RMT confirms raft of new strike dates on Northern Rail in fight over guards and rail safety as members gear up for more strikes

Applying to University for 2019? Better get your skates on - deadline is 15 January 2019!

AS most Schools and Colleges break up this week it's important for students to use this time wisely if they still haven't applied to University; the deadline is 15th January for starting in 2019.  Studying a degree is a significant commitment and it's a big decision, make sure you get as much information as possible over the Christmas break, in order to help you make the right decision. Applying to University can be daunting, and if you've put it off and put it off; you're really going to have to get your skates on, so what can you realistically do during this Christmas break? We asked Dr Lisette Johnston, Head of School, at Screen Space, part of the MetFilm School, to give us some top tips:-

1. Research your subject. Who provides the course that will best suit you? For example, there is a difference between Film Studies and a Film Production, so you need to do your homework. league tables give some idea, but also look at University websites. Most courses give a module overview to give a sense of what topics you'll cover across the degree. Are there similarities or differences in the courses you like?

2. Research your University. Just because a University offers your degree subject and ranks well doesn't mean it's a 'shoo in.' Reach out to current students via social media and forums; ask them about their experience at the University, try TheStudentRoom.com, groups on Facebook etc. also check out the University's Instagram account; get a feel for what people are responding to.

If you haven't already, as soon as you can book on an Open Day; you're probably going to have to apply whether you've visited the University or not at this late stage, but before you accept an offer, try to get to the campus; remember you will spend 3 or 4 years there, and may have to move from home, so you want to make sure you will be happy. 

Knowing these things will make it easier to make a decision when the offers start coming in. Check the following:-

► Checkout what the Student Union is like.

► Do they have clubs and societies you are interested in?

► How easy is it to get to class?

► Are you on a campus or in a City?

3.Think about your future self... The decisions you make about where and what to study are only part of the story. Find out:-

► If you get to do work experience.

► Are there sandwich course options with year in industry?

► Also look at employability rates for the University as a whole and your field of study. At my institution, 87% of our students are working within the creative industries within 6 months of graduating. This is very different to saying a high percentage of graduates are working; get the facts!

4. Know the process: Universities know how scary the UCAS application process can be, so every candidate who applies for our courses is assigned a dedicated Admissions Manager (other unis offer this too) who will help talk you through the process, from researching a course, to personal statements and student finance.

Even if you aren't currently studying a "relevant" subject, don't discount applying to a course that really interests you. We, like other institutions consider all applications where students have demonstrated a passion for the industry/subject.  To help you learn more about the course that you're interested in, make sure you call the University as soon as you can after the Christmas break have a list of questions at hand and make sure you know about any open days, workshops and / or applicant visits before you accept an offer.

Free 30 hour childcare take up success

THERE has been a huge increase in the take up of 30 hour free childcare in Liverpool. The latest Government data shows the percentage of children aged 3 and over in the City taking up their application has risen from 70% to 93% since the summer, meaning 2,040 youngsters are benefiting. It follows a drive by the City Council to increase take up of the entitlement, which is for working households where parents earn a weekly minimum equivalent to 16 hours and less than ₤100,000 per year. The entitlement amounts to 1,140 hours, over a year and can be used up to 30 hours a week, during term time (38 weeks), or for fewer hours per week spread over more weeks of the year. It can be used for:- day nurseries, nursery classes in Schools, childminders, playgroups and pre-Schools, but does not cover the cost of meals and trips. All 3 and 4 Year old children receive the universal 15 hours free childcare, regardless of whether their parents are working. More information about signing up is available at:- ChildCareChoices.Gov.UK.  Councillor Barbara Murray, Cabinet member for education, said:- "There is a wealth of evidence which shows nursery education for children really helps with their development and boosts their School readiness. I am really pleased that the take up has increased so much over the last few months and would urge any parent who is entitled to make sure they are taking advantage of it. Getting children to mix with others and learn through play is really beneficial for them, and means they are well prepared for School when they are old enough to start."

MEMBERS of the University and College Union (UCU) at Hugh Baird College have voted for industrial action in a row over pay. All staff (100%) polled said they backed strikes.  Staff at the College look set to join a 2nd wave of strikes at Colleges in England in the new year. 6 Colleges took part in the 1st wave in November 2018. UCU members at 9 other Colleges, as well as at Hugh Baird, have backed strikes in ballots that closed on 19 December 2018. The Union said it will be meeting as soon as possible to discuss next steps in the campaign. The dispute centres on the failure of College bosses to make a decent pay offer to staff who have seen their pay decline by 25% over the last decade.  The pay gap between teachers in Colleges and Schools currently stands at ₤7,000. UCU said low pay was bad for staff, students and Colleges. Around ⅔ of College heads said pay is a major obstacle for them when it comes to attracting staff. UCU head of policy Matt Waddup said:- "It is a testament to the strength of feeling about their treatment that UCU members have voted in such large numbers to take strike action. The College will face significant disruption in the new year unless it agrees to do more to address the pay and conditions of staff."