Teesside University has again been ranked as one of the world’s leading animation schools and placed in the top three in UK in a new league table published this week.
Animation Career Review, which ranks Teesside third in the UK for animation, also lists the University as eighth across Europe and 19th across the world.
The global list of top 25 universities and colleges which offer animation courses includes institutions in England, France, Canada, Denmark, Argentina, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia. Animation Career Review considered 167 global institutions in preparing this year’s annual international rankings.
The rankings were announced in the same week that Teesside University’s renowned Animex Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, bringing stars from the animation and games worlds to share their insider knowledge and expertise.
This year’s Animex line-up has remained as diverse as ever, ranging from Disney and Pixar, to the creators of the latest Marvel Spider-Man game and special effects wizards who worked on Game of Thrones. Over the past two decades Animex has attracted animation legends such as stop-motion pioneer Ray Harryhausen and Nancy Cartwright, the voice of Bart Simpson.
The University’s School of Computing & Digital Technologies is also celebrating students’ work in computer innovation, technology and the arts at its annual ExpoTees exhibition this week. ExpoTees gives final year students an opportunity to showcase their work to guests from industry, education and business as they prepare to join the workforce.
In addition, the University has been hosting a special BBC event on campus, with the BBC celebrating the University’s involvement in the creative industries, as part of the build-up to the Radio 1 Big Weekend due to take place at Middlesbrough’s Stewart Park.
Teesside University has a global reputation in the creative and digital industries and, in terms of animation, Teesside graduates have gone on to work on blockbuster film titles including, Avengers, The Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, Spider Man and Moana.
Dr Gordon Marshall, Acting Dean, School of Computing & Digital Technologies, said: “We are delighted that our animation courses have continued to achieve these rankings, bringing well-earned recognition for our academic staff and many of our students who have gone on have successful careers in the animation industry.”
Graduate talent from Teesside University is helping to fuel the expansion of one of the Tees Valley’s most exciting tech firms.
Already, more than half of the staff at the Middlesbrough office of Clicksco are Teesside alumni and the marketing technology business is looking to the University to help meet its recruitment needs as it aims to double in size over the next two years.
Clicksco, which has its headquarters in Dubai with offices across the world, uses data and AI to understand customer behaviour across different sectors.
The Middlesbrough office is the firm’s largest site, and is principally responsible for the development of its data management platform, Carbon, which collects and analyses anonymous data from over 2 million new unique users per day to understand customer behaviour and intent. This data is then unified with first party audience data to enable marketers, publishers and agencies to create bespoke customer segments for intelligent customer acquisition and remarketing, audience monetisation and personalisation.
The innovation within their products and solutions is down to Carbon’s talented team of data scientists and developers who constantly push what is possible with audience data. Examples of such innovations include products such as Audience Match (for creating more programmatic direct deals), Intent Match (for intent fuelled display ads) and Facebook Audience Sync (for adding intent data to social campaigns).
Carbon’s office, in the Cleveland Business Centre, is home to 24 employees and plans are underway to double this number by the end of next year as the company responds to expected increased demand for the Carbon platform. Furthermore, they’ll also be moving into a new office closer to the tech centre of Middlesbrough to support the growing size and culture of the business.
Clicksco is planning to build on its existing relationship with Teesside University with increased graduate recruitment and placements and enhanced collaboration with academic and business engagement staff.
Each year, the company takes on two or three graduate interns from Teesside University, many of whom go on to be offered permanent positions.
Divisional Chief Executive Pete Danks said: “We have a very structured training programme so our interns are able to add commercial value to the business within four weeks.
“These are exciting times for the Middlesbrough office and we’re looking forward to working together with the University to attract the right talent into the business.
“We use cutting-edge PHP development so this is a fantastic opportunity to help retain key skills within the North East.”
Laura Woods, Director of Academic Enterprise at Teesside University, said: “Having an international company like Clickcso on our doorstep is a fantastic opportunity for our students and graduates.
“We’re very proud to be working alongside Clicksco as they push ahead with their expansion plans and helping them realise their growth plans, particularly around the Carbon Data Management Platform.”
For more information on Teesside University’s services to business visit www.tees.ac.uk/business
Middlesbrough-based PD Ports has welcomed a new member of staff to its 1,000-plus strong team, following his successful completion of a programme delivered in partnership with Stockton Riverside College and the Tees Valley Logistics Academy.
Michael Chapman was studying a BTEC Level 3 in Electrical Engineering when he decided to attend a workshop with the Logistics Academy, an initiative that PD Ports was integral to developing.
Selected from a group of five students that interviewed for an initial internship, Michael spent four weeks at PD Ports’ Warehouse Operations in Billingham. During this time, he learned about the different skills required to work in a high profile warehouse and was involved with the Taylors of Harrogate contract, a company best known for its award-winning Yorkshire Tea.
Chris Leonard, Contracts Manager at PD Ports said: “I was impressed with Michael’s enthusiasm and conscientiousness during his internship. So much so, the company offered him an apprenticeship so that he could continue to develop his skills and become a long-term member of our warehousing team.”
Michael completed his Warehouse Operative Apprenticeship with distinction in March 2019. He learned various skills including gaining fork lift truck licences, how to use the Red Prairie Warehouse Management System, working within confined spaces and fumigation awareness, in addition to RoSPA and BRC Food Safety training.
Phil Dorn, Logistics Coordinator at Stockton Riverside College, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for Michael who had already shown his enthusiasm and commitment to learn and develop by taking part in the College’s Career Ready Logistics Academy programme. During his apprenticeship with PD Ports we have seen him grow in professional confidence, but what has struck me most is the depth of his knowledge around products and processes.”
Since completing his apprenticeship, Michael has been offered a full-time Warehouse Operative role at PD Ports. He will be tasked with becoming more independent in his duties and demonstrating consistency, as well as having the maturity to help coach and support other new starters.
Frans Calje, CEO at PD Ports said: “We’re delighted to welcome Michael to the company permanently. We have a firm belief in nurturing local talent and keeping it here in the North East, which will secure our future workforce and also support the thriving businesses in the Tees Valley. Michael is one of many apprentices that have joined us on a full-time basis and we look forward to seeing him progress.”
PD Ports fully supported the establishment of a Logistics Academy at Stockton Riverside College, initially instigated in conjunction with Think Logistics, a part of the Career Ready Charity. The Academy is managed through a Local Advisory Board, chaired by Jim French of PD Ports and comprising members from the College, Career Ready, other logistics companies, retailers and manufacturers using logistics services and the local authorities.
International students rated Teesside University as number one out of 199 world universities for overall average international student satisfaction, according to an influential survey.
They have also scored Teesside as being among the world’s best in a number of other areas, including student support, social facilities and performance feedback.
The International Student Barometer (ISB) Survey 2018, one of the biggest surveys of international students in the sector, has revealed high levels of satisfaction among overseas students studying at Teesside University.
Of the 199 world universities who took part, Teesside University was ranked first for overall average satisfaction.
It was also ranked first globally for overall satisfaction with student support and the University’s social facilities, as well as being ranked second globally for satisfaction with performance feedback.
A total of 410 international students from Teesside University completed the ISB 2018.
Teesside also ranked first among the 44 UK universities who took part in a number of key areas, including overall average satisfaction with learning, quality of lectures, course organisation, student life and accommodation.
The Students’ Union was ranked first among the 43 UK universities participating in that category, as was campus catering.
Teesside University positions itself as an international university with a global network of partnerships and it attracts high quality students and staff from across the world.
To date, students from over 100 countries have graduated from Teesside University and it has successful partnerships with universities across Europe and beyond, including leading institutions in the Czech Republic, Spain, China, India, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Singapore.
Teesside University has been included in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for three consecutive years and was listed in THE Young University Rankings 2018 – a comprehensive list of the world’s best universities that are aged 50 years or under.
Dr David Bell, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) at Teesside University, said: “It is extremely pleasing to see such fantastic feedback from our international students and it is a reflection of all the effort which goes into ensuring that every single student at Teesside receives a fantastic student and learning experience.
“The positive results from the ISB demonstrate that the hard work and commitment of staff from across the University is having a considerable, positive impact.
“We will continue to invest and to improve our offer to ensure that Teesside University remains a positive choice for students from around the world.”
Teesside University is partnering with one of the UK’s largest training and education specialists to provide businesses with access to a broad portfolio of qualifications to meet business needs.
The strategic partnership with Learning Curve Group will position the University as its higher education provider of choice.
This means that employers working with both organisations will have easy access to qualifications ranging from Level 1 GCSE qualifications, or equivalent, through to post-graduate degrees. A one-stop shop for all their training needs, taking advantage of the opportunities presented by the apprenticeship levy.
Teesside University has an established reputation for being responsive to the needs of industry and delivering the solutions that help business.
The University works closely with businesses to co-create programmes, ranging from non-accredited courses to degree apprenticeships to post-graduate qualifications, which ensure students are learning the necessary skills to make an impact in the workplace.
Learning Curve Group, based in Spennymoor, County Durham, was founded in 2004 and is a national training, education and recruitment specialist working with around 4,500 employers each year to delivering training and qualifications to more than 100,000 learners every year.
Its services include recruitment, learning resource publishing, fully-funded training, apprenticeships and employability programmes.
This arrangement will provide a natural synergy with the Higher and Degree Apprenticeships portfolio offered by Teesside University, the Higher Apprenticeships recently being graded as ‘Outstanding’ following an Ofsted inspection.
Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement), said: “We are delighted to be working together with Learning Curve Group. It is an ambitious organisation with an exciting vision, clearly passionate and dedicated to the skills agenda, so our values and priorities are very much aligned.
“This partnership nicely complements the existing Teesside University College partnership with Darlington, Hartlepool, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton Riverside Colleges, ensuring we are perfectly placed to plug the skills gaps and training needs across all levels of industry.”
Brenda McLeish, Chief Executive of Learning Curve Group, said: “This new strategic partnership with Teesside University is a template for how Higher Education and training providers can work in synergy to provide employers with a highly-comprehensive level of support.
“As business and industry evolves it is essential that all areas of training and education can collaborate and share opportunities to ensure companies can remain competitive in local, national and international markets by attracting and retaining skilled and talented people.”
For more information on the portfolio of courses visit the Teesside University website.
Information on training offered by Learning Curve Group is available via the Learning Curve website.
Budding chefs from the North East helped a charity gain a few pounds after serving up a fine dining experience for more than 100 guests.
Students from Middlesbrough, Darlington and Newcastle Colleges shared a kitchen with some of the region’s biggest names in food – including Terry Laybourne, Kenny Atkinson, Jonathan Harrison and Frances Atkins.
They gave more than 120 diners a taste of their culinary capabilities at a special Gisborough Hall event designed to raise funds for the Adopt a School charity – which builds cooking skills and healthy eating knowledge by sending professionals into schools.
Molly Shaher, hospitality and catering lead at Middlesbrough College, led the inter-college event with support from The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.
She said: “This is the first time this event has been held in the North East, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for catering and hospitality students to get hands on experience and learn directly from the best in the business.
“Our degree-level events management students from Middlesbrough College coordinated the evening, which included a five-course meal, auction and entertainment.
“The guests experienced a top class level of service and we raised £7,500 for Adopt a School.
“It’s a privilege to be able to bring this prestigious event to the region, and benefit so many young people looking to break into the industry.”
Months of preparation went into the night – with each college practicing and refining their addition to the menu.
Middlesbrough College’s team worked with House of Tides owner Kenny Atkinson to create the main course – braised beef cheek.
Meanwhile Darlington College students were helped by Sandpiper Inn chef patron Jonathan Harrison to deliver the amuse bouche and fish course.
And Newcastle College students sweetened the deal with a dessert created in collaboration with 21 Hospitality Group’s Terry Laybourne.
Nick Shottel, operations director at 21 Hospitality Group, and a fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, said: “We’re proud to have played a part in this event – which is about building skills in the next generation of catering professionals – and supporting the work of Adopt a School which will leave a legacy in the area.”
Jonathan Harrison added: “This was a fantastic opportunity for young people thinking about careers in the restaurant and hospitality business to get an understanding of what delivering a night like this actually requires.”
Teesside University is setting the quality benchmark for apprenticeships having been among the first higher education institutions in the country to have its provision subject to full inspection by Ofsted.
The education watchdog examined the University’s Higher Apprenticeship provision across five categories, rating every area as outstanding, from leadership and management, to learner outcomes.
Teesside is one of the first universities to receive a full Ofsted inspection for its level 5 apprenticeships under the revised inspection framework and was rated as outstanding across the board.
Inspectors praised the University’s “senior leaders’ strategic vision for apprenticeships” ‘a culture of high expectations’ and a curriculum that ‘meets the needs of employers and regional economic priorities.’
Teesside offers a varied range of Higher and Degree Apprenticeships across its five Academic Schools.
They provide an ‘earn as you learn’ opportunity, combining vocational work-based learning with study towards a professional qualification and are co-designed with industry to maximise the benefits for both students and employers.
At the time of the inspection, Teesside University had just under 300 students enrolled on Higher Apprenticeships. Just over half of those were studying the Nursing Associate Apprenticeship, while others were on Laboratory Scientist or Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeships.
Ofsted categorised Teesside as outstanding in all five areas:
- Effectiveness of leadership and management
- Quality of teaching, learning and assessment
- Personal development, behaviour and welfare
- Outcomes for learners
- Apprenticeships.
Professor Paul Croney, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, said: “We are delighted with this outcome and are pleased that, as one of the first higher education institutions to undergo a full Ofsted inspection of its apprenticeship provision, the University has received outstanding feedback in every area.
“Our vision is to position Teesside as an international university with a reputation for academic excellence. Higher and Degree Apprenticeships are designed and flourish because of our exceptional work with business and our commitment to providing the very best student and learning experience.”
The Ofsted report praised Teesside University’s resources and learning environments and referred to how apprentices grow in confidence throughout their course.
“Apprentices make excellent progress in improving their skills, knowledge and behaviours – they make improvements to the quality of their work so that it meets and often exceeds industrial requirements,” the report states.
“Leaders and managers have very successfully established a culture of high expectations for apprenticeship provision. They place a high priority on ensuring that high-quality apprenticeships provide life-changing opportunities.”
Professor Jane Turner OBE DL, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Enterprise and Business Engagement), leads the University’s apprenticeship provision.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive such fantastic feedback across all areas of our Higher Apprenticeship provision.
“The University is passionate about ensuring that what we deliver is relevant and of an extremely high quality. We are committed to helping businesses in the Tees Valley and beyond thrive and prosper and that can only happen with people learning the right skills to enable them to perform to the highest standard in their job roles. I would like to acknowledge the staff who have played such a fundamental role in this outstanding outcome.”
Natalie Harper was among the first students to graduate from the Healthcare Assistant Practitioner Apprenticeship.
She said: “I would definitely recommend Teesside University to anybody. Doing this qualification has been an incredible experience. The staff have been really supportive.
“Having the academic support has made a real difference and will really help with the way we work with patients.”
Creative Teesside University students are celebrating after winning accolades at a prestigious Royal Television Society awards ceremony.
The Royal Television Society North East and Border 2018 awards recognised achievements in broadcast journalism, production, writing and technical skills.
The ceremony which celebrated the best in the industry, was hosted in Gateshead this year by South Shields comedian and Hebburn writer Jason Cook, with prizes presented in 29 categories ranging from professional to student.
Teesside University took home two awards, the Regional Student Award for Animation, for The Boy and the Balloon, and Short Form Award for Find Out.
Justin Greetham, Senior Lecturer in Visualisation and Graphical Applications in the University’s Shool of Computing, Media & the Arts, accepted the Regional Student award on behalf of students Karl Bernhardt, Rebecca Pearce, Robert White, Bartek Wawrykow and Alex Cao for The Boy and The Balloon.
Justin said: “Teesside University has once again secured the award of Best Student Animation at the RTS awards. This achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication and commitment of all involved – both staff and students.”
He added the winning film-makers will join Teesside University alumni and industry experts at the ExpoTees London event taking place in June.
BA (Hons) Film and Television Production students TJ Simon and Nicky Mawdesley accepted the Short Form award for Find Out.
Alongside the student awards were a range of accolades for professional work, with popular drama Vera, which is filmed at locations across the region, winning the RTS Judges Award.
Other awards included BBC children’s favourite The Dumping Ground winning Best Drama and BBC2’s The Mighty Redcar, winning Best Broadcast Factual Production.
Two Teesside University graduates were involved in the making of the acclaimed Redcar documentary which followed the lives of young people in Redcar. Adam Mann and Jacob Ditchburn worked on the 72 Films production.
BA (Hons) Film and Television Production graduate Adam worked as a researcher for six months, whereas Jacob Ditchburn, who graduated from Teesside with a BA (Hons) English and Creative Writing, was on board as a Script Consultant. Filmed over the course of a year, The Mighty Redcar focused on life in a northern town.
Pictured: TJ Simon and Nicky Mawdesley who won the Short Form award for Find Out
Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) is to lead Teesside University’s Fine Art provision.
In this move MIMA, a renowned international museum with a civic mission and community engagement at its heart, will support new generations of artists to successfully begin their creative working lives.
Drawing on MIMA’s global professional networks of artists and institutional partners, Teesside University’s Fine Arts courses locate under the guidance of MIMA from Easter 2019 to prepare for a new cohort of students in September 2019.
With MIMA as a creative hub, students will gain the opportunity to connect with world-leading artists preparing new exhibitions and established curators working on commissions, projects and collections. MIMA has an innovative approach to community engagement and students will gain an insight into the wider civic role of the gallery.
The creation of the new school within MIMA will allow the University to grow its arts courses, which were previously located in the School of Computing, Media & the Arts, and establish itself as one of the country’s leading art schools. The MIMA School of Art model is nationally unique and provides a rich research environment for support staff and students alike.
MIMA School of Art will build upon Teesside University’s successful Fine Art courses which include BA, MA and PhD specialisms in photography, performance, experimental digital work and studio practice taught by practising international artists.
Teesside University took over the running of MIMA from Middlesbrough Council in 2014 and has helped to grow the reputation of the museum as a forward-thinking institution which has a civic agenda to connect art, people and ideas. This new development marks a significant step for the gallery within the University.
MIMA has changing seasonal exhibitions, collection displays, learning activities and community-focused initiatives involving many artists and people both locally, nationally and internationally. It also houses the Middlesbrough Collection, a permanent display which highlights the influence and use of art and craft in the town.
VisitEngland recently nominated MIMA as one of the UK’s best places to visit, one of only three North East venues to achieve the accolade. A member of the national Tate Plus network and the international network of museums L’Internationale, MIMA contributes to a global conversation about art, museums and community building. This professional context will enable students to have early engagement with the wider landscape of the field.
MIMA Director Laura Sillars said: “Artists have an important role to play in our complex, global environment and the establishment of a MIMA School of Art enables us to nurture, develop and support significant new talent for the future. It is a meaningful move marking considerable support from Teesside University which will allow a truly exceptional experience for our students.”
Professor Paul Croney, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Teesside University, said: “The creation of the MIMA School of Art will enable us to get the maximum benefit from the natural synergy between our fine art courses and the work being carried out by MIMA.
“The exposure that our students will get from being part of an award-winning working museum with a strong international reputation will enhance their experience and improve their employability.
“At the same time it will allow fine art staff to benefit from the excellent community links that MIMA has developed.”
Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), added: “As the Tees Valley prepares to bid to become UK Capital of Culture in 2025, we are very excited about the potential the MIMA School of Art has to grow and strengthen our arts offering.”
Councillor Mick Thompson, Executive member for Culture and Communities at Middlesbrough Council which is one of MIMA’s key stakeholders and founding partners, said: “MIMA is a huge asset to Middlesbrough with a national and international reputation for excellence.
“The creation of a new School of Art in partnership with Teesside University will further enhance its standing in the art world, and help to nurture a whole new generation of artists.”
A Tees-based education trust says it plans to create an “exceptional place of learning” for children with complex learning needs in a state-of-the-art special school in Middlesbrough.
A deal to sell a stretch of land off Sandy Flatts Lane for £720,000 was recently agreed by Middlesbrough Council’s sub-committee for property in a bid to make Discovery Special Academy a reality on the 4.5-acre site.
Tees Valley Education Multi-Academy Trust is working with the Department for Education to create an “urgently needed” 84-place special free school on the Acklam site.
Now Katrina Morley, the trust’s CEO, says meetings will soon get underway to begin the next phase of the project ahead of the building’s planned opening in 2021.
“Tees Valley Education is immensely proud that the special free school is one step closer to being realised,” she said. “This a new milestone and the culmination of a three-year project.”
Mrs Morley said the progress was an “excellent example of collaboration” between Tees Valley Education Trust, Middlesbrough Council, Redcar & Cleveland Council, the DfE and the government’s Education and Skills Funding Agency, which has agreed to buy the land.
Although the school is already up and running for 30 children on the sites of two of the trust’s current schools, Pennyman and Brambles primary academies, the anticipated opening of the newly built school in autumn 2021 will provide education and therapies to 84 pupils.
Mrs Morley continued: “We look forward to working with the team of architects on the design phase, so that our children enter a truly exceptional place of learning every day – and fully realise the Discovery School motto ‘Through Discovery we grow’.
“It is widely accepted that there is an urgent need for additional bespoke, stand-alone specialist provision for local children with complex learning needs.
“The Sandy Flatts site is the perfect location for the school and we’re looking forward to making real progress now that the scheme has been approved.”
In the coming months, Tees Valley Education Trust representatives will attend a series of meetings with officials from the Department for Education to plan the next phase of the project.
This will include meeting a team of architects, planners and technical consultants.
“But, most importantly,” said Mrs Morley, “Some of the most vulnerable children within the Tees Valley, and their families, will be the beneficiaries of this scheme, with the additional benefits to both educational and health professionals who will work together as part of a special educational needs hub.”
