International Convention for Student Quality Circles 2014
This event has taken place
If you have any feedback concerning the 17th ICSQC, please contact us at icsqc14@kingston.ac.uk.
View all upcoming events at Kingston University.
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Venue: Kingston Hill campus, Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7LB
Price:
£463.50
Speaker(s): Please refer to the programme
Kingston University will play host to the 17th annual International Convention for Student Quality Circles (ISCQC), welcoming more than 250 students and staff from institutions around the world who are dedicated to ensuring students are at the core of their learning journey.
Invitation from the convenor
Chris Ford, convenor of the International Convention for Student Quality Circles invites you to attend:
"Having been involved in the Student Quality Circle movement for six years, I am very excited to invite you to the 17th ICSQC at Kingston University, London in June 2014. We hope that this landmark event will bring people together from across the world to discuss and engage in student quality circles.
Kingston is the first university to host the convention, following the pilot experience with schools in many countries.
The conference theme is 'empowering responsible citizens' in the heart of students' learning and local community.
Empowering students to engage in practical and self-managed projects fits well with Kingston's priorities of engagement, internationalisation and employability. Student quality circles remind us that learning is led by students, and we have a lot to learn from one another as responsible citizens both in and out of the classroom.
As social media and new technology begins to dominate the way in which students are taught and learn from one another, there is an increasing demand and need to embrace the core skills people need to get by, and which sometimes technology hinders people from doing. These include core employability skills such as communication, leadership, negotiation and confidence building. True education is training of both the head and the heart.
We understand that obtaining visas to the UK and flights are expensive, therefore are exploring ways in which to make the conference virtual and inclusive for everyone. On behalf of the organisers, we cordially invite you to take part in this historic event. ICSQC 2014 is a must for all those who think students are the most precious asset we have and who want to contribute to and share their vision, ideas and methodology for the development and growth of students as quality citizens."
Registration
- Booking is now closed. If you have any questions or queries, please contact us at icsqc14@kingston.ac.uk
- Booking is open from Friday 14 to Friday 28 February 2014.
- You must register yourself and all students at the same time. We require at least one adult supervisor per six students – you will need to repeat the registration form for each adult supervisor and their cohort of students.
- You are able to pay by cheque made payable to Kingston University (please select 'bill me later' in the registration process).
- Once registered you will be required to complete an additional form notifying us of your travel details (emailed to each adult supervisor).
Convention programme
The convention programme, traditional in the SQC movement, will consist of the following:
- Case study presentation
- Collage
- Debate
- Poster and slogan
- Skit
Please note, this programme is subject to change.
24 June 2014
- 9.30am – opening ceremony:
- Welcome by convenor, Chris Ford
- Welcome by Julius Weinberg, Kingston University Vice-Chancellor and David Mackintosh, Kingston University Deputy Vice-Chancellor
- Welcome to London by Boris Johnson (TBC)
- Welcome to Royal Borough of Kingston from the Mayor of Kingston
- Setting the scene by David Hutchins/Richard Ennals
- Keynote by Education Minister (TBC)
- 11.00am – break
- 11.30am – A1 case study presentation
- 1.30am – lunch
- 2.30pm – A2 case study presentation, A3 case study presentation
- 5.00pm – break
- 6.00pm – cultural evening
- 8.00pm – dinner
25 June 2014
- 9.30am – A4 case study presentation
- 11.00am – break
- 11.30am – inspirational speaker (TBC)
- 1.30am – lunch
- 2.30pm– B collage, C1 debate
- 5.00pm – break
- 6.00pm–7.00pm – World Council for Total Quality and Excellence in Education (WCTQEE) meeting
- 8.00pm – dinner
26 June 2014
- 9.30am – C2 debate, D poster and slogan
- 11.30am – break
- 12noon – E1 skit presentation
- 2.00pm – lunch
- 3.00pm – E2 skit presentation
- 5.00pm – break
- 6.00pm – awards ceremony:
- Closing remarks by convenor, Chris Ford
- Award giving by Mayor of Kingston and David Mackintosh, Kingston University Deputy Vice-Chancellor
- Passing the flag to India
- 7.30pm – dinner
27 June 2014
28 June 2014
- Sightseeing
- 12.00noon – check out
Competition rules
Theme: 'Empowering responsible citizens'
- Each team is allotted a time slot of 20 minutes.
- The participants are requested to adhere to the time schedule.
- This time includes the following activities: introduction by the moderator; setting up of the stage; presentation; concluding remarks by the moderator; questions from the floor; and photo session.
- In view of the above, each team is advised to limit its presentation to 15 minutes. All teams are requested to co-operate with the organisers and adhere to the time schedule.
- A warning bell will be rung after 13 minutes and the final bell will be rung denoting the end of the presentation.
- Upon ringing of the warning bell, the teams should immediately round off their presentations.
- The maximum number of participants in the case study presentation must not exceed seven and there is no age bar in this stream.
- Only one case study presentation from one school will be accepted for participation.
- Case study presentations by teachers/adults will not be entertained.
Collage competition rules
Themes: 'Empowering responsible citizens' and 'Strength through diversity'
- The exact topic will be given at the time and will be based on the above themes.
- Two participants shall represent each institution.
- Time allotted will be two hours.
- The participants shall present one collage collectively to project the given theme.
- Participants are free to use any material for extra effects to their projects.
- At the venue, the organisers will provide only black/white card sheets (4x3 feet), at the request of the participants. Soft boards will also be provided for display.
- Marks will be awarded for creativity, innovation, neatness and interpretation of the theme.
Debate competition rules
Themes: 'Responsible citizens need to comply with rules if they are to be empowered through Quality' and 'The central function of Education is to empower future citizens'
- Each team will be represented by two speakers, one speaking for the motion and the other against.
- Each speaker will be allowed to present his/her views within three minutes.
- A warning buzzer will be sounded after two and a half minutes. A final buzzer will be sounded indicating the end of the stipulated time.
- Marks will be deducted if a speaker exceeds the time limit of three minutes.
- A lively refutation for approximately two minutes will follow each speech with interjection from the participants.
- Marks will be awarded on the basis of content, diction, delivery and arguments.
Poster and slogan competition rules
Theme: 'Empowering responsible citizens'
- Each team will be represented by two participants.
- The participants shall work collectively to present an attractive poster with a slogan to project the topic.
- Time allotted will be two hours.
- Participants must bring their own poster colours and brushes.
- At the venue the organisers will provide white card sheets (4x3 feet).
- The posters will be judged on the basis of creativity, neatness, originality and interpretation of the topic.
- After the display, these posters will be retained by the organisers.
Skit competition rules
Themes: 'Compliance and Empowerment: two approaches to Quality' and 'Students are encouraged to use themes from folk stories'
- Each team will be represented by a maximum of six participants.
- Each team will be allotted 10 minutes in total for stage setting and presentation.
- The participants are advised to use the least number of props. Only commonly available props will be provided by the organisers on prior notice.
- The teams are advised to adhere strictly to the allotted time.
- Participants are requested to arrange for their costumes themselves.
- Organisers will provide hand microphones, collar microphones and standing microphones as per the requirement of the teams on prior notice of one day.
- Marks will be awarded for innovation, acting, originality and dialogue delivery.
FAQs
When is the 17th ICSQC?
23 – 28 June 2014 (inclusive) with five night's accommodation.
Where is the 17th ICSQC?
The 17th ICSQC is being held at the Kingston University Kingston Hill campus.
What is the cost, per person for delegates of the 17th ICSQC?
£463.50 per person.
Can we stay or arrive early?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide accommodation for those of you who wish to arrive early or extend your stay. There are lots of hotels and guest houses close by, which you can book yourself. Though please remember to let us know if you wish to do this so that we are aware of your whereabouts. Remember the conference begins at 9.30am sharp on 24 June 2014. Check out from the accommodation is 12.00noon on 28 June 2014.
Is sightseeing included in the price?
We have ensured that you have sufficient time to head out and explore London for yourselves. Kingston is situated only 20 minutes by train to central London and the cost of a one day travel card is only £10 (currently). and with so much to do and see, it would be difficult for us to arrange something for everyone.
How many delegates can I bring with me?
A maximum of 18 students. Per six students a minimum of one teachers should accompany them. In total your school should bring no more than 21 people (18 students and three teachers). This is not negotiable.
How do I obtain a visa?
Through the UK Home Office website. We will provide you with a PDF letter from the University to help with your application, though we have no more power than you to obtain a visa. As Kingston University is a 'highly trusted sponsor' your visa being refused is at low risk, but we cannot be held responsible for any visa which is not issued from the UK Border Agency (Home Office).
What if I am refused a visa?
You should apply for your visa as soon as you receive the PDF invitation letter from us (once you have registered and the payment has been successfully made and normally within 10 working days of this). If your visa is refused by noon on 23 May 2014, we will refund the cost of the registration fee, minus a £50 administration fee. If your visa is refused after this time, no refund can be given.
I can't attend anymore, can I get a refund?
Full refunds, minus a £50 administration fee will be issued provided that this is requested by noon on 23 May 2014. Refunds after this date unfortunately cannot be issued as by the 7 June most things will have had to have been paid for which means that the convention will run at a loss and could have to be cancelled.
I have family and friends in London, can I stay with them?
The only way to book onto this conference and be issued with a visa support letter is by booking on to and paying the full conference fee and staying at our accommodation. At the moment there are no day delegate fees for international visitors. Sorry for any disappointment!
What is included in the price?
Your stay in a single en-suite bedroom, breakfast, lunch, snacks, break refreshments and dinner (apart from those days that you are sightseeing) and a full conference programme. Transportation is not included in the price, to keep costs down. Kingston is easily serviced by local buses (takes 30 minutes). The 111 from Heathrow airport will take you into Kingston. The cost of a bus per person is no more than £3 (whereas coach travel is at least £50 per person). Taxis are also readily available from the airport.
Are there any discounts/free places available?
Unfortunately not, as we are not making a profit, and everything that we are spending is to make sure the conference goes ahead we are unable to give any discounts or free places.
How do I register for the different streams?
We will send you an email with a form to complete to each team leader. You will then be able to register your entry into the competitions you wish to take part in. This will not happen until April time. Remember, in London, everyone is a winner!
What streams can we take part in?
The streams available are as follows:
- Case study
- Collage
- Debate
- Poster and slogan
- Skit
There will be a cultural programme at the opening ceremony. We will have some British Culture to share with you and are looking for a cultural dance/exhibit per country. Please speak to your director general. Each country will have a five-minute slot.
Can students and staff share rooms?
Rooms are for single use only. Each with one single bed and washing facilities.
How do we get to the Kingston Hill campus?
The easiest thing to do is to get a taxi. These are much more affordable than us putting coaches on.
Alternatively you can get a bus from the airports. More information can be found on the Transport for London website. Just pop in the Kingston Hill postcode (KT2 7LB) and it will give you details of how to get to us.
What can we see in London?
London, is iconic and very popular for its sightseeing. To get the best deals, its advisable you book early to avoid disappointment. More information on what to do and see in London can be found at Visit London.
The conference programme (when you arrive we will give you one), will have train and bus timetables for you and some more information about what you can see and do whilst you're here!
My questions not been answered, what can I do?
Post on our Facebook page any questions you may have or email icsqc14@kingston.ac.uk.
Do Director Generals of the World Council have to pay the registration fee?
Yes, unfortunately everyone has to pay, we are not making a profit from the convention and running everything at cost price, just to make it happen.
When do I book flights?
Flights should not be booked until you have been issued and obtained a visa.
For further information about this event:
Contact: Chris Ford
Email: icsqc14@kingston.ac.uk
Directions
Directions to Kingston Hill campus, Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT2 7LB:
