Page 107 of The Examiner

Jem Badhuri

I know, but not everyone’s was as good, and they still got As. Gela must be thinking strategically. She wants to encourage us, so we’re not downhearted when RD8 visit the mess that will be their installation.

Jonathan Danners

The installation is not a mess. This is simply a tricky phase. All projects hit these moments. It feels as if we’ll never achieve the show-stopping effect in our imaginations, but we will. We merely have to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Patrick Bright

I don’t agree, Jem. Your head sculpture is very impressive and that’s the centrepiece. You’re the master of sound and you’re our soundscape artist. Jonathan’s right: we’re doing fine. Our Assignment Five projects were all brilliant.

Ludya Parak

We’ve been on the course six months. We’ve all learned a lot, right? So Gela’s telling us we’ve improved. Let’s just get through the rest.

Jem Badhuri’s Doodle Diary, 23 April 2024:

Jem Badhuri, master of sound. That’s my new – as in doesn’t exist yet – company making relaxing soundscapes for foyers, shopping centres and communal spaces. Once I get my MA Distinction, I’ll get my brother Adi to create a website.

I can see exactly what Gela was doing. Giving us all a boost when everyone is flagging and anxious about RD8 seeing the installation in a less-than-perfect state. Gela says they’ll understand it’s only half-done, but can a client who is not creative imagine the finished article? It might be like me trying to explain abstract sculpture to my dad.

Ludya made Alyson’s film. Alyson still hasn’t been in. Knowing Ludya, she’s being paid to do Alyson’s coursework. Gela is happy to pretend the golden girl is still here and loving the course. It’s not right or fair, but knowing it is useful ammunition, should I need it.

The big surprise of Assignment Five was Cameron’s painting, the first practical assignment he’s completed properly. Everyone said how moving it was, and Gela gave him an A like the rest of us. I’m no expert in 2D, so I’ll take their word for it. Only, a few months ago copying and pasting from his company website was the extent of his artistic skills. I know Gela majored in watercolour earlier in her career. Am I implying a connection there? Yes.

She asked us to send her our enthusiastic quotes about how brilliant the course is for the new prospectus. She’s thinking positively and preparing all the materials she’ll need for when the course is approved – not if. So that’s another reason we’ve all got As. When I’m Gela’s age, I hope I’m not as transparent as she is.

But do you know the funniest thing of all? Gela took pictures of us working in the studio. I asked her to send me some, for Mum and Nani, and she did. Only, when we all settled down at home to look through them, we all agreed: there are only four students there: me, Jonathan, Patrick and Ludya. Cameron’s already left, of course, but there were no pictures of the golden girl at all.

Message group: 2024 Examiners, 30 May 2024

Tilda Ricci

I see now what you’re concerned about, Ben. Gela was so determined the MA would be approved that she did whatever it took to make it succeed.

Ben Sketcher

That’s certainly part of it.

Tilda Ricci

It’s possible she completed Cameron’s assignment herself, so he had just enough coursework to scrape a pass. She turns a blind eye to Jem paying Ludya, and later does the same when Alyson apparently leaves the course. My only concern is that this correspondence doesn’t constitute solid evidence.

Ben Sketcher

Well, what would?

Tilda Ricci

It’s a tough one. We know this sort of thing goes on, but the time, energy and legal fees that go into investigating it – with no guarantee we’ll win a case, even if we’re right – it’s better to mark down where you see foul play and let the grades do the talking.

Ben Sketcher

Even in a case of fraud?

Karen Carpenter

Aw, come on. It’s not fraud if no money was stolen.