New term...New beginnings

Welcome to the start of the new term this week.

Hopefully you are all settling in to the module you are undertaking for the next 12 weeks. All module handbooks are on unihub for you under your BAPP ACI programme page and please do download your calendar of events from this page also. The schedule for all the skype discussion groups, module focus groups, dates for sending in drafts of work and your final submission of work is all listed here, so it's really important you have this working in/alongside your regular diary.

Starting a term can be a little strange on a distance education programme as you don't physically go anywhere, to campus or a studio to begin your 'learning'. What is important though is that you take time at the start of the term now to consider or perhpas re-consider how the study on the BAPP forms a part of your life. When and where will you study, how will you integrate this with other commitments. Chatting to some of you new to the programme this week about the course, study, work balance, I would suggest for returning students also, going back to your Study Plans if you haven't yet and really reminding yourself or re-thinking from the experience of last term how BAPP is a part of your practice rather than a 'task' to 'fit in'.

You might like to find a space to work, pick up a text from the reading list for your module and begin there, simply letting others ideas and your thoughts begin a relationship. While it is important to note what it is you will submit at the end of the term for your module, it is important to recognise learning as a process, and one on this programme, which is integral to your professional practice, so don't be in a hurry to get to the end and tick off an assignment. Take your time, dive-in - YES, swim around, gather thoughts, ideas, questions at this stage...