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SPace
Bath Spa University’s monthly magazine
JANUARY 2014
Seeing Sound
Costa
Book
Award
X FACTOR
FEATURES
11 Trip to Iraq
16 Spotlight on...
Steve McMillan, MA Heritage Management
Front cover: Graduation - Ben Langdon Photography ff
20
14
My student experience...
Jemima Owen, MA Creative Writing, written by Tilly Karabina Cullum family make generous donation
56 Nathan Filer wins 2013
Costa First Novel Book Award
SPACE JANUARY 2014 SPACE JANUARY 2014
11 26 SPACE magazine is published every month and is aimed at
staff and students of Bath Spa University. SPACE welcomes
contributions from all members of the Bath Spa community.
Want to get involved? Contact Jane Wakefield –
j.wakefield@bathspa.ac.uk
Editor Features Writer
Jane Wakefield Rob Breckon
Design and Layout Contributors
Lorna Leigh Harrington Tilly Karabina
Rachel Edwards
Front cover
Cao Fei Photography:
22 David Bailey
Ben Jones
29
Photography – Enterprise and Local
Partnerships:
Conor Purcell
Leo Element
Isaac Allen
Emily Ceurvorst
(All BA (Hons) Creative Media
Practice.
NEWS
3 Update from the Vice-Chancellor 18 Talking point… Men to the left, women to
the right
4 Newton Park campus development
update 20 My student experience…Jemima Owen,
MA Creative Writing, written by
10 Institute for Education Tilly Karabina 30 Alumni news
26 Music graduate strikes a chord on the
11 Trip to Iraq 22 Nathan Filer wins 2013 Costa First Novel X-Factor 32 International update
Book Award
14 Cullum family make generous donation 27 Cao Fei installation at Sion Hill 34 Reviews
23 Seeing Sound
15 Fundraising for WaterAid 28 Bath Spa leads UK trials of 3D freehand 36 Enterprise and Local Partnerships update
24 Community Open Lecture Week drawing software
16 Spotlight on… Steve McMillan, MA 40 What’s on
Heritage Management 25 Student work placement at Cleveland 29 Adding some Christmas sparkle to the
Pools Victoria Art Gallery 43 Staff News
SPACE JANUARY 2014 SPACE JANUARY 2014
Update from the Vice-Chancellor
Welcome to the first issue of SPACE in 2014 and also to the new academic term. I have
recently returned to the University from a break in Australia. En-route I attended the Global
Citizenship Curriculum in Higher Education symposium in Hong Kong. This is an ESRC
funded project led by Dr Jodi Anderson from the School of Education. On my return to the
UK I took time to meet with potential partners for our new Global Academy of Liberal Arts
network.
As always it is pleasing to see stories of Bath Spa staff and students involved in academic
and community projects. This issue includes stories about student placements at Cleveland
Pools, UK trials of 3D freehand drawing software and one student designing the Victoria Art
Gallery’s Christmas tree.
Bath Spa alumni are hitting the headlines again this month. Nathan Filer, Creative Writing
alumnus, won the 2013 Costa First Novel Book Award. As we go to press we await news of
whether he has gone on to win the overall Costa Book of the Year. The alumni team welcome
news and updates on our past students and if you have something to share you can contact
them at alumni@bathspa.ac.uk
Finally, the National Student Survey opened on Monday 27 January and runs through to the
end of April. At Bath Spa University we genuinely care about the student experience. We
want all students to fulfil their academic potential, to be well prepared for their future career
and to have a really enjoyable time as part of the Bath Spa community. Student feedback
is a very important part of this process. By listening to students we can make sure that we
continue to do things well, and that we improve aspects where necessary - both for current
and future students.
Professor Christina Slade, Vice-Chancellor
6 SPACE JANUARY 2014 7
Newton park campus development update
Residential development
Commons
Contractors Miller continued to make good progress despite the weather in December
The building has now been handed over on-time to Bath Spa from contractors Skanska. The and January. The external envelopes are progressing well with roof cladding and window
installations completed on some blocks and the external wall cladding started this month. In
interior fit-out and landscaping works will continue with Skanska and the building is scheduled to
recent months the Miller site team has been working with Writhlington School once a week with
be open for use by 14 April. The Official Opening of the building will take place at a special event on
a Year 10 Special Educational Needs class giving lessons on how to apply maths and English to
5 June to which all are invited.
construction.
To implement the various staff moves into Commons and other buildings at Newton Park, Project
Miller graduates working on site also gave a lecture to geography and business students about
Decant has been launched. Rachel Heywood joined Bath Spa in December and will be working
environmental and sustainability issues in construction and how this relates to the construction
as Project Manager for the moves working alongside Rob Armstrong-Haworth with support from
at Newton Park.
Lizzie Watts.
You can follow progress of both developments via the webcams which are available here
Throughout the coming months a draft schedule of moves will be developed and made available
to both managers and staff. Regular updates will also be made via email and a dedicated page on
If you have any questions or queries about any of the developments, please email the team:
The Hub. If you have any questions about the moves, please get in touch with Rachel via decant@
npdevelopment@bathspa.ac.uk
bathspa.ac.uk
88 SPACE JANUARY 2014
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SPACE NOVEMBER 2013 99
Erbil. Mosque
Institute for
Education
September will mark the start of a new era for teacher training at Bath Spa when staff and
students move to the new Institute for Education at Hartham Park near Corsham, Wiltshire.
All postgraduate teacher education including PGCEs for new teachers and Masters’ degrees for
existing teachers will be delivered and developed in purpose-built, specialist surroundings. The
Institute will expand upon the University’s existing presence in Wiltshire through the Corsham
Court campus, which already provides highly-regarded postgraduate provision and will also
provide a space for school colleagues’ INSET days, meetings and CPD training and conferences.
Christine Eden, former Dean of the School of Education spoke of the significance of this new
dedicated teacher training facility: “The Institute will be a powerful and visible presence for
teacher education locally, nationally and internationally. It will be a place where Bath Spa Teacher
Researchers, the colleagues we work with in schools, professionals working in areas relevant
to education and Bath Spa staff come together in a community of research and practice, all
committed to offering education of the highest standard that meets the needs of all pupils.”
More information about the new Institute for Education is available here
10
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SPACE NOVEMBER 2013
TRIP TO IRAQ
SPACE NOVEMBER 2013 11 11
The University was recently invited to join the
Iraq Britain Business Council and UK Trade &
Iraq Flag over the Citade
Investment (IBBC) on a mission to Iraq. This was set
to be the first trade mission where representatives
from higher education were in attendance. Rob
Armstrong-Haworth, Executive Officer to the Vice-
Chancellor attended on behalf of Bath Spa, and
described his trip:
“Iraq’s Prime Minister, Nouri Al Malki, was the
special guest on the first day of the IBBC’s six-day
UK trade mission to Iraq. Mr Al Maliki officially
opened the event, which was held at Baghdad’s regions and Foreign & Commonwealth Office staff
Al Rasheed Hotel.” from the embassy. It was also a great opportunity
to begin networking with other members of the
The first few days of the mission were spent mission, both within HE and other sectors. The
inside the international zone of Baghdad, the area HE group also met with representatives from the
considered to be the safest. Many of the international Prime Minister’s office to discuss the scholarship
embassies are based within the zone, including the programme, with £100 million, to fund Iraqi students
British Embassy. The area is heavily guarded and undertaking postgraduate qualifications in the UK,
we had to pass through 15 or so checkpoints from USA and Australia. The Ministry of Education also
the airport to our hotel. There is little traffic inside spend £100 million on funding scholarships.
the zone yet it takes a long time to get anywhere
due to the checks. The lack of traffic is a little eerie Following our stay in Baghdad we travelled north to
yet at the same time intriguing. I didn’t feel a sense the Kurdistan Region and the city of Erbil. The city
of danger yet hearing car bombs in the distance could have been another world, long gone were the
reminded you of the unrest in the city. armoured vehicles and checkpoints. We were free
to move around and could have quite easy caught
While in Baghdad I had the opportunity to meet with the bus from the airport to the hotel.
representatives from the University of Baghdad, Mosque
the British Council, Governors of neighbouring During the visit we met with representatives from
the Iraqi government, regional governors and vice-chancellors/presidents of various universities. We
also had the opportunity to meet with staff at the local branch of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office
and the British Council. Some of the discussions while in Erbil will now be followed up by colleagues
in the International Relations Office.
In Erbil we were fortunate enough to be able to make visits to sites in and around the city. The citadel
in Erbil is thousands of years old and is currently undergoing a major restoration project, coordinated
by UNESCO and the regional government. We also had time to go into the souk and partake in a bit
of haggling!
The outcome of the visit is that we continue to discuss opportunities for linking with some of the
universities. In the not too distant future we hope to welcome postgraduate (taught and research)
students from Iraq to Bath Spa.”
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Cullum family make Fundraising for
generous donation WaterAid
graduate (within one year) from any
music course at Bath Spa. The first
applications were submitted and awards The annual Ecumenical Chaplains’ Soup lunch initiative raised over £4,000 in 2013. A total donation
made in January 2014. of £4,127.38 was presented to the charity WaterAid on 28 November. £2,063 was raised by the
Ecumenical Chaplains’ Soup Lunch and a cheque was presented by first year student Quin Gomes.
This funding was matched by the University and a cheque for a similar amount was presented by
Applicants were encouraged to submit
Vice-Chancellor Professor Christina Slade.
proposals showing how the funding
would help them develop enterprise The Soup Lunch initiative has been running since 2001 and offers students and staff a chance to
and employability skills by working in replace their usual lunch with a quick lunch of a cup of homemade soup, bread and cheese and
have a chat with the Ecumenical Chaplains at Bath Spa. It takes place in the Students’ Union every
the music industry. John Cullum was a
Thursday during term time and aims to remind people how lucky we are to be able to drink clean,
member of the assessment panel that unpolluted water from a tap and think of those people in the world who are not so fortunate.
reviewed the applications.
A new Award for current students and recent The money raised by the Soup Lunch initiative has been matched by the University every year since
graduates of the Department of Music has been 2006 and has raised an impressive £16,814 in that time. This money has allowed WaterAid to help
Commenting on providing this award, John Cullum
over 1,120 people with water and sanitation.
made possible thanks to a generous donation from said: “Our family is blessed with two talented
the Cullum family. The Bath Spa University Cullum musicians through whom we have understood The Soup Lunch is also a good way for students to have contact time each week with Father Bill,
Family Award aims to support students and new the many challenges of earning a living within the OSM and the Anglican chaplain Jan Knott as well as the Students’ Union.
graduates by helping them explore and better exciting music industry.
Father Bill, OSM, Catholic Chaplain at Bath Spa University said: “This weekly event is a wonderful
understand the music industry and the various support to a marvellous charity and at the same time is a chance for the Ecumenical Chaplains to
career pathways available to them. “The main focus of this Award is to help students be available to all students. A special word of thanks goes to the catering and Students’ Union staff
develop a better understanding of this industry and at the University as well as everyone who bought a soup lunch.”
The Cullum family which includes jazz-pop singer develop their personal employability skills in the
WaterAid is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that aims to transform lives
and songwriter Jamie Cullum and his older wide, but competitive range of opportunities that by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities.
brother, producer and songwriter Ben, chose to exist within the music world.” The WaterAid Big Pipe Project running this winter will help transform over 130,000 lives in
support Bath Spa mainly because parents John Ethiopia by providing clean water and safe sanitation. More information is available at: http://www.
and Yvonne, who sing with the CitySound Choir, Head of Department of Music, Charles Wiffen said: bigpipeproject.wateraid.org/
have been particularly impressed with the quality “This is a truly generous and imaginative award.
of student performances they have attended and by The Cullum family are known internationally and
the strategic vision this University has in promoting have a special understanding of music and the
music and the performing arts. music industry. We are honoured that they have
shown such an interest in student work here at Bath
The Cullum Family Award is available to current Spa University. The Award will facilitate projects
students or new graduates of the Department for students and graduates of the Department of
of Music. Applicants must be either a current Music and will enhance the employability of our
undergraduate third year music student, a current students.”
student on a Masters’ course in music or a new
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14 SPACE JANUARY 2014
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2013 15
15
spotlight
ON...
Steve McMillan, MA Heritage Management
Steve arrived at Bath Spa in 2010 and has no “During my work experience as part of my
intention of ending his journey here any time soon. Foundation degree, I spent some time working
Steve has been a student here at Bath Spa for with a curator at Beckford Tower who also works
four years and is currently studying full-time for at No1 Royal Crescent. I really enjoyed my time at
his Masters in Heritage Management. Having Beckford Tower and when I was given the chance
completed a BA (Hons) History and Heritage, Steve to do a second placement I couldn’t turn it down.
felt progressing onto a Masters whilst staying at I continued my volunteering and then an opening
Bath Spa seemed an obvious choice. arose at the Royal Crescent which I succeeded in
securing.
Steve said: “Like many of my colleagues, I started
out at Bath Spa studying for a foundation degree “It can be quite hard in terms of time management,
with the intention of obtaining a job in the heritage but the understanding and real life experience I am
sector following graduation. However, it became gaining from working in such an iconic heritage
apparent how hands-on the course was so I ended building such as No 1 Royal Crescent has helped
up staying on and converting my foundation degree me greatly with my Masters studies.”
into a BA (Hons) History and Heritage.
As an undergraduate student, Steve was part of a “It was brilliant for us as a group and especially the history and
“I really enjoyed my undergraduate degree and was group of humanities students who teamed up with heritage students because the App is the first of its type. Also, it’s at
set on focussing my education on heritage which graphic design students to create an interactive
pointed me in the direction of the MA Heritage App for visitors to No 1 Royal Crescent.
the cutting edge of interpretation which is one of the big things
Management course. The links our tutors Kristin we look at in heritage. It is important to appreciate how visitors are
spotlight on...
Doern and Alison Hems have with the Heritage Steve explained: “We were tasked with creating a seeing and experiencing what is in front of them and this project
sector are amazing and it effectively helped me formative and educational iPad App that could be
get the job I have now.
was very much focussed on providing the audience with a new and
used by visitors to No 1 and help them learn about
the historical items in the Cabinet of Curiosities modern way to interpret heritage.”
“I actually don’t just have one job; I’m responsible housed in the building.
for a couple of things. I am weekend administrator Despite juggling a hectic schedule, Steve has managed to decide the next phase of his Bath Spa journey.
at Beckford Tower, weekend duty manager at No1
Royal Crescent and I also work a couple of days a “I hope to do a PhD in Heritage once I have finished my Masters. I am very grateful for the opportunities
week in the Bath Preservation Trust offices helping the University has given me and the support to continue my education to the next level has been
out with finance and other admin-related tasks.” fantastic. A part of the reason I am considering doing a PhD is that I enjoy being at Bath Spa so much.
As a mature student the support and advice I have received from my tutors has been second to none
and I can’t thank them enough for that.”
SPACE JANUARY 2014 SPACE JANUARY 2014
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SPACE NOVEMBER 2013 17
talking point In the media and political furore that followed the guidance being published commentators were
quick to attack UUK’s stance as draconian and even illegal. The row culminated when the Prime
Minister David Cameron said he believed separating men and women in audiences for some guest
speakers was “unacceptable.”
Men to the left, women to the right UUK defended its position saying that it does not advocate or tolerate enforced gender segregation
and that the issue being addressed by the guidance was one of voluntary segregation of an audience
When it first opened its doors to trainee at some events.
and women were seated separately.
teachers in the 1940s Newton Park College
Chief Executive Nicola Dandridge also said on BBC Radio 4 that gender segregation is not
admitted only women. Men were offered places The guidance was developed by UUK in
“completely alien” in our society, citing single sex schools and colleges. Indeed, some colleges at
in the late 1950s. This aspect of our history at consultation with a range of organisations
the universities of Oxford and Cambridge remain single sex.
Bath Spa is not uncommon and many higher including the Department for Business,
education institutions will have a similar story Innovation and Skills (BIS), the Home Office,
However, UUK underestimated the reaction this guidance would induce and have now withdrawn
to tell. However, what now seems like an HEFCE, the NUS, Equality Challenge Unit,
it while they work with lawyers to clarify the legal stance. Detractors celebrated this withdrawal
outdated and old-fashioned concept of gender the Police and four UK universities. However,
as a victory for equality and free speech, but the argument is likely to rumble on. Universities have
segregation has recently hit the headlines the reaction to it was perhaps not what UUK
clear regulations and policies to govern them, but in some situations, as evident by the decisions
following guidance from Universities UK (UUK) anticipated.
taken by University College London and Leicester University, these principles do not always lead to
suggesting segregation by gender should
a ‘correct’ outcome.
be permitted in universities today in some Very quickly various people, including students
circumstances. and staff in universities and those outside of
Higher Education in the UK is world leading and open to all. This is the message we send out to our
HE, voiced strong objections to the guidance
talking point
prospective students and why there are so many more people studying in our universities today.
The UUK guidance specifically referred to with many arguing it promoted discrimination.
Most campuses are a vibrant mix of sex, race, age and gender and the student experience is greatly
external speakers visiting universities and To date, over 9,000 people have signed a
enhanced because of it.
what protocols should be observed. It builds petition condemning it, a protest was staged
on guidance issued in 2011 about freedom of outside UUK headquarters in London in
Here at Bath Spa we have a greater ratio of women to men, perhaps in-keeping with our history, but
speech on campus and follows events involving December and the story was discussed, argued
ensure all students are treated equally. We can be proud of our heritage and the legacy of equality it
an Islamic speaker at University College and analysed in Students’ Unions across the
established for our students today.
London and Leicester University where men country.
18 SPACE JANUARY 2014
SPACE NOVEMBER 2013
SPACE JANUARY 2014 19Jemima with her manuscript.
my student
experience...
Jemima Owen,
MA Creative Writing,
written by Tilly Karabina
Jemima had a long student experience here at Bath Spa. She completed a Creative Writing BA
(Hons) degree in 2012 before going on to study the MA equivalent, graduating from that in 2013.
After an early interest in writing fiction, she knew university was the path for her. “I wrote a novel,
if you could call it that, at 15 years old and sent it off to an agent, who rightly rejected it. After that,
I knew I wanted to get professional training as a writer and actually get published. I heard that the
Creative Writing course at Bath Spa was one of the best and as I loved the campus, I decided that
course was for me.
“I’ve always been a bit of an ‘outdoorsy’ person and to see a lake and a field full of cows on
a university campus was like a dream come true.” Even the modest city of Bath was at first
daunting to Jemima, who is from Bromsgrove, a small town near Worcestershire. However, she
didn’t take much convincing, “When I saw Bath had two Starbucks, I knew I’d love it.”
Jemima came to Bath Spa after completing her A
Levels in English Literature, English Language and
Psychology. Although she pursued her interest in writing
at university, she is still very interested in Psychology, “I from first year to second year. The workload people’s work, and continue writing your novel
my student experience
read Psychologies magazine and other similar books, and was far more challenging. She took modules and all sorts of other things. The tutors are very
it features in my writing, as I always ask myself what the in Feature Journalism, Life Writing, Short helpful, but it is a lot more independent than
psychology is behind my characters behaviour.” Stories and Writing for Young People. By her doing an undergraduate degree, and they treat
third year, she was writing a novel alongside you as independent professionals. I learnt a
In her first year, Jemima lived on campus in halls, with her compulsory modules. This inspired her to great deal on my Masters’ and would definitely
five other students. She looks back on the time fondly, and undertake a Masters’ and she chose to stay at not be where I am without it.”
values the opportunity to have lived with other creative Bath Spa.
writers, “I made some wonderful friends. It really made a Since completing her Masters’ degree Jemima
huge difference being able to talk to other writers on the “I suppose I already knew Bath Spa so well and has been working on her novel in preparation for
course. We’d have a coffee at Starbucks and fire off story because my husband was in education in Bath getting an agent and hopes to see it published
ideas at each other; it was a great part of university life!” I couldn’t really have gone anywhere else. But this year. She has also started work on a second
even if I could, I would have stayed with Bath novel. “My dream is to be a full-time writer.
Fresher’s Week was a fun, if not an overwhelming Spa because I knew the tutors were brilliant and I’m aware I’ll be looking for a day job, but I’m
experience that helped ease Jemima into university life. the Masters’ was also very renowned in creative still fighting for my novels and the dream job of
The first week of term introduced her to creative writing writing. being an author.”
workshop sessions, which were nerve wracking to begin
with, but ultimately invaluable, “I’d never shared my writing “It is very different from creative writing at Jemima describes Bath Spa as a “creative,
with anyone before, but I found everyone to be very friendly undergraduate level. It’s far more intense and inspiring and ambitious” university, and still
and careful with their constructive criticisms of my work.” focused on the novel you’re working on. You’re attends guest lectures and campus events.
Jemima on her graduation day. Like many students, Jemima struggled with the transition expected to read a book a week, edit other
20 20 SPACE
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20 21News Seeing
Nathan Filer wins 2013 Costa Sound
First Novel Book Award
Nathan graduated from Bath Spa’s MA Creative Writing course in 2010 and is now a part-time lecturer
at the University. The Shock of the Fall is his first novel which was published in May 2013. Calculated Movements
performance
The Shock of the Fall is an extraordinary portrait of one man’s descent into mental illness. It is a brave
and ground-breaking novel from one of the most exciting new voices in fiction. The new Visual Music Research Group in the School Jean Piché and computer graphics guru Larry Cuba
of Music and Performing Arts, with support from who, amongst other things, made the ‘attack on
The Creative Writing course at Bath Spa has produced many successful graduates during its 20 year the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries,
history. Course tutors are themselves respected writers and their links with the publishing industry the death star’ sequence in Star Wars.
presented the third biennial Seeing Sound symposium
are invaluable to graduates. at Newton Park in November 2013. Commenting on the success of the event Professor
Last year Andrew Miller, a former Lecturer in Creative Writing at Bath Spa won both the 2012 Costa Joseph Hyde, Course Director, MMus Creative Sound
Seeing Sound is an informal practice-led symposium and Media Technology said: “
Book Best Novel Award and the overall Costa Book of the Year Award for his novel Pure. exploring the role of sound and music in a multimedia
context and combines paper sessions, screenings “Seeing Sound 2013 was a lot bigger than previous
Commenting on Nathan’s fantastic achievement, Dean of the School of Humanities and Cultural Industries, and live performances. Around 100 people attended events. Word seems to have spread about the previous
Professor Steve May said: “Nathan Filer represents the kind of graduate Bath Spa Creative Writing is the latest event from countries across the globe two events and we were overwhelmed by the quantity
now producing - not just promising, but achieving at the highest level of artistic endeavour. It’s great including Spain, Ireland, Germany, France, the and quality of the work that was submitted this
also that Nathan is now working with our undergraduates to help them to achieve their aims.” Netherlands, the US, Canada, Japan, Venezuela, time - it was quite an effort to squeeze everything
Brazil and Australia. This year’s main theme was in! It was fantastic to get such an amazing group
The Costa Book Awards is the only major UK book prize that is open solely to authors resident in the live audio visual performance.
UK and Ireland and also, uniquely, recognises the most enjoyable books across five categories – First of people together from all over the world, and
Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children’s Book - published in the last year. the event had a great atmosphere - very lively and
Attendees were treated to two performances across friendly. In 2015, of course, it’ll be even better!”
the two days. The first included Unfold to Centre,
a dance and visual music piece choreographed by Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly
Yolande Yorke-Edgell; Behaviour, a live electroacoustic positive and plans are already underway for the
improvisation ensemble; and Hidden Fields, a multi- fourth symposium to take place in 2015.
award winning digital dance performance
which was also the headline performance of
the symposium.
The second day of performances included
Feeding You by Max Hattler and Matthias
Kispert, Construction in Kneading by Ryo
Ikeshiro, The Augmented Tonoscope by Lewis
Sykes, Chromophore by Paul Prudence, Lecture
and Demonstration on Musical Form by Laura
Steenberge, Live Coding the Threnoscope by
Thor Magnusson and Echoes by Andy Thomas.
Nathan and the front cover of his book
The Shock of the Fall. Calculated Movements
Notable guests were computer music pioneer
22
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23Community Open
Lecture Week
Cleveland Pools today
During the last week of November members of Japan with a focus on marathon monks of Mt.
the public came and experienced life as a student Hiei’.
as part of Bath Spa’s annual Open Lecture Week.
Daily lectures were opened to the public on a Commenting on the success of the Open Lecture
wide range of topics including Film and Screen Week, organiser Melanie Gregory said:
Studies, Sociology, English Literature, Media
Communications, Heritage and many more. “It was great to welcome different members of the
community onto campus to experience a University
The lectures were free and open to the public on lecture. We are very privileged at Bath Spa to have
Student work placement
a wide subject or just wanting in finding out more such beautiful campuses and those who came to
about the University itself. Newton Park were able to enjoy the picturesque
surroundings. Many thanks to all the staff who
at Cleveland Pools
Among the visitors was Councillor Neil Butters, participated and helped host a successful week You may not know it exists, but hidden away on the which will undoubtedly help the Cleveland Pools
Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council, of open lectures.” banks of the river Avon in Bathwick sits Cleveland campaign move forward.
who, accompanied by Ms Charlotte Moore, joined Pools, the UK’s only surviving Georgian lido built in
students in listening to a lecture delivered by Dr 1815. Sadly the Pools closed in 1984 when public “Amongst their results are obvious things like
Mahinda Deegalle on ‘Monastic spirituality in funds were directed elsewhere, but a new campaign the need for parking, and subscription costs, but
led by the Cleveland Pools Trust is aiming to restore less obvious requirements like providing tea and
Councillor Neil Butters, Chairman of the baths and reclaim them for outdoor swimming. biscuits for mums attending children’s events. They
Bath & North East Somerset Council discovered that children’s parties are the biggest
and Charlotte Moore attend a lecture by Three history students at Bath Spa recently completed draw for the majority of open-air swimming venues,
Mahinda Deegalle, Reader in Study of a work placement for the Cleveland Pools Trust. and this could now shift our own focus a little. Their
Religions, Philosophies and Ethics. Their remit was to research and collate information findings will now be considered for inclusion in the
on other lidos throughout the country so that the Trust’s business plan.”
Trust can submit the findings to the Heritage Lottery
Fund in April when applying for a grant. Dr Bobby Anderson, module co-ordinator for
Humanities at Work said: “These three students
Robyn Hodgkiss, Georgina Baker and Sara Bird, have completed a mammoth task which has saved
who are all third year History students, are pictured the already-stretched Cleveland Pools campaigners
here handing over the 70-page document to Ina a huge amount of extra work.”
Harris who is in charge of fund-raising.
Linda Watts of the Trust was very impressed and
grateful for the amount of effort they put into the
document. “It became immediately clear that
they have left no stone unturned in their quest for
information. Having worked closely as a team, the
students managed to produce a very thorough and
concise factual record with related summaries,
recommendations and conclusions to their findings
Robyn, Georgina and Sara handing their 70-page
report to Ina Harris of Cleveland Pools Trust.
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24 25Music graduate strikes a cao fei installation
chord on the X-Factor at sion hill
A giant inflatable suckling pig,
created by acclaimed Chinese artist,
Cao Fei was displayed at the Sion Hill
campus for two weeks in December.
One of the key artists of a new
generation emerging from mainland
China, the artwork, called ‘House of
Treasures’ was created by Cao Fei to
celebrate themes of prosperity and
abundance.
Cao Fei mixes popular aesthetics and
references to Surrealism to create
her work, and has seen her pieces
exhibited at the Serpentine Gallery
Charlie Fowler (London), MoMA (New York), Palais
The enormous installation makes itself at home de Tokyo (Paris) and the Guggenheim
Museum (New York).
Charlie Fowler, who graduated in 2011 from the from the Commercial Music course which includes
BA (Hons) Commercial Music course performed as Chris Turpin, and Music graduate, Stephanie Ward
the double bass player in the X-Factor band. The who are part of the band Kill It Kid that had its Many thanks to BA (Hons) Photography
ITV prime time talent show which concluded mid- music track Run used in an international Samsung and Digital Media student, Ben Jones,
December 2013, received more than 8.22 million Smart TV campaign as well as fingerstyle guitarist for taking these photos.
average viewers with Charlie playing in notable Mike Dawes who also composed and performed
performances such as finalist Luke Friend’s rendition music for a TV advert by Wonga
of Every Breath You Take by The Police.
A video of Charlie playing on stage as contestant
Despite the X-Factor having now finished, Charlie and finalist Luke Friend performs Every Breath
is still very busy, currently writing music for a film You Take by The Police is available to watch here
entitled The Swimmer with his band Circumnavigate
and performing as a live and studio session player Commenting on Charlie’s ongoing success, Subject
in London. He is also working with songwriter Leader: Commercial Music, Nigel Beaham-Powell,
and record producer Guy Chambers on a song for said: “Charlie was an exceptional student and a
American recording artist CeeLo Green. thoroughly nice guy. We are all delighted by his
success, and are certain there is a lot more to come.”
Charlie joins a long list of successful music graduates
A view into the pig’s belly.
26 SPACEJANUARY
SPACE NOVEMBER 2013
2014 SPACE JANUARY 2014 27Bath Spa leads UK trials of 3D Adding some Christmas
freehand drawing software sparkle to the
and Design by Professor Leila Sujir from Concordia
University, and animator David Seitz.
Victoria Art Gallery
International student Alexandra Voulpioti was
The software allows the artist to draw in mid-air.
selected to design the Victoria Art Gallery’s Christmas
Anthony Head, Senior Lecturer in Interactive Art and
tree. Alexandra who is in her third year of the BA
Design at Bath Spa University said: “The week of
(Hons) Three Dimensional Design: Idea Material
demonstrations, talks and experiments by Leila and
Object course unveiled her design at a VIP drinks
David was a real eye-opener in terms of increasing
reception on Wednesday 4 December 2013.
the consciousness of the act of drawing. Engaging
with Sandde has enabled people to re-evaluate how
they draw, what the act of drawing means, as well as The acrylic laser-cut tree was suspended from the
Towards the end of last term Bath Spa became the thinking about the possibilities of where this can go ceiling giving it the freedom to spin around its axis
first British University to trial a type of 3D drawing in the future. At Bath Spa University, we’re looking and consisted of 48 individual branches made out
software during a week of workshops run by the Bath forward to developing artistic practice and research of orange, red and purple snowflakes. Although the
School of Art and Design. collaborations in this area, building on the art school’s tree didn’t produce any light itself, it reflected light
history and strength in art and design research.” through its transparent ‘branches’ and cut edges
Alexandra with her tree.
which made it glow creating a colourful, warm
The software, called Sandde, has been developed by
atmosphere. Commenting on being selected to design the
Janro Imaging Labs which has been working in “As someone who has had a hand in making and Christmas Tree, Alexandra said: “Taking on the
collaboration with Concordia University faculty and marketing the tool, it’s been rewarding to see it dropped Christmas Tree project for the Victoria Art Gallery
graduate students in Montreal, Canada. The software into a new environment, where students and researchers Guests at the VIP drinks reception included Vice-
was a great pleasure. The Gallery showed an interest
enables users to actually draw freehand in mid-air. immediately begin to push it in new directions. There Chancellor, Professor Christina Slade, Dean of Bath
in laser cutting and reflections which became the
The resulting image floats in the space in front of has been a lot of invaluable feedback here, as well as School of Art and Design, Professor Anita Taylor,
main focus of my design. As I am in my third year of
them, while other users wearing 3D glasses can also a strong instinct to uncover the depths of Sandde and The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath, Councillor
study I am very busy, but I couldn’t resist taking the
interact with it in real time. It was originally created even break it if possible. I mean that in a good way, as Malcolm Lees as well as Dr Michael Rowe, Chairman
time to do this project. I love Bath and it was an
by IMAX co-founder Roman Kroitor. it tends to reveal what is unique to this mode of creation of the Friends of the Victoria Art Gallery and Marian
honor being part of bringing the Christmas atmosphere
on a deeper level,” said animator David Seitz. McNeir, Trustee of the Friends of the Victoria Art
to one of its main galleries.”
Gallery.
The software was trialled in the UK by Bath Spa art A close up of the laser cut ‘branches’.
and design students and academics, during a week Professor Sujir commented: “David and I are grateful Marian McNeir, Trustee of the Friends of the Victoria
of introduction to the software that included practical for the invitation to visit and collaborate with staff and Art Gallery, said how impressed they had been by
instruction on how to use it, as well as discussions students at Bath School of Art and Design. It’s been Alexandra’s design: “There is simplicity yet also a
around the evolution of 3D art and other new approaches really exciting to have the drawing workshops as the sense of drama about her design which I know will
to visual and performative media arts. mode of exchange. As the week went by deep and fascinate visitors. Alexandra is a very talented
philosophical conversations emerged about the nature student and we are delighted to have supported her
The workshops were run at the Bath School of Art of drawing in 3D as well as 2D.” and Bath Spa University.”
28
28 SPACE JANUARY 2014
SPACE NOVEMBER 2013 SPACE JANUARY 2014
SPACE NOVEMBER 2013 29
29Alumni Stewart Foster (MA Creative Writing 2010)
Stewart was recently showcased in The Guardian’s Meet
News the debut authors of 2014 feature. Stewart’s novel We Used
to Be Kings is described as: “fresh and original, a sparse and
moving tale that’s never showy but often dazzling”. Stewart
was a pensions adviser for almost 25 years, before taking the
plunge to achieve a Masters in Creative Writing at Bath Spa. “I
Here is a small selection of recent alumni successes. We welcome was 43,” Stewart said, “It was classic midlife.”
alumni stories from all Schools. If you have a story to share, contact
Ruth Russell at alumni@bathspa.ac.uk
Will Harvey (BA Hons Graphic Communication 2012)
Alumni Press and Success
Eliot Wyatt (BA Hons Graphic Communication 2012)
Jack Dean (BA Hons Creative Writing and Drama Studies 2011) Patch Keyes (BA Hons Graphic Design 2009)
since studying performance poetry as part of his degree Robbie Wilkinson aka Robbie Brownshoes (BA Hons Graphic Design
course, rap storyteller Jack Dean has been making his name 2007)
known across the UK, including being announced as Apples
and Snakes’ ‘Poet of the Month’. Jack Dean started rapping Little White Lies – an independent movie magazine that features
in an atrocious punk-rap crossover band aged 15. Since then writing, illustration and photography related to cinema – has
he’s calmed down a bit, got a girlfriend, and carried his love commissioned four Bath Spa alumni to produce illustrations for their
of shouting at strangers to many places, including the Bowery 50th issue. The Graphics alumni were selected along with 46 other
Poetry Club in New York, Latitude Festival, the Radio 4 National artists to represent “some of the best artists out there now”. The
Poetry Slam and a male beauty contest in Hackney. Jack takes artists produced new illustrations for the landmark issue celebrating
the hip hop medium he grew up with, goes out with it, gets it drunk and pushes it down the high the last 50 years of cinema. It’s on sale now and available to view in
street in a shopping trolley full of fireworks at 4am. Maybe. Sion Hill Library.
Watch Jack in action.
Daisy Behagg (BA Creative Writing 2010, MA Creative Writing
Catherine Webster (BSc Hons Tourism Management 2008) 2012)
Catherine is celebrating after recently winning the Theo Daisy Behagg was named winner of the prestigious Bridport
Prize for Poetry 2013 for her poem The Opposite of Dave. Daisy
Paphitis Small Business Sunday award. She started her
won the £5,000 prize having come runner up in the Edwin
ALUMNI NEWS
award-winning luxury camping business Secret Cloud House
Holidays in 2011. As a student, Catherine attended extra- Morgan Prize and Highly Commended in the Bridport Prize in
curricular workshops in entrepreneurship and enterprise 2012. Her work has previously been published in The Rialto,
and was also a finalist in Bath Spa’s Business Plan Poetry Wales, The North, Ambit, The Warwick Review, Poetry
Competition. Catherine said: “Giving students the confidence Salzburg Review and New Linear Perspectives. Judge Wendy
and skills to start their own business is so valuable and Cope said: “The Opposite of Dave made me laugh out loud the
thankfully I received this support whilst studying at Bath first time I read it and smile every time I thought of it. They
Spa University. After struggling to find graduate work in the say that funny poems don’t win competitions. Well, this one
Staffordshire Moorlands, those skills gave me the confidence to apply for a business development did. But it isn’t just a funny poem. It is saying something about
grant by submitting a business plan and we received the funding requested.” women and their relationships with men that many readers will find recognisable.”
twitter.com/daisybehagg
30 SPACE JANUARY 2014 SPACE JANUARY 2014 31INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
International Staff Forums Exchange as their international placement.
Jeremy White, Director of International Relations, introduced the first International Staff Forum The University has a number of partnerships with Study Abroad
universities outside of Europe in Australia, Japan
on Tuesday 3 December 2013 which summarised the key workings of the International Relations
Department over the last year. Following on from this a series of further forums have been arranged:
and the USA, and we have recently signed new and
exciting agreements with institutions in China and
The University’s new Study Abroad programme is
aimed at incoming students from across the world.
South America.
• Mon 31 Mar, 2-3 pm, TNG17, Newton Park - International Student Experience part 1 Students are able to join a variety of classes across
(Pre-application) academic Schools to gain a broad experience of
We have limited places available for the exchange
• Mon 19 May, 2-3pm, TNG17, Newton Park - International Student Experience part 2 higher education in the UK. This year we have
programme and if students are interested, they
(Post-application) welcomed five students to the University via the
should email international@bathspa.ac.uk To be
• Mon 7 Jul, 2-3pm, MHG15, Newton Park - Plans for September 2014 Study Abroad programme. Current Study Abroad
eligible students will need to be achieving a minimum
partners include:
of 2:1 in their first year of study and normally go
All staff are encouraged to attend/support these on a placement for one semester in their second
sessions. Please express your interest by email to year. Students should budget for extra costs such
•Middlesex Community College, Boston, USA.
•Montana State University Billings, Montana, USA.
m.beal@bathspa.ac.uk as flights, visa and insurance.
•Northern Essex Community College, Boston, USA.
•Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, USA.
Erasmus We have been pleased to welcome 10 incoming
exchange students from across the world and
Fran Nix, the International Relations Officer, co-ordinates the staff and student Erasmus Mobil- are preparing to welcome a further five exchange
students this year from Australia, China and USA.
ity Programme. This is done by promoting opportunities available to staff and students and then
Please keep your eye open for these students and
following up applications and advising of current partnerships available for Erasmus placements.
give them a warm welcome them to the University.
Recruitment is now active for the student Erasmus Mobility Programme for 2014/15. We cur-
rently have 27 partners and students will need to be achieving a minimum of 2:1 in their first
Global Citizenship
year of study to be eligible. Students will normally go on a placement for one semester in their
second year. Students will continue to pay their full tuition fees to Bath Spa University, but will
UK Home students on the Global Citizenship Award
are required to carry out an international placement
international
also receive a small monthly grant for the duration of their placement to assist with living costs.
and the Erasmus and Exchange programmes can be
used for this purpose. If a student is on the Global
For more information please email; Citizenship Award and they wish to enquire about
erasmus@bathspa.ac.uk or come and see Fran in exchange and Erasmus opportunities to fulfil the
requirement please email international@bathspa.
MHG16 at Newton Park. ac.uk
International students on the Global Citizenship
Award will use their placement at Bath Spa University
32 SPACE JANUARY 2014 SPACE JANUARY 2014 33REVIEW
love on the road
Released 1 December 2013 by Malinki Press
The story encompasses many of the struggles
Review by Rachel Edwards of married life and the constant desire for
something new. Ray is reminded of fresh new
Love on the Road is a book of twelve short beginnings with Karl’s earthy scent; she is
the flower in his mundane middle aged life
stories written by authors from all over the
world. They each tell tales of love and its that he has been waiting for. The character
complications whilst absorbing the reader in Stephanie is also unhappy as she is constantly
a vast amount of cultures. With the turn of a caring for her child and is rather jealous of
page we are transported into different lives Karl’s freedom and beauty that she longs
and worlds. The stories have been created by for. The story encapsulates the fear of these
writers from Paris to Pakistan, South Africa two characters and the dissatisfaction they
and many more. both face within their lives, and highlights the
struggles they inevitably come across.
THE BOOK FEATURES Joanna Pocock has created a wonderful and
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM inspiring world following Ray and Stephanie
along their journey in which the reader is
TWELVE AUTHORS captivated until the very last word. All in all,
INCLUDING A STORY this book is the essential temporary remedy
for anyone who craves travel, adventure,
BY BATH SPA’S OWN excitement and stories that leave an imprint on
MA CREATIVE WRITING their minds.
GRADUATE, JOANNA
POCOCK
Joanna’s story The Road to Napanee gives us
a glimpse into the lives of Ray and Stephanie,
a married couple journeying through the vast
and snowy roads of Canada to visit family
for the Christmas vacation. On their travels
they happen to pass by a young and pretty
hitchhiker, who Ray immediately pulls over
for and invites her into the car, much to his
wife’s disapproval. He is instantly attracted
REVIEW
to Karl who reminds him of youth, life and
beauty which he had forgotten a long time ago.
He has grown bored with his marriage, his
responsibilities and is desperate for freedom,
excitement and adventure. Cover of Love on the Road.
34 SPACE JANUARY 2014 SPACE NOVEMBER 2013 35
35Making connections and
Enterprise & Local Partnerships generating opportunities Get in touch with the Employer Liaison Team
if you’re interested in an introduction to these
The autumn range of Industry Insights panels contacts and want to engage them with your
gave students insights into 11 different sectors. activities. enterprise@bathspa.ac.uk
Many panels featured a recent Bath Spa
graduate, who highlighted achievements for Event evaluation indicates that 96.2 per cent
specific courses and provided a realistic peer of students have a good /excellent experience/
role model for students to relate to. outcome from these events and 98.8 per cent
feel the content is useful and supportive of their
As well as eight freelancers/practitioners, skills development.
speakers from the 30 organisations joined
panels to tell students about their career path,
industry sector, opportunities for graduates
and top tips for getting into the career they Student Voicebox – what
aspire to. The panel then took questions from
the audience and each session concluded with Industry Insights has done
Health and social care panel
dedicated networking time, so that students had
the opportunity for 1-2-1 advice and practicing
for me…
their networking skills in a buzzing atmosphere.
Supporting student Student Voicebox – what “I have a meeting with the
Enterprise & Local Partnerships
Industry Insights 2013 featured speakers from: chief executive of the Forestry
employability Meet the Employer has Scheckter’s Organic, The Children’s Society, Commission in January and a meeting
St John’s Hospital, Thermae Bath Spa, @
The Employer Liaison Team has facilitated done for me… Bristol, Mumsnet, Suited & Booted CIC, Social
soon with the managing director
of ReOrganic – both from the
placement opportunities for students with i-Net, The Forestry Commission, Good Energy,
“This session has impoved my ability Miller Construction, ModernArtBuyer.com,
networking element of the industry
external organisations including Unilever UK,
Valentine Thomas & Partners, Somer Valley to think more carefully and Lovehoney Ltd, Chipside, Ecomedia Collective insights event!”
FM, Serco Group, Operation Wallacea, Kilver critically when replying to a job CIC, Handpicked Hotels Group, Rotork, Bath
Court Designer Village, Ridgeway, British advert and interacting with a Rugby, Visual Arts SW, Kimpton Creative, “I’ll be more open and flexible when
American Tobacco Group R&D Centre, Sirona, Future PLC, The Agency Online, Dorothy House it comes to job hunting, think
potential employer.”
Somerset Solders Ltd, Miller, The National Hospice, Fun Science, The Bath Food Company, about the key points that have been
Trust, The Makery, LanguageJobSpain, AJ & RG Barber Ltd (Maryland Farm Cheeses),
Fundraising Consultants Ltd, Julian House,
mentioned on my placement, and
Nielsen, The San Francisco Fudge Factory, “It’s furthered my knowledge and
Case Law Clips Education Technology, St ReOrganics, Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health apply as much as I can.”
so I feel more confident and I can
John’s Hospital. Partnership NHS Trust, The Holburne Museum.
go further in my research for work “I’ll tailor my CV and gain more
The Bath Spa Jobshop has engaged new local experience and jobs in appropriate relevant experience to my future
employers in offering part-time and vacation areas and looking at places and career, network and include more
work for students, and regular users of the workplaces for future plans.” aspects in job applications.”
service to come in for ‘Meet the Employer’
events or curriculum talks. These include The “It has given me more confidence in
Bath Food Company, Action on Hearing Loss, “It has given me extra avenues to
what I’ve done so far and where I look down in relation to my future
Minuteman Press, Bath Rugby, Evercreech,
Apple, Percy Community Centre, Creche Staff, need to go next. It’s given me career. I’ll start thinking now, not
The Spicery, The Abbey Hotel, Priston Mill, reassurance as to how to get into when I have finished my degree.”
Advanced Studies in England, Language Study my dream career.”
Centres.
Digital communications networking
36 SPACE JANUARY 2014 SPACE JANUARY 2014 37Opportunities for students arising from Industry Insights include mock interviews, graduate-level
vacancies, work experience, volunteering and dissertation support, visiting lecturers, industry
mentors, graduate mentors, consultancy and research projects.
“It was interesting to come along to speak on an Industry Insights panel.
I will in future definitely bear Bath Spa University in mind when it comes to
work experience, internships and employment for graduates.”
Jo Downes, Managing Director, ReOrganics
Some Industry Insights events are directly aligned with the curriculum and academics substitute
timetabled lectures with a panel closely aligned with their subject area. Staff also value the
‘horse’s mouth’ approach to employability within their curriculum and comment that students are
noticeably invigorated.
Staff Voicebox – how Industry Insights has supported
employability…
“A great range of speakers offering career advice. It has woken the
Enterprise & Local Partnerships
students up to what they have to do to get ahead in the job market.”
Diana Reader, Business and management
Richard Longhurst of Love Honey
“The format was successful. Short talks and hearing different answers
to the same question was beneficial. Timing and content - wise, it fitted
well with the 2nd and 3rd year curriculum. I also encouraged 1st years
to attend, as they are unlikely to hear The same speakers twice in the three
years that they are here.”
Anthony Head, Graphic Communications
“This is such a fantastic event - I have reminded and encouraged all my
students - this is exactly the kind of input that students need!”
Shai Akram, 3D Design
Industry Insights panel sessions are filmed, providing a careers video resource. 100+ videos are
now available exclusively to Bath Spa University students and staff.
38 SPACE JANUARY 2014 SPACE JANUARY 2014 39WHAT’S ON
Bath Spa Live
Pilot
Thurs 6 Feb, 6:30pm, University Theatre
Join emerging dance artists as they share their performance ideas in front of a live audience.
The event will be chaired by a guest speaker who will create an open and interactive dialogue
between performers and the audience. Pilot is a partnership project between Bath Spa
University, Bath Dance and Theatre Bristol.
Tickets: Free.
Indonesian Music and Dance
Wed 19 Feb, 7:30pm, Michael Tippett Centre
Gamelan performers from Bath and Bristol join forces to present a concert of traditional
Javanese instrumental and vocal pieces. The programme also includes new pieces for Gamelan
by Bath Spa University students and a performance by traditional dancer Ni Madé Pujawati.
Tickets: Full price £5, Concessions £3, free for Bath Spa Live members.
BSU Orchestra, Wind Band and Chamber Choir
Fri 21 Feb, 7:30pm, Michael Tippett Centre
Young musicians from Bath Spa University’s Department of Music perform works including
Arnold Bax’s ‘Tintagel’ and Joseph Turrin’s ‘Fandango’ for solo trumpet, trombone and
percussion.
WHAT’S ON
Tickets: Full price £10, Concessions £8, BSU students and U16s £5, free for Bath Spa Live
members.
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