Urban Fox Magazine |

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for young people

with adult minds

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connexionslifemag

THEconnexionslifemagazine issue 2

Issue 2 - Spring Edition

www.urbanfoxmag.co.uk

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urban fox4 2/12/08 4:24 PM

Hello from FoxyTowers…

Welcome to the second edition ofBirmingham’s newest lifestylemagazine – Urban Fox. We’ve been slaving away here atFoxy Towers to bring you – thereaders – THE ultimate shopping, fashion, guys and girls beauty features and news from around theglobe. Can you get any more Foxy thanthat?!It’s been a tough few months sincethe launch mag back in Octoberlast year, but now we’re back formore! Check out our interview with theiconic Boyz II Men on page four, aswell as our special feature on supermarket shopping on page 10. We’ve chucked in a load of competitions for you this month aswell, so turn to page 31 to try andbag yourselves loads of cool goodies. If you turn to the middle pages youwill also notice a tiny littleConnexions mag. Take a scan through and you willfind all you need to know aboutmaking the next step in life,whether it’s from school, college oreven in to work. There is also a directory of usefulnumbers in there, so all you needis this Foxy little mag to get you onyour way!

While I am here - we are lookingfor some of you readers to getinvolved with the production of theFoxiest mag around, so if youwould love the chance to work withus, drop us a line on 0121 4461345 or drop me some words [email protected].

See you next issue when we’llhave a few surprises up oursleeves…

Happy reading!

Hayley Longdin - Editor.

ContentsNews 2Celebs 4Shopping 8Fashion 15Beauty 18Health 22What’s On 23Music 26Gadgets 27Travel 29Problems 30Competitions 31

Editor: Hayley LongdinDesign: Kevin BartonSales: Zoe Cooksey, Natalie ChamberlainMD: Neil Harding

Urban Fox MagazineJubilee HouseWheeleys RoadEdgbastonBirminghamB15 2LD

t: 0121 446 1245e: [email protected]: [email protected]: www.urbanfoxmag.co.uk

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Daniel and Laura splitRumour has it that Mr Harry Potterhimself has split from his girlfriendLaura O’Toole. Daniel Radcliffe – who has playedHarry Potter in all the magical films

– met Lauralast

year when he took the lead role ina West End production of Equus,and the couple have been seen outand about with each other loads oftimes since. But it seems that the pair were notmeant to be, as Laura was quotedsaying: “Daniel and I are still goodfriends, but we just have to be realistic.”It’s not all bad though – Laura willnow play the female lead in theplay when its nationwide tour kicksoff at the end of the month. And as for Daniel?Form a queue girls, form aqueue…

Adele: “I’m happy withmy size!”Soulful singer Adele has vowedthat she is one celeb who can’t bepersuaded to change her bodysize. Adele has wowed critics with heramazing voice and single ‘ChasingPavements’, and insists that she isproud of the way she looks. She has said: “People have startedto go on about my weight, but I’mnot going to change my size.”Adele, who is 19, admits that sheis a huge fan of take-outs, and reckons there is nothing betterthan a pizza to relax a the end of abusy day. Go Adele!

Eternal youth forMadonna?Poor Madonna – you would thinkthat with a hugely successfulcareer, a great husband and threekids, she would be happy with allshe has.

But apparently Madonna hasvowed that she will do everything she can to keep heryouthful looks!

Madonna will be 50 inAugust, and according to a

source is becoming paranoidabout her appearance. Don’t worry Madge – we thinkyou look great!

Boyzone are back!Re-formed ‘boy band’ Boyzonehave admitted that they have hadto hire personal trainers to get inshape for their forthcoming UKtour. And the reason? They don’twant to be outdone by Take That!Band member Mikey Graham said:“Some of us have put on a few pounds over the past eight years. “We know what we’re up againstwith the likes of Take That backtouring.”But we’re going to be trim andslim and we want to be bigger and better than before.”

Battle of the judges!All is not well in the X Factorjudges camp if recent rumours aretrue.

Mr Nasty Simom Cowell hasreportedly threatened to sack fellow judges Sharon Osbourneand Dannii Minogue if they continue to row.The pair denied that they had fallen out all through the show, butboth have been heard to saythings about the other. A source has said: “Simon hasbanged both their heads togetherand told them, ‘If you don't shut up - I can replace you both’.“They don't have to be best friends - but they do have to worktogether.”

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GLOBAL success is just adream for many performers,but for Boyz II Men, thatdream is a reality. With five number ones, ninealbums and more tours thatyou could imagine, Boyz IIMen are about to embark ontheir first UK tour in adecade.

Having been together insome variety since 1988,Boyz II Men are one of theworld’s most successful R ‘n’ B groups – and withhits such as ‘End Of TheRoad’ and ‘I’ll Make Love ToYou’ still have a fan base ofmillions. The trio - Wanya Morris,Shawn Stockman and Nate

Morris (no relation to Wanya) –have enjoyed massive success throughout the world, withboth hits and awards, but admitthat it is the stage that keeps themthere on top.“This UK tour has been a long timecoming – it must have been 10years since we toured the UK, sowe’re all really looking forward to it,” said Wanya. “This latest tour is going to begreat though – fans can expect alot as far as music is concernedand as far as performing. “We are always so excited to stepon to a stage, so that will reallycome across and the music isgoing to be so worth it!”Having always put their all in totheir concerts, Wanya admittedthat this isn’t about to change now.

“A lot of people spend a lot of money going to a concert, only tohear three songs that they actuallyknow, then they are forced to getin to the rest of the songs. “We are fortunate enough to havehad such longevity that a lot ofpeople know our albums andmusic, so expect old stuff, newstuff and everything in between.“Make sure you bring your dancingshoes. “And a Kleenex!”Although the internationally successful trio haven’t toured inthe UK for almost a decade, theydid make an appearance on lastyear’s X Factor. Wanya said: “X Factor is a greatshow. “And it’s about the music, which is what it should be all about – howgood the artist is is another thing. “It shows an artist as an entertainer as well, which is how itshould be. “We have been lucky enough tohave this longevity and luckyenough to have been in this industry for 17 years. “I would say that that is the highlight – we’re still doing thathighlight.“We’re not even thinking aboutcalling it a day yet – as long as wehave the fans, we’ll just keep ongoing!”It seems that the End Of The Roadis still a long way off for one of theworld’s most successful boybands.

Boyz II Men will be appearing atthe Symphony Hall on March 6,and April 2.

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Boyz iiMen

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Since leaving the BigBrother house in the summer, twins Sam andAmanda Marchant havebeen catapulted into thepublic eye.With a perfume, modelling contract, and DVD undertheir belts, ‘Samanda’ areone of the most famouscontestants to come outof the Big Brother house. We caught up with thegirls ahead of their firstSelect Model Management appearance…

You girls have had a really busytime since leaving the Big Brotherhouse…is it all beyond yourwildest dreams?We are so excited about everything– it is a dream, it’s the best thingever!We have done loads so far, andthere is so much we are lookingforward to.

Tell us about how the perfumecame about?Well, we were signed up by naturalskin care company for teenagersYoung and Pure, and then we wereasked to do the perfume really. There have only been 12,000 bot-tles released, and it has sold reallywell. It’s a fruity and sweet smell, andit’s not overpowering at all – it’ssubtle so great for everyday.

And how about Select ModelManagement?Oh my god!They just got in touch one day andwere talking about our look andwanted to sign us up!It was amazing and we love modelling for them.

So, we haven’t seen much of theother Big Brother contestantssince leaving the house. What are they up to, and do yousee them often?We keep in touch with most of thepeople from the house, and seethem as well.

Most people are doing a lot ofPA’s, and spending time at homewith family and friends. It’s nice to keep in touch withthem.

In such a short time you have managed to squeeze in so much –a single, a perfume, a fitness DVDand you have even become mod-els…what has been the best thingso far?The Barbie Girl video!It was so pink and girly and wewere so excited when we did it. We are so proud of it as well…welove it!

When you went in the house, youhad just finished your first year atuniversity. Do you have plans to go back?Definitely. We have already done the firstyear, so we will defo carry onmaybe next year or the year after.

What are you most looking for-ward to doing now?We have had so much fun doingall the stuff we’ve got to do sincethe BB house, so we can’t wait tosee what else comes along!

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Sam andAmanda

Marchant7

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On theCheap..

On theCheap..On the

Cheap..

Outfit from New Look

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The January sales may be over

for another year, but that doesn’t

mean that you can’t get the right

clothes for the right prices still…

Many of the High Street stores

offer a bargain or two amongst

their stock – it’s just knowing

where to look!

Whether you are looking for a

plain t-shirt to match an out-there

jacket, a pair of comfy flats for

all-day shopping trips or even an

outfit for a night out, the second

city has it all.

Check out our guide below to

finding some the best bargains on

the High Street!

Matalan have a great selection of

shoes, and what’s more, they

won’t break the bank either.

This range of chunky heels look

great with jeans or shorts, and they

come in a range of colours too.

1 - Shoes: £12 from Matalan

Every girl wants a

pretty set of underwear, and for £4,

you can’t go wrong.

This matching

polka-dot bra and

knicker set is

available now, and

also come in red.

2 - Bra and

knickers: £4

from Matalan

Primark is a

great place to

go for all

your bargain

necessities.

This t-shirt is a

bargain at just £4, and

comes in

several different colours

3 - Tshirt: £4 from Primark.

Dip dye clothing is all the

rage this season, and

these cute flats will look

perfect with a pair of

skinny jeans.

Available in pink or blue, New

Look have got it just right with

these shoes – and they’re a

bargain as well. (Picture 4)

This cute dress looks great

either on its own, or with

tights.

Team with heels for a glam look, or

flats for a more

casual, stylish look.

Available at Primark, the

ruffled dress comes in light

brown/dark cream.

5 – ruffled dress: £12 from

Primark.

On theCheap..On theheap..

n theeap..

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It may still be cold outside, andyou’d rather be in your Ugg Bootsthan your flip-flops, but now’s thetime to start stocking up for thosespring-time goodies! The lighter colours are on theirway back in, the sleeves arecreeping back up, and the woollyjumpers are banished for anotheryear.One place that you are sure tofind all you need (and for a bargain price too) is the supermarkets. We have done all the hard work,and have taken to our locals tofind the best springtime offeringand have found what’s hot thiscoming spring.

Bigger bags are still in this spring,and Asda and Sainsbury’s havecaught on. Light colours – beiges, yellows andcreams – are all the rage, andthese two cream bags are perfectfor carrying all you need around. 1 - Bag: Tu at Sainsbury’s2 - Bag: George at Asda

Cardigans are great to throw on atthis time of the year – team with alight jacket (3) for an extra bit ofwarmth. 3: Jacket - Tu at Sainsbury’s4: Cardigan - George at Asda

It’s still chilly enough outside toget away with your boots for a littlewhile longer, so add a touch ofspring with this cute dress. Light in colour and texture, teamwith tights and boots and somechunky jewellery for a cool,fashionable look. 5: Dress - Tu at Sainsbury’s

SupermarketChic..

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checkoutlooks

for less11

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Looking for cool comfy clobber

that a) doesn’t cost the earth, and

b) is easy to find?

Good job we have done all the

hard work for you then, isn’t it?

All you need to do is head to the

High Street (or click online!)

armed with your latest pay pack-

et…

Make any outfit with a cool and

casual belt.

These two are available at Burtons.

Belts: £12 each from Burtons

Stripes are all over the place at the

moment, and this coloured

round-neck jumper combines one

of the season’s hottest colours

with a subtle grey.

Bright colours are all over the

place at the moment for guys, and

this jacket will go perfectly with

plain jeans and patterned tops.

Jacket: New Look (available

in-store only)

Pick up a pair of comfortable

sneakers for a quirky alternative to

trainers.

Head to Schuh, Topman or Next for

some stylish ones.

Sneakers: New Look – available in

white or grey.

These combat-style shorts are in

again this year, and are the perfect

solution for that in-between

weather. Wear with sneakers

(right), and with a hoody for a cool

and casual look.

Shorts: Available at New Look

mens (in-store only)

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Prints and patterns are everywhere

this season.

From printed bangles to patterned

dresses, we have selected just

some of the gorgeous clothes and

accessories out now…

Bangle, £7 fromAccessorize

Earrings, £5 fromAccessorize

Dress,George atAsda

Dress, Primark

Bag, £30 fromAccessorize

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You either suit them or you don’t. Hats. There are caps, floppy hats,bowler hats, trilby hats, half hatsand even beanie hats – but whichone suits you?Check out your style below tofind the hat perfect for you!

You wear: Sportswear, trainers,

jeans and hoodies

Answer: Your style suits a cap

There are loads of caps out thereat the moment – whether they aresports branded, or designerlabelled, caps are in!

You wear: Trousers, shirts, and

jackets

Answers: Your style suits a tril-

byYour sophisticated style meansthat you can pull off the trilby hatno problem – think Justin!

You wear: Combats, t-shirts and

hoodies

Answers: Your style suits over

sized beaniesOversized beanies show effortlessstyle and are a great way of covering up a bad hair day.

if thecap fits wear it

Hats: FCUK

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fashion online

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With online shops such asASOS.com cropping up all thetime, shopping has never been soeasy for you guys and girls!And what’s more, it’s so easy todo. Browse through pages and pagesof clothes, select your size andthen pay – simple. No aching feet, no routing aroundfor your size, and no moaningfrom your boyfriend of girlfriend!We’ve had a scour online andhave found some great outfits toget you started. Check outASOS.com for all four.

1: Hat: £10, Jacket: £40, Shorts:£25, Shoes: £25

2: T-shirt: £14, Check Shirt: £22,Jeans: £35, Woven Belt: £12, CuffLinks: £6, Plimsolls: £18

3: Military Blazer: £40, ChiffonDress: £38, Saddle Bag: £15,Jeans: £28, Shoes: £45

4: Bomber Jacket: £60, Top: £20,Belt: £20, Necklace: ££12,Trousers: £28, Shoes: £45

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Nail Varnish

They come in all shapes and

sizes, all colours and all

prices…but which ones are the

best?

We took to some of the top High

Street shops in search of the nail

varnish that demonstrates the

best qualities, and here’s our

verdict!

Collection 2000 Hot Looks (4)

4/5

The range comes in loads of cool,

fashionable colours.

Its brush ensures it’s easy to apply

– bit streaky though.

Superdrug Me Me Me Advanced

Wear Polish with Biotin (2)

3/5

Again, loads of cool colours, and

easy to apply.

Leave nails feeling strong as well

after the polish is removed, but

does stain slightly.

17 Fast Finish Nail Polish (3)

2/5

We were impressed with the range

of colours available, though the

brush was fairly small so it made it

hard to apply.

It was fairly streak-less though and

shiny.

NYC Long Wearing Nail Enamel

(4) 3/5

The polish itself lasts for ages, and

leaved nails feeling healthy.

It does chip as easily as other nail

varnishes, and it slightly harder to

remove.

Ruby&Millie Nail Polish (5)

5/5

Long-lasting, streak-free and easy

to apply – we love this nail polish.

It’s not too thin either, so you can

away with one coat.

Tried &

tested

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For thegirls

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Whether your hair is short or long,

every girl loves to accessorise her

do.

These cute Alice bands (1) are

from Superdrug and are ideal for

those days when you don’t want to

battle the fringe!

A pretty brolly (2) is an essential

for keeping your hair and clothes

dry.

There are loads of handbag sized

ones around at the moment – ideal

if you don’t want to get caught in

the rain!

A really nice perfume is a

must-have.

Choose one that is subtle and

light, such as Tommy Girl (3),

which is

available at all good perfume

shops.

Sparkly eye shadow is something

that every girl needs to have at

least one of.

It’s ideal for evenings out or even

for day wear to brighten up any

outfit! These Collection 2000

dazzle (4)dusts are the perfect

choice.

A good pair of tweezers (5) is an

essential tool to have!

There are loads of styles available,

from pointed to slanted, and are all

great for catching those stray

hairs. Try these ones by GOSH.

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For theguys

A fear of moisturisers and

grooming is a thing of the past,

and every guy needs to have some

‘manly’

moisturisers!

Check out the L’Oreal Men Expert

range (1) to banish dry or oily skin.

A nice smelling aftershave is a

must-have for all guys.

Whether you go for a subtle

smelling light aftershave or a

stronger smelling scent, be sure to

use in moderation.

Try DKNY’s Be Delicious (2)

aftershave.

In order to obtain a decent shave,

make sure you use a good shaving

gel.

Try Gillette Stealth Hydra Gel (3)

for maximum effect.

Spots don’t just affect the girls

(unfortunately) so opt for keeping

some spot treatment gel close by.

Oxy Emergency Zit Blitzer (4) is

the ideal skin saviour to keep close

to hand!

Every guy needs a decent hair

product…whatever your hair type,

chances are it will need taming

once in a while!

Try Fructis Style Manga Head (5)

for the ultimate hold.

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health

health

healthhealthhealth

Fed up of using spot creams andlotions that dry out your skin?Well, the answer to blemish-freeskin could be closer (and easier)than you think…

Drink plenty of water…More than 50 per cent of yourbody is made up with water. If this isn’t replaced every day,your body can become dehydrated– and this shows in your skin. You should be drinking aroundeight litres of water a day – andonce you do, the difference in yourskin will be really noticeable. Spots can disappear and yourcomplexion can become moreeven.

Cut back on the junk…Junk food, take aways and snacks

can often come at a price.Foods that are high in fat or aregreasy can really show on yourskin. The odd take away won’t makemuch of a difference, but eatingthem everyday can make your skinoily and prone to spots.

Get some fresh air…A bit of fresh air never hurt anyone!Being outside can really help toeven out your skin problems…thecombination of fresh air and exercise can really contribute toyour fresher and clearer appearance.

Eat fresh foods…Fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, salads, meat and fish – all of these

fresh foods contain natural fats,acids and the nutrition you need,to ensure you get as much of themas possible. Snacking on natural sweet foods –such as apples – rather thanchocolates or sweets can makesuch a difference to your spotproblems, as they provide yourbody with the things it craves.

Use natural products…If your skin is a real problem, andyour diet and exercise just won’tcombat the problem, then opt forthe natural option. If you must use skin treatments, gofor tea tree products, witch hazelor even rose-water…they all contain natural antiseptics thatclear out the skin and aid the healing process.

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what’son

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There is so much goingon in the second city toget the New Year off to aswinging start, what withproductions, musicals,and of course, concerts!Check out the offeringsfrom the NEC and NIA,and the Carling Academy.

For more info on the venues, and to see whatelse is happening, visit

www.necgroup.com, or www.birmingham-academy.co.uk.

NEC/NIA

February 28 – Alicia Keys (NIA)February 29 – Editors (NIA)March 12-13 - Westlife (NEC)March 13 – Clubland Live (NIA)March 18-19 – X Factor Live (NEC)April 8 – Daniel O’Donnell (NIA)April 11 – The Beach Boys (NIA)May 8 – Backstreet Boys (NIA)May 10 – Celine Dion ( NIA)May 16 – Mark Knopfler (NEC)May 23 – Girls Aloud (NIA)May 24 – Shayne Ward (NEC)May 26 – The Osmond’s 50thAnniversary Tour (NIA)May 30 – Avril Lavigne (NEC)June 10-11 – Boyzone (NEC)June 10-11 – Neil Diamond (NIA)June 20 – Santana (NEC)June 25 – Connie Fisher (NIA)July 2 – Polly Parton (NIA)October 8 – Michael Bolton (NIA)November 20-23 - Cliff Richard’s50th Anniversary Tour

Carling Academy

February 1 – From Autumn toAshesFebruary 2 – 30 Seconds to MarchFebruary 2 – PalladiumFebruary 3 – Municipal WasteFebruary 4-5 – ParamoreFebruary 6 – NME Awards Tour2008

February 6 – AirbourneFebruary 7 – Kerrang Tour 2008February 8 – Good To Go Tour feat.MXPXFebruary 8 – Catapult club pres-ents The JaaysFebruary 9 – Kula ShakerFebruary 11 – LightspeedChampionFebruary 11 – One Night OnlyFebruary 13 – Los Campesinos!February 14 – Crystal CastlesFebruary 15 – Catapult ClubFridays feat. MexicolasFebruary 16 – GallowsFebruary 16 – Late of the PierFebruary 17-18 – Darren HayesFebruary 19 – Jimmy Eat WorldFebruary 20 – Dillinger EscapePlanFebruary 21 – Reel Big FishFebruary 22 – MegadethFebruary 23 – Band of HorsesFebruary 23 – HMV / Kerrang! FMShowcase – Island ThreeFebruary 24 – Newton FaulknerFebruary 24 – This CityFebruary 25 – Von BondiesFebruary 26 – The AuditionFebruary 26 – RoyworldFebruary 27 – The MetrosFebruary 28 – The CultFebruary 29 – The Hoosiers

Theatres

There is loads going on atthe theatres from now andover the coming month,so check out our listingsbelow and take your pick!

Alexandra Theatre

February 1-3 – LazyTown Live! February 4-5 – Derek AcorahFebruary 6 – The Songs of SisterActFebruary 7 – Rockin’ on Heaven’sDoorFebruary 10 – Beyond theBarricadeFebruary 14-16 – Oh! What a NightFebruary 17 – Jethro 2008February 19 – The Asylum – The

Circus of HorrorsFebruary 21 – StrassmanFebruary 22-23 – Omid DjaliliFebruary 24 – An Evening WithCharlie LandsboroughFebruary 28 – Viva VarietyFebruary 29 – Sing-A-Long-ASound of Music

Hippodrome

February 5-6 – La La La HumanStepsFebruary 8-10 – StompFebruary 12-16 – Hello, DollyFebruary 19-23 BRB: Swan LakeFebruary 27-March 1 – BRB – AllThat Jazz

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Sweeney ToddNow we’re not usually ones fordoom and gloom – or musicals forthat matter – but we’ve got toadmit that Sweeney Todd: TheDemon Barber of Fleet Street, surprised us all. A film that represents all that is TimBurton, Sweeney Todd (JohnnyDepp) tells the tale of a serial-killing barber who slits the throatsof his customers. Returning to London to takerevenge on Judge Turpin, the manwho falsely imprisoned him inorder to steal his wife, SweeneyTodd discovers that his formerabode is now inhabited by MrsLovett (Helen Bonham Carter), thepie-shop owner. They strike a twisted pact to dispose of Todd’s victims – theywill grind up the corpses andserves them as meat pies to the

unsuspecting public.Set in nineteenth century London,Sweeney Todd also star comicSacha Baron Cohen as a rival barber, and, coincidently, the firstvictim of the crazed Todd. Most of the film is sung, ratherthan spoken, and instantly setsSweeney Todd apart from otherfilms on the big-screen at themoment.If you’re into dark comedies, and abit of blood and gore, thenSweeney Todd is well worth awatch.

****

P.S I Love YouBased on the top-selling book byCecelia Ahern, P.S I Love You isone of those films that you willeither love or hate.We had mixed reactions here at

Foxy Towers, many of us loved it,and some of us hated it. Holly and Gerry Kennedy (HilarySwank and Gerard Butler), arenewly-weds with everything to livefor. When Gerry is struck down with anillness and dies, the life is literallysucked out of Holly. Unable to leave the house, letalone socialise, Holly begins toreceive letters and parcels fromher deceased husband.And so begins her grievingprocess, and her road to closure,aided by the very person she isgrieving for. Now, the film is a little morbid anda little unbelievable, though it is agood story none-the-less.There are some really funnymoments as well, though somereally sad ones in contrast.

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filmreviews

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Adele 19Released January 29 2008

19 is the eagerly awaited debutalbum from singer/songwriterAdele. Having burst onto the musicscene with her single ‘ChasingPavements’, Adele’s soulful voicehas been likened to that of AmyWinehouse, and Ella Fitzgerald. Full of what are sure-to-be-hits, 19is one heck of a good album that issure to propel Adele to manymore.

Michael JacksonThriller: 25th Anniversary Edition:Zombie CoverReleased February 11

If you love Michael Jackson, youwill adore this latest album.

Thriller: 25th Anniversary Edition isthe anniversary reissue of thebiggest selling album of all time,and includes five top 10 singles, aswell as some new ones guaranteedto go the same way. Highly anticipated and brilliant tolisten to, could this new release befollowed by a UK tour?

Mary J BligeGrowing PainsReleased February 4

Back with her eighth studio album,Mary J Blige has pulled out all thestops with this one – it’s one of thebest albums she has done in morerecent years.Heart-felt and genuine, GrowingPains tells a tale of sorts, and seesMary J bounce back from hard

times. There are 19 tracks on theone disk, and it provides easylistening. Also featuring Ludacris, fans of thenotorious singer will love this latestoffering.

Jack JohnsonSleep Through the StaticReleased February 4

Out of February 4, Sleep Throughthe Static is the fifth album fromJack Johnson. Full of songs that take on Jack’ssignature laid-back indie sound,the album is one that is an easyalbum to listen to. On many of the tracks Jack swapshis usual acoustic guitar for anelectric one, creating a sound thatJack pulls of perfectly.

musicreviews

26

urban fox4 2/12/08 4:25 PM

triedand

tested:

They all claim to be the best, butwhich one actually is?We’ve been having a lot of funhere at Foxy Towers to bring youthe low-down on the consoles outat the moment…from PSP’s toWii’s, from 360’s to PS3’s…it’s allhere!

Nintendo WiiDesigned for multi-players, the Wiiis operates with a ‘wand’ type controller that enables the playerto control the character/action onthe screen. To say that this machine is fun

would be an understatement – thisthing is a blast!Wii Sports is one of the better multi-player games, but ones suchas Mario Party 8 are just as fun. Guaranteed to get the party started, Nintendo Wii’s cost around£179.99.

Sony PlayStation 3Excellent graphics, brilliant gamesand a sleek, stylish look, the PS3is most definitely the best consoleSony has come up with. The graphics on games such asAssassins Creed are phenomenal– no lag and no pixilation. PS3 now cost around £299 for astandard package, and there areloads of extras available.

Sony PSPThe PSP is small and compact,and for such a small screen hasgood graphics. It’s also compatible with UMDmovies, though the screen is a little small to watch them in goodquality. Ideal for travelling though, the PSPis another genius invention to rivalthe Nintendo!PSP’s retail at around £130.

Microsoft Xbox 360Great graphics, and a huge stepup from the original Xbox. There are loads of great gamesavailable on the 360 as well –including Halo, which is perfect for

this console. Now retailing at £149.99, the Xbox360 is a brilliant Microsoft inven-tion.

Nintendo DSCombining dual screens for thefirst time, the DS is perfect for allages. With a huge range games available, the DS is brilliant for ‘fun’games – not so good for the more‘gamers’ games – but excellentnone-the-less.Games such as ‘brain training’ areunique to the DS – everyoneshould have one of these!

VERDICT: It’s a toss up

between the Wii and PS3!Our people at Foxy Towers couldn’t get enough of either console…so we bought them both!

conso

les

27

urban fox4 2/12/08 4:25 PM

VERDICT: Sony’s

PlayStation 3was one of our

top choices

28

urban fox4 2/12/08 4:25 PM

Fancy going away for a weekend– or longer – but have no ideawhere to go?Need somewhere that’s not tooexpensive, has decent accommodation, decent food anddecent entertainment?Then head to Paris….

OK, so Paris isn’t the cheapestplace in Europe, but it isn’t themost expensive either. It’s a capital city, so it’s bound tobe slightly more expensive thanother cities, but it also has some ofthe best entertainment, restaurantsand tourist hotspots in the wholeof France.

Where to go:The Eiffel Tower of course!Located conveniently off the Metro,the Eiffel tower is France’s mosticonic tourist spot. It is also its tallest monument, andcan be seen for miles around. There are three observationheights, and the price rises witheach one, but it’s a must-see monument.

Disneyland ParisAgain, easy to get to and easy tofind, Disneyland Paris is a must-goplace for all ages!Entrance costs from just 27 Euros,which is brilliant for the amountyou can do there.

Where to stay:There are several places to stay forcheap – and you’re not sacrificingcomfort either!The Grand Hotel Magenta hasrooms from just £14 a night, andmany others – such as SportsHotel – cost from just £16. Check out www.parisbreak.co.uk"www.parisbreak.co.uk for other,cheaper hotels.

Where to eatGood food can be found anywhereat anytime, whatever your taste. Head to small cafes and bistros fora real taste of Paris. Also try markets, where you canfind French delicacies, a variety ofbreads and more cheeses thanyou can image!

For further information on visitingParis, as well as flight informa-tion, alternative hotels and thingsto see and do, visit www.paris-break.co.uk www.parisbreak.co.uk.

Holiday Spotlight

Paris

29

urban fox4 2/12/08 4:25 PM

“I’ve had spots since I was about

13, but recently they have got a

lot worse.

I have sensitive skin so I can’t

usually use spot lotions without

making my skin sore and dry.

I’m so fed up of having spots, and

it’s really getting me down – is

there anything you can suggest I

try?”

Chloe, 15

Natural lotions such as Tea Tree

and Witch Hazel can often work

with the skin to reduce the

appearance of spots, or even

banish them all together.

The natural peppermint in the

products soothes the skin and

works deep into the pores, clear-

ing out the daily grime that causes

blemishes.

If these don’t work, it might be

worth talking to your GP – it may

be that you are suffering from

acne, which can be controlled with

prescription tablets or creams.

“My parents divorced when I was

10, and although they have since

remarried and I have a half-brother,

they are always arguing over me.

I live with my mum, though spend

most weekends at my dad’s

house. They always argue when

my dad drops me off, and it

makes me feel I am stuck in the

middle.

I am fed up of it, and although I

want to see my dad, I wonder if I

should stop going to my dad’s

just so they stop arguing?”

Steph, 14

It is not fair of your mum or your

dad to argue in front of you.

Tell your parents how it makes you

feel, and see if you can come to

some sort of arrangement to avoid

the situation.

You shouldn’t feel that you can’t

see your dad because of their

arguments – and by speaking to

them, they might understand how

you feel.

It is always difficult when parents

divorce, though there is loads of

advice and help at

www.kidshealth.org. Good luck.

“I heard my sister being sick after

dinner the other day, and now I

am worried that she is anorexic.

I have noticed that she doesn’t

eat much any more and that she

has got thinner than she used to

be.

I hope you can help as I am really

worried about her.

She is 17, and I am 14.

Adam, 14.

Anorexia and bulimia can be very

serious disorders.

You need to first of all let your

sister know how worried you are

about her, and then consider

speaking to your parents about

your concerns.

Let your sister know you and your

family and there for her, and that

you all care about her.

Your

Solutions

ProblemsOur

30

urban fox4 2/12/08 4:25 PM

Got lank and lifeless hair but wanta big funky do? Then we’ve got the competition foryou!We have teamed up with TIGI BedHead and are offering one luckywinner the chance to win all thehair stuff you’ll ever need, whatever your style. Whether you have dry, unmanageable hair, curly hair thatwon’t go straight, or you crave the‘out of bed’ look, you are sure tofind a Bed Head product that suitsyou. TIGI is offering one lucky UrbanFox reader the chance for all yourhair dreams to come true, with apackage of products guaranteed toget you creative!The package includes goodies tomake your hair thick, spray tostraighten it, and even conditionerto get your hair looking its best! There are nine different products inthe package, including ControlFreak Extra Extra Straight, Hook-Up Mousse Wax, HeadrushShine Spray and Self AbsorbedConditioner, meaning that you cancreate a different style every day. For your chance to win this fabprize, all you need to do is send apostcard with your name, addressand daytime telephone number toBed Head competition at the usualUrban Fox address.

WIN!FREEBOWLINGFOR A YEARDO you love bowling? Here’s your chance to go everyweek, for free, thanks to LakesideSuperbowl in Stirchley!We have teamed up with this popular bowling centre and areoffering one lucky reader thechance to bowl free of charge for awhole year*!Based on the Pershore Road inStirchley, Lakeside Superbowlboasts 18 lanes to ensure you andyour friends have the best bowlingexperience. There are also amusement andgaming machines, bar, diner andAmerican pool tables, so you arespoilt for choice at what to do first!So why not make a whole night ofit?If you fancy winning bowling for ayear, simply tell us the answer to

this question: ‘What road is Lakeside Superbowlin Stirchley based?’

Send your answers, along withyour name, age, daytime telephonenumber and address to BowlingCompetition, Urban Fox Magazine,Jubilee House, Wheeleys Road,Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2LD.

Alternatively, email us at [email protected]

Closing date for the competition isMarch 31 2008, and the editor’sdecision is final.

*Maximum games in any one-day is limited tosix, and the offer excludes Fridays andSaturdays.Addresses of entrants aged 18 or over will bepassed onto Lakeside Superbowl.

competitions

31

urban fox4 2/12/08 4:25 PM

If you are a fan of the Wii™, you’lllove this competition!We have teamed up with A4T andare offering one lucky Urban Foxreader the chance to get yourhands on a brand-new 4Gamersofficially licensed 2.1 SpeakerSystem for Wii™!The 2.1 system allows you to enjoyyour gaming experience in fullstereo sound. For further enhancement, selectthe 3D audio mode for a surroundsound that takes you inside thegame and the music.Designed to compliment the Wii console, the subwoofer provides

deep and responsive bass, whichwhen combined with the satellitespeakers, produces an impressive30 Watts (RMS) output power –with all functions remotely con-trolled to a distance of up to sevenmetres. The full function remote controlsthe 3D sound, volume, bass andtreble performance. The magnetically shielded woodensubwoofer cabinet prevents magnetic radiation from speakermagnets causing distortion to yourtelevision, and the subwooferdelivers theatre style sound youcan actually feel.

So if you fancy gettingyour hands on the latest bit of kit, simplytell us what console the2.1 system has been developed for?Send your answers,along with your name,age, address and telephone number to WiiSpeakers comp at theusual address.

wii love competitions

32

urban fox4 2/12/08 4:25 PM

urban fox4 2/12/08 4:25 PM

THEconnexionslifemagazine is

sue 2

connexions 2/12/08 2:54 PM Page 1

Welcome from ConnexionsPage 6: About ConnexionsPage 8: Choices in Year 9Page 10: Find out more…about Year 9 optionsPage 12: Find out more…about career ideasPage 14: Making your planPage 16: Beyond 16 – Career PlanningPage 18: Career planning calendar

Urban Fox’s guide to...Page 20: So you want to be a…Page 21: Preparing for examsPage 24: Your guide to CourseworkPage 26: Writing the perfect CVPage 30: Useful numbers

Contact us: Urban Fox | Jubilee House, Wheeleys Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2LD.

t: 0121 446 1345w: www.urbanfoxmag.co.uke: [email protected].

For editorial opportunities, contact Hayley Longdin on 0121 446 1345 or [email protected]

For advertising opportunities, contact Zoe Cooksey or Natalie Chamberlain on 0121 446 1345 or [email protected].

3


WelcomeHappy New Year and

welcome to the

second edition of the

Connexions Life Mag.

Remember to put those

resolutions into practise so

you can have a great year

ahead! For students in Year 9, now is

the time to start planning for

the future. In this issue we

have provided a

comprehensive guide on the

choices you can make in Year

9 with information on what

subjects to take, what courses

could suit you best and where

you can get help and further

information, plus much more.

For those of you who are in

year 11, we have followed on

from the last issue, which gave

an overview of the choices you

can make beyond 16. Now we

will be looking at Career

Planning and we have

provided a checklist of things

you need to do before you

decide on a chosen career

path. We have also included a

career planning calendar

which we hope will help you

throughout 2008.

If you need further information

on what choices are available

don’t forget you can always to

talk to a Connexions Personal

Adviser.

Birmingham & Solihull

Connexions Services

www.connexions-bs.co.uk


4


We can offer information & advice about...• Learning & Education • Working • Money

• Relationships • Health • Housing • Free Time • Volunteering Opportunities

Connexions is a FREE & FRIENDLY support service for all 13 - 19 year olds (and up to 25 for young people with learning difficulties

and/or disabilities)

Visit our website www.connexions-bs.co.uk or Freefone: 080 800 13-2-19

The best start in life for every young person...

5


This is extended to age 25 if

you have a learning difficulty

or disability.

It brings together all the

services that help young

people and gives them access

to a personal adviser, some-

one they can trust.

What's on offer?

Connexions provides a range

of free services to help you

make informed choices,

prepare for your future and

tackle issues you may

encounter.

• An inclusive service for all

young people regardless of

where you live, your back-

ground, gender, religion, race,

ability or sexuality

• Trained and friendly staff in

an atmosphere that is safe and

comfortable

• Advice and planning to

achieve your educational and

life goals

• Access to personal

development opportunities to

broaden your horizons and

develop your talents

• Information and advice on

health, lifestyles, housing,

employment, benefits, careers,

drugs awareness,

relationships, personal

development, stress and much

more • A job and vacancy service

Career planning sessions

• A specialised service, where

needed, for young people with

learning difficulties and/or

disabilities

• Access to publications and

software

For information about where to

find your nearest Connexions

Centre and their opening

hours, go to


If you need help or advice

outside Birmingham & Solihull

Connexions Services' opening

hours, please contact

Connexions Direct.

Connexions is a youth service providing

advice, guidance, support and personal

development services for all 13-19 year olds.

6


In Year 9 you will be making achoice about which subjectsto study in Years 10 and 11.This will probably be thebiggest decision you’ve madeabout your future so far butdon’t worry - there’s lots ofhelp and advice around.You will need to choose whichGCSE subjects you want totake and, depending on whatyour school offers, you mayhave a choice of other cours-es as well.There are some subjects thatyou have to study and otheroptional subjects that you cantake because you enjoy themor need them for your careerplans.

What type of course will suitme best?As well as choosing what subjects you want to take,you’ll need to think about theway you prefer to study andlearn.

Do you enjoy learningthrough practical, hands-ontasks? Vocational courses offer you achance to learn work-relatedskills through practical learn-ing, projects and real work-place experience.

Do you prefer more traditionalwritten coursework andexams? GCSEs cover general educa-tion subjects such as English,maths, science and history.Some subjects will combinecoursework with exams whileothers will just have exams.

Would you like to combineboth ways of learning?Some courses, like The Diploma,

combine classroom and hands-on learning. You mayalso be able to take vocationaland traditional courses together.

Which subjects do I have totake?

There are some compulsorysubjects that everyone willhave to study, these are:

• English • Maths • Science • ICT.

There are also some other subjects that you will need tostudy but may not have to takeexams in. These include:• careers education, • work-related learning, • citizenship• physical education and reli-gious studies.

What else can I study?

Here are some of the main academic and vocational courses that your school mayoffer.

GCSE General Certificate ofSecondary Education.

These are offered by allschools in a variety of subjectsand include Applied GCSEs forvocational subjects and shortGCSE courses. Entry level qualifications thesecourses can help students toprogress onto GCSEs or otherqualifications and are availablein a range of subjects.

NVQ National VocationalQualification.

Some schools may offer thesework-related qualifications, which allow you to learn hands-on skills and gain realworkplace experience.

VRQ Vocationally RelatedQualifications.

These include BTECs, whichare based around broad areasof work such as art and designor business studies. They alsoinclude a range of shorter vocational courses taken alongside GCSEs.

The Diploma

This is a new qualification for14-19 year olds which combines classroom studywith work placements andhands-on experience. From September2008, around 200 Diplomaplaces will be available inBirmingham and Solihull forYear 10 students, covering ICT,Engineering, Creative & Mediaand Construction. The Diplomacan be studied alongsideGCSEs in Years 10 and 11, atFoundation or Higher level(equivalent to 4-5 or 5-6GCSEs).

Remember, not all schoolswill offer the same courses,so check what is availablewith your school before youmake your decision!

How many subjects should Itake?

A full programme of GCSEs isusually seven or eight differentsubjects but you may be ableto do more than this or combine GCSEs with other courses.

Choices in year 9


9


To find more

information about

your options in Year

9 have a look at...

Which Way Now?

www.connexionsdirect.com/w

hichwaynow

A step-by-step interactive

guide to Year 9 options,

including quizzes, case studies

and checklists. Which way

now? Is also available as a

printed booklet.

E-CLIPS

E-CLIPS is a careers software

program which lets you view

and print out leaflets on lots of

different topics. Try looking at

Education, then Options after

year 9.

As a Birmingham or Solihull

student you can access

E-CLIPS from our website,

www.connexions–bs.co.uk

You will need a code from your

school to log on to the

program – ask your school for

details.

Find out more... what does

my school offer?

All schools will offer different

courses and subjects, to find

out what you can do at your

school check out...

The Local Area

Prospectus website

www.youchoose14-19.co.uk

You can use this new website

to find out which courses and

subjects are offered at your

school – click on Providers

and then search for your

school to find out what’s

available.

Your options evening

Try to attend your school

options evening. This is an

ideal opportunity to talk with

subject teachers about the

subjects and courses on offer

and to see which ones are

right for you. Your school

may also give you an options

booklet with all the courses

and subjects offered.

Find out more...about year 9 options

10


11


If you’re not sure whatoptions to choose, it’s a goodidea to find out more aboutthe kind of careers you’reinterested in. Try some ofthese ideas...

Surf the webThe internet is a great sourceof careers information. To startyou off, you could explore ourBirmingham & SolihullConnexions Services website


As well as the Choices @14pages, you’ll also find lots ofinformation about what youcould do when you leaveschool. If you have an idea ofwhat you want to do after Year11, it can help you make theright choices now! If you wantto find out what happens afterYear 11, visit the Beyond 16pages. To find out more about different career areas, go toAreas of Work.

If you’re interested in finding apart-time job or putting together a CV, try the Getting ajob pages. For links to lots ofother useful websites, have alook at Need more info? –Links. You could also visit...

Jobs 4 Uwww.connexionsdirect.com/jobs4u

This site has information onhundreds of different careersand jobs.

Works 4 mewww.works4me.org.uk

A site which challenges ideasabout traditional “male” and “female” careers, with quizzes,information and links. If you want to find out more,try using a search engine like www.google.co.uk

to look for information on particular areas of work thatinterest you (for example, youcould search for key words like“engineering careers” or“health care jobs”).

Find out more...about career ideas

12


Use careers software

Careers software programscan help you to find out moreabout different careers and see which ones might suit you.

As a Birmingham or Solihull student you can accesscareers software programsKudos Online and E-CLIPSfrom our website. You will needa code from your school to logon to the programs – ask yourschool for details.

Kudos Online takes youthrough a series of questionsto find out more about yourinterests, skills and careerideas and then matches youwith suitable careers. E-CLIPS lets you view andprint out leaflets on hundredsof different careers, as well asinformation about other topicssuch as health, education, freetime and the law.

Get hands-on - Work experi-ence, part-time jobs and volun-teering will all give you thechance to find out more aboutcareers in Years 10 and 11.

Find out more... from otherpeople It can help to discuss

your ideas with someone else.

Your Connexions personaladviser can give you advice onyour options as well as anypersonal worries or concernsyou may have.

Your teacher or careers co-ordinator can help you todecide what you might begood at and give you information on what differentcourses might involve.

Your parents or carers, familyand friends know you betterthan anyone - they know whatyou’re good at, what you likeand dislike and what kind ofperson you are.

If you have family or friendswho do the kind of job you areinterested in, talk to themabout their work.

You may also have a chance tovisit careers fairs and exhibitions, where you can talkwith employers about jobs intheir sector.

Gather as much information asyou can to help make thechoices that are right for YOU!

Making your plan

So you’ve found out whichsubjects and courses you cantake at your school and you’vegathered lots of informationabout the kind of careers youmight be interested in.

Now you’ve done yourresearch, you can use the subject checklist and examplegiven here to help make yourfinal plan.

Subject checklist

Make a list of subjects andcourses that you have to take.Remember, there are somesubjects that are compulsory. You definitely want to continuewith.

You may have subjects youparticularly enjoy or ones youknow you are good at, or youmay have found out about asubject you need for yourcareer idea.

You’ve had recommended toyou. Teachers, Connexionspersonal advisers, family orfriends may have suggestedsubjects which could be usefulfor your career plans.

14


Career planning can help

you to make the right

decision about what to do

when you leave school or

college.

After Year 11...where

do I start?

You can use the career

planning checklist below as a

good starting point for thinking

about your choices.

Remember that although these

are important decisions which

may affect the rest of your life,

there's plenty of support avail-

able. Click here for the section

on Finding More Help.

Career planning

checklist

Before you decide what to do,

you need to:

• Talk to your careers co-ordi-

nator about your ideas. They

may suggest that you see your

school or college Connexions

personal adviser

• Consider the advantages

and disadvantages of each of

the four options – Education,

Apprenticeships, E2E or Jobs

• Use your Connexions Area to

find out about careers that

match your interests and

strengths.

Use careers software Kudos

Online to find out what jobs

might suit you, and E-CLIPS to

get more information about

different careers.

Find out if you can enter these

careers straight from school or

if you need to get further

qualifications or do an

Apprenticeship first.

Visit www.youchoose14-19.co.uk

for a searchable database of

courses, with full address and

contact details for schools,

colleges and learning

providers.

Have a back-up plan in case

something goes wrong with

your first choice, especially if

you're aiming for a popular

course or career

Consider what money you will

get if you stay in education or

start an Apprenticeship, join an

E2E course or get a job.

What happens if I

make a wrong

choice or change

my mind?

Don't worry; it's never too late

to change direction. People

often change careers later on

in their lives. If you need

advice there are lots of people

around to help you

Beyond 16career planning

16


17


Spring Term 2008

Applying for jobs and

Apprenticeships

January Applications for

Apprenticeships and jobs

starting in the summer should

be made as early as possible

in the spring term.

February / March

Keep checking the jobs and

Apprenticeships in our Job

Search area –


Summer Term 2008

Continuing with applications,

results day, using Connexions

April / May

If you haven't found the right

option as the end of term

approaches, you should con-

tinue to make applications to

schools, colleges or

learning providers, or apply for

jobs. June If you're still not

fixed up with a job or course

when you leave school,

Birmingham & Solihull

Connexions Services will

continue to help you. Your

Connexions personal adviser

can offer advice and support

whatever your chosen option.

July / August

If your exam results mean a

change in your plans, contact

your Connexions personal

adviser immediately. They

should be available in school

or college on results day, or

you can call into your local

Connexions Centre.

Career planning

calendar

18


There are hundreds of collegecourses out there that canlead to so many differentjobs. Each issue we will tell youhow to take the path to yourdream job, what to expectwhen you get it, and whatqualifications you are goingto need to get there…

So, you want to work in the

media…

Working in the media can be afulfilling and rewarding career. Though it can also be tough. You can work in the mediathrough a variety of channels,including through radio, TV,journalism, PR and marketing. You can either be a presenter,broadcast journalist,

newspaper/magazinejournalist, PR executive, marketing assistant/manageror even take on managerialroles in all of the sectors. Many people that choose towork in the media industry alsocan have the opportunity towork in sectors other than theirchosen area.

How to work in the media…Though qualifications are realistically needed, experience is essential toobtain a job in the industry. Work placements are invaluable, as not only to youhave examples of work toshow to potential clients, youhave experience of the environment.

Most media jobs require a minimum of five GCSE’s. For more advanced positions -such as news editors, seniorjournalists, camera techniciansand PR executives – other certificates and qualificationsare needed, such as training todegree level, as well as plentyof hands-on experience.

What to expect…Working in the media can be avery demanding and busycareer, though no two days arethe same. Hours are usual flexible,though can be long, with earlystarts or late nights if you arein a job working shifts, or evenworking as a broadcast journalist.

So you want to be a…?

20


Whether it is a module exam,a mock exam, a GCSE or an A-Level, all exams need preparation.

Before you start…If you are revising for morethan one exam, it is alwaysworth planning your revisiontime and sticking to it. That way, you are only concentrating on one thing ata time.Also make sure you havesomewhere quiet and relaxedto revise – there is no pointrevising in a noisy room full ofpeople!Some people prefer to work ina quiet room with no sound atall, whilst others work best tobackground noise, music, oreven the television, so makesure you are somewherewhere you are comfortable.

Revision Techniques…Try to revise one subject or

section at a time. Write short versions of yournotes by summarising the keypointsRead important facts andstatements and memoriseMany people have a ‘photo-graphic memory’, so draw dia-grams where possibleTake short breaks every half anhour or soRevise with a friend when youcan – this way you can discussidea or even question eachother on the harder topicsIf you can, attend revision tutorials held by your school orcollege – they tend to con-dense they more importantparts into manageable chunks

Preparing for your exam…Getting worked up and toonervous before an exam cando no good – try to relax andtreat an exam day as a normalday at school or college. It always pays off (and saves

time) if you take your own stationary, and, if you’reallowed, textbooks.

And finally, Doing the exam…• Stay calm and relaxed• Know how much time youhave, and stick to it.• Always spend five minutesreading through the paper• Take time to plan what youare going to write if it’s anessay question• Concentrate on what you doknow, rather than what youdon’t• Write neatly• If it is a maths exam or question, always show howyou worked out the question• Budget your time to ensureyou answer all the questions

21


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Whether you are doing yourGSCEs, A-Levels of even a university course, thechances are that you will havea certain amount of course-work to get through eachterm.

Whether it is practical-workbased, theory-based or evenresearch-based, there arealways many factors to consider when completingcoursework. Follow our useful courseworkguide to get the best gradesyou can!

Things to consider whendoing coursework…

Coursework can often be setto a certain theme or topic, soit is important when selectingyour direction that you find thetopic interesting. If the coursework set has roomto be tailored, tailor it to howsomething that you will find fun– that way you will be moremotivated to go that extra mile. Also remember to give yourselfplenty of time to do yourcoursework – it can often takehours of preparation and

research to address your topic,so make sure you know yourdeadlines. Make sure you know the typeof coursework you are workingtowards as well – is it a report,essay or even practical project?When completing report-stylecoursework projects, remember you can be flexiblewith the format you adopt –graphs, diagrams and visualsare always a good choice. If you are working towards anessay, remember to choseuseful quotes, and reference

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your quotes properly – you’llprobably gain more marks aswell!

Things you should avoidwhen doing coursework…

Make sure you never leaveyour coursework until the lastminute – there is more to consider that you think. Things such as front covers,references and page numbering can be overlookedwhen you are in a rush, andthese are sometimes thethings that make your

coursework run out. You should never try to writeyour coursework before youhave done all your research –you will find you keep slippingup and missing important factsand information that couldreally gain you marks.

Another thing you shouldnever do when doing coursework is copy others’efforts or plagiarise.You can run the risk of gainingno marks at all if you end upcopying from sources such asthe internet, friends, or books.

Remember…

There is always loads of helpavailable when doing coursework. Many subjects will allow you tohand in coursework more thanonce, meaning you can gethelp from teachers as andwhen you need it. Other tines you supplied withinformation to use when working, for example a textbook, information bookletor a novel – it all depends onwhat coursework you areworking on.

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Writing your CV for the firsttime can be a hard task, andit can be difficult to knowwhat to put in or what to leaveout. You may also feel like youhaven’t got much to writeabout, or feel you have noexperience to draw upon. But don’t worry, follow ourguide to writing the perfectCV, and it will suddenly seema whole lot easier…

What do I include?Always clearly divide your CVinto several different sections;one for personal information,one for your education history,one for previous employment ifyou have any, and one for yourskills, interests and achieve-ments. Employers don’t only look forwhere you have workedbefore, they are often just looking for the right person forthe job. By stating your interests andachievements, an employer isable to get a feel for what youare like as a person.

How do write your CVBefore you begin to type yourCV, ask yourself what sort ofjob it is you are looking for,and what sort of skills it mightrequire. Start by including yourfull name, date of birth and contact details should theemployer want to contact you. Don’t suggest why you want toapply for the position on theCV – this is for the covering

letter. List your education background; including whatschool, college or institutionyou attended, and what qualifications (and grades) youobtained while there.If you have had a job before(even if it was a paper-round!),list these next – it givesemployers an idea of the environment you have workedin before, as well as what youare capable of. Follow this with your skills,interests and achievements. In this section, you may wishto include things such as‘computer literate’, ‘good teamworker’ or ‘excellent time keeper’.

How should my CV look?Always type your CV, andmake sure that it looks cleanand sharp. Each section should be headed up clearly, and shouldcover no more than two sidesof A4. Try not to include fancy anddifficult-to-read fonts either. It is always best to stick toyour point as well, and avoidwaffling – employers aren’tinterested in how you got yourgrade B, or even why youchose that subject.

Anything else?When you think you havecome up with the best CV youcan, pretend that it belongs tosomeone else. Be critical of it, and find waysyour can improve it by stillkeeping it simple.

The Ins and Outs of CVs

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Education: South Birmingham College 0121 594 5000

City College 0121 204 0000

Bournville College 0121 483 1000

Cadbury College 0121 458 3898

Joseph Chamberlain College 0121 446 2223

Josiah Mason College0121 603 4757

College of Food, Tourism andCreative Studies 0121 604 1000

Matthew Boulton College 0121 446 4545

University of Birmingham0121 414 3344

Aston University 0121 204 3000

Birmingham City University 0121 331 5000

Archway Academy0121 772 7772

Reflections Training Academy 0121 643 2147

Birmingham LCS0845 019 4143

Entertainment: Showcase Cinema, KingsburyRoad, Erdington0871 220 1000

Odeon Cinema, New Street0871 224 4007

UGC, Broad Street0871 200 2000

Vue Cinema, Star City0871 224 0240

IMAX theatre, Millennium Point0870 870 4771mac, Cannon Hill Park0121 440 3838

Tenpin, Star City0871 873 3150

Lakeside Superbowl, PershoreRoad0121 458 4444

Bowlplex Birmingham,Broadway Plaza0121 410 5888

Hollywood Bowl, Park Way,Rubery0121 453 0333

Birmingham Hippodrome0870 730 1234

Alexandra Theatre0870 607 7533

The Rep0121 236 4455

Pizza:Perfect Pizza, Bristol Road0121 476 6165

Dominos, Stratford Road0121 778 4448

Pizza Hut Delivery, High Street,Kings Heath0121 444 6200

Health and Sexual Health:NHS Direct0845 4647

British Pregnancy AdvisoryService0845 365 5050

Whittal Street Clinic0121 237 5700

Advice:Childline0800 11 11

Useful Numbers:Birmingham Central Library0121 303 4511

Birmingham City Council 0121 303 1111

Useful websites:Birmingham City Councilwww.birmingham.gov.uk

Connexions serviceswww.connexions-bs.co.uk

Yellow Pageswww.yell.com

Usefulnumbers

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Policing a diversecommunity isn’t just aboutbeing able to use the toolsand restraint items on yourbelt. It’s aboutunderstanding andrespecting the people onyour patch.

That’s why we’re committedto building a force thatreflects our communities,but we can’t do it withoutpeople like you.

To find out more aboutbecoming a police officer,please call 0121 265 7007.

www.west-midlands.police.uk/recruitment

Just doinghis job regardless...

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