School of PDA Spotlight

This week, we've been catching up with our School Reps on what they've been up to and to find out some exciting department updates! Next, we hear from School of Performing and Digital Arts (PDA) Rep, Carmen Anderson.

An Update from Carmen

Within the School, we have worked hard to create a community among students. We have introduced a student champion scheme, whereby a set of students run social events for the school, for example, international students, and neurodiverse students. If you have any questions, contact me either via email (Carmen.Anderson.2021@live.rhul.ac or via our PDA Instagram account).

Any students interested in getting involved with representation in the School of Performing and Digital Arts should reach out to their course reps, to ensure their voices are heard. Furthermore, I encourage students to attend our student champion events, and even to make suggestions of what events they would like to see. Also, we love featuring students on our Instagram so if you or something you know have done something they would like to share on our Instagram, please just reach out! 

Students can always contact me about any concerns they have about their course or anything regarding the School in general and I will always be happy to help and bring their concerns to the correct staff members to ensure the issues are dealt with and their voices are being heard.

What's Happening across the School of PDA?

We held a PGT networking/showcase afternoon in June 2023. All departments contributed to the event and fostered positive collaboration among students across the PGT cohorts. The PGT networking/showcase will continue in 2024.

We have two recently refurbished common rooms for all PDA students, one in Wettons and one in the Katharine Worth building. These provide a place for students to meet, socialise and study.

We have a series of events organised by our Student Champions Network. You can check out the offer from our Mental Health and Wellbeing, International Students and Disability and Neurodivergence Champions here.

Part of our Wellbeing initiatives include the The Anxie-TEA series. The series offers a space for you to engage with various art practices to decompress, relax and meet other PDA students and staff in a friendly environment. Tea, fruits and biscuits are provided! You can check our offer here.

Music

• Students wanted online booking for practice rooms and new music technology studios, so we added that facility. We know this is particularly important for commuting students.
• We've responded to student requests, expressed through the reps, for particular modules to run.
• Students said they wanted video introductions to options modules, so we've introduced these alongside the traditional written descriptions.
• Students said they wanted longer opening hours for the iMAC suite, so we extended them.

Media

• There will be a postgraduate opportunities event for Media Arts undergraduate finalists in March, aiming to advise and support those considering further academic studies after graduating. 

Drama

• We are organising a theatre trip in response to our student rep's feedback.