SPACE 2022

On the cover

Some of the many animals that grace our campuses with their presence. These cows are residents on the road to Newton St Loe. Drive carefully!

Back cover

Creative students at Locksbrook Campus

Say hello!

Bath Spa University

@BathSpaUni bathspauni

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Contents

Welcome to Bath

An introduction to our wonderful city

You are here

A guide to the Bath Spa campuses, and the city of Bath

Your SU Meet your Students’ Union - here to help you get the most out of your experience

Equality and diversity

The VC Awards Round up of this year’s Vice-Chancellor Award winners

Meet the team

Q&A with the people behind Bath Spa’s Service Desk

Spotlight on honorary graduates

Celebrating honorary graduates from the last academic year

Unity with Ukraine Highlighting our Ukraine partnerships and fundraising stories

Success at Bath Spa Some of the exciting news and successes from the Bath Spa community

Life through our lens

Picturing some of our favourite news stories from the last year

Here for you Learn more about our University services - here to help you throughout your time at university

Editor Zainab Rahman

Helen Bollen

Amethyst Biggs

Coombes

Senior Katherine Boon

West

Hello. I would like to welcome you to Bath Spa, and to this very special edition of SPACE magazine.

This magazine has been put together with you - our new students - in mind, to give you a glimpse into what’s been happening across our campuses over the past 12 months. As you turn the pages, you will also find out more about how you can make yourself feel at home at Bath Spa, as you embark on this exciting new chapter of your life.

A university is the sum of its students and staff, and so much more – it is a community of learners and a place to grow. Your talent and skills make Bath Spa University what it is, and ensuring that you flourish is vitally important to all of us – your tutors and professional services teams alike – who work to support you at Bath Spa.

We offer a toolkit for the unknown, and a way to thrive in your professional life. Each new academic year is the start of a new journey; this is where you begin that journey with us.

Professor Sue Rigby Vice-Chancellor

Welcome

With Culture

Bath’s thriving arts and culture scene sees acclaimed actors play to a packed Theatre Royal, while the Bath Festival celebrates some of the world’s finest writers, musicians and performers. The city centre transforms for the annual Pub in The Park and Bath Carnival, while 15,000 fans descend on The Rec for Bath Rugby home games. The Holburne and Fashion museums make for a great afternoon out while the Jane Austen museum will delight literature lovers.

With History

With over 2,000 years of history, the City of Bath has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.

Home to the world famous Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and more, the city’s Georgian architecture makes it a favourite destination for film crews with the city appearing in TV shows and films such as Bridgerton, Sherlock and Poldark.

With Vibrancy

From Walcot Street lined with micro-pubs, vintage clothes shops and craft workshops to the independent traders of Green Park Station, Bath’s buzzing city centre is a fantastic place to explore. Discover secret cocktails bars and cosy cafes or enjoy a night out in one of the many underground clubs. Shop high-street brands at Southgate or find something more unique in the covered galleries and back-alleys of the city - don’t forget to use your student card for exclusive discounts!

With Open Spaces

Combining the best of country and city living, numerous parks, green surroundings and the iconic River Avon make Bath a great place to be active outdoors. Cycle along the canal or walk through Victoria Park; take to the putting green or spend summer days paddle boarding down the river. If you fancy a challenge, why not run the Bath Skyline for spectacular views of the entire city.

With Opportunity

The south west of England is one of the fastest up and coming creative and tech hubs in the UK. From music and performance to cyber security and games development, at Bath Spa University you’re perfectly placed to get involved. We work closely with our partners such as Bath Festivals, Theatre Royal Bath and The Holburne Museum to give students the opportunity to contribute to the region’s artistic and cultural scene.

With Community

Bath is one of the safest student cities in the country and has a thriving student community. With campuses throughout the city, you’re always supported and never far from help and advice no matter where you’re based. And by setting up collaboration with our strong local connections, we also encourage our students to give back to the place we call home.

You are here

Here’s where you can find out more about each of our campuses – the places where you can really let your creativity come to life. Welcome to your home away from home!

Newton Park

A special place where you can stroll to a morning lecture or grab a coffee with friends, watching the mist slowly rise over rolling green hills. Newton Park is set in the magnificent grounds of a historic manor house. It means that, as well as providing stunning open-air locations for performance and socialising, there’s space to stretch your legs and your mind, and to relax when you need to.

Corsham Court

If you decide to extend your time at Bath Spa and undertake a Master’s degree, you may find yourself working at the beautiful Corsham Court in nearby Wiltshire.

Sion Hill

Part of the Bath Spa family for over 35 years, this much loved space is set atop a hill overlooking the city of Bath. It provides a creative space for thinking and making.

Oldfield Park

Home to our Theatre Workshops and located near to Bath city centre, this space has been designed and built to industry standard, replicating the real-world production process of staging theatre performances to allow you to work and study in a relevant environment.

Locksbrook Campus

Our state-of-the-art campus in the heart of Bath next to the River Avon. This old furniture factory has been lovingly restored and is now a purpose-built space for students.

The open-plan building has technical workshops surrounded by open, flexible studio spaces, as well as large, open social areas.

Your SU

The Students’ Union (SU) is here to help you get the most out of your university experience. Whether it’s joining one of their many clubs and societies, being the voice for your fellow students, or volunteering in the local community, there are loads of ways you can get involved with your Students’ Union.

Clubs and societies

With over 70 different clubs and societies for you to choose from, forging life-long friendships and having some downtime from your studies has never been easier – or more fun.

At Bath Spa Students’ Union, you will be sure to find something to suit your interests, whether that lies in team sports such as rugby or netball, or in our creative industries, baking or musical theatre.

Representation

The Students’ Union is a democratic organisation; it is your Union and they are led by you.

You vote for your representatives and hold them to account and you determine Union policy and overall direction. There are lots of ways you can have your say: you can stand and vote in elections, you can submit a policy idea to the Democracy and Scrutiny Committee, you can propose referenda and you can participate in the annual All Student Members Meeting.

Volunteering

As well as making a real difference to the lives of people within the University and local community, volunteering is a great way to develop new skills alongside your degree, have fun, and meet new people. Regardless of how much time you have to spare, the Students’ Union has a wide range of volunteering opportunities for you.

Your Sabbatical Officers

Sabbatical Officers (or ‘Sabbs’) lead your Students’ Union. They are Bath Spa students who are elected by the student body each year and are paid to work fulltime representing you. Each is responsible for a different area of the Union’s activities and they are members of the Union’s Board of Trustees.

The Sabbs are your primary representatives and their main role is to listen to you and understand what you want from your Union and your University and then try to make that happen.

Visit www.bathspasu.co.uk to find out more.

Marianne Laura

Marianne, SU President

Marianne Siân Evans, re-elected as President on April 2022 Studied BSc (Hons) Biology 2018 - 2021

Why did you decided to run for President again?

I decided to re-run as there is still so much to get done! New issues arise every month and there are so many things I want to tackle, one topic that is really on my mind right now is the cost of living crisis. Students have the right to be warm, safe and feel secure. Being President means that I can speak up for students in spaces where no one else might be doing this. I can make a real difference whilst also immersing myself in university life and meeting the most amazing people.

Neetu Alice

Vice President Welfare and Community Alice Tedds

Alice’s job is to help you make the most of the opportunities available to you outside of your course which enable you to have fun, make friends and develop your skills. She leads on Students’ Union activities including clubs and societies, events, volunteering and trips. Alice works closely with Club and Society Committee Members ensuring the Students’ Union is supporting them to be successful in their roles.

vpcommunity@bathspa.ac.uk

Vice President Welfare and Community Neetu Karwal

Neetu leads on community issues relating to Bath Spa students. This includes welfare, mental health and wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion, housing, and the Students’ Union’s relationship with the local Council and residents. Neetu is a member of the Student Community Partnership (SCP) and works closely with our protected societies supporting them to make change and to ensure the Students’ Union represents Bath Spa’s diverse student body.

vpeducation@bathspa.ac.uk

Vice President Education

Laura Bold

Laura represents your academic interests, and is the student representative on many University committees which make decisions about the policies which affect your learning and teaching. Laura works closely with our Course Reps and Senior Academic Reps to ensure students’ voices are heard at a course, school, and University level and that your academic experience is the best it can be.

vpopportunities@bathspa.ac.uk

What was your proudest achievement last year and what will you bring to the role this time?

My proudest achievement was around the topic of ethical investment. The University invested a pot of money ethically and sustainability because of the many points I brought to a subcommittee of the Board of Governors. It feels really good to be able to speak up for students who care about tackling the climate crisis. I bring a lot to this role through my passion and drive and this coming year I will be bringing empathy and mission to help tackle any problems that come my way.

Why did you choose to study at Bath Spa and what are you most looking forward to over the next year?

I have always loved art and I loved the idea of studying science at such a creative University. So during my time at uni, I studied Biology. I was also part of the Netball Club and was VicePresident of the Eco Society as well as an Academic Rep and a Student Trustee for the Student’s Union Board of Trustees. Over the next year I’m most looking forward to seeing the University follow through on its new decolonisation action plan!

Get in touch: su-president@bathspa.ac.uk

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Staff Equality Network

• Our staff Global Inclusivity Network and Students’ Union worked on a programme of online and in-person events in recognition of Black History Month

• Many of our staff and student policies still include gendered language. We are therefore updating policy, including changing the titles of our Maternity and Paternity policies and creating a new policy on menopause for both staff and students

• Plans for Equality Week 2023 are underway, where we will be bringing in speakers and creating events to talk about all aspects of equality

• The University’s Equalities Officer Meg Robertson, and the SU’s Vice President for Welfare and Community Neetu Karwal, are creating a podcast produced by Bath Spa University, called ‘Being Open’, to talk about important topics with guest speakers, and drawing from their own lived experiences

Student Voice

• A team of current student communications ambassadors has been hired to represent a range of student views on our social media platforms and engagement content

• Two anti-racism equality forums chaired by senior staff were held last year, and the actions from these have been included in planning for forthcoming years

• The SU has launched liberated societies, to represent students from different protected characteristic groups

• The leaders of protected societies will form a new student steering group to feed directly into the University at senior level

• We have a Student Feedback and Complaints Manager to ensure we act on this crucial information and make relevant changes as a result

Staff from across the University and the Students’ Union are committed to continuing to work towards a more equal, diverse, and inclusive Bath Spa community. Here is a snapshot of some of the positive changes our Student Services and Equalities teams have made together over the last year.

Student Support

• A Multi-Faith Space and Quiet Room have been created in Main House at Newton Park

• We have used the learnings from our pilot enhanced person tutor scheme to implement a new Academic Advising model in 2022

• 24/7 access to free mental health and wellbeing support is now available

• A brand new support to study procedure was launched in 2021

• Our ‘Bath Spa Empowers BME Leadership Development Programme’ was launched in 2021 and will continue to run in 2022

• Our Trans Policy has been updated and a web resource was created to ensure relevant and up to date support and information for gender diverse students

• The University has made a number of significant system changes that encourage the use of pronouns and reduce the possibility of students being deadnamed

• Working with students and external experts, Student Wellbeing Services have been developing a sexual violence framework, to ensure students are given appropriate information and support. This work includes a new steering group, enhanced reporting procedures and doubling the size of the team of Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (SVLOs)

• A student Change of Name policy is in development and due to be launched in 2022

• Ongoing investment in student services to support progression, retention and engagement

Learning and Teaching

• The Library has developed a new approach to resource lists, supporting more accessible and engaging teaching with a focus on decolonisation and inclusive resources

• The Black South West Network ran inclusive teaching and research workshops for staff

• A new education strategy has been launched, which includes curriculum enhancement, focusing on decolonisation, accessibility, and inclusion, and learning from the positive outcomes we saw during the pandemic

• This year we also made progress towards closing our awarding gaps

What’s next?

Building on the work we have created the following objectives for 2022/23. These will be overseen by our Equality and Diversity Steering Group, which is chaired by Vice Provost Georgina Andrews, and has representatives from across the University and Students’ Union:

Equality Objectives 22/23

1. Become more diverse in our staff recruitment process. We want to ensure our staff represent the diversity of our student body and general society. We’re thinking critically to improve the levels of diverse recruiting, looking at training and how to continue to support staff further when they arrive, with a particular focus on race, age and disability.

2. Continue to develop more inclusive, accessible and decolonised curriculums and wider university services and processes. We’ll be working with students, academics, schools and the Students’ Union to continue to work on decolonising our curriculums, and monitoring and updating this regularly.

3. Increase awareness and support for marginalised and underrepresented groups by developing and amplifying the work of our staff and student networks. We will continue to host a range of events and projects tailored to the community, as well as making equality networks, resources, and events more prominent in our online communications.

4. Work with staff and students to develop and set long-term Bath Spa EDI objectives that take us over a four-year period. Following the work completed in the last Equality Week, we want our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy to be a collaborative approach. Working with staff and students to understand all lived experiences; involving and prioritising the needs of our staff and students. Where possible these longer-term objectives will have targets that can be measured.

Get involved!

Want to help run campaigns and events on equality issues, meet new students, or even influence the University at a strategic level? To help set up or join a society, contact bathspasu@bathspa.ac.uk

Meet Meg...

Hi! I’m Meg, I use she/her pronouns and I’m the current Equalities Officer at Bath Spa University. My role sits in Human Resources and I create equality-based events for staff and students. I also work with staff networks on equality projects, listen to concerns, and edit and create equality policies.

I studied English Literature with Drama at Bath Spa, and graduated in 2018. I then started a Master's in Arts Management which I completed this year. Between my Master's and graduating, I was elected as the Vice President Welfare and Community in the Students’ Union, which is where I fell in love with working on equality and diversity and figured it could be something I could pursue.

As a queer, neurodivergent woman myself, I want to be able to create a community where everyone can thrive and feel comfortable to speak out when something needs to change. This is exactly why I love working in equality, as I get to speak and meet so many wonderful people who have so many great ideas on how we can make change!

I’m always up for listening to new ideas on events and networks or ideas on how we can make Bath Spa an inclusive environment, so please do get in touch and we can grab a tea (and cake) and chat! You can email me at m.robertson3@bathspa.ac.uk

Staff and students from across Bath Spa gathered once again this year for the annual Vice Chancellor’s Awards. Fondly known as the VC Awards, the event is held in partnership with the Students’ Union in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by individuals and teams at the University.

Nominations open in the New Year and everyone at Bath Spa can nominate staff members and students. Each entry is assessed by an awards panel comprising staff from across the University, Sabbatical Officers from the Students’ Union, and student representatives.

WINNERS

Colleague of the Year

Academic

Jen Kinloch

Professional Services

Ruth Wheeler and Sean Taylor Manager of the Year

Academic Samantha Lane Professional Services

John Evered

Team of the Year

Academic Film and TV Professional Services

Facilities and Services, Library and Learning Services

Student

Bath Spa Dance Club (Thea Viner and Ehlana Nash)

Unsung hero/heroine

Academic Professional Services

Samantha Lane Madeleine Carter

Academic Impact

Sapphire Henriksen

Social Impact

Ben Simmons

Impact on Student Life

Isabela Perez De Morales Monne

Victoria Norcross

Community Impact

Dejea Lyons Lecturer of the Year

Joanna de Vries

Supervisor of the Year

Roger Apfelbaum

Outstanding Support

Lucy Sweetman

Student Champion of the Year

Caroline Dangerfield

Student of the Year Winners

Bath School of Design: Sophie Ogbourne

Bath School of Art, Film and Media: Amber Wisteria

Bath School of Music and Performing Arts: Joolz Thornton Bath Business School: Emma Smith

School of Sciences: Harry Watts

School of Education: Carys Challenger School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities: Megan Martin

Academic Achievements Winners

Bath School of Design: Alic Parkes

Bath School of Art, Film and Media: Lily Horner

Bath School of Music and Performing Arts: Eleanor Frank Bath Business School: Georgia Price

School of Sciences: Jessica Hart School of Education: Rebecca Crowther

School of Writing, Publishing and the Humanities: Sophie Griffith

We would like to say a big congratulations to this year’s winners and who knows, you might be up for an award yourself in the near future!

WORDS FROM THE WINNERS

“I am extremely grateful to all of my tutors and fellow students at Bath Spa for their continuous support and encouragement.”

Carys Challenger

“I try my hardest to contribute to the success of Bath Spa and to know this is recognised means more than I can express. Thank you so much!” Sean Taylor

“I am pleased to have impacted the student experience in a positive and constructive way, long may it continue!”

Harry Watts

VC AWARDS

“Our lovely community is what makes Bath Spa University such a special place to work and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Madeliene Carter

“It feels amazing to have my hard work and dedication, as well as love for the subject, recognised.”

Jessica Hart

“I want to thank all my lecturers and everyone who has and continues to support me throughout my degree and challenge me to become a better designer.”

Sophie Ogbourne

Bath Spa University @BathSpaUni bathspauni

“Thank you to everyone I’ve served in the past 30 years! Especially the students for all the love they have given me. I feel very humble and extremely grateful.”

Ruth Wheeler

“Winning Manager of the Year for two successive years shows me that hard work really does pay off. This is not just a job to me, it’s my passion.”

John Evered

Meet the Service Desk team

team

Q&A

How many people are in the team?

Currently seven staff and one manager. We’re planning to expand this soon to support our new partner students.

What do you do, in a nutshell?

We offer a first point of contact to advise, assist and resolve IT issues and requests.

Where are you based?

Student Hub in Twiverton Newton Park, Student Hub in Locksbrook Road.

Why would students need to contact you?

Common queries include username, password and logging-in queries, Wi-Fi problems, accessing, using and troubleshooting university provided software and systems (Office, Adobe, webbased applications etc.), printing, general troubleshooting and so on.

What key student projects are you working on right now?

Many of the teaching labs across campuses are currently being refreshed with brand new iMacs and high-spec PCs to facilitate an improved student experience.

What’s your favourite Bath Spa University landmark and why?

Most of us here enjoy a stroll around the lake - it’s a great way to take some time away from desk and get some exercise, while spotting the vast array of wildlife.

Anything else you would like to add?

There are no silly questions - if we can’t help we will find someone who can!

Need to contact the team?

Students can visit us at Locksbrook or Twiverton Student Hub, call us on 01225 876500 or access ‘MyServices’ online (myservices.bathspa.ac.uk or click the tile on the Bath Spa App). Here you will find solutions to most queries in our knowledge base, or a call can be logged for the team to respond to your query.

Honorary degrees

Did you know? Each year the University confers honorary awards to individuals who have made a notable and sustained contribution to their academic fields or profession, to society, or to the University.

All Bath Spa staff, with input from students, are able to propose potential recipients of honorary awards, and nominees are approved by the University’s Board of Governors.

Here are our latest honorary graduates.

From Bath to the international playing field

In November last year, Premier League footballer Tyrone Mings was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Education from Bath Spa University.

The ceremony took place at Newton Park campus and was attended by academic leaders of the University, students and members of the local community including representatives of Bath City’s football team, board and foundation, along with members of Tyrone Mings’ family.

Born and raised in Bath, Tyrone Mings is famous for his skills on the pitch as defender and captain of Premier League side Aston Villa, and represents England on the international football stage.

During the graduation celebration event, guests were invited to ask questions and discuss with Mr Mings the factors that contributed to his success. Guests also heard about the various initiatives he is involved with to encourage younger generations, including his youth football academies in Bristol. After the graduation event, Mr Mings spent some time at the University meeting students and members of Bath City Football Club.

Speaking of accepting the honorary doctorate from Bath Spa University, Mr Mings said : "I'm honoured to receive this Honorary Doctorate of Education from Bath Spa University and I’m immensely proud to have my closest family and friends with me here today to see me receive it.

“They have all played a massive part on my journey to the top of the national game, through the highs and lows, I couldn’t have done it without them.

“I've always strived to do my best in whatever situation I find myself in, whether that's as a mortgage broker, helping my business grow, or more naturally on the pitch for Aston Villa and England. I hope that I can inspire others to realise their goals in life."

Professor Sue Rigby, Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University, nominated Mr Mings for this award and said: "I am thrilled to be able to confer the award of Honorary Doctorate of Education to Tyrone Mings. His determination, motivation and success is an inspiration to our students, the local community and any young person who strives to be the best they can be.

"He had a difficult route to the top of his profession, not least being released from a Premier League academy at the age of 16. He did not however let this set him back or dissuade him from achieving his goal.

"Tyrone Mings is an example of never giving up, continuing to work hard and doing things your own way when no other way is presented to you. He is an outstanding and inspiring individual and I heartily welcome him to the Bath Spa University community."

Honorary degrees

Winter Graduation

Former head of MI5 Lord Jonathan Evans of Weardale and revered music publisher Sarah Liversedge-Platz, were presented with honorary doctorates as part of our most recent Winter Graduation ceremonies.

During ceremonies held at The Forum, Lord Jonathan Evans received an Honorary Doctor of Letters and Sarah LiversedgePlatz was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music, in recognition of their outstanding achievements, and excellence, in their respective fields.

Lord Jonathan Evans

Accepting the honorary doctorate, Lord Jonathan Evans said: “I admire the work of the Centre for Leadership, Ethics and Professional Practice at Bath Spa University so I am particularly honoured to be awarded an honorary degree by the University.”

Sarah Liversedge-Platz

Sarah Liversedge-Platz is no stranger to Bath Spa University, having graduated with a first in Composition. Since then she has gone on, via the BBC, to develop a successful music publishing business and has received a number of music industry awards.

Commenting on what it means to be awarded, Sarah Liversedge-Platz said: “I am so honoured to receive this recognition from an institution that means so much to me. My time at Bath Spa as a music undergraduate was incredibly special. The University is a place that really nurtures and inspires creative minds. It helped me lay foundations that would serve both myself and the songwriters and composers I’ve worked with throughout my career, decades later.”

Celebrating teaching graduates from 1948-1981

Honorary degrees

In the summer of 2022 we awarded honorary BA Education degrees to more than 740 of our teaching alumni who previously studied for a Certificate in Education at one of our predecessor colleges between 1948 and 1981.

Three days of ceremonies took place across our campuses to mark the conferring of the honorary degrees, and to celebrate the achievements of those who completed their courses as far back as the same year the National Health Service was founded.

Due to an overhaul of the education system in the 1940s, and a shortage of teachers after the Second World War, many new training colleges were established. As such, Bath Spa University is proud to be made up of three predecessor institutions; Bath Academy of Art, Bath College of Domestic Science, and Newton Park Teacher Training College – each of them tied together through the training of teachers.

Each honorary graduate was announced by a Master of Ceremonies through a roll call of their names and presented with a very special scroll in the form of a tea towel with an illustration of the campus they studied at. This was followed by cake and tea with current staff, while reminiscing and regaling memories from years gone by.

Sanctuary Scholarship launched

Unity with Ukraine Bath Spa partners with Ukrainian university

In June the University announced that it will be awarding a new annual ‘Sanctuary Scholarship’ to students from refugee and asylum-seeking communities from 2022.

Applications were welcomed from individuals seeking asylum in the UK, refugees, and those individuals in the UK under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and the Ukraine Family Scheme.

The new Scholarship will be offered to a student every year and will include a full tuition fee waiver for the duration of their undergraduate study. An annual bursary of £2000 will also be awarded as a contribution towards study costs.

Bath Spa University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sue Rigby said: “We are committed to providing an environment which respects and celebrates all members of our community, and we are pleased to be able to offer the chance of a brighter future to those displaced from their home countries with this new scholarship.”

Earlier this year we twinned with the higher education establishment, Academician Stepan Demianchuk International University of Economics and Humanities (IUEH), as part of a scheme to help the western Ukrainian university continue to survive, and thrive, beyond the conflict the country is facing.

This initiative is part of a wider UK-Ukraine university twinning scheme, launched by the Cormack Consultancy Group (CCG) and Universities UK International (UUKi), which sees UK universities signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with their Ukrainian counterparts for a minimum of five years.

Proposed support from Bath Spa University includes sharing learning resources, developing a mentoring scheme and collaborating across disciplines that are studied or researched in both institutions. When possible, the two universities look forward to facilitating staff and student exchanges.

Unity with Ukraine

Charity concert at Komedia

Students and staff from our BA (Hons) Commercial Music course raised funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal in 2022 by hosting a concert at Komedia Bath.

Local venue Komedia kindly helped to host the event, in conjunction with student Olivia Carey, her course leaders and 30 of her classmates. Olivia left Belarus eight years ago and was motivated to find a way to help those in need after receiving messages from friends in Ukraine and Belarus explaining their situations.

Generous local and national businesses also offered their assistance by sponsoring a raffle as part of the event and donating some amazing prizes. Louis Juckes, a first year student on the course, had the task of finding bands to play on the main stage at the venue as well as the Electric Bar. They managed to secure the following bands: The John Martyn Project, Pentire, Tangled Oaks, Dempsey, Connor McLeod and Gracie Grinter.

Together, they managed to raise a total of £2,847, having put the show together in just one week.

Academic awarded prestigious National Teaching Fellowship

Our very own Dr Penny Hay was among 55 academics to be awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by Advance HE last year.

Penny is Reader in Creative Teaching and Learning and Senior Lecturer in Arts Education in our School of Education, and Research Fellow in our Centre for Cultural and Creative Industries (CCCI), and was awarded the Fellowship in recognition of the outstanding impact she has had on student outcomes and teaching in higher education.

Penny said: “I am totally overwhelmed and I genuinely nearly fainted when I received this amazing news! This has been such an extraordinary and challenging year, but this news is the silver lining - or the rainbow maybe!

“I am passionate about our work at Bath Spa University and delighted to be part of a highly regarded national group of colleagues. Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sue Rigby, is an incredible woman, a true force for good, and I am so lucky to work with her and an amazing team of inspirational colleagues.”

Bath Spa strikes gold with Social Enterprise Gold Mark award

Great news! We have been awarded the Social Enterprise Gold Mark in recognition of our outstanding work as a social enterprise, making us the first university in the south west to achieve this standard, and fifth in the whole of the UK.

The Social Enterprise Gold Mark is a prestigious accolade assessing social enterprise best practice through a rigorous external assessment process.

We achieved this award in recognition of our commitment to putting people, communities and the environment at the heart of our work. We received particular praise for our emphasis on providing employability opportunities for students, as well as linking students to the needs and opportunities within the local economy.

Another highlight was how the University creates additional social and economic impact in the city of Bath.

“We are really proud to have achieved the Social Enterprise Gold Mark in recognition of the creative and professional approach to social value, justice and sustainability that we are becoming known for with regional, national and international partners. As a university wedded to practical outcomes and applying our research and teaching to ‘real world’ challenges, the Gold Mark is part of how we build a nurtured and thriving future with our students, business and cultural collaborators.”

Professor Sue Rigby, Vice-Chancellor

Two BAFTAs for show produced by film and media lecturer

In My Skin, a BBC Three show produced by Bath Spa lecturer Sophie Francis, won two awards at the latest BAFTA TV Awards.

Sophie, who is a Senior Lecturer in Film and Media and a producer for Channel 5 and the BBC, worked on the first and second series of the Wales-based coming of age drama.

The show scooped the award for Best Drama, and Kayleigh Llewellyn also won the BAFTA for Best Writer: Drama category, meaning the show won both the awards it was nominated for, beating tough competition from other contenders; Vigil (BBC One), Unforgotten (ITV) and Manhunt: The Night Stalker (ITV).

Sophie said: “I’m delighted that In My Skin has won the BAFTA for Best Drama. The show has made a huge impact on a diverse audience and I’m extremely proud of it. Colleagues at Bath Spa were very supportive and the experience will be beneficial to students as it has updated my knowledge of professional practice in what is an everchanging industry.”

@neverthereband

Graduate’s Marvel job is out of this universe

In 2021, BA (Hons) Film, TV and Digital Production graduate Tabi Clarke landed a job at none other than Pinewood Studios, as a Production Assistant for Disney on a new Marvel film.

Since graduating in 2020, Tabi has worked at Wildflame Productions in Cardiff as an Intern, Runner and then Production Assistant, getting her first credit on The Story of Welsh Art with Huw Stephens on BBC Four. She’s also worked on some documentaries for the Discovery Channel and Channel 5.

Tabi said: “I honestly wouldn’t be where I am without my experience at Bath Spa. I learnt so much about the film and TV industry which helped me realise which career path I wanted to take. It allowed me to build a network with my peers and lecturers and learn the importance of communication and collaboration. The skills and knowledge that are taught on the course are second to none.”

Tabi’s advice for students looking to break into film and TV is: “Take any opportunity you can, be enthusiastic, charismatic, hard working and hit the ground running in anything you do! And don’t give up!”

Project Trust partnership takes students to Ghana

Bath Spa University and international volunteering charity, Project Trust, recently announced a new partnership to provide work experience opportunities for our School of Education students.

Project Trust has more than 50 years’ experience in providing ethical, international volunteering placements for young people. In 2022, it helped BA (Hons) Education Studies student Jasmine Raymond-Barker to complete a virtual placement for her second year module, ‘Professional Practice in Schools’.

Jasmine engaged online over the course of nine weeks with two long-term Project Trust volunteers in Ghana, comparing and contrasting the UK and Ghanaian educational systems.

Two second-year BA Education Studies students also recently embarked on their summer placements in Ghana. Michelle Xue and Bethany Bales worked in partnership with students and teachers at Ghana’s Agorveme MA Basic School. They joined current Project Trust volunteers who arrived in November 2021.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Project Trust. Using their expertise they have matched our students with placements in Ghana and I am confident that this experience will prove to be invaluable for all involved.”

Jenny Hatley, Programme Leader in Education and Childhood Studies at Bath Spa University

We’re delighted to announce that Bath Spa has achieved Silver Accreditation for being a Hedgehog Friendly Campus. Achieving a silver award means a great deal to our community as it reflects our growing commitment to becoming a more sustainable and environmentally friendly campus.

The Hedgehog Friendly Campus Team at Bath Spa University are continuing their work to raise awareness of the decline of hedgehogs and the challenges they face, as well as helping to create safe spaces on campus for them to thrive.

Hedgehogs are listed as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and their numbers have declined by up to 50% since 2000. This significant decline is due to the multiple challenges they are facing today: litter, roads, disconnected habitats, environmental poisons and a lack of access to water and food.

Our campuses cover large areas of suitable hedgehog habitat and the choices that staff and students make within those habitats can have a large impact on local wildlife. The Hedgehog Friendly Campus initiative is a national campaign for universities who want to protect these much loved native animals. Our mission is to create environments within our campuses where hedgehogs can thrive.

For more information on how you can help us achieve the Gold Accreditation, you can follow the team on Instagram @ hedgehogsbsu and Facebook @bsuhedgehogfriendlycampus, or email hedgehogs@bathspa.ac.uk.

Bath Spa gets Silver Accreditation from British Hedgehog Preservation Society

Student makes history as part of new British sports team

Bath Spa University now boasts a world-class athlete among its ranks. BA (Hons) Global Development and Sustainability student Matilda Revell is part of the first British women’s bandy team, which took home a silver medal in the World Championships this past March.

If you haven’t heard of it, bandy is an ice skating sport first developed in England in the 19th century. It’s similar to ice hockey but played with shorter, curved sticks, and a ball instead of a puck. It also uses a much larger playing field, about the size of a football pitch. Since moving to Bath, Matilda has played for the Bristol Huskies women’s ice hockey team, and is also part of the Rowing Society. She says she discovered bandy when a teammate mentioned it during a training session.

Matilda said travelling to Sweden for a bandy tournament was one of the most rewarding weeks of her life. Despite their relative inexperience, her team were undefeated when they reached the final, but unfortunately lost 1-0 to the Netherlands in overtime. Matilda and the team hope to make it to next year’s championships. “And this time,” she says, “we will win!”

“We will win!”

Dr Sarah Flavel appointed President of SACP

Dr Sarah Flavel, a Reader in Asian and Comparative Philosophy at Bath Spa, has been appointed to serve as the new President of the Society for Asian and Comparative Philosophy (SACP).

The SACP is a non-profit organisation aimed at developing the disciplines of Asian and comparative philosophy in the international academic arena, and bringing together Asian and Western philosophers and other scholars for a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas.

Sarah said: “This is really a great honour for me and I hope it will allow me to continue my work in promoting Bath Spa as a centre for excellence in both research and teaching in Asian and comparative philosophy in the UK.

“This fits very well with our strategic interests in the decolonisation of the curriculum at Bath Spa and helps us to show some of the areas in which we have sector leading provision in this regard.”

Peter Kinley Prize for painting winner

BA (Hons) Fine Art graduate Kamil Kapla was awarded this year’s Peter Kinley Prize for Painting. He received a £1,000 cash prize, £200 towards materials from the Art Shop at our Locksbrook campus, and a solo exhibition at its Michael Pennie Gallery.

Kamil said: “I really didn’t expect to be selected out of all the amazing painters in my year, especially as my focus towards the end of my degree shifted massively towards sculpture and ceramics.

“Winning this prize has made me reevaluate my direction,’’ he explains. “Art and being creative is an integral part of my personality. It’s a sort of filter through which one can view the world, bringing out the vibrancy of even the most ordinary things.”

With big things ahead, Kamil concludes that his success is “a sort of nudge from the universe, a sign indicating that painting is something worth building a career on.”

You can follow Kamil’s journey on Instagram @bad_candid.

Success at Bath Spa

“Art and being creative is an integral part of my personality”

Creative Writing student wins Sustainability First People’s Choice Art Prize

BA Creative Writing student Miranda Barlow was part of the project team for Moths to a Flame, an art installation which recently won the Sustainability First People’s Choice Art Prize. Moths to a Flame was on display at the Kibble Palace in Glasgow during COP26. It included 20,000 decorated moths made from plastic milk bottles, each of which represented the voice of a child asking world leaders to take action to stop climate change.

Miranda wrote and illustrated the children’s book The Moth’s Whisper which was an essential part of the mass participation project. The allegory within the book is that humans are like moths to a flame, in that we are dazzled by shiny lights, phones and tech, while irreparable damage is happening to the planet.

Miranda said: “We wanted the project to be something that young children can understand, relate to and enjoy taking part in while learning about climate change.

“The book has a strong, urgent message about restoring our ecology and environment but also invites the children reading it to take action to change what’s happening to our world - to us all.”

“The book has a strong, urgent message about restoring our ecology and environment...”

Bath Spa University joins Mental Health Charter Programme

Bath Spa has proudly joined a new Mental Health Charter Programme developed by Student Minds, a national charity supporting students’ mental health.

The Charter aims to make mental health and wellbeing an industry-wide priority, by sharing good practice, enabling cultural change and supporting the work of universities to improve the mental health and wellbeing of their staff and student communities.

“We are very proud to be a part of this initiative,” said Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sue Rigby. “The mental health and wellbeing of our staff and students is incredibly important, now more than ever.

“By taking part in this charter it will ensure we are evaluating our policies and procedures, sharing best practice and prioritising good mental health. This is a real, joined-up commitment to creating an environment to share best practice and a culture that prioritises mental health for the entire university community.”

Bath Spa poets reach UniSlam finals

Congratulations to the Bath Spa team who were runners up to this year’s winners, University of Birmingham.

Did you know? This year we achieved our best ever results in the Research Excellence Framework (REF), a UKwide programme which assesses the quality and impact of our academic research.

Highlights of the work submitted by our incredible researchers include:

• An app to improve the wellbeing of social workers

• A whole-school approach to supporting disadvantaged learners

• Using a unique form of live illustration of sports events to engage marginalised groups

• Assessing the effect of video games on users

• Using emerging digital media technologies in publishing and theatre sectors

Top marks for Bath Spa University

Professor John Strachan, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, said: “From informing national policy and practice to helping raise awareness and challenge preconceptions about marginalised groups, our research has always had a positive and realworld impact and it is an honour to see that recognised in this prestigious assessment.”

A team of Bath Spa Creative Writing students and graduates reached the finals of the annual UniSlam poetry competition earlier this year.

UniSlam is the UK’s largest team poetry slam tournament, providing workshops, talks and fringe events to the next generation of British poetry talent. Teams take part in a three-day programme with top poets, while also competing for the UniSlam title in the live spoken-word poetry competition.

This year 20 UK universities competed for a place in the finals. The Bath Spa team consisted of students Ellie Jenkins, Tyjana Howard, Erin Green, Alexandra Turner and Emma Taylor who study a mixture of writing and performance disciplines at Bath Spa.

The two team coaches, Kathryn O’Driscoll and Callum Wensley were both Bath Spa Creative Writing graduates. The team was supported by generous funding from the University and money raised via a student crowdfunding effort.

Emma said: “Performing both for the first time since the pandemic and in such a supportive and exciting environment was such an incredible experience. I was overwhelmed by the amount of talent present on the UniSlam stage and to make it to the finals alongside my teammates was a dream.”

Graduate designs Creative Bath Awards trophy

Maggie David, who graduated from Bath Spa’s BA Product and Furniture Design course in 2021, was the winner of the annual competition to design and produce the trophies for this year’s Creative Bath Awards.

Maggie came up with an idea for a trophy that utilised ceramics as well as other materials she enjoyed using on her course. “The paper porcelain tile which is used in the trophy, that’s the same tile that’s used in my university work,” she said. “I really wanted to include that within the trophy. The wooden element came from my love of Scandinavian design –particularly the textures they create.”

Talking about her success in the competition, Maggie said: “I think it has really given me the confidence to talk about my work. Now I will literally go around to anyone who will listen to me and have a chat about my work because I just love the feedback and engagement!”

You can see more of Maggie’s work on her Instagram @maggierose.maker.

“I think it has really given me the confidence to talk about my work.”

Biology Conservation student wins ASET Student Competition

Congratulations to Biology Conservation student Briony Carter who recently won the ASET Student Competition.

The competition which is run by ASET, the Work Based and Placement Learning Association, is open to students who are returning to their course after completing a placement, or work experience.

Briony submitted a 900-word reflection on the value of her placement experience at Ferne Animal Sanctuary and its impact on her future. She was selected as the overall winner and received £400 prize money.

Briony opted to undertake a professional placement year (PPY) during her degree to boost her employability, and to help her to stand out against other candidates in the field.

“I’m so pleased to have won this award in recognition of my work experience. In my opinion, placement years are necessary for any person who wants to work in a practical setting, where physical labour makes up most of the work. It helps people to understand whether their chosen career is right for them and allows them to steer themselves towards what works for them.”

Business School students receive Carbon Literacy certification

Students from our Bath Business School recently received Carbon Literacy certifications by exploring what they could do to reduce their carbon footprints, such as changing the way they travel, eat, shop, buy, and even who they might want to work for.

The initiative is run by carbon education charity, the Carbon Literacy Project, and receiving the Carbon Literacy certification is proof of being aware of the impact of

everyday activities on the climate, and knowing what steps can be taken to reduce emissions as an individual, a community group, or an organisation.

Business and Management Course Leader, Darren Hoad, said: “The practical benefits of carbon literacy training become vital as we operate within the ongoing climate emergency. Students can become agents of change and see change in their roles as learners, family members, citizens and consumers.”

Life through our lens

Main House is the jewel in the crown that is the stunning Newton Park campus. It’s home to shared student spaces, as well as offices for staff members and our reception. Be sure to pop in and see for yourself.

On 1 April we announced that our team of student and staff mental health Care Dogs were being awarded a special prize, but it was an April Fools Day joke! (Bath Spa Care Dogs are real, but no certificates just yet!)

Last Christmas, Bath Spa students brought magic to life at the Egg Theatre in Bath with their version of Five Children & It, based on the novel by E Nesbit. Details on this year’s show will be coming soon.

Every year, students from all of our courses can apply for the Porthleven Prize, to participate in workshops and an exhibition with academics at the Porthleven Lifeboat Art Studio in Cornwall. Search the Bath Spa website for more information.

We were proud to launch our Undergraduate Degree Show to the public at Locksbrook Campus earlier this summer. The event celebrated the work of more than 200 of our incredible 2022 art, film, media and design graduates.

Did ewe know? Newton Park campus sits in beautiful countryside owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. Three farmers work closely with our Estates and Sustainability Teams to help protect rare species of plants and animals, including heritage cattle and sheep.

Student Wellbeing Services

We are here to help. Student Wellbeing Services provides access to:

• Accessibility and disability advice and guidance

• Mental health support and brief therapy

• General wellbeing advice

• Chaplaincy

• University Medical Service

• Report and Support

What to do in your first week?

• Register with the University medical service

• If you’re unsure if your vaccinations are up to date (specifically measles, mumps and meningitis) make an appointment with the Medical Service.

• If you identify as disabled, neurodiverse or having a Specific Learning Difference including dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism spectrum, mental health or medical conditions, or sensory or mobility impairment, please get in touch with our Accessibility Advisors.

Student Wellbeing Services observes total confidentiality and will only disclose information to others at your request or if you have opted to give advance permission for the Universtiy to do so.

The only exceptions are if we believe you or another person to be at serious risk or we are legally obliged to do so.

If you have any concerns regarding confidentiality, please speak to the Head of Student Wellbeing Services.

Get in touch Access ‘MyWellbeing’ or through the App to ask questions, book appointments and view upcoming events

01225 876543

BSUWellbeing

“It is so important to look after your mental health as well as your physical health.”

“All students should have an equal opportunity to experience university.”

Togetherall is a free, 24/7 online platform for Bath Spa students – an anonymous space that you can access if you’re feeling down, struggling to cope or just want to talk with someone who’ll understand what you’re going through.

Visit Togetherall.com and login with your Bath Spa email address

Creativity, Enterprise, Talent

Bath Spa Live presents the work of our creative students and staff. We connect local and regional audiences with the innovative work created here, and we enable our students to encounter professional practice and standards.

Bath Spa Live manages performance activities at a diverse range of venues and we work with professional and community partners to forge dynamic, creative relationships.

Visit www.bathspalive.com for tickets and further information.

ON THE LOOK OUT FOR NEW OPPORTUNITIES?

We can assist with funding to help you get the most out of your time at Bath Spa - explore your creativity, buy equipment, travel abroad and more through our scholarships and bursaries

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Our own crowdfunding site, Launch Pad, is specifically for Bath Spa students. This is a fantastic way of raising money to support your projects; whether for your course, society or generally just getting that great idea off the ground!

For more information, drop us a line at daro@bathspa.ac.uk

Study Abroad Programme

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