LETTERS ELBOW GREASE
INSTALLATION
Jeremy Irons becomes University’s first Chancellor
There were so many great succes stories about careers in music in the last issue that, as an alumni of Bath Spa’s BA Acting programme, I am pleased to verify that a career in acting is just as possible after graduation. Yes it is hard work, but since September 2015 I have been touring around Spain with Theatre in Education (TIE), a company producing five different shows. We now have five new shows which we are all working extremely hard on. I just wanted to to say thanks to the incredible staff that teach BA Acting and to say that it is possible to have your dream career!. Joanne Mulley (Acting, 2014)
THE RIGHT THING
It’s fascinating to read in the magazine about all the wonderful things Bath Spa students have been doing since they left. From my own experience as a writer I just wanted to say my own thank you. The team at BSU drilled into me that this career path wasn’t going to be a picnic – and they were right – but I’m thrilled to say that having signed a three-book deal with Oftomes Publishing for my debut series, the first book, Trapped in Silver, launches in February. As well as my author bits, I’m a news editor for an online gaming site, and I consider myself the luckiest person in the world to have two jobs that I wouldn’t trade for anything. I don’t have much time off, I don’t get paid very much, and I work long, long hours, but it’s all proved to me that this was the right path. Emily Sowden (Creative Writing, 2013)
Outstanding!
03 ON CAMPUS
Oscar-winning actor Jeremy Irons – who began his career at the Bristol Old Vic – has said that he is “delighted and honoured” to become the first ever Chancellor of Bath Spa University. He took up his role as the ceremonial figurehead of the University at an installation ceremony in the autumn. Irons adds: “Being a believer in the importance of integrated education, I am delighted to see the education and research happening at Bath Spa moving in this direction. Having been educated at Sherborne, and trained and apprenticed at the Bristol Old Vic, including a run at the Theatre Royal Bath, it feels right for me to accept this role.” Irons has appeared in numerous productions in the West End and on Broadway, as well as starring in the TV series Brideshead Revisited. His many film credits include Kafka, Dead Ringers, Lolita, The Man in the Iron Mask, The Lion King and Reversal of Fortune, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Announcing his appointment, Vice-Chancellor Professor Christina Slade said: “Creativity is at the heart of Bath Spa University. Through his vast experience in the arts, Jeremy Irons will bring unique insight and influence our vision to be the leading university for creativity, culture and enterprise.”
Congratulations on another great issue of the magazine. Now, more than ever, I can appreciate all the hard work that goes into it, since I’m part of a group of BSAD graduates (including designers, illustrators, photographers and writers all from Bath Spa University) producing Elbow Grease, an “honest portrayal of entrepreneurialism”. It is a great example of the work that comes out of the school and the sort of opportunities that arise from collaboration. I always appreciated how highly cross-discipline projects were valued at BSAD and Elbow Grease is a great example of that. The magazine is available to buy from www.tomasydenham.com and all the details are on our Kickstarter page (www.kickstarter.com/ projects/1949917870 / elbow-grease-magazine). Thomas Sydenham (Graphic Communication, 2012)
ACTING UP
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The Bath Spa Institute for Education has been rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for its primary and secondary teacher education programme. It’s the highest grade that can be given, and the Institute’s second successive grade 1 (outstanding) score in a row. “This is a reflection of the dedication of our university staff who promote excellence and expertise in education research and professional practice,” said Professor Kate Reynolds, Dean of Education.