A new generation of excellence

“So their transition programme is a collaboration between NUSA staff working with University of Nottingham staff and students, culminating in this day of activities with a South African theme on campus.“

The organisers have chosen the South Africa theme partly because of the interest in the World Cup, but also because a group of trainee teachers from The University of Nottingham travels to South Africa every year to teach in township schools in Pretoria.

“All 22 of this year’s volunteers are helping with the NUSA transition,” Professor Birch added. “And we are also delighted to welcome Thandi Mnguni, the Head teacher of Zakhele primary school in Pretoria, who has been teaching the children Zulu greetings and songs as well as the exuberant 'Diski dance' invented for the World Cup.”

Activities planned for Wednesday (World Cup semi-final day) include mask-making, drumming and story-telling, and the climax will be a procession of all 150 children around the Portland Building, making music and wearing T-shirts in all the colours of the South African flag. 

PHOTOCALL/INTERVIEWS: The pupils and staff will be available for interview from 12:30 in the Portland Building on University Park. For more information contact Andrew Burden or Professor Diane Birch.

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Notes to editors: The University of Nottingham is ranked in the UK's Top 10 and the World's Top 100 universities by the Shanghai Jiao Tong (SJTU) and Times Higher (THE) World University Rankings.

More than 90 per cent of research at The University of Nottingham is of international quality, according to RAE 2008, with almost 60 per cent of all research defined as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. Research Fortnight analysis of RAE 2008 ranks the University 7^th in the UK by research power. In 27 subject areas, the University features in the UK Top Ten, with 14 of those in the Top Five.

The University provides innovative and top quality teaching, undertakes world-changing research, and attracts talented staff and students from 150 nations. Described by The Times as Britain's “only truly global university”, it has invested continuously in award-winning campuses in the United Kingdom, China and Malaysia. Twice since 2003 its research and teaching academics have won Nobel Prizes. The University has won the Queen's Award for Enterprise in both 2006 (International Trade) and 2007 (Innovation — School of Pharmacy), and was named ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ at the Times Higher Education Awards 2008.

Nottingham was designated as a Science City in 2005 in recognition of its rich scientific heritage, industrial base and role as a leading research centre. Nottingham has since embarked on a wide range of business, property, knowledge transfer and educational initiatives (www.science-city.co.uk) in order to build on its growing reputation as an international centre of scientific excellence. The University of Nottingham is a partner in Nottingham: the Science City.