SPACE June 2013

SPace

JUNE 2013

Bath Spa University’s monthly magazine

Vision and Strategy

Gala Concert

BSAD degree show 2013

Front cover: BSAD Degree show - Eleanor Chapman

In june’s issue of space...

Update from the Vice-Chancellor 4 Newton Park campus development update 6 Visit from Melbourne University 8

Vision and Strategy 9 Jennifer Skellet Awards 9 Spotlight on… Tom Bradbury, Head of Security 10

Review of BSAD Degree Show 2013 14 Gala Concert

20

Shakespeare in the Italian Gardens 21 Student Employee and Employer of the Year 22 Capture Wessex competition with National Trust 25 Heritage showcase 26

Review of The Empty Man by Ian Mcnish 26 Italian delight for Andrea Medjesi-Jones 28 Bath Spa MIXing it up to host Digital Writing conference

30

Megan McKenzie shaves head for charity 31 Kilda Meadows exhibiting at Open West 2013 32 New ‘Troops to Teachers’ consortium 34 Alumni News 36 What’s on 38 Bath Spa Live 38 BSU: In the news 39 Staff News 40

SPACE JUNE 2013

Update from the V Visiting China

As we come to the end of the academic year, I want to congratulate staff and students on their achievements. I have seen some of the end of year performances, art works, conferences, and showings and have been very impressed.

I myself went all too briefly to Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong. Jeremy White and Jiemin Tomita together with Derek Wang of our China office organised a very full programme. In a long weekend in Shanghai we visited Shanghai University, Shanghai Finance University, Shanghai Institute of Technology and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics. These very prestigious partners were enthusiastic about our vision of a university of creativity, culture and enterprise in a world heritage city. We equally were impressed by their ambition and quality.

Pic: Professor Christina Slade, Vice-Chancellor

Pic: Vice-Chancellor, Jeremy White and Jiemin Tomita in Bath Spa’s China office

4

SPACE JUNE 2013

Vice-Chancellor I was last in Beijing in 1978 and was predictably overwhelmed by the transformation into a world city of modern buildings set around their world heritage site. In Beijing, we visited the elite Beijing Foreign Studies University, Cheng Cai College, China Agricultural University and the Communication University of China where we hope to develop close relations.

Finally I spent two days in Hong Kong, working with our partners Lifelong and with Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Hong Kong is focussed on the creative industries with, according to recent statistics, some 189,000 employed in the sector. It offers exciting opportunities for us at Bath Spa University.

Pic: Communication University of China

Pic: Cheng Cai College

Pic: Shanghai Institute of Technology

Pic: China Agricultural University

Pic: Shanghai University

Pic: Beijing Foreign Studies University

Pic: Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Pic: Shanghai Finance University SPACE JUNE 2013

5

Newton park campus development update Work on the new residential development began while the academic build takes shape

Residential development: On 9 June the hockey pitch car was closed and the new residential development site

was handed over to Miller for them to begin work. By the end of the summer the site will be divided into two main sections with secure hoardings and car parking in the middle.

Miller has recently visited the factories where the concrete panels for the new residences are being made and were pleased with progress. Around 25 wall panels have been completed so far and are being stored awaiting delivery.

Miller will continue this process over the next few months so that the majority of panels are completed and ready to be transported to site as they are needed. The bathroom pods are also in manufacture and are being stored at the factory for delivery and installation at the appropriate time.

A competition to design artworks to adorn the new hoardings was opened to students in March and two winners have been selected. They are Andrew Penn and Eleanor Joy Holmes, both final year Graphic Communications students. Their designs will be printed over the summer and installed on the hoardings in time for the start of the new academic year.

Pic: Panels which make up the new residential build 6

SPACE JUNE 2013

Academic building: The cladding has now begun to be installed on the exterior of the building and shows more clearly how the finished building will look. Work is continuing at a good pace inside the building with walls and flooring being installed. Over the coming month, glass will begin to be installed on the atrium which will again transform the look of the building.

Pic: Visitors shown round the new development

Pic: Clading goes on

On 18 June there was another opportunity to have a look around the new building. All work was stopped and Skanska staff were on hand to answer any questions. Over 120 people managed to visit and the feedback was very positive with many people commenting on the progress made since they last had an opportunity to look around.

Pic: Panaromic view of the inside

If you weren’t able to visit the building in person, you can continue to follow progress via the webcams which are available here and if you have any questions of queries, please email the team npdevelopment@bathspa.ac.uk

SPACE JUNE 2013

7

visit FROM MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY The visit is part of the University’s long term ambition of working with international partners

The University recently welcomed Ann Harley from Melbourne Universi-

ty who came and trained members of the University’s Emotion Coaching Project team on ‘Tuning into kids’, a programme which Melbourne has been developing over the past 13 years.

Pic: Ann Harley in discussion

This is part of a long-term collaboration between the two universities, involving colleagues from the School of Education and the Department of Psychology.

Both programmes are strongly rooted in the work by world-renowned Professor emeritus in psychology John Gottman, and are geared towards giving children, young people and the adults who work with them, the ability to empathise and understand their emotions, and to take control of their own behaviour.

“We have already has some significant successes; one secondary school we worked with reported a 57 per cent reduction in pupils removed from the classroom for disruptive behaviour as well as a 38 per cent reduction in exclusions.

“From working with Ann Harley and the Melbourne University team, we can learn a lot from each other and create a much wider research base. We are also working with the Gottman Institute to develop international educators in ‘Emotion Coaching’, in collaboration with Australia and South Korea.”

Professor Gottman has also expressed his delight in the work of Bath Spa, saying: “Know that you have my full support and approval. I am deeply moved by your work.”

Ann Harley also presented a seminar entitled ‘Tuning into Kids: Research Outcomes from an Emotion Coaching Parenting Program’, as part of the School of Education’s research seminar programme.

8

SPACE JUNE 2013

Vision and Strategy The University Strategy has recently been published and is available to read

here It sets out clear goals for the Student Experience, Research and Internationalisation and these goals are supported by strategies for People, the Estate and the University’s long-term financial future.

Pic: The new Vision and Strategy guide

Jennifer Skellet Awards With the support of generous donor, Jennifer Skellett, the University has established two awards for alumni of

the Department of Music.

• The Jennifer Skellet Postgraduate Bursary will be awarded annually to an outstanding student from the department to support them in undertaking a postgraduate degree at Bath Spa. The recipient will be awarded between £500 and £1,000. Applications are welcomed from alumni up to three years after the date of graduation.

• The Jennifer Skellet Junior Fellowship will be awarded to alumni a year after they have graduated. The award is aimed at supporting graduates who wish to continue their professional development through short courses or summer schools. Applications will also be supported for funding towards set-up costs for freelance music related business start-ups. The recipient will be awarded between £500 and £1,000 to cover the cost of fees and travel.

If you would like more information about how to apply for these awards, please email alumni@bathspa.ac.uk SPACE JUNE 2013

9

spotlight on...

Tom Bradbury, Head of Security

“Most people only get to experience university life once, so it is important that they have the best possible time, and feeling safe is a huge part of that.�

10

SPACE JUNE 2013

A family affair for nearly 19 years.

In a few weeks’ time, Tom Bradbury will have served

as Head of Security at Bath Spa University for longer than the age some of the University’s students. Come the end of July, Tom will have been working at Bath Spa for 19 years, a fantastic display of dedication and commitment.

He explained what has kept him here for so long: “To put it quite simply, it’s enjoyable. I will have been at the University for 19 years in July and I have enjoyed every year of it. I have always had a great rapport with both staff and students and I think that is important.”

With the University undergoing significant physical and strategic changes, someone such as Tom is very well placed to provide some retrospect on how things have changed.

Pic: Tom outside the Security Lodge

“The type of student has changed greatly”, he said.

“How students today view their time at University is very different to when I first started. Nowadays students are far more academically focussed and seem to turn up at University at eight, nine o clock, rather than the stereotypical one or two o clock!

“Of course the Newton Park campus has changed drastically and I envy the students who will benefit from all of these fantastic investments.”

Responsible for managing the University security across all of its campuses, there are many challenges to ensuring students are not only safe, but happy whilst on University premises.

SPACE JUNE 2013

11

Tom explains: “We used to have a few problems with thieves and vandals entering and leaving the Newton Park campus via Newton Drive. However, we increased the number of guards on patrol and I am proud to say we haven’t had a car damaged or broken into in the last eight years which is some achievement.”

And whilst there may be some challenges to overcome, Tom was quick to point out all that he loves about his job.

“The everyday involvement is what makes the job what it is. From helping homesick new students to directing lost visitors on campus Open Days, we are always here to help. Most people only get to experience university life once, so it is important that they have the best possible time, and feeling safe is a huge part of that.”

Whilst the role of security is to keep the campus safe and secure, Tom argues that he and his team view their roles as far more than just that.

“We are the first port of call for visitors to the University and it is down to us to set a good first impression. I have certain things I instil in my team and that includes being polite and approachable.

No matter how we are being treated or spoken too, I ask my team to always treat people in need with the respect and kindness we would expect if we were in need of help.

There have been certain instances when Tom and his team have been reminded why the way they run things here works so well. Tom recalls:

12

SPACE JUNE 2013

“When we have been assisting with events such as Open Days, Graduations and moving in/out days, it is a great feeling when both students and parents come up and thank us for making their experience at Bath Spa such a safe and enjoyable one. That always puts a smile on my face!”

A couple of years ago Tom was faced with only 24 hours to live having contracted septicaemia following accidently swallowing a pork bone which tore his oesophagus. With his health in such a bad state, it could have been a timely decision to retire, however, the support shown by the University and its staff gave Tom the strength and motivation to return to work.

“I was humbled by the vast amount of support I was given by the University. I had never seen so many cards! It reminded me what makes working here so special and that Bath Spa is like a second family to me.

“I’m 64 now and want to do another two years and then probably call it a day. I know I could retire next year if I wanted, but I would miss everyone and why bother to stop doing something you enjoy so much?”

If you would like to recommend a fellow student or colleague to be interviewed for ‘Spotlight on’ please let us know by emailing Rob Breckon r.breckon@bathspa.ac.uk

do you want to be a job applicant with a BA? or an ma? ever played top trumps?

different thinking

Now is the perfect time to consider differentiating yourself with a postgraduate qualification and Bath Spa University offers a wide range of exciting opportunities. Exclusive fee discounts of £1,200 are available to this year’s Bath Spa graduates progressing to postgraduate study in 2013.

Out-think the competition with a postgraduate degree at Bath Spa University

www.bathspa.ac.uk/postgrad-funding

SPACE JUNE 2013

13

POLLY HUGHES

SARAH MARTIN

BSAD degree Show 2013 14

The annual Bath School of Art and Design Degree Show was held from 8 to 16 June. An outstanding collection of work from across the School was on display and visitors flocked to see it. Here’s a selection of some of the work exhibited by our talented graduating students.

SPACE JUNE 2013

SAMANTHA WEST

ROBERT HEWER

ROSALIND CLARA BRYAN

BSAD Degree Show 2013

SPACE JUNE 2013

15

16

SPACE JUNE 2013

ION PRINS

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

KELLY DYER

BSAD degree Show 2013

KATHRYN STEVENS

JOE GAMBLE

JAMES HARRISON

BSAD Degree Show 2013

SPACE JUNE 2013

17

18

SPACE JUNE 2013

BEAR HALTON

DANIELLE NEILL

DAFYDD SAMUAL

ELIZABETH PRITCHARD

BSAD degree Show 2013

ELISE MENGHINI

ELEANOR CHAPMAN

BSAD Degree Show 2013

SPACE JUNE 2013

19

Gala Concert The annual Gala Concert was held in the Assembly Rooms on 14 June. It is a celebration of the end of the academic year and a chance for friends and family to enjoy performances by students from the Department of Music.

This year’s Concert began with the Wind Band who

performed the Overture to Candide by Leonard Bernstein followed by the Chamber Choir who sang Her Sacred Spirit Soars by Eric Whitacre.

The Orchestra than performed two stunning pieces: Concerto for Flute and Strings by Gordon Jacob which featured Eleanor Emery on flute and Trumpet Concerto by Johann Nepomuk Hummel featuring Oliver Bitten on trumpet.

The BB2 then performed a newly composed piece by conductor Adam Biggs that has the audience tapping their toes. The evening was ended with a wonderful performance of songs from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein which was met with resounding applause from the very happy audience.

During the interval the Gamelan Ensemble entertained the audience with Ladrang Wilujeng a welcome piece often used to start an evening’s entertainment in Java.

The second half of the Concert began with the Georgian band performing Symphonie in D major by William Fredrick Herschel which seemed particularly fitting given he lived, composed and performed in Bath and his music was often played at the Assembly Rooms. The Georgian Band then played Concerto for Flutes in G major by Domenico Chimarosa featuring Amy Colburn and Jessica Gabbott on flute.

Pic: Gala concert performance

20

SPACE JUNE 2013

Shakespeare in the Italian Gardens A Shakespeare performance recently took place in the University’s Italian Gardens. Two Gentlemen of Verona was presented by second year acting students to staff, students, family and friends. Congratulations to all for making the production such a huge success.

Pics: (above and right) Students perform ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ to a packed audience SPACE JUNE 2013

21

Student Employee and Employer of the Year The University recently announced the winners of a number of awards for Student Employee and Employer of Year.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Second year Drama Studies student Katy Stokes has

Pic: Katy Stokes

been named as Student Employee of the Year. Katy works part time at Baskervilles Gymnastics and Fitness Centre in Bath. Baskervilles, a family run business which started over 30 years ago, specialises in offering competitive and non-competitive gymnastics training as well as fun-filled pre-school classes and soft play sessions/parties for young children.

For the past year, Katy has been a children’s party leader and a recreational level gymnastics coach. Director of Baskervilles, Paul Baskerville nominated Katy because “the children instantly like her due to her personality and great attitude to work.”

Paul added: “Katy’s commitment to her job is second to none and she leaves parents and children with a smile every time they come into contact with her.”

The competition, organised by the National Association of Student Employment Services, recognises the contribution and achievements of students who combine a part-time job with their studies.

22

SPACE JUNE 2013

Katy Stokes

Student Employee of the Year

Third year Fine Art student Megan Howard has won the

On Campus Student Employee of the Year award.

For the last two years, Megan has worked part time in the Art Shop based at Sion Hill in the Bath School of Art and Design. David Tinkham Technical Facilities Manager nominated Megan for her “unfailingly cheerful, positive and approachable manner. She is always ready to help out and advise on art products and techniques.”

Pic: Megan Howard

Student Employer of the Year Bath Spa’s Employer of the Year is Ursula Forbush, Manager for Action on Hearing Loss.

Ursula was nominated by two students who work as Relief Support Workers at the home she manages in Newbridge, Bath.

Pic: Ursula Forbush

She was nominated by Catherine Swift and Stuart Nelson who described her as “extremely accommodating to busy students.”

They added: “Everyone is treated equally and the atmosphere in the house is always so welcoming.

The job has given us independence and great experience at helping other people organise their own lives, as well as the opportunity to take a course in British Sign Language.”

SPACE JUNE 2013

Ursula Forbush

Megan Howard

On Campus Student Employee of the Year

23

Suzanne Harris, Bath Spa’s Events and Venues

Manager for Bath Spa Live has been awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in the Employer of the Year category.

Pic: Suzanne Harris

Suzanne was nominated by Clare Ramsay from Student Events who said: “She is always a pleasure to work for, is understanding and realistic about each of her employee’s commitments including study and life outside university.

“Due to her management skills the team is confident, happy, and makes an effort to help each other and everyone else.”

Juliet Mather, Job Shop Coordinator at Bath Spa, runs the Job Shop service which helps students find local and ideally degree-related part-time work to fit around their studies. She contacted local employers who have used the service this year for nominations as well as Bath Spa students to seek their nominations for student-friendly employers.

Commenting on this year’s awards, Juliet said: “These awards recognise the importance of parttime work experience for the future employability of students, as well as the valuable contribution students can make to key local employers.”

24

SPACE JUNE 2013

Suzanne Harris

Employer of the Year – Highly Commended

Capture Wessex competition with National Trust Point and shoot

Are you a keen photographer aged between 16 and

25 or know someone who is? If so, the National Trust is giving you and them the opportunity to have creative work published.

The competition is looking to get people out into the landscape that surrounds us, to ‘Capture Thomas Hardy’s Wessex’.

All styles are welcome: Big, bold, small, soft, traditional or abstract…you decide!

The closing date is 22 September with the awards being presented late September at Max Gate House.

There are some fantastic prizes to be won including: the winning photo being published in the National Trust magazine; a workshop with the Royal Photographic Society, and your picture printed and mounted on a canvas

by Wessex Photo To enter the competition, please upload and send all entries to: capturewessex@gmail.com Pic: Capture Wessex competition Capture Wessex competition For more information visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CaptureWessexPhotographyCompetition

SPACE JUNE 2013

25

Heritage showcase The Heritage department end

of year showcase event which recently took place at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution on 11 June was a great success.

Over 50 guests attended the event, including Bath Spa staff, heritage sector colleagues, and heritage and humanities students and their friends and family.

Pic: The Heritage showcase was a great success

Speeches were made by the Vice-Chancellor Professor Christina Slade, Visiting Fellow in Heritage, Adrian Tinniswood, and also Heritage Subject Leader Kristin Doern.

Pic: ‘The Empty Man’

Review of The Empty Man

by Ian Mcnish “Gordon has not left his apartment in over half a

26

century. One day, a couple mistakenly knocks on his door. The serendipitous moment of them meeting a man who no longer recognizes the world he lives in raises a lot of questions for all three, and changes the course of their lives.”

SPACE JUNE 2013

The Empty Man was performed at Bath Spa University’s Burdall’s Yard on 4 and 5 of June under the auspices of Bath Spa Live as part of the Bath Fringe Festival. The play was written by Danny Rothschild and directed by Casey Breeden, aka Bow Tie Theatre Company. Casey is a second year drama student. Danny is a second year creative writing/drama student. He is also an alumnus of prestigious Stephen Sondheim founded Young Playwrights Inc. in New York City, a theatre organisation centred on developing playwrights from age 18 or younger. To produce the play, Bow Tie raised nearly £1,400 on Indiegogo.

The Empty Man featured Peter Nolan, a Bristol based professional actor, who played Gordon. Kate was played by graduating Drama student Charlotte Stringer and Tom was played by second year drama/creative writing student Novar Cave.

“Nolan’s heart-wrenching portrayal of Gordon allows the audience to be captured by every word that he says as well as being deeply moved by Rothschild’s beautifully touching script...Breeden’s excellent direction and pacing allows the audience to not only enjoy the performance but notice the subtleties of the script and characterisation as well as allowing the audience to feel as the characters do. This production is absolutely outstanding and is delivered with an impressive professionalism...an utter joy to watch!”

“a finely nuanced piece by an exciting young writer who is definitely worth watching.”

Audience response was exceptionally favourable:

The Empty Man is fruit of the drama/creative writing programme combination at Bath Spa University. This production, which was strongly supported by the Bath Spa Live team, displayed Burdall’s Yard to good effect as an arts centre theatre. In the autumn, Bow Tie plan to take the The Empty Man on tour. Stay tuned.

“a moving performance which left the audience hanging on to every word that came out of the actors’ mouths.”

Review by Ian McNish, Subject Leader for Drama Studies in the School of Music and Performing Arts.

“a finely nuanced piece by an exciting young writer who is definitely worth watching.”

Pic: Set from the play ‘The Empty Man’ SPACE JUNE 2013

27

Italian delight for Andrea Medjesi-Jones Congratulations to Painting Lecturer Andrea Medjesi-Jones who has been awarded an Abbey Fellowship in Painting at the British School at Rome.

Andrea, who teaches at the Sion Hill campus will spend three months in Rome, from January to March 2014.

Established in 1990, the Abbey Fellowship offers mid-career painters the opportunity to spend three months at the British School at Rome.

Andrea will spend time working in the studios in Rome giving her an unique opportunity to get away from the pressures of everyday life and work without interruption. She will have the added charm of living in, and becoming familiar, with the most fascinating city of the ancient and modern world.

Artists are encouraged to talk about their work and are given the opportunity to put on studio shows, to which Italian critics and gallerists, among others, are invited.

Commenting on receiving the Fellowship, Andrea said: “I am delighted at the opportunity to have the three months in Rome. It will be a challenge to work in one of the oldest cities in the world and to explore its tradition and history that is so far removed from my current studio environment and circumstances.

“I hope this will influence my thinking and making of the work. I also hope to discover the contemporary Rome and to continue with my research into the largely unexplored context of Italian expressionist painting.”

More information about the Abbey Fellowship can be found at http://www.abbey.org.uk/about_the_awards.php

28

SPACE JUNE 2013

SPACE JUNE 2013

29

Pic: Andrea Medjesi-Jones

Bath Spa MIXing it up to host Digital Writing conference The University will be hosting the MIX2013 conference in Digital Writing at Corsham Court from Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 July.

Co-hosted with The Writing Platform, the MIX2013 conference will welcome an array of speakers including writ-

ers, novelists, web developers and internationally renowned academics. The conference entitled ‘Text on Screens: Making / Discovering / Teaching’ will be split into two sections.

The focus of the first two days will be looking at text on screen in various forms including fiction, videopoetry, mobile, locative, and site specific works, non-fiction, games, text-based digital art, and other electronic, hybrid forms.

There will be a mixture of academic papers and artist presentations as well as an examination of classic texts as they are re-imagined for the digital platform. This will be followed by an assessment of how these works are taught and what they mean for the future of literature.

The third and final day will be a ‘Making Day’ which will feature workshops and introductory sessions run by practitioners, technologists, web designers and digital publishers. This session is a day of experimentation, collaboration and play for writers looking to learn new skills and develop their creative practice.

Keynote speakers will include Bath Spa Professor of Creative Writing and novelist Naomi Alderman who will speak about her prize-winning blockbuster independent game Zombies! Run. The Literary Platform’s Sophie Rochester will also speak about the intersection between writing and technology today.

Ahead of the conference, Reader in Creative Writing at Bath Spa, Lucy English said: “Writing for digital platforms is a fast changing area. MIX2013 will give its delegates an opportunity to experience a hands-on approach to the latest technology and how to use it creatively.”

The conference is open to all staff and students as well as members of the public.

More information including how to book is available at http://mix-bathspa.org/about-the-conference/ 30

SPACE JUNE 2013

Megan McKenzie shaves head for charity There will be something missing from Megan McKenzie’s graduation photos as she

will be proudly posing with a shaved head. “I didn’t want any hair for graduation,” joked the 20-year-old student who had her shoulder-length locks lopped off for charity without telling her friends and family.

Pic: Megan McKenzie

Megan had her secret head shave at City of Bath College, telling staff and students she wanted to “go out in style” to mark the end of her student days. Her dark brown locks will be sent to the Little Princess Trust charity and used to make wigs for children suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment and alopecia.

She also wants people to be “shocked into sponsoring her” when they see her drastic new-look and hopes to raise £500 for the same charity.

Megan, who is nearing the end of her music degree at Bath Spa University, said: “I’ve always wanted to shave my head for a good cause. Then it just came to me, why not celebrate my graduation with a complete new look!

“My hair has always been a way of expressing myself; I’ve always done all kinds of things to it from dying and bleaching it to having every style imaginable. So why not go out in style? I decided I didn’t want any hair for graduation. I will definitely remember my graduation look!”

She added: “It’s a bit of a shock, all my hair’s gone and it feels a bit odd, but it looks good, I like it. My friends and family knew I’d been thinking about shaving my head for charity but I thought I would surprise them by getting it done without telling anyone. They probably won’t recognise me now!”

Megan regularly gets her hair cut at the College’s Academy Hair, Beauty Studios and Spa and said everyone was “very accommodating” when she told them what she wanted to do.

Level 2 Hairdressing students Adowa Selassie, 17, Olivia Farrington, 16, and Kayme-Lee Visagie, 17, had the honour of separating Megan’s hair into tiny plaits before cutting off each one then shaving her head.

Olivia said: “We’ve never been asked to do anything like this before so it was great to play a part in the fundraising.

“It’s amazing what Megan has done; she’s really inspirational and very brave to shave off all her hair to help others.”

SPACE JUNE 2013

31

Kilda Meadows exhibiting at Open West 2013 Congratulations to Kilda Meadows who has been selected to display her ceramics work at the Open West 2013 art exhibition.

Pic: Kilda Meadows, exhibiting at the Open West 2013

32

SPACE JUNE 2013

Creative Arts student Kilda Meadows is one of just 46 selected artists following a large international sub-

mission of entries.

This competition will provide artists with an opportunity to participate in a paid education programme and workshop as well as artists’ residencies at Newark Park in Gloucestershire and the Meantime project-space in Cheltenham.

Describing her work Kilda said: “I am interested in how place and past experience inform who we are and how we respond to the present. Materials, objects, space and a sense of place provide us with a wealth of historical references both in a personal context and a wider cultural context. Working with the ceramic material, I am conscious of both its archival references and its contemporary presence in the spaces and objects we interact with every day.”

The display will be exhibiting at two venues, starting in July at the National Trust’s Newark Park where the artists will curate their artworks throughout existing collections. The Newark Park exhibition will open its doors with an open evening on Friday 5 July and run until Sunday 18 August.

In October the exhibition will move to its second venue, the Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum from Saturday 12 October until Wednesday 6 November. This will be part of an opening exhibition programme following a significant new build and re-development programme at the Cheltenham Gallery.

Commenting on being selected, Kilda added: “I’m really excited to have my ceramics selected to exhibit in the Open West. I have just been to visit Newark House which is a really quirky house in beautiful grounds and the show looks set to be really fresh and exciting with work installed in some unexpected and unusual places both indoors and outdoors.

“The second exhibition in Cheltenham Art Gallery will be a great opportunity to experience the work in a completely different context.”

More information about the Open West 2013 art exhibition can be found at http://theopenwest.org.uk/

SPACE JUNE 2013

33

New ‘Troops to Teachers’ consortium

Pic: Little34dancing soldier man, photograph by Krissy SPACE JUNE 2013

The University is to make a major contribution to a Government-funded project to train military personnel as teachers once they leave the services.

The ‘Troops to Teachers’ programme aims to support

a smooth transition into the civilian workforce for those Service members who are exiting their military careers and have the potential to become outstanding teachers.

Those Service personnel who are in the two years before discharge or in the two years post discharge from the Armed Forces are eligible to apply.

Graduates interested in undertaking teacher training can apply for a one year, School Direct salaried, School Bath Spa is part of a consortium of six universities, led Direct training, Postgraduate Certificate in Educaby the University of Brighton. It is working with a range tion (PGCE) or School Centred Initial Teacher Training of outstanding primary and secondary schools to sup- (SCITT) programme. port the development and delivery of the programme.

The consortium will enable former Service personnel to The School Direct salaried route into teaching is availatrain to teach by accessing newly created initial teach- ble to high-quality graduates with at least three years’ work experience. Trainees are employed as an unqualer training (ITT) routes. ified teacher by the school. Previous experience in the Armed Forces will count towards meeting the School The ‘Troops to Teachers programme’, funded by the Direct eligibility criteria.

Department for Education, aims to recruit the best Service leavers into teaching, including those with the highest qualifications, qualities and experiences, who have the potential to become outstanding teachers.

It has been designed and developed with a group of outstanding schools and ITT providers in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Career Transition Partnership.

The School Direct training route into teaching is open to all high-quality graduates and funded by tuition fees paid by the trainee, who may receive a bursary from the Department for Education. PGCE and SCITT programmes are fee-paying routes in partnership with universities and also offer bursaries for eligible graduates. More information can be found here

Dean of the School of Education, Christine Eden, said: “We offer one of the most sought after teacher training A two-year non-graduate programme will start in January 2014. It is innovative, has a strong school-led elecourses in the country with a long tradition of Initial ment and is employment based. It will be delivered by Teacher Education for over 60 years. a range of outstanding primary and secondary schools.

Service leavers will be able to access training that “Our expertise in career transition has enabled us to draws upon and further develops their previous skills, successfully help train students to become teachers experiences and expertise in the context of teaching. from a wide range of backgrounds, including bankers, lawyers and accountants and we look forward to as much success with Service leavers.”

For details about how to apply for this pathway, please visit https://troopstoteachers.ctp.org.uk/

SPACE JUNE 2013

35

alumni news

Congraulations to Laura Kalbag, BA (Hons) Graphic Communication 2009 who has won the ‘Brilliant Newcomer of the Year’ award at the prestigious .net Awards 2013.

The award “honours the shooting stars in web design or development who have excelled in their given field over the last 12 months. There is no age restriction.”

Laura was heavily involved in Bath Spa University’s Artswork DesignLab as an Artswork Student Fellow - working with Anthony Head from the Bath School of Art and Design and won a Bath Spa Innovation Award in 2008.

If you would like to share any alumni news or success stories, please contact Ruth Russell r.russell@bathspa.ac.uk

36

SPACE JUNE 2013

Bath Spa University is currently looking for people within the Bath area to become home stay hosts for international students.

There are numerous benefits to hosting international students. You will get the chance to rent out an unused room; welcome new international students to the UK; experience new cultures and traditions and discover more about the wider world; as well as supplementing your income in a way that’s enjoyable and rewarding.

Ever thought of being a host?

SPACE JUNE 2013

Key homestay requirements include: • Making the student feel at home and treating them as a member of the family rather than a paying guest.

• Providing a kind, caring English-speaking environment.

• Providing a comfortable private study bedroom with Internet access.

• Being close to transport links to the University.

If you would like to become a homestay host, please contact Student Housing Services on 01225 875843 or email accommodation@bathspa.ac.uk.

37

what’s on Crabtree & Evelyn fundraising event Mon 15 July, 6:00-8:00pm, 11 New Bond Street, Bath Drinks and nibbles will be served, mini hand treatments will be on offer and all attendees will receive a free goody bag.

Tickets: £10. Please contact Rob Armstrong-Haworth r.armstrong-haworth@bathspa.ac.uk to purchase.

Songwriting Festival 2013 Sat 10 – Fri 16 Aug, Shennanton House, Scotland The UK Songwriting Festival is a five day songwriting course run by the University. Festival participants live on-site during the festival and there are formal or informal songwriting activities throughout the day and evening.

Pedare 2013 conference Thurs 12 Sept, Falmouth University The theme of this conference will be on the impact of the changing Higher Education environment on current practice in arts-based subjects.

Tickets (including lunch and refreshments): £150.

An Evening of Georgian Pleasures Fri 13 Sept, 7:00pm, The Holburne Museum Gardens Step back in time for a very special evening of authentic Georgian entertainment. For one night only, the gardens of the Holburne Museum will be alive with all the delights that made this the place to see and be seen in Georgian Bath.

Tickets: Full price £12, Concessions £10.

38 SPACE APR 2013

SPACE JUNE 2013

38

BSU: in the news Joe Bennett

Joe Bennett, Dean of the School of Music and Per-

forming Arts was interviewed by The Guardian about the MMus Songwriting course which was launched in 2007. Bath Spa is one of only a small number of universities that offers the course and Joe talks about the benefits to students and the wider music industry.

You can read the full article here

Pic: Joe Bennett

Cathy Leng

Cathy Leng, Head of Department of Business and

Management was interviewed by Insider about how students can best enhance their career prospects and the advantages of an MA Business course. You can read the full article here

Pic: Cathy Leng SPACE JUNE 2013

39

staff n Sad news – death of former Governor Mr Ian Phillips

We were saddened to hear of the death of former University Governor Mr Ian Phillips who passed away at the

end of May. Ian was a governor for 18 years and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Governors for eight of those. He retired from the Board of Governors in 2012, but remained in touch with the University. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.

Starters and Leavers

In June we welcomed‌ Henryk Poreba, Cleaner, Domestic Services Amy Haines, Widening Participation Outreach Assistant, Enterprise and Local Partnerships Stephanie Hoddinott, Widening Participation Outreach Officer, Enterprise and Local Partnerships Christopher Kelly, Widening Participation Outreach Officer, Enterprise and Local Partnerships Anna Gravelle, Technical Demonstrator Textile Design, Bath School of Art and Design Allyson MacVean, Senior Research Fellow, School of Society, Enterprise and Environment Hongji Yang, Deputy Director of Creative Computing, School of Humanities and Cultural Industries Sian Hancock, HR Assistant, HR Anita Taylor, Dean of School: Bath School of Art and Design

40

SPACE JUNE 2013

news We also said farewell to‌ Claire Edwards Evans, Lecturer in Sociology, School of Society, Enterprise and Environment Matthew Law, Lecturer in Geography (Environmental Change and Sustainability), School of Society, Enterprise and Environment Matthew Wilkins, Lecturer in Geography (Historical and Cultural Geographies), School of Society, Enterprise and Environment Carolyn Puddicombe, Director of Estates and Services, Estates Maggi Thomas, Deputy Head of Finance, Finance Elizabeth Brewer, Wellbeing Advisor, Student Services Nell Denton, Script Editor (Technical Demonstrator), School of Music and Performing Arts Jack Noble, Cleaner, Domestic Services Alison Ward, Student Support Advisor, Student Services Emma Watterson, Wellbeing Coordinator, Student Services Deborah Scott, Research Administrator, Corsham Centre Toni Moore, Job Shop Assistant, Enterprise and Local Partnerships Katerina Emmanouilidou, Senior Admissions Officer, Student Services

Please let us know if you have any interesting news for the next issue by sending your stories to j.wakefield@bathspa.ac.uk Deadline: Weds 15 July 2013.

SPACE JUNE 2013

41