have a huge impact on a student’s life. If one teacher gives poor advice to their students, imagine how many students lose out as a result over two, three, four years. Many don’t realise just how influential they are, forgetting that they can be the key to enabling a student to achieve their potential. Others just don’t think and give the generic ‘look at the UCAS website’ answer. But for someone who wants to be a journalist, this can be misleading; they could decide to do an English degree, and get involved in student newspapers at university, but so many automatically assume that a journalism degree is the only means to an end available. The same goes for lawyers, the aspiring businessman or next *insert name of your favourite politician here*.
Secondly, the information from the University should be framed in a much more positive light. Rather than listing the subjects which the University isn’t so keen on, the focus should be on the subjects that universities feel best prepare you for particular courses.
Thirdly, the access programmes need to extend their reach to those in Year 10 and 11. Whilst they aren’t at a stage where they need the ins and outs of the admissions process for Cambridge, or need information on the UCAS system, it is important that they are receiving honest advice on the effects of their choices, so that they when they make a decision, it is an informed one. This is a very different kettle of fish to forcing a student to do certain subjects; no teacher has the right to force a student into taking Further Education options which they don’t want to do, but they can provide the information and guidance to allow them to make the choice.
The burden should not rest squarely on the shoulders of the Widening Participation Teams of one University, or even universities in general. Universities should provide the information related to their courses, but it is up to the Government to improve the careers advice available to students across the board. They need to wake up and get serious – it’s time to level the playing field.
Saturday 28th Feb - The 'day off'!
Today was billed as a 'day off' for the candidates - but clearly it was far from that - could possibly even go as far to say it has been the busiest day of campaigning!
There may have been a break from hustings but flyering and postering was the name of the game today! Supposedly supervision work was also going to be happening today but at the time of writing (21:10), I have currently read 3 pages - oops!
Following last night's hustings, the press released their next round of views on the St John's and Kings hustings. Bearing in mind I totally lost my trail of thought in the final 15 seconds of my speech, I was happy with the coverage in TCS, I could think of worse terms than 'genuine and endearing'!
I also agree with Varsity's analysis - they're right - I'm not a polished public speaker, I don't have the charismatic approach - there would be no point me pretending to - my comfort zone is not in the Union, or at hustings being 'grilled' - I will never be a loud voice in CUSU Council, but instead, what I have in abudance is the passion and background backed up by experience and continuing commitment to Access which would make me ideal for the job. In my opinion, when you visit a school - if the students can see you're slightly nervous, it makes you seem more human and shows to them that not every Cambridge student has the public speaking ability to be a leading politician!
Anyways - suppose I'd better do some law (for a change!) - tomorrow sees 5 hustings, including a live one on CUR 1350 in the afternoon - also have to fit in a Target Schools Committee somehow tomorrow - anyone got a way of stopping time? If so let me know asap!
There may have been a break from hustings but flyering and postering was the name of the game today! Supposedly supervision work was also going to be happening today but at the time of writing (21:10), I have currently read 3 pages - oops!
Following last night's hustings, the press released their next round of views on the St John's and Kings hustings. Bearing in mind I totally lost my trail of thought in the final 15 seconds of my speech, I was happy with the coverage in TCS, I could think of worse terms than 'genuine and endearing'!
I also agree with Varsity's analysis - they're right - I'm not a polished public speaker, I don't have the charismatic approach - there would be no point me pretending to - my comfort zone is not in the Union, or at hustings being 'grilled' - I will never be a loud voice in CUSU Council, but instead, what I have in abudance is the passion and background backed up by experience and continuing commitment to Access which would make me ideal for the job. In my opinion, when you visit a school - if the students can see you're slightly nervous, it makes you seem more human and shows to them that not every Cambridge student has the public speaking ability to be a leading politician!
Anyways - suppose I'd better do some law (for a change!) - tomorrow sees 5 hustings, including a live one on CUR 1350 in the afternoon - also have to fit in a Target Schools Committee somehow tomorrow - anyone got a way of stopping time? If so let me know asap!
Friday 27th Feb - Varsity, Flyering and Hustings.. oh and a dragon in a gown!
Well as I said yesterday - Access was appearing on the front page of one of the papers, and it did - nice and big on the front cover of Varsity.
Today was probably the busiest day for campaigning so far - started nice & early with postering/flyering - I had such high hopes when I left my room this morning - blue sky, sun is shining - and then as luck would have it - as soon as I get ready to flyer - in goes the sun and out comes the clouds - typical!
I then thought it might be nice to actually make it to a lecture (2 this week so far!) - I'm sure I've forgotten how it feels to be studying law!
We had the most hustings in one night so far tonight - Magdalene, followed by St John's and then finished off in Kings Bar.
Not many questions emerged at the first hustings, but those that were asked included whether we would ignore private schools in the target talks campaign (which in case you were wondering, my view is that the focus has to be on state schools because of the general difference in terms of resources and careers advice but that private school students can play just as much of a role as those from state schools - to show that there isn't really any difference!)
Up next - St John's - it was a nice, cosy little atmosphere - so much that when I totally forgot what I was going to end on, I didn't actually feel as much of a fool as I thought I would! I think I'm beginning to realise that each hustings is going to be different and some are going to involve slip-ups. One question asked what aspect of the media we would target, and how we plan to improve links with teachers.
The final stop was Kings - with by far the biggest turn-out (maybe bar CUSU council) so far - the atmosphere was really good, and the venue actually worked well (even if I did have to use a microphone!)
Issues in questioning focussed on the Cambridge Ambassador's Programme, our views on fees, and even if there was any policy which we would like to bring to CUSU Council to do with Access.
And for those of you who were wondering - yes, there was a guy dressed up as a dragon, with a gown on, and no, I still have no idea why he was there!
Tomorrow is supposedly our day off - for me that translates to - catching up on sleep and actually doing some law work, whilst of course still keeping the campaign going!
Hustings resume at 12:30 at Jesus College on Sunday - hope to see you there!
Today was probably the busiest day for campaigning so far - started nice & early with postering/flyering - I had such high hopes when I left my room this morning - blue sky, sun is shining - and then as luck would have it - as soon as I get ready to flyer - in goes the sun and out comes the clouds - typical!
I then thought it might be nice to actually make it to a lecture (2 this week so far!) - I'm sure I've forgotten how it feels to be studying law!
We had the most hustings in one night so far tonight - Magdalene, followed by St John's and then finished off in Kings Bar.
Not many questions emerged at the first hustings, but those that were asked included whether we would ignore private schools in the target talks campaign (which in case you were wondering, my view is that the focus has to be on state schools because of the general difference in terms of resources and careers advice but that private school students can play just as much of a role as those from state schools - to show that there isn't really any difference!)
Up next - St John's - it was a nice, cosy little atmosphere - so much that when I totally forgot what I was going to end on, I didn't actually feel as much of a fool as I thought I would! I think I'm beginning to realise that each hustings is going to be different and some are going to involve slip-ups. One question asked what aspect of the media we would target, and how we plan to improve links with teachers.
The final stop was Kings - with by far the biggest turn-out (maybe bar CUSU council) so far - the atmosphere was really good, and the venue actually worked well (even if I did have to use a microphone!)
Issues in questioning focussed on the Cambridge Ambassador's Programme, our views on fees, and even if there was any policy which we would like to bring to CUSU Council to do with Access.
And for those of you who were wondering - yes, there was a guy dressed up as a dragon, with a gown on, and no, I still have no idea why he was there!
Tomorrow is supposedly our day off - for me that translates to - catching up on sleep and actually doing some law work, whilst of course still keeping the campaign going!
Hustings resume at 12:30 at Jesus College on Sunday - hope to see you there!
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