One of the most lucrative awards for young creatives trying to get a foothold in the industry has been won by three students from Birmingham City University. Kate Wells, Rosie Clarke and Roberto Cutrera have been named the winners of this year’s DMA Breakthrough Award with their pitch for the Pay Your Way campaign, sponsored by Barclaycard. The winners of the award, which is run in partnership with the Graeme Robertson Trust (GRT), were revealed at the industry night of nights – the DMA Awards.

The DMA’s Breakthrough Award is highly competitive, with the winning team walking away with a cash prize of £1000, the potential to intern at a top agency, not to mention industry clout and, of course, the award. Each year university students battle it out for the chance to impress some of the biggest names in marketing by working on a real creative brief, for a real client or business.

This year’s brief was provided by Barclaycard, who invited students to develop a multi-channel advertising campaign targeted at millennials to build awareness and excitement of Barclaycard’s range of contactless ways to pay. Over 70 students from 13 universities responded to the brief, presenting their best creative ideas, but in the end it came down to just three finalists.

Paul Alexander, Head of Marketing Communications at Barclaycard, said he was genuinely impressed with the quality of ideas on show: “This year’s finalists all did a fantastic job pitching their ideas to the panel. It wasn’t easy, and we took a range of things into account, including: how well students communicated their campaign, their fulfilment of the brief and the creativity and quality of ideas.”

Alexander adds: “Kate, Rosie and Roberto are to be commended for creating a campaign that really cornered the target market – Generation Z, otherwise known as ‘the experience generation’. We wanted the campaign to be about living in the moment and creating moments of unexpected delight. And I think the bPay your own way really invoked that spirit. I’m walking away from this experience feeling as if the industry is in safe hands.”

Kate Burnett, MD of DMA Talent, said: “Each year we receive entries from all over the UK. This year around 40 teams were involved with the competition. It’s great that we’re seeing so much interest in the award, and it only seems increase every year.”

Burnett continues: “At DMA, we try to create as many opportunities as possible for students to get industry exposure. Our message to students is that marketing and advertising is an industry for everyone, there are so many ways in and so many skills sets that are needed, from the analytical to the purely creative. The Breakthrough Award is a great way for students to get a taste of industry life, and from our perspective the Award continues to demonstrate that marketing’s future remains bright.”

Winners of the award, Kate, Rosie and Roberto said the prize would take them a step closer to their goal of working in the industry.

“We’re so excited to be at the Awards tonight. It’s amazing to meet so many people from the industry, together in one room. We genuinely didn’t expect to win, but we really tried to take the feedback from the judges and incorporate it into our campaign. We all brought something different as a team,” said Rosie.

“I think that’s why it came together so well. We all got to express our own strengths – that, and we’ve all got a pretty whacky streak! The next thing we really want is a job!” said Kate.

The DMA Breakthrough Award is one of marketing’s leading awards celebrating the next generation of talent coming into the industry. It’s supported by GRT, founded in memory of legendary Brann creative director Graeme Robertson, and is also part of the DMA Talent team that works to help fresh creative talent break into the industry.

The Chelsea FC Foundation has helped thousands of children worldwide develop their footballing skills with its popular Soccer Schools, and it will launch its newest international junior academy at Spain's five-star La Manga Club resort next Easter.

The Chelsea FC Foundation has helped thousands of children worldwide develop their footballing skills with its popular Soccer Schools, and it will launch its newest international junior academy at Spain's five-star La Manga Club resort next Easter.

The first Soccer School will take place in Murcia from April 9-14, 2018, and offers the chance for youngsters to train using the same methods the Chelsea Foundation employs around the world.

The Easter training camp is the first of a series of junior academies that will be held at the top sports and leisure resort over the next three years, with a further two opportunities to take part next summer from July 2-14 and from August 20 to September 1. Bookings are now being taken for all three.

The Chelsea Foundation, which runs five other international soccer schools, is committed to developing the game across all levels and ages, with the academies at La Manga Club open to boys and girls between the ages of six and 16.

The La Manga Club soccer school includes up to three hours' daily training from the Chelsea Foundation's team of expert coaches, with all participants receiving official Chelsea Foundation training items.

In addition, those taking part will also receive a certificate and medal for their attendance as well as a Chelsea FC Foundation and La Manga Club Nike-branded T-shirt and ball.

Prices start from €295 (approx £260) per person for a week-long training programme, while a family of four can book a seven-night stay in the resort's four-star Las Lomas Village including two soccer school places from €1,850 (approx £1,640). Boasting extensive facilities, including eight FIFA-approved grass pitches, the resort is a popular choice as a destination for domestic and international teams seeking a warm-weather football training break.

La Manga Club's appeal as a world-class destination for football's biggest names is stronger than ever, with no fewer than 75 clubs from 19 different countries having made their way to the award-winning venue for training camps this year, including Chelsea's under-18 and under-23 squads.

Walsall College, are all geared up to start playing Futsal after receiving a free starter pack – news that has delighted Michael Skubala, England Futsal Head Coach.

The pack contains a set of Futsal goals, balls, disc`s and bibs, which will help the College deliver Futsal sessions for students, staff and members of the community.

The starter packs are designed to adapt existing sports halls, playgrounds and other hard surface facilities to make them Futsal-ready. The packs came courtesy of a £300,000 Futsal scheme, which is funded by The FA and delivered by the Football Foundation.

Futsal is a five-a-side game, normally played on a flat indoor pitch with hockey-sized goals and a size four ball with a reduced bounce. The exciting, fast-paced game is played across the world and is officially recognised by both UEFA and FIFA.

Regarded as an important and growing game, it is hoped that the provision of equipment and courses will lead to the development of more Futsal players, leagues, competitions and facilities across the country.

The nature of the game places a large emphasis on technical skill and ability in situations of high pressure, and is subsequently an excellent breeding ground for football competencies that can be translated into the 11-a-side format of the game.

As well as delivering the Futsal scheme, the Football Foundation delivers grow the Game and also the Premier League & the FA Facilities Fund on behalf of the Premier League, The FA and the Government, through Sport England. Since 2000, the Foundation has supported over 15,000 grassroots projects worth more than £1.4bn.

Michael Skubala, England Futsal Head Coach, said: “A big well done to Walsall College for securing a Futsal starter pack – they have a bright future ahead of them now! We want to get more people playing the sport for the love of it and who knows; perhaps we’ll see some future international players unearthed as a result. Futsal is growing all the time and The FA, with the help of the Football Foundation, is dedicated to increasing its importance and popularity further For All.”

Mark Howard, Football Academy Manager, at Walsall College, said: “It’s great for Walsall College to have this pack, as it ensures that we can deliver Futsal at the highest level to anyone wishing to get involved. We would like to thank the FA and Football Foundation for the original investment.”

Following his visit to Birmingham to attend The Phoenix Newspaper 7th Anniversary Gala Dinner and Awards Presentation on the 25th November at the ICC Birmingham, His Imperial Majesty The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has signed a Scholarship agreement with the University of Oxford to afford him assist students in the study of African studies.

Facilitated by the University's Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr Robert Easton, His Imperial Majesty and the University's African Studies Centre signed the agreement in partnership.

Director of the African Studies Centre Professor Wale Adebanwi said the scholarship is for the Postgraduate students in Africa studies. He declared Ooni Ogunwusi as the first African leader to be so honoured by Oxford, describing him as the messiah sent by God to revitalize the dying African Culture and tradition.

There was expressed optimism from Dr Easton that the Number of Nigeria students at Oxford would increase due to the Scholarship Scheme.

“We welcome a lot of Nigerians here yearly and we do give the unequaled qualitative education preparing them for leadership in the global society both in public and private sectors”

“Your Majesty, we have about 60 Nigerian students here which is still very low compared to South Africa’s 150 students. Am sure this your scholarship partnership with us will surely help in increasing the number of the students from Nigeria yearly”.

The Ooni responded by saying “Seeing Professor Adebanwi today in good spirit of origination makes me very proud as his father because this is the first time a black man would be serving in the. capacity, for this, I heartily thank the authorities of this school”.

“Africa must become a place of pride and we must join hands to make it happen. There was nothing like Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, South Africa before, we used to be one single people of one humanity, one race, and one source with several Kingdoms.

“Nobody can tell our stories, we are the ones to tell our stories. We must know where we are coming from, where we are and where we are going.

“As the Arole Oodua and Spiritual Leader of Yorubaland, I congratulate Professor Wale Adebanwi and Am very happy to be associated with you and African Studies Centre of Oxford University”.

From inspirational teachers to pupils who have persevered against the odds, and from star footballers to a stratospheric teddy bear, the Outstanding for All Awards put educational achievement in Haringey centre stage.

The ceremony at Alexandra Palace showcased the teachers, staff, governors and pupils whose exceptional efforts have helped make education in Haringey best in class.

Excited nominees and supporters packed Ally Pally’s Panorama Room, where TV star and Haringey resident Jacqueline Shepherd was joined on stage by local students Melisa Alpdogan (Woodside High) and Tyriek Clement (Gladesmore Community School) to host the event, which is now in its fifth year.

Jacqueline said:

“What an honour to be here and to see Alexandra Palace packed with so many people celebrating together, sharing their pride and saying ‘well done’ and ‘thank you’ for your achievements.”

Jacqueline ShepherdAwards were given out in 12 categories, which drew more than 100 nominations from local parents, children, school staff and teachers keen to celebrate achievements in schools and children’s centres across the borough.

Awards presenters included Haringey Council Leader Claire Kober; the Mayor of Haringey Cllr Stephen Mann; Haringey Borough Police Commander Chief Superintendent Helen Millichap, and Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King – who delighted the audience by handing out the Achievement in Sport Award and confirming that nominees in all categories would be treated to a Spurs home game, quipping: “You’re all winners, because you’ve all won Spurs tickets.”

Guests were also treated to spectacular performances from some of the borough’s most talented young stars, including the Gidde Bille African Drumming group from Everyone’s Climbing Tree; Haringey Vox Junior Choir; St Thomas More School Dancers; Alexandra Park School Jazz Band, and singers Tyriek and Melisa.

Cllr Elin Weston, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, who presented the Overcoming Adversity award, said:

“What an absolutely fantastic evening. It made me immensely proud to be at Ally Pally with so many exceptional pupils, teachers, staff and governors and to hear just some of their incredible success stories.

“The awards gave us the chance to say thank you to the teachers who have changed young people’s lives for the better; to the support staff who ensure our children have the best opportunities in life; to the governors who support our schools, and to the children themselves – whose determination is an inspiration to us all.

“Thank you to everyone who nominated and congratulations to every one of our winners and nominees.”

The full list of Outstanding for All Awards 2017 winners is:

Support Staff of the Year – Katy Whitney, Highgate Primary School Community Hero – Sam Hadfield, St Aidan’s VC Primary School Outstanding STEM Achievement (Primary) – Teddy Bear Launch Team, St Paul’s Catholic Primary School Outstanding STEM Achievement (Secondary) – Girls Making a Global Difference, Woodside High School Apprentice of the Year – Ishen Stewart-Dowding, Haringey Council Overcoming Adversity – Martin Mendonca, West Green Primary School Early Years Champion – Sue Moss, Pembury House Nursery Achievement in Sport – Haringey District Girls’ Football Team Achievement in the Arts – Jackie Lee, Greig City Academy Governor of the Year – Conrad Plentie, Risley Avenue Primary School Teacher of the Year – Jane Daly, Blanche Nevile School for Deaf Children Cllr Egan Achievement Award – Jon Holt, Greig City Academy

The awards were made possible by sponsors Tottenham Hotspur FC, Tiles DIY and Barnet & Southgate College.

It’s a day to go until the driving test faces its biggest change since the introduction of the independent driving section in 2010. The changes being introduced on 4 December will help better prepare new drivers for driving on our modern roads.

Currently, over 222,000 learner drivers have a new-style test booked, which will assess they have the skills they need for a lifetime of safe driving.

The changes to the test are:

• independent driving part of the test will increase to 20 minutes
• 4 out of 5 candidates will follow directions from a sat nav
• reversing manoeuvres will be change
• answering a vehicle safety question whilst driving

Most fatal collisions happen on high-speed roads (not including motorways). Changing the format of the test will allow more of these types of roads to be included in driving test routes, rather than quieter side streets, which the driving test has traditionally used.

Increasing the independent driving part of the test to 20 minutes means examiners will be able to assess if the learner has the skills and experience they need to use these roads safely.

DVSA Chief Driving Examiner, Lesley Young, said:

“DVSA’s priority is to help you through a lifetime of safe driving.

“New drivers are most at risk during the first few months of driving after they pass their test. We need to encourage more practice on a wider range of roads and traffic situations to reduce that risk.

“Changing the test to be more realistic to real life driving will better prepare drivers to keep safe”.

The new test, which has been independently assessed as low risk, includes a new manoeuvre of pulling up on the right. It’s not always possible to pull up on the left. So, as well as being taught that it's best practice to pull up on the left, DVSA wants to make sure new drivers know what factors to take into account when they decide whether or not to pull up on the right.

Given that it is a legal manoeuvre, it's far safer for new drivers to be taught this by a qualified instructor rather than leaving it chance once they've passed their test. It’s a good test of judgement, observation and skill in manoeuvring, which are all essential in everyday driving.

It’s a manoeuvre that can be used  when dropping the kids off at school, visiting the local shops or posting a letter. Those who go on to drive professionally for deliveries will do it every day.

Most people use public car parks on a daily basis, whether that’s at their workplace or at the local supermarket. Research shows that most of low-speed accidents happen in public car parks. These changes to the parking manoeuvres will give new drivers the skills and knowledge they need to bay park and use car parks safely.

The examiner will also be able to use this manoeuvre as an opportunity to assess the same skill used in the current reverse round the corner or turn in the road manoeuvres.

These changes to the test are supported by the driving training industry.

Chair of the National Association Strategic Partnership for driving instructors, Carly Brookfield,  said:

“If we want to launch the next generation of safer new drivers onto our busy roads, then we need a test that better assesses a candidate's readiness for real life independent driving.

“The changes to the driving test are designed to achieve those key road safety goals, and have already undergone one of the largest and most rigorous trials and consultation processes ever seen in driver education to enable it to help deliver on that vision.”

The Motor Schools Association, General Manager, John Lepine, said:

“We welcome the changes to the driving test and believe that the key to safer drivers is better training and preparation.

"Improving the driving test will give new drivers more of the skills needed for everyday driving.

“The new test will help to prepare new drivers for a safer driving career and help to reduce road casualties.

“Our members have enjoyed being involved in the development of the new test and hope it will reduce new driver casualties.”