SPACE - Summer 2017

sPACE

The magazine for Bath Spa University students and staff | Summer 2017

Really fast fiction: challenge for 25 word novel

Research reveals the pressures affecting modern teachers

telethon has another record breaking year

summer 2017

W

elcome to the summer edition of SPACE magazine.

This is the last time I will welcome you to this splendid magazine, showcasing achievements and news from across the University. It is always a joy to read about the wonderful talent and creativity of Bath Spa students and staff, and this issue is no exception.

As you know, I am leaving Bath Spa at the end of this academic year and returning to Australia. It has been an honour to work here, one of the most historic and beautifully sited universities in the world. I am immensely proud of all our students, who along with our talented staff, successful alumni and inspiring cultural partners, have developed a vibrant and creative community that distinguishes Bath Spa University and makes it such a special place to work and study.

I am proud that since joining Bath Spa in 2012 it has become a truly global institution, we have welcomed new staff and created additional professorial posts, there has been a significant increase in research activity and income, and we have invested in our estate to support the growing student body.

I am grateful to everyone at the University and all those in the region and more widely who have supported me through this exciting journey.

I wish ongoing success to all of you, the students and staff that make Bath Spa a leading university for creativity, culture, enterprise and education.

Professor Christina Slade Vice-Chancellor

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in this issue

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SPACE magazine is published seasonally for Bath Spa

on the cover

University students and staff.

Want to get involved?

Email spacemag@bathspa.ac.uk

P. 4 Really fast fiction: challenge for 25 word novel P. 7 Research reveals the pressures affecting modern teachers P. 9 Telethon has another record breaking year

Editor Jennifer Davies Features Jane Wakefield

regulars P. 4 Success at Spa Stories from Bath Spa’s talented students and staff P. 10 Summer in Pictures P. 18 Five minutes with Ian Gadd answers our five probing questions P. 16 SPACE to Shout!

Things to do outside Bath, reccommended reads and a look at our iconic building, Main House

Alexandra Snell Design Rosie Maynard Contributors Professor Kate Reynolds Kitty Hilton Front cover Wallpaper design called Cinda’s Roses, by Lucinda Rogers. Lucinda, first year Textile Design for Fashion

FEATURES P. 19 SPACE to Chat A place of making How Bath School of Art and Design’s incredible teachers helped mould it into what it is today

and Interiors, was inspired by her garden at home in the Cotswolds.

Back cover Design by Laura Gillings BA (Hons) Fashion Design.

Laura was awarded the Tu Scholarship, a one year paid placement with Tu Clothing for Sainsbury’s mentored by fashion designer, Henry Holland.

P. 14 SPACE to Talk Whatever Happens after The General Election, Teachers Will Do What They Do Best – Educate Children With more than 70 years of training resilient teachers our schools can surely face whatever changes are in store following the election

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success at spa

Really fast fiction: challenge for 25 word novel To celebrate 25 years of creative writing excellence, Bath Spa University challenged people to write a novel in just 25 words. Entries could be any genre and any style, but must tell a story and must be 25 words long. Novels will be judged by a panel of successful authors and literary figures, including author of nine novels, including The Emperor Waltz, Philip Hensher.

#novelin25 The winner and two runners up will have their 25-word story read out and recorded by Jeremy Irons, Oscarwinning actor and Bath Spa University’s Chancellor, and the overall winner will receive £500.

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At the launch of the competition, award-winning novelist and Bath Spa University Professor Philip Hensher said: “Writing is a necessary joy. It’s the only way to understand other people, their stories and hopes, their articulated or mute selves. The job of the writer is to put that into words which, afterwards, will seem inevitable.”

Bath Spa has one of the most successful creative writing courses in the country. Bath Spa graduate novelists have won prestigious awards, secured international publishing deals and many regularly come back to the University to teach and share their success with new aspiring novelists.

As well as Philip Hensher, the judging panel includes Jonathan Dent, senior assistant editor at the Oxford English

Dictionary, and celebrated author and Bath Spa University graduate Beatrice Hitchman.

Philip continues: “All published authors started somewhere. Everybody has something to say, and a recognisable way of saying it. If this encourages someone who has never thought of him or herself as ‘a writer’ to go on beyond 25 words, it will have done something important.”

Jonathan Dent added: “Lexicographers put a particular value on verbal economy (25 words is a typical length for both an OED definition and for one of our supporting quotations), so it will be fascinating to see the linguistically creative ways in which competitors construct a narrative in what is essentially a tweetable length.”

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Celebrating 50 Years of Concrete Poetry An event, Making Beyond Words, took place at Bath Spa University’s Corsham Court Campus in June to celebrate concrete poetry.

Concrete poetry, originally a literary movement heavily influenced

by Modernist art appeared in Brazil, Germany and Switzerland in the mid1950s. Concrete, pattern, or shape poetry is an arrangement of linguistic elements in which the typographical effect is more important in conveying meaning than verbal significance.

It was adopted by visual artists and incorporated into art practice during the early and mid-1960s becoming an international phenomenon with the UK playing an important role in this development.

Historically, Bath Spa University holds a key position in the field, with Bath Academy of Art (now Bath Spa University’s Bath School of Art and Design) having been at the forefront of the original Concrete Poetry Movement in the 1960s.

The two day event and accompanying exhibition celebrated fifty years of work, bringing together those who were a part of the original movement alongside the younger generation, capturing work created both in the UK and internationally.

Santander renews partnership Santander, through its Santander has supported the University’s global and Universities Global Division, has renewed entrepreneurial initiatives over the last its partnership with Bath Spa University. three years. The funding has enabled The partnership was signed by Sigga staff, students, and alumni to participate Sigurdardottir, in a variety of exciting Chief Customer opportunities.”

“Our partnership with and Innovation Through its Santander has supported Santander Officer, Santander Universities the University’s global Global Division, UK, and Professor Christina Slade, Santander has and entrepreneurial Vice-Chancellor of initiatives over the last supported higher Bath Spa. Now in its education in the three years.” third year, the bank UK since 2007, provides funding for providing funding mobility, research, and enterprise activities. for scholarships, mobility awards and Professor Slade said: “It was a research grants with the aim of supporting pleasure to welcome Sigga Sigurdardottir students and academic staff. and her colleagues from Santander today. Our partnership with Santander

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teaching and research in education A new book called Knowledge and the Study of Education – an international exploration is now available to purchase. Edited by Geoff Whitty, Research Professor at Bath Spa University’s Institute for Education, and John Furlong, former Director of the Department of Education at the University of Oxford, the book is about teaching and research in education in different parts of the world.

It identifies 12 different ‘knowledge traditions’ in the study of education and shows how the study of education in universities has not always been linked to the training of teachers.

The editors provide an overview of the study of education around the world, and other contributors discuss what education looks like as a field of study in Australia, China, France, Germany, Latvia and the USA.

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BBC announces new talent Bath Spa’s Rob Brown, Senior Lecturer graduates the best chance of breaking in Film and Creative Production, has into the industry.” been selected for the BBC’s Hot New Susan McMillan, Head of Talent list. Creative leaders from across the Digital Academy at Bath Spa the BBC have identified over 200 University, said: “Creating a pipeline broadcasting stars of the future and Rob for new talent is essential for the is one of them under the category of future of the BBC and the wider UK Directors. creative industry.

“Creating a pipeline for It’s highly relevant Rob said: “It has been a great new talent is essential to what we do month with a Royal here at Bath Spa for the future of the Television Society within the Digital BBC and the wider UK Academy. Our award win, being creative industry.” selected for the aim, over the BBC New Talent next few years, Hotlist and then directing three episodes will be to inspire, develop and support of Doctors on BBC 1 over Easter. This is the next generation of creative talent something that will inform my teaching amongst our staff and students.” this year as I’m a firm believer that our Recently Rob’s feature-length film courses at Bath Spa need to be in line Sixteen won two awards from The with current industry practise to give our Royal Television Society.

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Research by the psychology department reveals the pressures affecting modern teachers Research conducted by the Psychology Department at Bath Spa has revealed the pressures affecting modern teachers including written and verbal abuse from their pupils’ parents.

The findings, from a UNISON and ATL supported project, into stress in the workplace in the education sector, show that over a quarter of primary teachers and a fifth of secondary teachers are exposed to negative behaviours at least once a month. Reported abuse ranged from online messages to confrontation on school premises.

The figures directly correlate with statistics that show that the education sector has the highest incidence of longterm sickness absences within the public sector, due to stress.

The research was conducted by Senior Lecturer in Psychology Dr Jermaine Ravalier, and Dr Joe Walsh.

Dr Ravalier (above) commented: “Many of the teachers we spoke to love what they do, however these findings paint a picture of a group of professionals that are under pressure from many quarters. As well as government cuts to funding, administrative demands, and increased class sizes, we also found that teachers work on average 20 hours per week more than they’re contracted to – this all adds up to long absences from work and unfortunately

lead to many passionate teachers leaving the sector.

“It is a real shame that parents are adding to these issues by letting emotions get the better of them and treating teachers in an inappropriate manner.

Ongoing training for teachers, to help manage confrontation, is needed as is investment in understanding the trigger points that cause the abuse so that school management teams can address this growing problem.”

Despite these figures, many people continue to choose teaching as a career.

High profile individuals such as Financial Times columnist Lucy Kellaway are choosing to switch careers into teaching later in life, giving a boost to the sector’s profile and raising the status of teaching as a career.

Additionally, the government is increasingly recognising the need to support teachers and have launched the ‘Teacher Workload Plan’ which aims to reduce unnecessary burdens on teachers.

“Teaching as a career offers huge rewards at all levels,” said Professor Kate Reynolds, Executive Dean of the Institute for Education at Bath Spa University. “It allows people to remain close to a subject they feel passionate about and have a varied career where no two days are the same, working with brilliant colleagues who

share their values and making a difference to children and young people.

“As a career path it is challenging and teachers can help themselves by accessing further support and development through professional learning. We actively encourage this at Bath Spa through Network for Learning which offers the chance for teachers to come together to learn new skills and knowledge. In our teacher training programmes, we also support teachers to be resilient in how they deal with conflict and negative situations which sometimes arise in schools.

“There are many ways that teachers can be much better supported in their roles to ensure that on a day-to-day basis going to school is pleasant and rewarding.

The government’s new workload plan to cut back on the administrative elements of teaching, which have been steadily on the rise over the past couple of decades, is a welcome step in the right direction.”

Additionally in the Psychology Department Pete Etchells, Senior Lecturer in Biological Psychology, was elected to the British Science Association’s General Committee for the next three years, and his Guardian blog has been shortlisted for The Dr Katharine Giles science blog award at the Association of British Science Writers Annual Awards.

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success at spa Success at spa

Students attend financial technology summit in London Six students from Bath Spa University’s and network with financial professionals Bath Business School attended the which gave them an insight into the Innovate Finance Global Summit London industry and new ideas for projects.

(IFGS) conference.

Emily Hunnings studying BA (Hons) The annual event Business and is the most prestigious “To have gained such Management said: “To conference for the an invaluable insight into have gained such an financial technology invaluable insight into the industry whilst I am the industry whilst I sector - a platform that just beginning my studies am just beginning my convenes the world’s global institutions has motivated me further studies has motivated together with startfurther to do the to do the best that I can me ups, policy makers, best that I can at at university” and investors to share university and I hope ideas and solutions to to one day be a part of the challenges facing financial services. the influential changes within the world of The students were able to attend talks business.”

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success at spa Success at spa

Floral fabric is a winner Amelia Anderson has been announced as the nationwide winner of the prestigious Silk Bureau 2017 Print Competition.

Amelia’s repeat print pattern was inspired by her favourite flower, the dalia, which reminds her of her parents back garden in Alton, Hampshire. She hand painted the flowers with vivid navy blues, hot pinks and yellows, and used tea bags to stain the leaves to achieve her winning autumnal design.

“Amelia’s repeat print pattern was inspired by her favourite flower, the dalia, which reminds her of her parents back garden in Alton, Hampshire.”

Amelia’s work was praised by judges at Silk Bureau, a leading digital textile printing company based in Worcestershire, for the intricate hand drawn elements and the composition and colour choices were said to be extremely well considered.

Amelia, who is a third year studying BA (Hons) Textile Design for Fashion and Interiors, won the chance to see her fabric being printed at Silk Bureau’s print works, as well as being treated to a tour of the factory floor.

Telethon has another record breaking year!

Earlier in the year, a team of 18 students made calls to thousands of graduates of the University and its predecessor colleges asking for their support for current and future generations of Bath Spa students.

For the third year running, the telethon broke previous records, raising over £13,000 for the Harbutt Fund, every penny of which goes to our students.

The Harbutt Fund is named after William Harbutt who was a British artist and the inventor of Plasticine.

He was headmaster of the Bath Academy of Art from 1874 to 1877, which has since become the Bath School of Art and Design.

The telethon also provided a chance for current students talk to people from previous generations, hearing about their experience at university and beyond. As well as supporting us with donations, alumni were also given the opportunity to get involved in Bath Spa’s thriving community through a number of initiatives, including speaking, volunteering, and mentoring.

Being a telethon caller is a great opportunity to learn negotiation skills, add to your CV - and earn good money! If you’d like to be considered for the 2018 telethon, email: daro@bathspa.ac.uk

Student shortlisted for Penguin Book Cover Award Huge congratulations to talented third year student, Alysha Moxom, studying BA (Hons) Contemporary Arts Practice, who has been shortlisted for the prestigious Penguin Random House Student Design Award 2017.

She has been shortlisted in the Children’s Cover category.

Alysha, who is specialising in Graphic Art, is one of only 10 students in this category to get through to the final round.

The Penguin Random House Student Design Award is an opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in design to experience real cover design briefs first-hand.

Follow the University @BathSpaUni summer 2017

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summer IN PICTURES

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1 & 2 Fine Art student Ally McGinn’s commissioned artwork at The Gainsborough Bath Spa Hotel was unveiled this term. Six of Ally’s colourful abstract paintings adorn the passageway between the hotel and spa and will be enjoyed by guests visiting the spa facilities.

3 & 4 This year Graduation will be held at Bath Abbey on 19, 20 and 21 July. Well done to everyone and have a brilliant day!

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5 & 6 The famous Petting Zoo returned for the Students’ Union Stamp Out Stress week. The petting zoo returns annually to help students and staff feel happy for four hours on a summery Wednesday!

7 Bath Spa Live and OnSet Productions at Bath Fringe Festival presenting Paying the Piper, by third year BA Acting students. A five star review said : “...imagination and creativity have no limits...”

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summer in pictures

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“ Chat ”

A place of making

How Bath School of Art and Design’s incredible teachers helped mould it into what it is today

Anita Taylor

Graham McLaren

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Bath Spa University’s Bath School of Art and Design has never had a permanent base. From 33 The Paragon, to Corsham Court, to Sion Hill, to Locksbrook Road, since the 1850s the School has been housed in several locations.

Professor Anita Taylor, Executive Dean of Bath School of Art and Design, says: “The fact we have not had a longstanding home demonstrates the School is flexible and adaptable and tells you that the heart of the institution is not necessarily in the buildings – it is in the people, who are inspired by our wonderful settings and work.”

It isn’t just the location that hasn’t been permanent – the School has also had a number of identities too. From being founded as the Bath School of Art, it then became the Bath Academy of Art with its move to Corsham Court, and finally became what we know now as Bath School of Art and Design.

“The people of the School create its legacy,” says Anita. It has been home to many renowned artists and designers, and when asked about the influential people who have passed through its doors, Graham McLaren, Head of Field Research, Enterprise and Postgraduate Affairs, joked “How many do you want us to mention?”

Significant people include Walter Sickert, who taught at the School towards the end of his life; Sir Howard Hodgkin, abstract painter, who first studied and then came back to teach; Salima Hashmi, an internationally famous curator, and many, many more.

One former Headmaster of the School whose legacy and creations have resonated throughout history is William Harbutt. Harbutt was the Headmaster from 1874 until 1877. His

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“ Chat ” Graham is currently writing a book about the history of Bath School of Art and Design. Please share your memories with us: bathartschools.funderful.com

Filming with Peter Lord

A group of students

from Aardman Animations

working with plasticine

relationship with the School was somewhat strained – he left after only three years and like many other teachers of his time, set up his own rival art school and taught in Milsom Street and in the Victoria Rooms in Bath.

Though fraught with drama, Harbutt’s time at the School was a positive one – his students adored him and when he left, they clubbed together and bought him a desk for his studio (a far cry from the mugs we buy our lecturers these days!)

Harbutt’s legendary creation was made some 20 years after he left the Bath School of Art. Harbutt was the inventor of plasticine.

Many, including Top Gear’s former host James May, believe that the one and only modelling clay plasticine was discovered in 1897, but Graham McLaren has found evidence that places its discovery two years earlier in Harbutt’s home in Bath. Whilst researching for his book on the history of the Bath School of Art and Design, Graham found an article in the Bath Chronicle from Thursday 6 June 1895. The journalist visited Harbutt in his house on Milson Street and said: “In another room, we found a student at modelling work and we had our attention called to a new plastic substance for this, which has the advantage of great pliability and cleanliness without liability to dry and to crack.”

The discovery of this article suggests to Graham that Harbutt was developing plasticine two years before previously recorded.

Harbutt put an immense amount of time and effort into developing his own form of plasticine, with various oils such as animal fats and powdered cement, and one secret ingredient to bind it all together – lime!

Regardless of who invented the first ever recipe for plasticine, the importance lies in its discovery and how it has helped artists for over 100 years to realise their designs into actuality.

Anita says: “What Harbutt was doing was solving the problem.

What could students use to learn to model form that wouldn’t dry out - so they could keep on going and making and developing?

Plasticine is a really important discovery as it solved both a making problem and a teaching problem, and became recognised for its other uses. Soon, it was commercialised into one of the biggest and widest commercialised materials in the world.”

But is plasticine just for children? Anita and Graham unreservedly disagree with this suggestion. “Plasticine is used by our current students, by artists, by designers, by Aardman Animations! When Peter Lord from Aardman Animations visited us a few months ago, we had a group of Fine Art students and a group of Graphic Communication students working together to make a collaborative sculpture, which was quickly explored by Morph!

“We even kept their piece in the foyer of Sion Hill so students and staff alike could come along and add to it! Plasticine has a role in the art world and is a material that we use in many of our courses. It is democratic, risk free and flexible. It is a tool to realise things in the three-dimensional world, rather than the twodimensional.”

Graham adds: “Harbutt really was ahead of his time. His world very much realised things in the two-dimensional – heraldry was huge at the School in his day – and Harbutt’s creation was the beginning of the debate surrounding ‘what is sculpture?’ Is it finding an object in the stone that you are chipping away at, or is it about building something, as with Plasticine?”

Harbutt created something that transcended pedagogy. His creation has added to the world in a big way, and it just goes to show how he, and others before and after him, really helped to mould Bath School of Art and Design into what it is today.

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“ Talk ” Whatever Happens After The General Election, Teachers Will Do What They Do Best – Educate Children Professor Kate Reynolds, Executive Dean of the Institute for Education, Bath Spa University considers the impact of the general election on teaching.

So, the politicians are at it again! A general election has been called and its outcome will shape our future both at home and abroad.

For all of us in education, it will be interesting to see the various proposals put forward by the parties and the different approaches they propound. It’s likely there’ll be talk of grammar schools and school funding, the future of universities and what we teach in schools.

We may agree with some policies more than others – however, we do know that whatever the outcome, it will bring changes for schools and the wider education community.

This is nothing new – in 1947 Mary Dawson established her teacher training college in Bath following the election of a government with a commitment to expanding state education, and thereby increasing the numbers of teachers and the quality of their training.

Starting from scratch, Mary worked with local authorities

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and schools, placing student teachers in classrooms across the region as a way of learning from the chalkface, and combined this experience with theories of education and learning at Newton Park campus.

Since then, subsequent governments have changed both the methods of teacher training and the routes which lead to qualified teacher status. Governments of different political persuasion have introduced various initiatives focused on what it is to be a teacher (Teacher Standards), as well as what should be taught (the national curriculum) and how it should be taught (the use of Synthetic phonics).

New and old fads and fashions have bedevilled teacher training since its inception.

We now also have numerous ways of becoming a teacher: school centred initial teacher training (SCITTs), Teach First, Troops to Teachers, School Direct, Assessment Only and the University-led PGCE with QTS.

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“ Talk ”

All of these routes are grounded in strong partnerships between Universities and schools. A cornerstone of the approach established in 1947.

Soon we will have teacher apprenticeships – student teachers learning ‘on the job’ – harking back to a long-gone era when the best pupils taught others to read and write as ‘pupil teachers’. In the world of teacher education, there really is nothing new!

However, the teaching industry has always been resilient, and good at ‘bending with the wind’; taking on board the best of any new initiative in a way which places the child at the centre.

“We may agree with some policies more than others – however, we do know that whatever the outcome, it will bring changes for schools and the wider education community.”

In particular, teachers and those who teach them have become adept at being ‘agents of change,’ knowing that regardless of the changes in the wider world of politics, schools and universities will continue working together with a commitment to high-quality learning and training teachers as the defenders of the child’s human rights.

Outstanding teachers will give our children the very best start and enable them to have the skills and knowledge to face the challenges ahead regardless of the outcome of the ballot box.

Article first published on 16 May 2017: Teach Primary Magazine

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! SHOUT ! sPACE TO Have your say – We’re looking for letters, feedback, and general social media musings, so please send in what you like about Bath Spa and the city of Bath via spacemag@bathspa.ac.uk

Recommended read: The Power by Naomi Alderman Bath Spa’s Professor of Creative Writing, Naomi Alderman, has won the prestigious Bailey’s Women’s Fiction prize for her dystopian novel, The Power.

The Power is the first science fiction novel to win the prize and is set in a dystopian future where women and girls can kill men with a single touch. Tessa Ross, chair of judges, called the novel “a classic of the future.”

Things to do outside Bath Frome

Frome, glorious Frome. This beautiful town is 13 miles south of Bath and is stunning. There is always something going on, be it the Frome Market that takes place on the first Sunday of the month from April to December, Nunney Castle, or the Black Swan Arts Gallery.

You can also catch a bus easily from Frome to Longleat Safari Park in Warminster.

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Bristol Harbourside

Bristol is teeming with things for you to explore, but the Harbourside is a definite summer location. The quay is lined with bars, good food and different museums and activities. The @Bristol Science Centre is definitely worth a visit – they have a machine outside which tells you how many millions of miles away we are from all of the planets in our solar system. And the nutella and mascarpone pizza at the Stable is exceptional!

Dyrham Park

Dyrham Park, potentially better placed to be called Deer-ham Park, is a 17th century National Trust property. It has a glorious mansion, gardens and there are several deer hopping about the grounds. During the summer, they hold Sunset Deer Park walks, which are bookable through their website.

Check out upcoming events at the park on the National Trust website.

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The iconic Main House building at our Newton Park campus If those walls could speak what would they tell us!

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A wonderful wedding venue

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Looking stunning in summer

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Centre stage in our sell-out Christmas performance

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Art students in the 1950s

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Dr Sugarloaf review: January 2017

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In the summer 2016 edition of SPACE magazine, we celebrated the fantastic success of MA Scriptwriting alumna Brittany McComas debuting her movie Dr Sugarloaf at Cannes Film Festival.

In January, we were invited to its debut in The Little Theatre in Bath.

And it was fantastic!

The 20 minutes of Dr Sugarloaf flew by. I was totally drawn in by its humorous take on everyday life and the world of online dating. You don’t feel like you missed out as it only being 20 minutes long, but rather enriched for being able to delve into the wondrous mind of Brittany McComas.

Veronica is a bored video shop assistant who is sucked into the world of online dating by the charming Dr Sugarloaf. Her fantasies that ensue transport her into a vintage movie on one of the TVs in her shop.

It is utterly compelling and a masterpiece with a shock twist which completely threw me – and I pride myself on being able to guess spoilers.

This is not one to miss and it’s wonderful in every way.

Brittany is excelling in the world of scriptwriting – her feature film American Fango has won countless awards internationally.

Remember her name because Brittany shows no sign of slowing down and will continue to conquer the movie industry for years to come.

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minutes with ...

Ian Gadd Meet Ian Gadd, Professor of English Literature and Academic Director of the Global Academy of Liberal Arts (GALA).

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What do you love about Bath Spa University?

The people. The University is a genuine community, and I know that our friendly and supportive ethos is greatly valued not only by the students I teach, but also by colleagues throughout the University.

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Where is your favourite spot on campus?

Few places are as magical as the Newton Park campus on a late summer evening, but if I had to pick a single spot it would actually be inside: the backstairs in Main House at Newton Park. (For those that don’t know, it’s the spiral stone-staircase behind the door in the right-hand corner of the Main House foyer.) I love ‘hidden’ parts of old houses and there’s also something honest and unpretentious about this staircase that contrasts nicely with the grandeur of the main staircase.

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If you went on Mastermind, what would your specialist subject be?

I have an interest in old books and typefaces but, as my students know only too well, few things exercise me quite as much as punctuation: not just how it can (and can’t!) be used, but also its history. Did you know that some of our most familiar punctuation marks—semi-colons, exclamation marks, and parentheses or round brackets—were still fairly new innovations when Shakespeare was writing? I’m also intrigued by how punctuation, in its broadest sense, continues to develop; emojis fascinate me...

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Tell me something you’re passionate about at the moment?

Going abroad. As an undergraduate, I spent a year in the USA and it changed me utterly: everything from my career plans and attitude to study (which improved markedly!) to my politics and values. Travel can be a powerful agent of empathy, a way to understand others and to see ourselves from somewhere else. I see this whenever I’m lucky enough to introduce friends and loved ones to places in the world I love, and so I’m delighted that my role as Academic Director of the Global Academy of Liberal Arts (GALA) enables me to support students and staff in visiting our partner universities, whether for exchanges, fact-finding visits, research projects, or teaching collaboration. An international university is, I think, a healthier university.

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And finally, complete this sentence. Not many people know this about me but…

I am the son of immigrants. My parents emigrated to the UK from Sweden in the 1960s, and lived and worked in the UK for the rest of their lives, but we travelled there often to see relatives. I still have family there. I’d urge everyone to visit: Stockholm, in particular, is one of the most beautiful and humane cities in the world.

Kitty’s column

President: Ryan Lucas I studied Religions, Philosophy and Ethics but wrote my dissertation around bringing in a modern aspect to religions.

I’m so happy to be able to carry on working with the University and Union to make things better for all the students, and hopefully my work will help to give the best possible experience as I have had.

Vice President Education: Meghann McKeague I studied English Literature and Creative Writing. I’m excited to start as VP Education. It’s a newer role so I’m looking to bring more structure, both to the job, and to operations across the University. I’m determined, tough and enthusiastic as I enter my year as your sabbatical officer.

Kitty’s column

Vice President Welfare: Joe Simmonds I studied Business, but I’ve been heavily involved with the Union throughout my time as a student. I started out as a Fresher’s buddy but last year was given the position of buddy coordinator to make the process of moving students in far smoother. I’ve always wanted to run for Welfare because I want to give back to the students here.

My final Kitty’s Column of the year and I can’t quite believe we’re here.

This year has been a whirlwind of campaigns, meetings, events, student focus groups and highs and lows. Some of the things my team are proudest of are reducing printing costs and the need for printing, a new initiations policy, working towards tables in G23/24, securing £9,000 fees for continuing students in Vice President Activities: Danny Whitebread 17/18 and getting Wednesday afternoons free from lectures.

I studied English Literature and ran because I wanted more But now it’s time for my team to move on and to introduce the inclusion of interest societies, as well as developing sports new team here at the Students’ Union. teams further. Facilities is hugely important whether that’s So it’s farewell from myself, Amy, Aled and Kat who are for our sports teams or performance societies and giving moving onto new pastures. everyone a space to do what they love.

I haven’t quite wrapped my head around the fact that Bath Spa will no longer be my Advert world, but a past life. My five years here have been indescribable. This is the place that made me who I am, and has helped me develop, learn what I believe in, and the place that I’ve given back to.

I’m excited and terrified to move on, but this is a place that will forever have my heart.

Thank you Bath Spa, and everyone here for welcoming A new online community for promoting events, hosting groups, and me with open arms, and finding students and alumni with the skills and experience you need. making me the person I am today.

BATH SPA LINKS

Kitty Hilton SU President

Signing up is easy: go to bathspa.vineup.com or contact alumni@bathspa.ac.uk

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