BCB EXTRA

BCB Xtra @ The Bradford Young Citizens Award 2011

Matt Smith — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:31:01 +0000

The Bradford Youth Awards took place at Bradford’s St George’s Hall on the 9th March 2011 and we, at BCB Xtra, went to cover the awards for an upcoming show!
Me, Other Matt, and Hannah were to interview (hopefully) all the winners, nominees, and hopefully some celebrity guests! BBC Look North’s Christa Ackroyd was there to show her support for the awards and Hannah made the fatal , but easy to make, mistake of telling her we were from the BBC!

: This was the 5th Bradford Young Citizens Award.

In and amongst our mistakes we did manage to successfully interview and congratulate many of the winners of the night, of which there were 12, and many of the nominees, who were all praised for what they have brought to Bradford over the years, and especially in the past calendar year.
The winners were:

Make a Positive Contribution – Israr Mohammed (11 and under) and Coran Oxley (12 – 25)

Be Healthy – Jamie Li (11 and under) and Grosvenor Youth Committee (12 – 25)

Enjoy & Achieve – Buddy Lambert (11 and under) and Lewis Birkinshaw (12 – 25)

Stay Safe – PALZ Manningham project (11 and under) and Natalie Sargent (12 – 25)

Achieve Economic Well-Being – Eastwood Year 6 Enrichment Group (11 and Under) and Dominic Humble (12 – 25)

Group Award – Keighley United

Outstanding Achievement – Coran Oxley

: Winner of the Stay Safe 11-25 Years Award, Natalie Sargent stops for a picture with Sam Ashton aka. Chesney (Coronation Street)

All the celebrities from the night were very friendly and happy to talk to us, Matt even got an autograph off of Sam Ashton after his interview! Hannah also managed to get an interview with Christa Ackroyd as I have previously referred to

We all had a brilliant night and we shall hopefully be completing the show on the 15th of March and I will let you know when it is aired!

Healthy Living

Hannah Rebecchi — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:28:33 +0000

Something which everyone strives to do! I myself find it hard to follow all the healthy eating rules and exercise regimes… I do try though, but I just don’t seem to be keeping up with it. However, I’m almost positively sure that many of you must have this problem too.

Britain is becoming a lazy nation, and obesity is an increasing problem. Nevertheless, today I have for you a simple “5 Steps To Healthy Living”.Follow these simple steps and maybe you will find yourself healthier, energized and happier!

1) Eating Your 5 A Day!

Eating the recommended 5-a-day servings of fruit and vegetables is the most important element of any healthy eating plan. They are nutritious and contain all the vitamins you need!

2) Exercise!

When you exercise it isn’t just you fitness that improves, you’ll feel better all over! Exercise can make you feel less stressed and also happier! But the main reason for exercise is it helps you control and burn body fat and it also strengthens and tones your muscles! Walking is a brilliant way to exercise. Yes! It’s that easy…

3) Drinking Water

Water is essential for good health, it keeps your body hydrated, helps you to maintain a healthy body water content, reduces your risks of infections, and a bonus is; it helps you get clear skin! Everyone should try and drink 8 glasses of water a day. So go grab that H2O!

4) Beauty Sleep

It is so important to have enough sleep! 8 hours is highly recommended as this gives enough time for your body to repair all its cells and helps them function properly. Plus, they help keep them tired bags away, and we all do love a pretty face. So, make sure you enjoy that beauty sleep

5) Being Happy

Yes! It actually helps! Stressing less and relaxing helps our minds unwind form all the stress. Smiling is a feel good emotion and boosts our immune system! It also lowers our blood pressure! And a bonus is: the boys love a smile

By Saqa Gaza

Life lessons

Hannah Rebecchi — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:20:00 +0000

Lessons; they’re to be learned in each step of our life. This journey we are proceeding with teaches individuals new things every day. Lessons to better ourselves, lessons to improve our attitudes, and most importantly lessons to teach us a better understanding of life itself.

My inspiration for my article is from my day..

In my seventeen years of life, I don’t think I’ve ever given up on anything, regardless of how difficult I found it to be. I would keep going, until I achieved the best, or at least to show I could progress. This principle I had, was taught to me by my dad. “Never give up, because there’s nothing you can’t do”. This teaching left a graze on me, but recently it’s been fading…

I gave up on something this week, thinking that I can’t achieve the best at it, so I’d rather not try for it at all and FAIL. (Yes, I know, looking at that sentence now makes me feel like a total douche) but hey; I’m young! I’m suposed to be doing regretful things!

So today, I’m sat there… looking at the situation and guess what? It was completely simple. And I could’ve ACED it. Only if I had tried that little bit, and most notably NOT given up.

So, learn from this… you don’t know how things will end up, but you should always remember to not stop trying, because you never know what you have in your luck. Keep going until you’ve achieved…

By Saqa Gaza

Britain

Hannah Rebecchi — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:11:15 +0000

Unity? Equality? An Economically Developed Country?

My Home, my birth place. This is who I am.

Nationality differs from culture and religion, right?

However, I’m as British as anyone else from Britain, even with my brown skin.

But racism and discrimination is still there. Why?

…I’ll tell you why. It’s because this gives others the opportunity to feel superior, to make themselves feel as if only they have a true belonging here in Britain.

But Britain now, is a country consisting of all faiths and cultures. This is what MAKES BRITAIN what it is. Just like America

Nevertheless, some citizens will not have this understanding.

But this is the change we need. Open your eyes, and look around you. Acceptance should be natural. This world is too small to have a whole country to one faith, one culture or one religion. Cities are disappearing… sinking in the floods. Yet, people will still sit around to argue about who belongs where?

Everyone is just like everyone else. What you make of yourself is what makes you different.

But then… that’s the fact. Some will simply not change their stereotypical opinions about where an individual should belong.

Oh well. We all do try to be tolerant and accept others.

…Don’t we?

By Saqa Gaza

Zest Clothing

Hannah Rebecchi — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 16:02:30 +0000

Zest Clothing was started in October 2009 by me, Junior Ngoma. I always get the same question “Why did you start Zest ?” and the real answer to that is, I actually genuinely do not know . I never grew up wanting to be in fashion or in graphics for that matter, but throughout my years at secondary school, St.Bedes Catholic Grammar School, Bradford, I found computers and graphics as a good outlet for steam from daily life and as I slowly began improving myself I began making designs for clothing.

Initially, it was a hobby but with ever growing interest in my work from friends and family, I decided to take a more public approach to my work. So, after a good few months of saving and drawing my plans for world domination, I launched Zest in May 2010. Since then interest has risen a lot faster than what I initially expected!

What is ‘Zest’?

A lot of thinking went behind the name and I didn’t want to be like every other clothing line on the high street. I wanted to be different and that’s where the name ‘Zest’ came from . If you look at an orange or lemon or even a lime they have an outer layer known as the zest, so I’ve tried bringing the same idea of flavour and kick to the human outer layer. My designs and ways of thinking are sometimes inspired and influenced and sometimes they just come out of thin air.

Struggling and Striving

Sometimes when people see something new and different they tend to question its existence and try to pick it apart to really understand it. I had this problem when i started Zest, not a lot of people understood the point of it. Maybe it was my age or maybe the way I worked and interpreted things. Whatever it was, I took a lot of criticism some good and some bad, however, I made what I could of it to better the brand and myself without losing my values or independent thinking. I feel this approach has made the brand what it is today, something which a lot of people don’t do a lot of today.

What’s the big idea !?

Ok, right let me simplify it .

‘Zest is my view of the world and garments are my canvas .’

As a designer I just want to put out my personal view of objects, stories, nature and all I can do is hope that people interact with my ideas and enjoy them.

Visit the site

The Y’s Up project – Patrick’s Story

Hannah Rebecchi — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:43:23 +0000

The following is a story relating to the Y’s up project. If you’re interested in learning more after reading Patrick’s story, you can contact the YMCA using their main reception number 01274 735305 and all their projects are based at YMCA Building, Little Horton Lane, Bradford BD5 0JG.

Hello my name is Patrick and this is my story:

Before I went to the YMCA, I used to go to a main stream school in Oakbank. I didn’t like the school as I felt the teachers had favourites, and I also felt that they were picking on me for no reason.

I feel this is the reason why my attitude became worse and I then chose not to listen to the teachers and staff members. I got kicked out of this school for my attitude and also for fighting. I am now at the YMCA on the Y’s Up project and I love this school. It’s taught me to become a better person and my attitude has calmed down a lot. It’s also taught me to talk to staff if I get angry, rather than using my fist first.

Summer 2010!!

Matt Smith — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 19:34:33 +0000

Summer is now officially upon us with Monday just gone being the Summer Solstice, 21st June. So with this week being an amazingly hot week I thought I could give you some options of what to do this Summer when you’re bored towards the end of your 6 week holidays or however long Year 11’s get!

World Cup 2010: South Africa :- I know alot of people are sick of hearing about it, but yes, it is still here. So, if you’re in Year 11 and have a day off, why not sit back and watch one of the games? There’s been a few good games this year, some horrors as England showed but as the tournament progresses, the games will be worth watching

Why not watch a game?

Live Music :- There is loads of live music throughout the Summer, even in the local area! There is Bingley Music Live in September, the line up is yet to be announced, Bingley Party in the Park, Leeds Party in the Park; featuring artists such as The Saturdays, Professor Green, Alexandra Burke, Example and many more; go to http://www.radioaire.co.uk/Article.asp?id=1818478 for more details. Also, the big one, Leeds Festival. Acts such as Guns & Roses, Marina & The Diamonds, Dizzee Rascal, 3OH!3 and many more are playing, go to http://www.leedsfestival.com/lineup/ for more details.

Live Music This Summer, headed by Leeds Festival

Local Stuff :- I know we all think there is nothing to do in Bradford but there always is. Its a hot summer, go swimming, local parks, spending time with mates. A brilliant place to go on a hot day would be Ilkley Lido, the freezing outdoor swimming pool will be extremely refreshing on a hot summers day.

The Summer this year should be good, but only in you take advantage of the opportunities you have in the area, so don’t sit on your back side waiting for something to happen, go do something, everyone moans in the last two weeks of the holiday that there is nothing to do, because there is, we are all just to lazy to look for something to do

Matty

Do Something This Summer!

Local Gigs

Harry Alty — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:54:25 +0000

Chipmunk

If your feeling left out because you aren’t going to any of the big festivals like Leeds or Glastonbury then fear not! Here are some gigs that may interest you and are in the local area:
First off at the Leeds o2 Arena they have a whole list of upcoming events. First off if you really want to experience the World Cup in a room full of England supporters then you can go down to the arena and watch every England World Cup match but the best bit is IT’S FREE! All you have to do is go and get your tickets from the venue box office.
Also at the o2 arena you can see many gigs of all music genres. If your into R’n’B and Hip Hop then the o2 has two unmissable gigs coming up. First on June 6 non other than Chipmunk comes to Leeds! But the number one atrist isnt coming alone hes also bringing other artists such as Basy, Candy Rock and Aggro Santos who charted this month with ‘Candy’. Also visiting this venue is Plan B who has rocketed to success with his single ‘She Said’ and his number one album ‘The Defamation of Strickland Banks”. He plays on October 21st and tickets are still on sale at £15 each and you must be accompanied by an adult if your under 14.

Ellie Goulding

If Hip-Hop and R’n’B isn’t your style then there are some more notable performers. First off MGMT who had classic hits such as ‘Kids’ are touring there new album named ‘Congradulations’ in which the band have said they are so pleased with because they say its the music style they have wanted too do for so long. Tickets cost £18.50 and again if your under 14 you have too be accompanied by an over 18 and it takes place on September 27th . Also coming too Leeds o2 Acadamy is number one album selling artist Ellie Goulding who has had hits such as ‘Starry Eyed’ and ‘Guns and Horses’. She arrives in Leeds on November 2nd and tickets cost £15. I suggest if your an Ellie Goulding fan than I would suggest to see her now as if she makes it as big as Florence and the Machine ,as she has been predicted too do, then this may be the only time she comes too Leeds.

Pixie Lott

Also performing at the Leeds o2 Arena is the pop princess Pixie Lott who will already have performed in Leeds at the party in the park. Pixie has had a good year with hits like ‘Turn It Up’ and ‘Gravity’. She arrives just beofre christmas on December 16th and tickets cost from £23.50. Finally the US pop group Owl City who had the number one hit ‘Fireflies’ and there award winning album ‘Ocean Eyes’. Owl City visit Leeds as part of there tour and you can get tickets from £17.50 and if your under 14 you have to be accompanied by an adult as you have to do for Pixie Lott.

At a different venue in Leeds is The Cockpit which is right next to the train station and gives a platform for more indie bands to perform on. Touring by himself, front man of the band Bloc Party Kele travels to Leeds to perform on July 1st and tickets can be bought for £14.50 and you must be accompanied by an adult if your 14 or 15. Also at the Cockpit is stars of the tv show on Sky1 ‘Pineapple Dance Studio’ who have formed a band called Starman that will perform in Leeds on August 1st and tickets are on sale for only £7.50 and has the same age restrictions as the Kele gig.
One final gig that I’m very excited about is Marina and the Diamonds who is touring with her debut album ‘The Family Jewels’. She will be performing some off her hits such as ‘Hollywood’ and ‘I Am Not A Robot’ and a special cover of ‘Starstruk’ the 30!3 hit that features Katy Perry, all of which she performed when she visited Leeds at the end of May. Tickets cost £15 and she visited on November 5th and you can see her at Leeds University as long as if your over 14.

Marina and the Diamonds

Religion in School

Harry Alty — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:11:57 +0000

So for my BCB Extra religion article my idea was too not do about one religion in particular but something that we can all relate to: RE.

Since I got too a catholic school you may think that for all lessons we just sit and recite the bible; but we don’t. I’m in Year 10, so that means that I have been studying for my RE G.C.S.Es for nearly 1 year. At the start of the year I was very surprised to realise that the course didn’t really include much about Jesus and the Bible, but more about religious life including marriage and family life.

I thought I would find out more, so I asked my RE teacher Mrs Clarke a couple of questions:

“Do you think RE is an important subject in the curriculum?”

“R.E. is an intrinsic part of the curriculum. The subject doesn’t need to justify its position and since the 1944 Education Act it has deserved its place. Britain continues to enjoy a multi-cultural heritage and the study of this subject allows understanding of our neighbours. Other curriculum areas rely on the teaching of R.E. to give a background to belief structures. History, English, Citizenship, Geography and Media all require an understanding of people.”

“How important is it to teach about all the religions?”

“It’s extremely important to deliver lessons on other faiths. There are 6 major world religions and it’s arrogant to expect people just to learn about one belief system.”

“Is it easier to include people from all religions in your lessons?”

“It’s sometimes difficult to include all faiths in a lesson based on Catholicism for example. It’s especially hard when half the class are not Catholic. I have to find a generic topic to parallel for other learners. This often is the easiest way to bridge the gap and engage everyone. It’s often easy to contextualise the learning for all learners and then put the slant that you want on to the lesson. The use of syntax is also important, I would use the words ‘they, theirs, there’s etc, as opposed to ours, mine, yours.”

“Do you think it’s important for non religious schools to still include RE lessons?”

“Secular, state or county schools will often include R.E. for one hour a week which is about right for their timetables. The emphasis is mostly objective study of world Religions and as such this is sufficient. These schools must continue this practice.”

“What’s included in RE in Key Stage 4?”

“Key Stage 4 is often based on the strengths of the department and based on results that can be attained successfully. Usually, the study of a religion and the practice of that religion and doctrine. Currently we study a scripture which is brilliant as students have been brought up with the stories in the Gospel.”

“Do you think it’s your vocation to be an RE teacher?”

“I do believe that this is my vocation to teach R.E. I wanted very much to be Indiana Jones as a child though!!! I didn’t know that I was called to teach R.E. though; I started to read English at University along with Theology and Philosophy. My first round of exams indicated that I had a talent for Theology so the rest is History now. !!”

“How do you think R.E. helps communities?”

“I think that once you understand others you have a community based on respect. That’s the role of R.E. in schools too.”

“Do you think R.E. helps understanding different cultures?”

“Indeed, cultures can only be accessed by investigation and question. These are skills offered in R.E.”

“Who is easier to teach R.E. to, boys or girls?”

“This is a difficult question to answer. Girls like talking and debating and writing things down; so are good at exams. They are opinionated and that helps our subject. Boys like facts and figures and often debating, but are not too happy when there are many variables in response to a question.”

“Which other religion do you enjoy teaching?”

“I love teaching Hinduism. It’s so different that pupils are captivated from start to finish; it really wakes the imagination and is quite similar to our own faith really.”

So that was my interview and I hope you liked it and it made you understand R.E. a bit more, especially if you were thinking of doing it for GCSE or A level. I have actually been quite surprised at how much I have enjoyed R.E. this year, as I was surprised at how it wasn’t all about the Bible and God.

Temp. Bradford Urban Garden

Hannah Rebecchi — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:37:46 +0000

I got the following article off Bradford’s City Council Website:

Landscaping work to transform a Bradford construction site into a temporary green oasis is due to start on Monday (12/04).

The work will start on site at the Broadway development after agreement was reached between developer Westfield Bradford, Yorkshire Forward and Bradford Council.

Westfield will create a safe and manageable space, install walkways, green spaces and lighting before finally removing the hoardings to allow public access.

Consultation with community, cultural and business groups in the city about the interim use of the landscaped site is taking place.

The Council’s Local Impact team is ensuring local residents can benefit through the use of local labour, supplies and apprenticeships.

Mike Cowlam, Bradford Council’s Assistant Director for Economic Development, said: “Westfield and the Council remain committed to the final scheme.

“However in the current climate it is unrealistic to expect development work to start in the near future.

“The interim use’ will open up pathways across the city and provide a variety of opportunities for local engagement and skills training.”

Neil Huntington, Development Director for Westfield Bradford, said: “The area is to be transformed into an urban ‘green space.’

“Westfield continues to work on the wider redevelopment of the site, but this project will ensure that the area is transformed into an attractive, safe and dynamic space that will be of benefit to the community in the interim.”

Media Relations Officer:

Karenna Wood

Telephone: 01274 433526

Fax: 01274 432005

Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk