Bath Spa University has awarded Honorary BA Education Degrees to more than 740 of its teaching alumni who previously studied at one of its predecessor colleges.
Bath Spa University’s Newton Park Campus | Photo © Bath Spa University
Three days of ceremonies took place across the University’s Bath and Corsham-based campuses last week to mark the conferring of the honorary degrees, and to celebrate the achievements of those who completed their courses as far back as the same year the National Health Service was founded.
Due to an overhaul of the education system in the 1940s, and a shortage of teachers after the Second World War, many new training colleges were established.
Bath Spa University is made up of three predecessor institutions; Bath Academy of Art, Bath College of Domestic Science, and Newton Park Teacher Training College – each of them tied together through the training of teachers.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sue Rigby, said: “I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to all our alumni who are receiving an Honorary Bachelor of Arts in Education Degree.
“The award is given in recognition of the academic rigour demanded by the Certificate in Education and for subsequent services to education they have all given.
“Together we are celebrating Bath Spa University, the colleges that came before, and all the lives that have been touched through teaching.
“The impact of education and teaching has been and will continue to be one of the most defining areas of growth throughout our communities; and we thank you for all you have done during your careers.
“It is our honour to bestow this recognition on you. On behalf of all the staff, students and lives you have touched, we wish you every happiness.”
Head of School of Education, Kyriaki Anagnostopoulou, added: “I’m absolutely delighted that we’re offering honorary degrees to our alumni. I think it’s a brilliant idea, and a wonderful opportunity to showcase their contribution to society as a whole and to the region, as well as nationally and internationally.
“My message to them is; ‘you’ve had amazing careers. You have influenced so many lives, and you’ve done an amazing job. Thank you for giving back’.”
Bath Spa University’s School of Education is one of the highest-rated providers of teacher education in the country, and the largest provider of teacher education in the South West.
