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Bishop Grosseteste University hosts fun educational afternoon for Lincoln school children
Around 150 reception-aged children recently visited Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) for a fun-filled educational afternoon with first-year trainee teachers. The children, aged 4-5, came from four Lincoln schools - Minster Preparatory School, St. Giles Academy, Ermine Infant School, and Mount Street Infant School. The BA Primary Education students organised a range of activities as part of the enhanced provision day. The children participated in story time, various arts and crafts, outdoor games and a treasure hunt that took place across the campus. The trainee teachers demonstrated their initiative and adaptability by modifying activities based on the children's needs and interests. After the event, a representative from one school said, "All the children were engaged and enjoying the activities. Many of them commented on the way back as to how much they had enjoyed themselves, even yesterday a few of them were still talking about it. It was lovely to see the time and effort put into creating the activities." Another teacher commented, "The afternoon at BGU will have made such a difference to the children! Experiences like these are so beneficial to their development. "We were really impressed with the activities, the enthusiasm of the trainees, and how they interacted with the children. They helped them feel at ease but also garnered excitement and curiosity for the activities." The event was a huge success, providing a great opportunity for the trainee teachers to showcase their skills and creativity, and for the children to enjoy an afternoon of fun activities. -
Join our Primary Teaching Studies students on an Intensive Training and Practice Week!
BA Primary Teaching Studies (PTS) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) students joined together online, in school and on campus for an Intensive Training and Practice Week (ITaP). -
Aspiring teachers get creative
A cohort of future teachers recently had the opportunity to flex their creative muscles during a full-day workshop exploring creativity in education. The events of the day aimed to empower the soon-to-be educators with tools and techniques to integrate creativity into their teaching practices, enabling them to create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment for their students. The Primary Education students enjoyed workshops, group tasks, and open discussion about the subject. Guest speakers also shared their expertise on the module subject, which is all about the curriculum choices a school may make. Across the day, three speakers worked with the group, including actor, writer, and teacher Ben Keaton from Creativity Academy, an organisation that visits schools and delivers workshops 'to give primary school teachers and their students the joy of making things.' BGU Senior Lecturer Emma Rogers said: "I'm really grateful that Ben Keaton was able to join us for the morning to share the work on creativity that his Creative academy is doing in schools around Lincolnshire." The students also heard from Liam Bielby, an Assistant Mathematics Hub Lead from the East Midlands East Maths Hub. Liam shared with the students the work of the maths hub and how they work with schools in the local area and the support available for early career teachers Kateřina Dvořáková also visited the university from Czechia. As the Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, University of South Bohemia, Kateřina specialises in pre-service training of primary English teachers. She said: "My stay at BGU was absolutely fantastic. I I could observe a number of lessons and the teaching practice of the TESOL students. "There have been several students from our university at BGU recently and more study visits are being planned. A semester at BGU can help our students improve their English and teaching skills and learn about Britain's culture and daily life." Kateřina gave BGU students a fascinating insight into teacher training in Czechia. Students heard that, in her country, it takes five years to train to become a Primary school teacher so all teachers have a Master's qualification. Emma Rogers added: "It was an insightful and productive day for students and staff alike. "Everyone really enjoyed hearing from all three speakers, who offered the students a diverse selection of different voices and experiences." -
Primary Education students visit local museum to practise school visit planning
Our undergraduate students studying BA Primary Education (BAPE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) visited the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. -
BGU to Offer New Qualification for Early Years Teachers
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln will be training teachers in the early years sector for the first time from September 2014.BGU has been allocated 50 places to train teachers on programmes leading to Early Years Teacher Status (nought to five years), which means the university now trains those teaching learners aged from nought to 90. To help raise the status and quality of the early years workforce the Government has introduced Early Years Teacher Status which replaces Early Years Professional Status and has the same entry requirements and level of expectations as for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The new EYTS courses will run alongside the university's existing courses leading to QTS for teachers working with ages three to 19 and courses for those teaching in the lifelong learning sector. Courses will be available for graduates who intend to or already work in the early years sector. It will also be possible to combine study for a degree in Early Childhood Studies with study towards EYTS. "We're very pleased to have been allocated these places, which will enable us to broaden still further the range of teaching qualifications that we offer," said Nigel Appleton, Dean of Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University. The fact that we have been allocated places for the new EYTS means this is the first time our training programmes will have covered the entire age range of learners, from babies to pensioners. "The new Early Years Teacher Status is an important development because there is clear evidence that high-quality early education and childcare can have a powerful impact on young children and can fully prepare them for school and later life." Details of the courses and how to apply can be obtained from enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk. News Release 2 January 2014 jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk -
Survey Shows Student Satisfaction Rising at BGU
Figures released today from the National Student Survey show that 88% of BGU students are satisfied with their university experience - that's higher than the national average of 86% and three percentage points up on BGU's score last year. BGU's Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood) achieved 100% satisfaction while three other courses - Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), Education Studies & English and Education Studies & Mathematics - recorded satisfaction levels of 95%. The proportion of BGU students completing the survey has also increased significantly; from 64% in 2010 to 72% in 2013 and 87% this year. The Reverend Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, welcomed today's data published by HEFCE, the Higher Education Funding Council for England. "This is an excellent result for BGU," he said. "We are always keen to hear what our students are telling us about their experiences here and the message is clear from these findings - we are doing better and better. "The most significant change this year is that the number of students completing the survey increased by 15 percentage points on last year; this means that the feedback from students is much more robust. The staff are committed to giving the students an excellent experience and will be looking at the areas the students are highlighting as things which they perceive needing improvement. But all in all this is a very good result for BGU." The latest figures come hot on the heels of a survey published last month which showed that BGU is one of the top five universities in England for the proportion of graduates who are employed or in further study six months after graduating. According to the DLHE survey (Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education) published by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency, on 3rd July 2014, 96.5% of Bishop Grosseteste University graduates had found a job or were continuing their studies six months after graduating in 2012/13. The Which? University Guide currently ranks BGU fifth in England for graduate prospects and lists BGU as having the highest average graduate salary in the East Midlands. -
Chance to Train as an Early Years Teacher
Teachers who want to become outstanding specialists working with the youngest children can now undertake professional training at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. In September last year, 13 trainees were the first to begin the new PGCE Early Years with EYTS (Early Years Teacher Status) programme at BGU – and the university will recruit another cohort this autumn. The course has been tailored to suit both those working in early years settings who can be released for study and those who are studying full time. It enables trainees to gain the recommendation for Early Years Teacher Status which is equivalent to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) through 120 days teaching young children from nought to five and 10 days looking at the progression children make into Key Stage 1. “The new Early Years Teacher Status introduced by the Government is an important development because there is clear evidence that high-quality early education and childcare can have a powerful impact on young children and can fully prepare them for school and later life,” said Amy Stancer, Academic Co-ordinator for the Early Years Programme at BGU. “The new programme is a good fit with our other courses which include QTS (working with ages three to 19 years) and teaching in the lifelong learning sector. Early Years Teacher Status broadens the scope of our training so that we’re now teaching people to teach all age ranges, from babies to pensioners.” Places are still available on the EYTS programme for this September – and two students currently on the course can thoroughly recommend it. Ryan Gilbert (30) from Halifax graduated with a degree in primary education from Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University) and was working as a supply teacher in West Yorkshire when he decided to enrol on the EYTS programme at BGU. “During my time with the supply agency and in settings when I was studying for my degree I found a fondness for early years more than Key Stages 1 and 2,” said Ryan. “Add to that the comments I had from schools about how positive it is to have a male teaching in early years, and I firmly decided that I wanted to become qualified to teach within the age range. When I wanted to progress more into early years Bishop Grosseteste University was the only university which responded promptly and guided me through its application process. I have enjoyed the course immensely, from the dedicated team of lecturers at BGU to outside professionals who have come to speak to us and the passionate members of my course who really do want the very best for young children. Being surrounded by all these makes me want to continually improve my own skills, passion and knowledge relating to early years.” Ryan continued: “I have learned far more than I realised I would, and I’m still only halfway through the course! I am truly shocked at just how little I knew about early years and how the course content from my degree did not even begin to scratch the surface of what I now know.” Jenna Farrow (22) from near Sleaford volunteered at a nursery between lectures and coursework while studying for a degree in Visual Communication at Birmingham City University as she had always taken a keen interest in how young children learn. “After I’d worked there for a year the manager signposted me towards a new postgraduate opportunity that specialised in the early years,” said Jenna. The course so far has been an enormous learning curve, enabling me to build on all areas of my professional development. The opportunity to work with all ages from birth to seven in a range of placements has given me a clear insight into how the process of the early years practice supports foundations in school. “I would highly recommend this course to others interested in working with young children as it has broadened my knowledge and understanding of the wider social context around early years practice and how early learning must be understood and fostered as a vital component to support our next generations.” To find out more about the PGCE Early Years with EYTS programme at BGU contact Amy Stancer on 01522 527347 or email enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Mother and Daughter to Graduate Together at BGU
A mother and her daughter will graduate together from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln on Wednesday 19th July. Sharon Tory (47) will be graduating with a Foundation Degree (FdA) in Professional Studies (Early Childhood) while her daughter Megan Tory (21) will be graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies. The mother and daughter duo from Boston came to study together at BGU after attending an open day intended for Megan, who was looking for an early years degree programme. But Sharon had always wanted to be a teacher, and when she heard about the FdA Professional Studies course she knew it would be ideal for her. “I already work with young children at a pre-school and I didn’t think it would be possible to study for a degree alongside my job, but when I found out that the FdA course would allow me to do both I knew I had to consider it,” said Sharon. Megan started the three-year BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies course in September 2014 and was the first in her family to go to university. “I never wanted to be too far away from home so BGU was the perfect choice for me living in Boston.” said Megan. After debating whether to go ahead or not, Sharon began the two-year FdA degree a year later in September 2015. Sharon said: “At the start, it was a bit of a challenge getting used to working and doing a degree at the same time, but overall the whole experience has been so rewarding. “I never thought I would be able to do it, so it’s definitely going to be a proud moment graduating alongside my daughter.” Sharon will continue her studies via the top up degree onto the BA (Hons) Professional Studies course this September at BGU, and follow on with a QTS course to become a teacher. Sharon Tory will graduate at 2.30pm and Megan Tory will graduate at 10.15am at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 19th July 2017. -
Darcey Bussell brings DDMIX programme for schools to BGU
Ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell visited Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln today to speak to trainee teachers about DDMIX for Schools. Darcey and her DDMIX team worked with over a hundred trainee teachers from Primary and Secondary programmes from the School of Teacher Development at BGU. DDMIX is a full-body aerobic workout for children created by Darcey Bussell and based on 26 different dance genres, from Arabic and Japanese to the Charleston and the Flamenco. The day opened with a special lecture for all year groups where Darcey introduced the programme. Students then split off into smaller groups to participate in sessions with the DDMIX team. Speaking about DDMIX Darcey said, “Movement to music makes children come alive and changes the way they feel. With the DDMIX programme, children get an exciting and diverse learning experience that is physical, aerobic and high time on task. These benefits should be enjoyed by every child. “Dance fitness can stimulate the child’s interest in sport, in the arts and give them the confidence to explore their own creativity in other fields." An Amazing Experience DDMIX came to BGU through the work of Helen Thornalley, Subject Leader for PE and Dance for the PGCE Secondary course at BGU, who arrived at the University in January. Helen has worked with Darcey and DDMIX for the past three years on training teachers and reflecting on how this work is implemented within schools. Feedback from the trainee teachers is vital for DDMIX to find out what works for children in schools. Helen said: "The opportunity for trainee teachers to work with these professionals who are at the top of their game, and the sharing of their materials with prospective teachers for schools is amazing. “(It was) unique, rich and cathartic for all involved, a very exciting project that I have seen teachers embrace and make it their own." Members of the DDMIX team introduced BGU students to a range of different dances and activities that can be utilised when students go into schools on placements. Jessica Castro, first year BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS student, was full of praise: “The session was really good. I thought it was great how they split everything up into sections, which will help us with how to teach the children. “They haven’t just thrown us into the deep end, they’ve shown us how to work with the children and taught us the dances as well so I thought that was really clever. “I’d love to use (DDMIX) in schools. When we go into placements and we have to use PE I’d definitely use something like this rather than what you’d expect PE to be.” Find out more about Training to Teach at BGU. -
Royal Geographical Society Teaching Scholarships Open To New Applicants
Are you an aspiring geography teacher looking to bring your subject to life for the next generation of students? To help them to travel and learn about the world around them, all without leaving the classroom? If so, be sure to get your application in for the prestigious Royal Geographical Society Geography Teacher Training Scholarships. In addition to £28,000 tax-free funding the scholarships offer successful candidates: Free training events on key subjects and residential fieldwork Access to the Royal Geographical Society Library and teaching resources Networking opportunities and other support to complement your teacher training course Fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society. Two current Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) PGCE students, Harriet Lee and Joel Stockton, were successfully awarded scholarships last year and said they would recommend them to anyone considering applying: “The application and interview process is intense, but the training and resources available to you once you pass make it completely worthwhile”. To be eligible you must have secured an ITT training place allocated by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), which leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) by September 2019 and they must have a 2:1 (or predicted) degree. Candidates with a 2:2 (or predicted) may be considered if they can demonstrate significant subject knowledge. If you are still considering your PGCE options, look no further than BGU. With over 150 years of teaching training experience and high quality courses, there are few institutions better suited to prepare you for a career in teaching. You can find out more about our PGCE courses here. Once you have your PGCE place confirmed you can submit your scholarship application through the Royal Geographical Society. The deadline for completed applications is 1 July 2018. For any questions on the scholarships or our PGCE courses contact Steve Puttick (Head of Programmes: Secondary, FE, and Research Education at BGU).
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