FusionmagazineISSUE 30 / June 2014 Forth Valley College Student Magazine

Students posters become talk of the town page 2

also inside:

Newsbeauty basicsbook reviewsfilm reviews

news

2

JOHN MUIR AWARD WELL DESERVED FOR WORKSTART VOLUNTEERSA group of Workstart students have become the first group from Forth Valley College to complete the highest level of the John Muir Award for conservation.

The eight strong team were presented with their Conserver level of the award at the RSPB site at Skinflats at a special ceremony on Friday 30 May, which was attended by Robert Coleman Area Manager of the RSPB and Alan Ritchie Curriculum Manager in Access and Progression at Forth Valley College.

Over the last few months they have made a wildlife garden, made planters and benches out of an old Scots pine, planted native trees such as oak, made a sparrow terrace nest box, taken out invasive sycamores and completed a litter pick along the Forth shore line.

Workstart is an access level course designed for young people who have additional learning support needs and helps develop core and essential skills needed in the workplace such as team work, problem solving, numeracy, citizenship and communication.

Access and Progression lecturer, Marguerite McCreath who was leading the Award said: “I am very proud of all my students who have transformed an area that had virtually nothing on it with flower beds, bird feeders, benches and multiple habitats for bees, bugs and birds.

“They really deserve their John Muir Conserver Level award which is the highest available and they have produced something which they themselves should be extremely proud of. Anyone who visits the RSPB Skinflats centre are sure to be impressed with the new additions to what is a wonderful facility. We would like to thank the RSPB for allowing us to work on this project and all their advice in the process.”

Alan Ritchie, Curriculum Manager in Access and Progression, said: “I have been very impressed with what the Workstart students have created here. It is an example of the students integrating the skills and knowledge gained through several departments within the College as, for example, the students have been using joinery skills learned in Construction and numeracy skills from Core Skills to help with measurement in building the various feeders, boxes and benches.”

Allison Leonard, RSPB Reserve Manager at Skinflats, said: “The students have been absolutely brilliant. They have driven the whole project right from the start and they have created boxes for tree sparrows and barn owls which will help these species which have been in decline in recent years. There is no doubt their work has certainly enhanced the centre.”

NEW STUDENTS ON COURSE FOR LIVE PROJECTSA course which encourages its students to work on real live design projects while studying is setting its sights on attracting more applications.

Forth Valley College’s HND in Visual Communication has built up a reputation for producing high quality students who can create work of the highest standards, to create concepts which can be used to promote everything from encouraging the public to cycle more to the latest theatre production.

Just last month three of the course’s students had their designs selected by the Stirling Cycle Hub to promote cycling and they are now prominently displayed at Stirling, Larbert and Alloa train stations.

Tracey Sands from Grangemouth, whose poster design now adorns Stirling Train Station, said: “I have really enjoyed the course and I have gained so much technical knowledge to allow me to move on and feel confident about working in a graphic design environment. The range of projects and briefs allowed me to experience the wide variety of areas that visual communication covers and it has really opened my eyes to the career choices that are now available.

“Working on live briefs has been a fantastic opportunity for myself and my class mates as it gave us the chance to work with real people and it really inspired me to produce the best work I could. Winning the Stirling Cycle Hub competition was a great experience and it is very rewarding to see my work on display in a public place. It was also a valuable opportunity to gain experience in meeting with real clients, explaining my design ideas to them and receiving their feedback.

“Overall, I feel this course has been extremely beneficial to me and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in working in the field of Visual Communication.”

Dale Evans (21),from Falkirk, who produced

another of the posters to promote cycling, said: “This project was a good experience of working on a live project for a real client and the subject of cycling brought many ideas to mind for the poster which made working on the project a more enjoyable experience. I would recommend the course to anyone who has an interest in graphic design, animation or photography because these are all covered.”

Earlier on in the year another student from the class had his poster design selected by the Alloa Musical Players to promote their production of the Pirates of Penzanze.

Conor Ross (22) from Dollar who produced a poster for the Alloa Musical Players, said: “It was a really useful experience to work for a real life client, using the skills that we have developed over the last two years, to produce something that will be seen in public.”

Stephanie Toms a Curriculum Manager in the Creative Industries Department at Forth Valley College, said: “This is an excellent course and one that thrives on allowing its students to send in submissions for live projects. This really gives the students an idea of what it will be like when they enter the workplace and helps them to work to specific briefs, formats and deadlines.

“It really seems to benefit the students enormously and they enjoy pitching their ideas and, if they are successful, seeing their work used in public to promote something worthwhile.

“We are currently looking for more applications to this excellent course and want to hear from budding designers and creative minded people to have a look at this course as the next step on their career path. One thing is for sure they can expect to have a portfolio full of live project work by the time they finish their time with us!”

For more information on the HND in Visual Communication visit the website on www.forthvalley.ac.uk or call 01786 406053.

POSTER POWER: (From left to right) Graham McQueen (Cycle Hub), FVC HND Visual Communications students Tracey Sands (next to her poster design at Stirling Station), Ryan Boardman, Craig Reid, Daniel Brannan, Nicola Ross, Dale Evans and Conor Ross.

What s inside

Looking back it has been a very quick two years. I have had lots of fun being the Forth Valley College Student Union President and have met so many interesting people. I have loved working with you all and I hope to still see most of you around the campuses.

I would like to thank all the class reps and students for all their help and support over the past two years, which has made my role so enjoyable. The commitment of class reps has allowed the voices of the students to be heard and projected through the college to aid change for the future. For those returning next year I would urge you to consider putting yourself forward as a class rep.

Many class reps, students and staff members made a stand and completed the charity walk to raise funds for the local food banks on Tuesday 20 May. The walk was a great success and the food banks benefited from both sponsorship money raised as well as food donated. This walk was organised in order to thank the food banks for the support offered to students within the college who struggle financially

News Page 2

President’s goodbye Page 3

News Page 4/5

Matthews double take Page 6

Beauty basics Page 7

Film Reviews Page 10

Film Reviews Page 11

Film Competitions Page 12

from time to time. Thus it is important to help maintain the food banks local to the college, which provide a vital resource to students when they need it most. Thus I would like to say a big well done to everyone involved.

The Campus Chase – 600 metres around the Stirling Campus building - was another good event this year and the time trial was keenly contested. This is now the second time this activity has been run and the College’s charity of the year “Help For Heroes” benefited from the sponsorship money raised as well as the winner – BA Media and Communication student Liam Witt - being awarded the “Golden Gutty” for the best time of 1 minute 45 seconds.

As we are now nearing the end of the academic term, I would like to remind students that it’s important to begin to apply for next year’s funding if you have not yet done so. The deadline for guaranteed funding for the beginning of your course is looming and so it is of the upmost importance that you fill in the forms as soon as possible.

I would like to wish the new Student Association President Lorraine Simpson all the best in the role, and I am sure she will be an excellent president. Lorraine will be the new full-time sabbatical president for the college working over the three campuses to ensure your concerns are addressed, while also ensuring your time at college is fun.

Although I am finishing up my role as Student Union President, I will still be studying at the Stirling Campus and be involved within the SU, so if you have any concerns or questions please don’t hesitate to ask.

I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff that have supported the SU and myself over the years. This support is crucial to allow activities to be run and awareness to be raised.

Finally I would like to say good luck to all the students who are leaving Forth Valley College, and also to those who are coming back next year to continue with their academic journey.

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PRESIDENT S

goodbye!David Gentles

Funny in Falkirk have created a discount code for FVC students to attend a range of gigs during the festival between 24-29 July all at the town’s One Princess Street venue.

The discount is available for the following comedians and shows: Derek Johnston (24th), Mark Dolan (24th), Eleanor Morton (27th), Andrew Doyle (27th), Never Mind The Bawbags (28th), Gein’s Family Gift Shop (28th), Tim Fitzhigham (29th) and Tobias Persson (29th).

The discount code is: STUFIF14 and it would make tickets for the above shows £3 each. All students have to do is enter that code at the checkout via www.funnyinfalkirk.com to receive the discount. They can also call the ticket hotline on 0844 481 8108 or quote the code on the door, on the evening.

EXCLUSIVE

TO FVC

STUDENTS

Bookreviews

By gilly ramage

wat

erst

ones

The Fault in our StarsJohn Green Plot: This is a novel set in Indianapolis, Indiana and is narrated by sixteen year-old Hazel, who is a cancer-patient and attends a cancer support group. The book follows Hazel as she explores what it is like to be a teenager living with terminal cancer. The ‘final chapter’ also has the added exciting dimension of introducing Augustus Waters.

Verdict: After months of not reading books for pleasure, I finally dove back into reading with a crash and I chose The Fault in our Stars after having it recommended by many

friends. I especially wanted to read it before the adapted film is released this month. TFIOS is easy to read, and captured me from the first page, Hazel and Augustus were endearing and plucked at my heart strings - though I’m not usually a fan of books that could potentially fall into the sob-story category. But Green’s style of writing and approach to writing from Hazel’s perspective was truly unique and captivating. TFIOS made me think, but did so in a way that was not confusing or pompous. I loved the subtle references to philosophical theories and as a media

student the reference to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs made me smile too. TFIOS explores the human condition and looks at how people deal with life in the most difficult of situations. It is well written and structured and the characters created by Green engaged me as a reader, I only hope that the film will live up to the expectations the book has given me. The Fault in our Stars is definitely a book I would recommend and if you’re looking for a new book to read over the summer you should check this out, though you’ll probably need a tissue or two.Review by Gilly Ramage

news

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ANIMATED ADVENTURES AT FVC END OF YEAR EXHIBITIOnA Falkirk animator and designer currently studying at Forth Valley College is looking forward to building a successful career, after showing his hard work at the annual end of year Degree and Diploma Show.

Ryan Boardman (21) from Bainsford, Falkirk, who is about to complete his HND in Visual Communication was showing four pieces of work including his ‘EEEFam’ animation E4 competition entry - depicting a family and their dog sitting in their living room watching TV and voiced by the creator himself - which is still be shown on E4 as part of the channel’s on-air branding.

The annual Degree and Diploma Show was held at the College’s Stirling Campus from Friday 6th of June – Wednesday 11 June 2014. It showcased a wide range of media including art, design, sculpture, installation and video created by learners from the BA Art and Design, HND Contemporary Art Practice, HND Visual Communication and HND Art and Design, as well as showcasing the talent of students across courses in media and communication and sound production.

The exhibition is also part of the Forth Valley Open Studios 2014.

Ryan said: “All the pieces I am showing are different themes and that comes from the range of diverse skills which you are taught on this course. This course has given me a lot that I can take forward, as I want to go into animation. I can’t wait to start in the third year of a BA Computer Animation course at the University of

the West of Scotland in September.”

Mhari Smith (29) from Stirling and Antonia Blake (22) from Alloa, who are currently in the third year of their BA Art and Design course, were also happy to talk to Fusion.

Antonia said: “I’ve experimented with a wide range of textiles throughout my time at college, but have developed a real passion for fashion and knitting. My work is based on a self-developed concept and is based around architectural elements such as structure, emphasis, exaggeration and distortion. I enjoy working on projects where I develop the brief myself and can generate my own ideas. Once I’ve graduated I hope to work in Visual merchandising within retail and also be commissioned as an artist.

“The exhibition is a great way to end the year and although it’s been stressful at times, it’s also very exciting!”

Mhari said: “I fell in love with weaving last year after seeing the tapestries at Stirling Castle and being inspired to undertake a short course. I’m now planning to move to Shetland to study for a BA in Contemporary Textiles through the University for the Highlands and Islands. The facilities up there are amazing and will allow me to develop my passion for weaving.

“I’m really excited as this is my first exhibition. It’s really coming together now; it’s great to see as everyone’s work is so different. My work is very conceptual and although it had obvious intent and subject for me, I think others may interpret it differently.”

Martin Boyle, Head of Department for Creative Industries at Forth Valley College, said: “The arts are a vitally important cornerstone of any country’s culture. They inspire us, challenge us and make us think. And students across the Creative Industries Department achieve these aims all the time through their work, never more so than at the exhibition.

“It is an opportunity to showcase the tremendous work of our staff and students to the public, and it is a real pleasure to welcome people from the Forth Valley and beyond to our fantastic Stirling campus.”

Ryan Boardman with his artwork

news

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STUDENTS PASS THEIR FUNDRAISING GOALWorkstart students passed their fundraising goal by raising more than £100 for the ENABLE Scotland charity recently.

As part of their Enterprise section of their course they organised a fundraising stall at the Falkirk Campus main reception and set up raffles and a guess the birthday of the cuddly toy competition.

Student Daniel Trotter, said: “We organised a few different activities to raise the money and it was a brilliant effort from everyone in the class to raise £115. We would like to thank everyone who donated money and we all

thoroughly raising the cash for a great cause.”

Fiona McMillan, ENABLE Scotland’s Corporate and Events Account Manager, who was there on the day to collect the cheque and present the class with certificates, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the hard work and commitment the class have shown to raise money for ENABLE Scotland. It is fundraising efforts like this that allow us to help children and adults with a learning disability and their families across Scotland and we can’t thank all those who took part enough.”

Forth Valley College has become one of the first in Scotland to win a national Social Enterprise in Education award for its enterprising approach to tackling social issues.

A delegation from the College including lecturer May Mallett, Access and Progression Curriculum Manager Scott Harrison and several students travelled to a special ceremony in the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh on Wednesday 4 June, to receive the award from John Swinney MSP.

Students at the Stirling Campus have set up Campus Crafts social enterprise - selling unique and good quality handmade and locally produced crafts, cards, home décor and jewellery - captures students’ artistic talents and invites local people into the college.

The award recognises their business and its impact on the students and their local community. Their social aim is to change people’s perception of what someone with a mental, social, learning and/or physical disability can do. Customers buy their products not because of who they are but because of the quality and price of the products they sell and they have commented on the high quality and reasonable price of the products on offer.

FVC Lecturer May Mallet who runs Campus Crafts, said: “This has been a great year for Campus Crafts, being in the Stirling campus has given us more opportunities to expand our business and customer base. In April we were awarded a grant to invest in new resources and one of our students David Crossley has set up a small business on Facebook under the name ‘Denim Daisy’.

“David learned to use a sewing machine on the course and is now making bags from upclyled denim jeans. We are all very proud of what we have achieved this year particularly winning an award for Forth Valley College.”The social enterprise movement across Scotland’s schools has now extended into Colleges for the first time.

Sandra Ewan MBE, Manager for the Social Enterprise in Education Programme at the Social Enterprise Academy said, “Social enterprise has really taken off in schools across Scotland. Children have a real spark for ideas and making them happen. By setting up a social enterprise children

of all abilities develop a huge range of practical and creative skills that they can take with them into the world of work or even go onto run a business. They learn communication, team work, and all about being responsible citizens in the community. Social enterprise ultimately is a chance for pupils of all abilities to shine.”

Finance Secretary John Swinney said, “I am delighted to help celebrate the achievements of these enterprising, innovative and creative young social entrepreneurs. Setting up and running their own sustainable social enterprises for the benefit of local communities has helped them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed, enhancing their work readiness which will help build a smarter, wealthier and fairer Scotland.

“The Scottish Government recognises the crucial contribution the third sector can make to supporting growth for Scotland’s economy – and we continue to work hard to enable the sector, including the next generation of social entrepreneurs, to develop and evolve to deliver its full potential.”

Enterprising Group: (from left to right) Scott Harrison, May Mallett, student Kirsty Hamilton from Dunblane, John Swinney and students Caroline Lyons from Deanston and David Crossley from Stirling.

ENTERPRISE AWARD FOR COLLEGE

A former early years educator who watched a young boy in her charge toddle off to primary school 15 years ago, is about to see that same young man progress to university from her college course!

Forth Valley College Early education and Childcare lecturer Lesley Colville used to work in the nursery based at the old Falkirk College of Further Education and Higher Education’s Stirling Centre back in 1999, when young Matthew McKenzie - now 19 -started playing with the building blocks to his future career.

Now Matthew from Stirling – who had no idea Lesley was one of his former teachers until six weeks ago – has just completed an HNC in Early Education and Childcare under Lesley’s tutelage and is gearing up to go to Dundee University to study to be a primary school teacher.

Lesley, who retrained as a lecturer after the nursery, which was mainly for the children of students attending the centre, closed, said: “Matthew has been here for two years as he completed an NC in the same subject last year, but I only told him I used to be his early years educator six weeks ago as I didn’t want to embarrass him. I must admit I didn’t recognise him at first, but when I found out his name I thought it was quite ironic that I would end up teaching him on an Early Education and Childcare course.

“He looked stunned when he found out. He couldn’t believe it when I showed him photos of him and his brother Robert, playing in the nursery all those years ago. I remember that he really loved to play with the building blocks and was really into reading stories.

“Matthew was great to teach then and he has been a really great student over the past two years. I am also not surprised that he has done so well at his work placement at Fallin Primary School that the teacher has allowed him to take charge of the class for certain lessons at times. I am very proud of him.”

Matthew said: “I remember being fascinated with modelling and Batman toys when I was at the Stirling Centre nursery and I have some other good memories. A few weeks ago we were all talking and it came up in conversation. It was a complete shock, especially when she brought in the photographs that included me and my brother.

“These courses at Forth Valley College have given me the perfect footing to help me become a primary school teacher. My experience at Fallin Primary School has been the icing on the cake for me this year and Stuart McGrath – whose class I have been helping out in – has been fantastic and so have his pupils. I can’t wait to start training to be a teacher at university.

“Lesley is an excellent teacher and I can’t thank her enough for all her help and advice. It really is fair to say she has been a big influence on my education from start to nearly the finish!”

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EARLY EDUCATION IS A DOUBLE TAKE FOR MATTHEW

Iona Baird’s View

To many of us in the United Kingdom eligibility to vote at 18 years-of-age seems like a given, a culturally accepted norm that we have grown accustomed to.

However, in the latest elections in the UK earlier this year only 36% of the British population voted. You might wonder why it is important to vote or to register to vote? And what impact voting will have on you?

For many people politics is a topic they avoid. In Scotland especially at the moment politics is a touchy subject and many people play their political cards close to their chests.

What I would like to emphasise in this article is the importance of voting and having your say on how your country is run. The whole point of a democracy is to allow people to have their say on how things are run - yet

if only 36% of the population are voting, surely only that 36% of the population can comment on how politicians choose to represent them.

Voting gives you a say on important issues that affect you. Apathy to voting, means you’re unable to help shape the decisions which are made which will undoubtedly influence how you live your life.

Your vote is your voice and is your opportunity to have your voice and opinions heard. I believe voting in all elections is important, as our votes shape local, national and even international governmental activities and legislations. Voting provides an opportunity to evaluate political power and to vote accordingly. Though even if you choose not to align yourself with a particular political party, voting is still important.

For someone who may be apprehensive to support the political parties available, why

not at least register to vote and ‘spoil’ your ballot paper instead of voting for a party. Even if you draw a picture on it or whatever you choose, your vote is still counted and means that your vote will not be counted towards parties you choose not to support.

Regardless of what your political allegiances are or whether or not you approve of certain politicians or parties, voting in elections and referendums is unbelievably important. Not voting means you are allowing other people to decide how the country you live in is run. And when you think about it, politics and voting impacts everything in our everyday lives: from the cost of bus tickets, to minimum wage, to tuition fees and how long you have to wait till you can get an appointment at the doctors. By voting you can help to shape the decisions which are made in deciding all of the important factors which affect our everyday lives.

to vote or not to votethat is the question

Beauty by Sheryn McDermottBasics

Our commercial salons are open at the following times:

Falkirk - Beauty - Thursday 1pm-6pm, Friday 9am-2pm (01324 403 070) Hairdressing - Thursday 1pm- 7pm, Friday 9am-4pm

Raploch -Beauty - Friday 9am-2pm (01786 272 315)Hairdressing - Thursday 1pm-7pm, Friday 9am-4pm

Alloa - Beauty - Thursday 1pm-6pm (01259 220 513)Hairdressing - Thursday 1pm-7pm

Remember that students and staff of FVC get 10% discount!!!

Salon@thecampus

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UV RadiationThere are two types of UV rays – UVA and UVB. UVB is the stronger of the two and is mainly responsible for sun burn, damage and cancer. These rays are only partially blocked by clouds and fog so even when it isn’t sunny your skin is still at risk. UVA rays are less powerful but they penetrate deeper into the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer. UVA rays are used in sun beds and can be up to 20 times stronger than natural sunlight causing irreversible skin damage over time.

Sun ProtectionNow you know the dangers it’s important you know how to protect yourself. Using cream containing an Sun Protection Factor (SPF), will reduce the risk of sun damage as an SPF absorbs or reflects some of the UV rays. Some sun screens only protect against UVB rays, so it is important to check the sun cream you use give protection from UVA and UVB rays. SPF is a measure of how much UV radiation is required to produce sunburn on protected skin, relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. So the higher the SPF the more protection is given…Safe Tanning!

There are hundreds of sunless tanning products nowadays you can use to give you a great glow instead of getting red, crispy and wrinkly in the sun.

SPRAY TAN - Almost all beauty professionals offer spray tans with a variety of different shades to get the exact colour you want. The sun can’t offer you that! Although they may last only up to a week, they are great for special events and holidays. To get the best from your spray tan ensure to exfoliate well on the run up to your appointment and keep the skin moisturised, especially on any drier areas such as knees and elbows. ALWAYS follow the advice the therapist gives you to ensure you get the most from your tan. E.g. Wear loose clothing, don’t wear makeup, lotion, deodorant etc. before the tan. Avoid working out, swimming, showering etc. for up to 24 hours. Do not scrub in the shower, drip dry and apply moisturising lotion daily.

TANNING MOISTURISERS - These are widely used to gradually build up a glowing tan that you can have all year. Without the faff of a spray tan, you can judge the colour yourself to keep applying or to leave it for a few days. My personal favourite is the Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Moisturiser which is, of course, a luxurious gradual tan day cream that instantly moisturises the skin and enhances the complexion. It builds an even, natural looking tan in just 2-3 days and is rich in anti-oxidants which improves skin tone and luminosity. A tan definitely worth paying for!

Stay Sun Safe

!

As skin cancer is one of

the most common cancers

in the world, it is extremely

important to protect

your skin the best

you can.

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Scotland’sUniversity forSporting Excellence

*Available to those aged 16 and over

The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC011159.

Sports Centre Membership for FE/HE Students – August to JulyA University Sports Centre membership is the best way to make the most of our fantastic facilities and services.

Download an application form online or call the Sports Centre Reception

T: 01786 466900 W: www.stir.ac.uk/sports-centre

Membership provides free unlimited access to:

» Fitness suite and weights area* » Swimming pool » Squash courts » Sports hall for badminton,

basketball and table-tennis » Artificial pitches » Athletics track

Membership includes:

» Weekly fitness and health classes including Zumba, Kettlebells, Bootcamp, Pilates, Aquajog and Metafit

» Sports coaching classes in kayaking, swimming and tennis

» Discounted indoor spin cycling classes

9

Scotland’sUniversity forSporting Excellence

*Available to those aged 16 and over

The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC011159.

Sports Centre Membership for FE/HE Students – August to JulyA University Sports Centre membership is the best way to make the most of our fantastic facilities and services.

Download an application form online or call the Sports Centre Reception

T: 01786 466900 W: www.stir.ac.uk/sports-centre

Membership provides free unlimited access to:

» Fitness suite and weights area* » Swimming pool » Squash courts » Sports hall for badminton,

basketball and table-tennis » Artificial pitches » Athletics track

Membership includes:

» Weekly fitness and health classes including Zumba, Kettlebells, Bootcamp, Pilates, Aquajog and Metafit

» Sports coaching classes in kayaking, swimming and tennis

» Discounted indoor spin cycling classes

10

film previews

by

Stephen

Henderson

How to Train Your Dragon 24 July

2010’s surprise success was Dreamwork’s adaptation of Cressida Cowell’s book. That film saw the Vikings under attack from Dragons. However it took one boy to find peace and make friends with them. This sequel, of a planned trilogy, is set five years later and sees the film’s protagonist Hiccup (he must have had cruel parents) as a teenager. The dragons are now modes of transport and the world is now the Viking’s oyster, but new found neighbours can equally mean new found enemies and Hiccup finds himself at the centre of trouble.

Transformers: Age of Extinction10 July

The fourth part of Michael Bay’s Transformers series shifts the focus away from Shia LaBeouf’s Sam to a new character as played by Mark Wahlberg. He plays a mechanic who discovers one of his scrap cars is in reality a hibernating Transformer. Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Ratchet, and Brains all return as well as the Dinobots. They’re Transformers, but they look like dinosaurs. Does what it says on the tin really.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes17 July

Andy Serkis’s motion capture brilliance is again optimised for the latest remake of the Planet of the Apes series. Dawn takes place 10 years after Rise of the Planet of the Apes and sees a small group of humans - survivors of the devastating virus unleashed a decade and a half earlier - make peace with the Apes. However it is short lived and before long the ultimate battle for survival ensues to decide their respective species’ fates. The CGI, as with most of these blockbusters, looks epic. Brilliantly realised and scarily realistic and the 3D effect can only make it seem even more real.

22 Jump Street6 June

For reasons I can only assume are to make a better title for this sequel of 2012’s 21 Jump Street, Schmidt and Jenko have now moved across to no 22. This time they must go undercover into a fraternity house. However, will the college experience force Schmidt and Jenko to grow up and reassess their relationship? It’s more of the same from the buddy-comedy, but with the frat-house madness of American Pie or the recent Bad Neighbours thrown in.

The Fault in Our Stars19 June

Tissues ready. One of the most anticipated films of this summer is director Josh Boone’s take on John Green’s best seller novel. Hazel Grace Lancaster is a cancer patient who meets fellow cancer patients Augustus and Isaac. Augustus makes one of Hazel’s dreams come true as she meets her favourite author in Amsterdam. This film tackles some big and painful subjects and it’s not for the faint hearted. Ed Sheeran, Kodaline and Grouplove all feature on the soundtrack.

Mrs Brown’s Boys D’Movie27 June

Depending on who you ask it’s either one of the funniest shows on TV or the worst. Nevertheless the popular culture juggernaut that is foul-mouthed matriarch Agnes Brown is coming to the big screen. She’s let loose from the confines of the TV studio and onto the streets of Dublin where she’s battling to save her fruit and veg stall. And with the help of blind ninjas, an alcoholic lawyer, a barrister with Tourettes Syndrome and Winnie’s helpful suggestion of Agnes disguising herself as man, what could possibly go wrong?

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Maleficent

(PG)Director: Robert StrombergStarring: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley, Lesley Copley, Lesley Manville and Imelda Staunton.

Plot: Maleficent presents the untold story of one of Disney’s most notorious villains from the 1959 animated Disney classic Sleeping Beauty. With Angelina Jolie taking on the role of Maleficent showing audiences another side to why the famous tale turned out the way it did. Much as Wicked offers up the untold story of OZ, Maleficent delivers the untold story of a fairy who lived an idyllic life growing up in a beautiful magicalforest kingdom and the events which led her to become a fierce protector of her land and to some a fierce and feared villain.

Verdict: As a pretty big Disney and Angelina Jolie fan myself, Maleficent was a must-see for me from the get go. Thankfully the film lived up to my expectations too. Though verging on cheesy at times, the story was pretty slick, with impressive imagery, costumes and CGI, not forgetting to mention the incredible costume make-up. I felt the real stand out throughout the film was definitely Angelina Jolie who returned to the big screen in the lead role after a four year absence from acting. Jolie shows a side to Maleficent that audiences may not have previously imagined, menacing grins juxtaposed with kind gestures and genuine flashes of emotional vulnerability. Jolie showed Maleficent as vulnerable and kind, and explored why she became one of Disney’s most notorious and most hated of villains; a villain so evil she would curse a baby. At times I struggled to find the overall flow of the film. Though I loved Jolie as Maleficent, I found the put-on Scottish accents of the king and knights very jarring. Despite this and other points of cheesiness, I enjoyed the film and think it’s a great movie that families and older Disney fans alike can all enjoy.

X-Men:Days of Future Past

(12A) Director: Bryan SingerStarring: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy

Days of Future Past is the film that ties the previous four films together as we see McAvoy/Fassbender X-Men and McKellen/Stewart X-Men together in the one film. In the McKellen era all is not well. In the dystopian future, Mutants are being hunted down by Sentinels – shape shifting robots who can adapt to defend themselves against any super power. There is no way that the Mutants can win.

However, Kitty has the ability to send people’s conciousness back in time. A plan is hatched to send someone back into their previous selves in order to halt their creation. Wolverine is the strongest so he is chosen and he leaves Patrick Stewart’s land behind and finds himself back in the days of brown leather jackets.

Unfortunately, I hadn’t seen any of the previous X-Men movies – despite being a fan of many of the other Marvel films – so at times I was a little lost in the story line. The majority of this film is set in the ‘past’, however there are the occasional flashes back to the dystopia of McKellen and Stewart. Therefore as a massive McKellen/Stewart fan (have you seen the bromance?) I was left wanting more of them, to be honest.

However, the story line is gripping and the impending peril in McKellen/Stewart era puts you on the edge of your seat, willing Wolverene on in his task in the past. It’s a good watch, for fans and first-time viewers alike.

HAPPY FILM PLAYS FOR LAUGHS AMONG STUDENTS AND STAFFNew Creative Industries lecturer Emma Macnair caught the imagination of her students recently by challenging them to make a film that would put a smile on everyone’s face.Emma had been working at the college along with fellow Creative Industries lecturer John McCall, as part of her pre-service student placement which forms part of her lecturer training course (TQFE) at the University of Stirling.That’s where the idea was born to use the popular Pharrell Williams song ‘Happy’ and film staff and students across the College’s three campuses doing things that make them happy.Emma said: “We were looking for a project that would allow all the Access course classes I was teaching with John to collaborate and film people in their campus. It was great and every time the different classes saw the other’s footage it inspired them to try to get even better shots.“It was a really great laugh from the start and I think it really helped to give the students confidence and helped them engage with the film-making process and gain many skills. I think it has been a positive and worthwhile project and a lot of people who have seen – and those who took part in it – said it has made them very happy.”Emma, who also completed her BA (Hons) in Film and Media at the University of Stirling, is now working as a lecturer at the College.Anyone who still hasn’t seen the film can watch it by searching Forth Valley College happy on YouTube.

CINEWORLD COMPETITIONYou know on the face of it I wouldn’t mind being ruled by Apes!

Well for one thing they wouldn’t have invented weapons of mass destruction and I’ll bet you a banana they wouldn’t give a monkey’s about who wins the World Cup.

But on the other hand they wouldn’t be able to do so well making fantastic blockbuster movies like Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (released on July 17) for instance – which would obviously be called Dawn of the Planet of the Humans if they were to make it.

Director Matt Reeves is set to have you swinging from the cinema’s rafters with excitement for this movie as CGI character expert Andy Serkis casts his obligatory sinister looks to everyone, as Ceasar one of the main chimps on screen.

As Apes and a surviving band of humans make peace, then slide towards war – those pesky humans at it again are they? – the two groups from the same evolutionary branch seem destined to dook it out to see who will dominate the earth.

I’m crossing my fingers and opposable thumb that it’s the Apes!

Fusion have once again teamed up with Cineworld in Falkirk to offer a fantastic prize pack for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes goodies to the first person drawn out of the hat with the correct answer to the following question:

Who played the lead role in the original Planet of the Apes movie from 1968?

(a) Charlton Heston(b) Charton Athletic FC(c) Chorlton and the Wheelies(d) Heston Blumenthal

Answers please via email – including your name, course, town and telephone number as well as strapline Dawn of the Planet of the Apes Competition - to fusion@forthvalley.ac.uk by Monday 28 July.

£15.90 *

a month

See as many movies as you like, from just

* Minimum subscription of 12 months.**For a limited time only. See cineworld.com/unlimited/terms

for full terms & conditions. £17.99 per month for Cineworld Fulham Road, Haymarket, Shaftesbury Avenue & Chelsea.

AND GET 13 MONTHS FOR THE PRICE OF 12!**Apply at Cineworld.com/Unlimited or ask a member of sta� for details. Input promotional code FAL2013 at Cineworld.com/Unlimited to receive the discount.

A6 Falkirk Unlimited Ad CW79.indd 1 14/09/2011 15:18

BA Media and Communications student Melanie Lewis from Stirling was the proud winner of Cineworld’s Godzilla competition from the last Fusion.