Good news from technical services at MMU

Kitty Scott (Technical Officer, Sport) has shared her experience being invited as alumni at Leeds Trinity University (LTU) to sit on a panel for a Women in Sport event. The event was for girls aged 16-18 in school years 12 and 13 and approximately 150 girls attended.

Keynote speakers on the day delivered inspirational messages, including Lois Forsell, Head Coach for Women’s Leeds Rhinos team, Jess Learmonth MBE, Olympic gold medallist Triathlete and Anna Carter, Head Coach and Founder of Elite Netball Academy.

The panel was led by Dr Lisa Gannon, an Associate Professor at LTU, and they discussed their journeys as women in sport. The panel answered questions relating to opportunities and experiences that have helped them progress throughout their careers. The day was concluded with questions asked by the students in attendance who were intrigued to know who the panel’s role models were, the motivational factors behind their success and any advice the panel could provide to work as a woman in sport.

Speaking about the event, Kitty said: “I believe the event motivated the attendees to strive towards future prospects and I am glad to have been a part of the panel to help inspire the young girls to achieve their best.”

‘Are you book enough?’ challenge developing teaching methods in Bookbinding – career development, visibility

In January, George Gibson (Assistant Technical Officer, Bookbinding), suggested that they and fellow bookbinding technicians, as well as any keen students, take part in the 2023 #AreYouBookEnough challenge. From January – December, participants in the challenge will be aiming to create a new artist book each month, based on a single assigned word. The books are shared on Instagram using the hashtag #AreYouBookEnough, forming an international community of book artists online.

The technicians’ goal is to try out a new book structure each month, so there is a larger pool of examples and methods to teach within the workshop. It’s already been an exciting process, with a student taking part in March’s challenge practicing a technique and printing method that was new to him.

Below are some great photos of previous months’ challenges, showing work from technical staff Caitlin, Lisa, George and a student who took part in March:

Technical Services supports World Book Day event – career development, recognition, visibility

To mark World Book Day this year, colleagues in Health and Education at Manchester Met worked collaboratively to plan and deliver a teaching session to inspire children to develop a passion for reading and learning. Students chose ‘Journeys’ as the theme for books at the event, which was held on Manchester Met campus for 60 Year 3 and 4 children from a partnership school in Hulme.

There were a range of activities on the day including an immersive interactive experience in the CAVE and the DOME, a sensory experience in the drama studio and interactive activities in classrooms, based on themes from various books.

The day was a joint effort from over six Technical Services staff and 22 BA Year 1 Trainee Teachers. They received great feedback, with the teacher asking for more places for Year 1 teaching experience this term:

“I think his whole team need a huge pat on the back! The day wouldn’t have been half as successful as it was without them.”

“The 60 children that visited us had a wonderful experience”.

Coverage of Al Baker’s work – The incredible pictures of the ‘last days of Hulme – recognition, visibility

Al Baker (Technical Officer, Photography), recently received coverage of his work on ‘the last days of Hulme’. Check out the articles in the MEN and The Face.