Postgrad Post – Issue 5

POSTGRAD POST

Postgrads!

We are delighted to welcome you to the fifth edition of the Postgrad Post. This is the final edition for the academic year 2022/23 and inside you’ll find two profiles of your fellow postgraduate students, an interview with one of our very own Library staff who recently graduated and of course, another Postgrad Pets! There’s also a special feature on MA Writing for Young People alum Lesly Parr who has recently won The Wales Book of the Year Children and Young People Award.

If you would like to be featured in the next edition of the Postgrad Post then please email us at studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk. Maybe one of our regular features appeals to you or you might have an original idea for an article. We are always happy to listen!

Every issue, we’ll bring you an interview with a postgraduate student or member of staff who are making a positive impact on the postgrad community. In this edition we talk to Katie Mitchell and Elaine Staunton, both Level 7, PGCE Primary students.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Katie Mitchell

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Sion Hill campus

IF YOU WERE EXPLAINING YOUR COURSE TO A CHILD, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

I’m being taught how to teach you!

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE?

Placement, getting to know lots of different schools and children. Feeling like I am making a positive impact on both my development and the young minds I teach!

HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON ANYTHING EXCITING?

I am collecting books to share with each class I work in, not necessarily hard work as I am a keen charity shopper, but I love finding stories that have a special message for the reader. I hope I can instil an excitement for reading within my classrooms.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?

Elaine Staunton

POSTGRAD PROFILE ON ... PGCE Primary

WHERE ARE YOU BASED?

Distance Learning!

IF YOU WERE EXPLAINING YOUR COURSE TO A CHILD, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

I am learning the theory and practice of being a teacher (secondary history).

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR COURSE?

It provides the theoretical foundation for the practical experience I am getting on placement in two different schools.

HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON ANYTHING EXCITING?

I love introducing secondary school students to controversial topics like the history of Empire and getting them talking.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SHARE ANY OF YOUR WORK WITH US?

From my first assignment: “Armstrong describes an “ideal school” in which the learning environment is consciously designed to support the needs of all learners, including those with social and sensory needs. (Armstrong and Squire, 2012: 79-80) Observing the sensory sensitivity and painful social exclusion of both Pupil A and Pupil B, I am mindful of just how difficult it is for a mainstream school to create a positive social environment that permeates the whole community and leads to greater social acceptance of

neurodiversity. (Warnock and Norwich, 2010) I can see that the caring staff and space provided by both the learning support team and the resourced provision unit at School X helps pupils who need a safe space, in what can be a very overwhelming experience for them at school and in this way, contributes to their ability to be included in a mainstream setting. As a future classroom teacher, I am starting to understand that while the social processes that lead to social exclusion are in many ways unavoidable, “the challenge is how to manage these processes, so that their most divisive consequences on the lives of children and young people are mitigated.” (Pollard et al., 2019: 498) Researching this paper has given me some concrete strategies for how to try to do so in practice.”

FINALLY, IF YOU WENT ON MASTERMIND, WHAT WOULD YOUR SPECIALIST SUBJECT BE?

Race, class and gender in US history

Do you have a furry buddy that keeps you company while you work? Let us know at studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk and you and your pet may be featured in the next issue!

Meet Sarah and Biscuit!

PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF, YOUR COURSE OF STUDY, AND YOUR FURRY FRIEND.

I’m Sarah Wright studying MA Creative Writing and this is my dog Biscuit.

WHERE ARE YOU BASED? Corsham Court

WHAT BREED IS YOUR DOG? Mini Apricot Poodle

HOW OLD IS YOUR DOG? Biscuit is now two.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR DOG FROM A PUPPY OR DID YOU RESCUE HIM?

I’ve had him since he was four months old

HOW DID YOUR DOG HELP YOU DURING THE PANDEMIC?

We’ve made two international moves either side of the pandemic (I don’t recommend it). Biscuit is the glue that has held us together in each of the homes we’ve lived with him.

HAS YOUR DOG EVER PROVIDED INSPIRATION FOR ANY OF YOUR WORK? DO YOU HAVE A SHORT EXTRACT?

No, but I think it’s a good idea to include a pet dog in stories whenever possible. They bring out a side of people we might not otherwise see. Voices go up a pitch higher, people say soppy things they would never utter to another human, they go soft on their principals. Or perhaps a dog elicits a negative response, that too is telling. There are all sorts of possibilities when one introduces a pet into the mix.

IS YOUR DOG HELPFUL OR A HINDRANCE TO YOU WHILST YOU’RE WORKING?

Biscuit loves sitting at my feet as I write. I tell myself it’s not just because my tiny office is the warmest room in the house.

AND FINALLY, ARE YOU BISCUIT’S FAVOURITE HUMAN?

Of course, but if you’re the one with a piece of chicken or sausage on your plate....

STUDY•SUPPORT•SUCCEED

Welcome to ‘Study, Support, Succeed’, the section of the Postgrad Post that keeps you in the loop with all things Student Wellbeing Services, Careers and Employability, and the Library and Learning Services.

STUDY LIBRARY AND LEARNING SERVICES

The Library is here to support you throughout your postgraduate journey and can offer advice and guidance with finding and using resources and academic texts for your course, and supporting you in your studies.

You can find out more about the Library and it’s service online via the website.

ACADEMIC SKILLS TEAM INFORMATION

The University’s Academic Skills (ASk) team is available to support you with your study skills. Their one-to-one appointments and workshops are a great way to brush up on writing essays and reports, creating presentations, applying maths and statistics to survey and research data, and more. Sessions are available to all students, at all levels, and can be useful if you’re returning to academic writing after a break, or wanting to polish up your existing skills.

To find out more information about sessions, workshops, or to book an appointment, click on this link. You can also ask questions by emailing the ASk team at academicskillslc@bathspa.ac.uk

INTER-LIBRARY LOANS

While the Library holds a lot of resources, on occasion you might need a book or journal article that we don’t have in stock. If that’s the case you can request the item through our Inter-library Loans service. If you’ve not used the service before, watch this short video on how to make a request.

If you have any questions about the service, or how to make a request, feel free to visit us in the Library at Newton Park, or email internp@bathspa.ac.uk

YOUR SUBJECT LIBRARIANS

If you need help with research during your studies, your Subject Librarian is a great person to speak with. The library’s print and online resources are quite extensive, so your Subject Librarian can help you to navigate what resources we have available and what additional resources might benefit you with your research.

You can book one-to-one meetings, either online or in-person, and they will also provide group sessions in collaboration with your lecturers.

If you would like to contact them or book an online appointment, you will find their details on the Library’s subject pages

STUDY

SUPPORT

SUCCEED

Student Wellbeing Services understand how important it is to look after yourself, alongside your academic studies. Here’s how we can help you and enable you to thrive during your time at the University.

• Cost of Living

• Support to Study

• Medical Service

• Mental Health

• Wellbeing

• The Chaplaincy

• Young Adult Carers

• Care Leavers

• Estranged Students

• Accessibility and Disability

• Events, workshops, short courses and more

If you wish to access Student Wellbeing Services you can book appointments, ask queries and view upcoming events online. You can also find more information on each of the above here

MYWELLBEING

MyWellbeing is your platform to log queries, book appointments, register for events and find out about all available services in one place.

If you have any questions about mental health, wellbeing or disability, we can provide professional advice and guidance to help you make the most of your studies and university life through MyWellbeing

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME

The Student Assistance Programme enables 24/7 access to ‘in the moment’ support and advice from qualified mental health practitioners who are experienced in personal and university-related issues, and can support students struggling with depression, anxiety or stress, as well as provide guidance on addiction, relationships, grief and much more. You can request to speak with a female or male practitioner, someone from a diverse community or someone with specific LGBTQ+ knowledge.

The service is available to all Bath Spa University students; it’s free, confidential, and available 24/7 by telephone, online chat function and WhatsApp.

You can also visit the Student Assistance Programme Portal where there are sections on wellbeing, financial advice, cooking, fitness and much more.

How to access the Student Assistance Programme

• UK Freephone: 0800 0318227

• Download the Spectrum.Life app in your app store

• Online: https://app.spectrum.life/login

• Organisation code: bathspa

BATH SPA’S CARE DOGS

Did you know you can book to meet one of our Bath Spa Care Dogs? Meeting one of the dogs can be a big help if you’re having a particularly stressful day, or if you feel like you just need a cuddle from a four-legged friend.

These accredited Care Dogs have adopted members of Bath Spa University staff and when they are able, come to campus to hang out with students. You can book 15-minute slots to meet the Care Dogs outdoors on the Newton Park Campus by choosing a slot that suits you.

Meet Bath Spa care dogs Georgie and Wanda

SUPPORT

SUCCEED

THE GRAD SUPPORT UNIT IS HERE TO HELP!

We wanted to remind you that you can continue to receive dedicated support long after you graduate through the Grad Support Unit in the Careers and Employability team. If you sign up for graduate support, you get:

• One-to-one career coaching appointments to help you with your future plans

• Exclusive careers events and graduate webinars

• Tailored resources and help guides

• Graduate jobs and opportunities

• Freelance and enterprise support and start-up grants through Bath Sparks

• Access to graduate internships

Signing up takes a few seconds and can be accessed

EXTRA FUNDING FOR YOU DURING YOUR STUDIES

You may be eligible for a grant and bursary funding from charitable trusts and foundations to support your postgraduate study, whether you’re undertaking a PhD, PGCE, PGT, PGR…or another exciting acronym. This is often an unexplored avenue that The Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding can help take you through!

The guide provides relevant advice and a searchable database of charitable trusts and foundations where you can check eligibility criteria and apply for funding.

Whatever you do, don’t discount yourself based on the amount of time remaining on your course, as generally speaking applications for funding can be made at any time and can be very helpful for quick fundraising.

Access to all of this advice is currently available for free for Bath Spa students using an @bathspa.ac.uk email address.

RESOURCES THAT AREN’T MERELY ACADEMIC GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE WITH A MENTOR

Some of the best have been mentored by the best. Mark Zuckerberg was mentored by Steve Jobs, Yves Saint-Laurent was mentored by Christian Dior, and J.J. Abrams was mentored by Steven Spielberg.

…Whilst the Careers team don’t have Spielberg on the books, through the mentoring scheme, MentorMe, they do have hundreds of industry professionals from all sectors who are ready to help convert your aspirations into practical steps towards the world of work.

In order to get in touch with one of the mentors and form a vital professional relationship, simply head over to the MentorMe Pathway on MyCareer to apply.

FIND YOUR NEXT JOB ON MYCAREER

There’s so much opportunity in the world, but where to begin to look? The University’s very own MyCareer website lists thousands of jobs every year, spanning graduate schemes, local vacancies, internships and freelance briefs.

You can target your search based on area preferences, industry interests, and by how much you want to be seeing on your payslip. Occasionally, there are even opportunities that only Bath Spa students can see and apply to, meaning that you’ll have a head start on getting gainful employment.

If you’re a researcher who’s looking to continue and develop your academic career, we highly recommend Vitae as a very useful resource that provides advice and guidance on pursuing that route. Vitae hosts a database of career story case studies and provides an insight into what researchers do to support your career management.

Following on from that, Jobs.ac.uk is an international higher education recruitment website for those wishing to work in academia. Their PhD Careers Advice section includes useful career development tools as well as practical advice on applying for academic opportunities, such as how to give a great sample lecture during an interview.

AWARD WINNING WRITER

Lesley Parr

Bath Spa MA Writing for Young People graduate Lesley Parr has won the Wales Book of the Year Children and Young People Award for her novel, When the War Came Home.

The Wales Book of the Year Award is an annual prize hosted by Literature Wales to celebrate literary talent from Wales across many genres, in both English and Welsh. Prizes are awarded across four categories in each language: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction and Children and Young People.

“I’m totally over the moon that When the War Came Home is Wales Children’s Book of the Year,” Lesley said. “To receive an accolade at this level – and from my own country – feels like validation as well as reward. It was a very difficult book to write, for many reasons, but all feels worth it now!”

In addition to the satisfaction of winning such a prestigious award, Lesley took home a prize of £1,000 and a trophy designed by artist and blacksmith Angharad Pearce Jones.

The Wales Book of the Year Award plays an essential part in Literature Wales’ programme of activity, celebrating and representing Wales’ writers, heritage and rich literary culture, and offers an invaluable platform to both emerging and established writers.

Lesley credits the MA Writing for Young People course for helping her get where she is today. Talking about the course, Lesley said:

“So many things [influenced me]! The opportunity to experiment and take risks in a safe and nurturing environment led me to understand the type of writer I am. I created connections which led to finding my agent, and I’ve made friends for life. It will always be one of the best things I have ever done – the 300+ mile round trip was worth every mile every time.”

Read more about Lesley and her work on her website.

Do you have any amazing achievements? Be sure to let us know and feature in the next Postgrad Post by emailing studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk

ASK AN ALUM

David Rooney

WHAT COURSE DID YOU STUDY AT BATH SPA AND WHAT YEAR DID YOU GRADUATE?

I completed my MBA: Leadership earlier this year and attended the 2023 summer graduation ceremony.

WHAT IS YOUR JOB NOW?

My current job is working as the Bath Spa library’s Customer Services Manager. As the name implies, a large part of my role is managing the library’s customer service provision, this involves direct management of the library’s front-line team (including staff recruitment, training and development) as well as managing the service itself, which includes planning around budgeting, building and facilities management, marketing and promotion, and dozens of other responsibilities around this.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS?

Whenever I get asked this, I always have to give a shameless plug for the library and services like Academic Skills

(ASk - formerly the Writing and Learning Centre). Even working for the Library I’m not always familiar with the mass of resources that students have available, so the Subject Librarians were a massive help. ASk also helped me get back into academic writing! Before my MBA, I’d not written an essay since 2005, so the refresh helped me get a distinction.

FINALLY, WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER ARE YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE GRADUATING?

Definitely training for a half marathon. In the closing weeks of my MBA, I spent most free evenings and weekends with my head buried in journals, academic textbooks, and survey data. While handing in my dissertation was a massive relief, I suddenly found I had a lot of free time. At my partners suggestion we started to train for the Bath Half Marathon, which for someone who struggled to run 5km, managing to increase that to 14km (so far) has been a massive personal achievement

A massive thank you to all our contributors for this issue of the Postgrad Post.

We hope you’ve found it a fun read and that you’ll stick around for the next issue.

Want to give us some feedback?

We’d love to know what you thought about the Postgrad Post and if you would like to be featured in the next issue, either in one of the current features or maybe you have an idea for a new one, then drop us a line at studentcomms@bathspa.ac.uk

Would you like to include your short story, poem, or any other creative work in the next issue? Let us know, we’d be happy to consider your work!

See you soon!

The POSTGRAD POST team