By the end of this term, I will have been at Bath Academy for 24 years as I joined BA in the summer of 2002 – almost a quarter of a century! My first role was in the English Language Teaching department (ELT) working on the summer school programme. Obviously, between that post and my last post (forgive the pun!) I have seen many changes.
The main change which needs to be communicated to those not connected with BA is that the school is not just an institution where international students learn English. When I started my job here it was mainly that – a school which taught English with some UFP courses if I am not mistaken. My memory may be a little hazy with regard to accuracy here!
The physical layout of the school changed considerably over time to accommodate our larger numbers as we became better known and, of course, successful in helping students reach their full potential. I particularly recall the front office/reception being room one and the Principal’s office being the reception so rather more grandiose than Tim’s diminutive room eleven!
There was no real social programme then. We have clearly come a long way with our very extensive range of out-of-class activities and trips. The administration staff were few in number. There were no teaching assistants and the number of subjects was limited. I don’t think students had personal tutors. In short, resources were minimal.
During my time here I have had the experience of teaching a variety of ELT courses such as English for potential pharmacists and dentists. I have done some admin. work collecting attendance data and I have really enjoyed organising the social programme for a short time and going on trips with students. Selecting the CIFE inter college quiz team and taking them up to London has also been a favourite activity of mine.
The greatest joy in working at BA over the years has been my contact with the students. From liaising with students during FAs to chatting with them in English Chat Club and learning Chess with students as a complete novice in Chess Club to mixing with the party goers at Halloween parties. It was all great fun. In the past we used to have an International Evening and I loved the opportunity to do a bit of karaoke moving from Bob Marley to Fishermen’s Friends Sea shanties. I stood down my Bob Marley impersonation as it was later considered not to be pc. I have had the honour of singing Abba’s ‘The Winner Takes It All’ at the last Halloween party – not to be repeated!
During my time here at Bath Academy I have met and worked with some fantastic teachers, admin. staff and people generally and I have truly valued their great friendship and support. Having said this, however, my intention is to return and invigilate exams and maybe take the quiz team to London to finally win the competition, the prize being tea at the House of Lords and a visit around the building. I am sure Bath Academy will go from strength to strength and I look forward to keeping in touch and meeting up with all the great friends I have made!
