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Exploring Leadership in Schools: Academic Makes the Most of Lockdown with Double Book Release
Trevor Kerry, Visiting Professor at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), has written two books exploring aspects of leadership in schools. Making use of the extra time provided to him by the multiple COVID-19 related lockdowns, his intention was that the books should be intensely practical but, at the same time, a fun read. Additionally, it was his desire that they should be attitude changers, written in episodes to which the reader could return. -
‘Dedicated’ Students Look to Create a Legacy with First Student-Led Research Conference at BGU
‘Dedicated’ Students Look to Create a Legacy with First Student-Led Research Conference at BGU In April 2021, a group of seven dedicated final year BA Primary Education students took the lead in successfully delivering an online research conference to 100 of their peers and lecturers on conducting educational research. The group of students, supported by project-lead Dr Ashley Compton and Student Engagement Facilitator, Helen Waters-Marsh, planned, organised, and delivered a range of live online workshops as well as producing pre-recorded conference materials, all during the lockdown of 2021. Dr Ashley Compton discussed the origins and future of the conference: “Helen and I started talking about this in the spring of 2019. We had preparations for the first conference well under way when lockdown hit. This was before the world got used to existing through Teams and Zoom so at that point, we were forced to cancelled it. We were determined to try again this year so planned it as an online conference from the beginning.” “A group of students volunteered and proved to be dedicated and reliable. We worked together to produce a programme and shared out the jobs. The students were great about producing content and encouraged contributions from their fellow students.” “The conference was well attended by year two students and was incredibly useful for their current research module, but more importantly preparing them for their dissertation next year.” “The whole thing went so well that we intend to do this again next year.” Bethanie Crawley, one of the students who organised the conference, shared her experience and how she hopes it will impact her future: “I got involved with the student led conference as a way of paying back the help I have received over my three years training” “I gained a sense of comradery working with people I possibly haven't had much contact with previously. I was more motivated to get on with my assignments while we discussed the issues that arise in research as I now had solutions within my head” “I would highly recommend getting involved in the conference. You get to develop so many skills in presenting, teamwork, and time management. It also looks amazing on a job application for when you are applying as it shows you can work in a team.” “I am going to use this experience to have the confidence to get involved with other projects throughout my first couple of years teaching. I have presented online and been involved with delivering online material which will help in the case of possible teaching online based on the issues of the current climate, this is a good skill to have currently” Another student conference organiser, Molly-Ann Burnett, has since had a successful job interview where she was able to draw on her experiences organising the Student-led Research Conference: “In recent job applications, I have mentioned my role in the conference when discussing elements of professionalism and leadership. I drew on the experience in a successful job interview, speaking about how it developed my confidence and demonstrated my ability to work as part of a team” “I have gained some much-needed confidence in using technology for presentations, something which is sure to become more relevant in future years. I have also gained confidence in interacting with others, be that the team, contributors and those who attended the final conference” Alisha Gibbs, final year BA Primary Education student, said she got involved as she knew how challenging a dissertation can be: “It was so rewarding to be sharing advice and it was also a confidence boost to sit back and realise how much you have accomplished. I also found that I felt much more confident with leading and speaking in front of large groups which is an important skill to have” Student Conference Organiser Louise Beasley shared Alisha’s sentiments about organising the conference: “I grew in confidence when presenting live to the second years, it also helped me to reflect on my research and how far I had come since my second year. I also really like helping others, so I got a sense of pride and accomplishment through this” -
Ideas Café – Autism
On 5th April, we held an ideas cafe surrounding the topic of autism. Attendees came from a diverse range of health, social care and academic backgrounds. A range of ideas were highlighted for discussion, in relation to autism that the attendees felt would be valuable to discuss. Ideas that were put forward included: Managing parents’ expectations around obtaining a diagnosis for their childHow to keep autistic children in mainstream schoolSpecial needs training for all trainee teachersTransition for a child into adult servicesTraining for educational staff – increasing training and confidence levels of staff to better manage children with autismHow do we access school staff in order to train them?Can technology be used to link up all of these different areas?Mapping the services available for different age groups. The group consensus was that a mapping exercise would be useful to visualise what services are currently available and who they are aimed at. This led to an interactive session of plotting out services and gaps in service for different age ranges: Early YearsPrimary School AgeSecondary School AgePost 16/Teenagers/Young adultsAdultsThe Elderly Where gaps were identified, the group considered what was being done, or what could be done to address the shortcomings. Once plotted, services were categorised according to whether they could be accessed through universal services or self-referral, or whether they required a referral to be made via a professional. A follow-up event to further map out out the autism landscape of Lincolnshire, and to discuss and collaborate on other themes relevant to autism has been planned at LORIC on Friday 7th June 10am-12pm. This event is open to anyone with a personal or professional interest in autism and places can be booked via the LORIC Eventbrite page. -
Holocaust survivor and discrimination campaigner among those recognised with honorary awards at BGU in 2020 Graduation Ceremonies
Bishop Grosseteste University is delighted to recognise an incredible group of individuals with honorary doctorates as part of its 2020 graduation ceremonies. Those selected represent a wide range of backgrounds including Holocaust survivor and discrimination campaigner Simon Winston, Operations Manager for the England Men's World Cup winning Cricket team in 2019 Phil Neale and the former Director of INSET at the National Centre for Language and Literacy Prue Goodwin. You can read more about each of the exceptional recipients below: -
British Educational Research Association releases findings on BGU research on NQT experiences
The British Education Research Association (BERA) have released initial findings of a British Academy funded research currently being carried out by Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) Professor Phil Wood, Dr. Emma Clarke and Dr. Aimee Quickfall. The blog post, titled ‘How newly qualified teachers are coping in the time of Covid-19’, shares initial findings from interviews and surveys carried out this year, with further data collection ongoing into August. You can read it in full by clicking here. Phil, Professor of Education Change at BGU, explained the context of the current newly qualified teacher cohort: “Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) have arguably always had tough challenges to overcome, but the pandemic has added to these challenges, including rapid adaptations to initial teacher education content (ITE) delivery in 2019/20 and many involved in ITE and NQT support fear that the pandemic has created a ‘lost cohort’.” However, the research trio have found that whilst the year has been challenging, there are reasons to be cheerful. Emma, Senior Lecturer in Primary and Early Years ITE at BGU, explained what the participants are reporting so far: “We have been surprised by some of the data coming out of our project so far. The majority of NQTs – 77 per cent – agreed or strongly agreed that their ITE prepared them well for their NQT year, with just under 30 per cent reporting that they did not feel confident on entering their NQT year. Almost 80 per cent of NQTs agreed or strongly agreed that they were being supported well by colleagues to develop their teaching practice, and 81 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that despite Covid-19 they were continuing to develop their skills as a teacher.” The project involves national survey results as well as in depth interviews with NQTs, which Aimee, Head of Programmes for Primary and Early Years ITE at BGU, commented on: “As researchers we have been mindful that often national research on teacher experiences involves large scale survey data and a limited range of answers. This study has provided opportunities for the NQTs themselves to explain what they have been through and what resources have supported them to succeed. We can use these findings to improve preparation for early career teachers.” NQTs have been sharing their pragmatic approaches to their first year in the profession, and whilst the year has been very challenging and some NQTs are reporting fewer uplifting experiences, participants like Alisha have commented on how relationships and networks that started in their universities and training providers have supported them: “Everyone on my PGCE course… we’ve still got our little group chat and that’s been great because when something goes completely wrong and you can just throw that in, and somebody else goes, ‘Well actually that’s gone wrong for me as well. I’m confident that we’ll all pass our NQT year. It’s just working out how we can get more support or navigate through this interesting time.” You can find more information on the wide range of innovative PGCE courses offered by BGU on our website. Alternatively you can contact our Enquiries Team or join us on one our Open Days to find out how to begin your journey into teaching. -
BGU Academics Present at the International Nurse Education Today (NET) Conference
Two academics from the Health and Social Care team at BGU presented at the international Nurse Education Today (NET) Conference which is an annual event run by the Advance UK (formally the Higher Education Academy). NET provides a unique opportunity for delegates to engage with the latest worldwide research evidence, developments and thinking with educators, practitioners, and students. Papers are arranged in themed sessions where delegates participate in in-depth discussion and debate on a topic, facilitated by skilled convenors. Nicki Walsh (Programme Leader and Senior Lecturer) and Leanne McHugh (Senior Lecturer) presented on different themes. Nicki presented under the theme of “Educational Enhancement” showcasing her work supporting UK, the general practice nursing workforce (previously published). Her paper reviewed current drivers within practice and higher education, to support and develop the current and future workforce. It examined several initiatives that Nicki was involved with, from the support of General Practice to provide placements for undergraduate nursing and health and social care students, to the development of educational programmes to support nurses working in practice, or who wish to have a career in General Practice, with their continued professional develop and career enhancement. Leanne presented under the theme “Student experience, engagement and achievement”. Leanne shared an overview of the carers project at BGU. The presentation took the participants through the project’s development and planning stages and considered the student and staff engagement opportunities which this project presented. Consideration was given to how to craft the narrative of the project which focused on the question “What would it feel like to be a carer at the university?” “How can we identify a shared language, so we all hear your story?”. Future strategies to enhance the Carers project were also shared with the participants seeing the future vision, which is to consider, “What an active Carers community will look like”. During the question and answer session, feedback from the participants was really positive, offering networking opportunities and possibilities of increasing the awareness of the BGU Carers Community. Related publications Book Chapter - Chapter One – Contemporary General Practice Nursing – Editors Welsh, M. and Brooks, S., Elsevier Walsh, N and Mason, R., (2018) “Hitting the Ground Running": An Evaluation of Management Placements for Student Nurses with UK General Practice. Primary Health Care. Vol. 28 No.7 pp34-41 . doi: 10.7748/phc. 2018.e1443 Walsh, N., (2017) Using community education provider networks to develop general practice nursing. Primary Health Care. Vol.27, No.4, pp26-29 -
BGU Signs Up to Gender Equality Charter
Bishop Grosseteste University has signed up to a charter used to transform gender equality within higher education. The Athena Swan Charter, an international framework used to address gender equality and barriers to progression that affect women, was officially adopted by Bishop Grosseteste University – Lincoln this month. By being part of the Athena Swan Charter, Bishop Grosseteste University is committing to adopting ten key principles within their policies, practice and culture, which promote gender equality. Originally established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Scott Fleming said: ‘We’ve launched the formal part of our Athena Swan journey at a time when the Charter has just been transformed. It is now more streamlined, flexible, transparent and consistent. There’s already been a lot of work to get us to this point but we still have a lot to do. The team is eager and committed; it’s an exciting time for BGU.’ The University hopes to enter an application for the Bronze Athena Swan Award in the academic year 2022-23, following a year of self-assessment. Dr Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes for Primary ITE, said: ‘As chair of the BGU Athena Swan self-assessment team, I am very pleased that the project is now underway with the signing of the charter. Behind the scenes, we have been delighted with the level of response from the BGU team, with representatives from Faculty, Professional Services and the student body volunteering to be part of the self-assessment core team and a consultative group. The wealth of experience and expertise offered is fantastic, and it is clear that there is a real passion and enthusiasm for the Athena Swan project.’ The project has received strong support from Bishop Grosseteste’s Human Resources team. ‘As Director of HR I am delighted we have formally started our Athena Swan journey. Behind the scenes, the group chaired by Dr Aimee Quickfall has been working extremely hard to ensure the University is in a position to start this project. As a university we are committed to making positive changes around gender equality, committing to the Athena Swann charter is a positive step forward for BGU, ensuring we adopt key principles within our practices and culture to positively promote gender equality,’ said Jonathan Cheeseman -
LORIC survey opens for headteachers, deputy heads and careers lead across schools in Greater Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation Centre (LORIC) is undertaking some market research for Complete Careers LLP, with regards to raising aspirations, embedding skills and knowledge related to self awareness, awareness of opportunities, decision making, career planning and employability skills within both the primary and secondary school curriculums. They have recently sent out short surveys to all Primary and Secondary schools in Greater Lincolnshire to obtain some qualitative data on the awareness and potential utilisation of the Career Mark approach to the national Quality in Careers Standard which accredits good practice in education in raising aspirations and helping learners to understand and prepare for their futures. One of the surveys is aimed at Primary schools and aims to garner feedback about the 'Career Mark Primary Award'. The other two surveys are aimed at Secondary Schools to look at the reasons why some schools are successfully engaging with the Career Mark approach whilst others haven't adopted it as yet. The surveys take approx. 5 minutes to complete. Your honest feedback would be greatly appreciated and if you work as a Head Teacher/Deputy Head/Careers Lead in a school in Greater Lincolnshire we would value your feedback. The surveys are due to close on Friday 10th December. For further details and to access the most relevant survey please see below: For Primary Schools in Greater Lincolnshire, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/7i71rCZJFPFor Secondary Schools in Greater Lincolnshire who are not using the Career Mark approach, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/uAw2AfCfDwFor Secondary Schools already using the Career Mark approach, please visit https://forms.office.com/r/ED5ZrthL8N -
‘Florence Nightingale at Home’ nominated for The People’s Book Prize
A non-fiction book researched and co-authored by academics from the University of Nottingham and Bishop Grosseteste University exploring Florence Nightingale’s relationship with home has been nominated for The People’s Book Prize. -
Senior lecturer invited to Andalusia to speak on differences between English and Spanish teacher training
Dr Mark Larrad, Senior Lecturer School of Teacher Development, recently made a lecture visit to the Faculty of Education at the University of Granada in Andalusia, the third time he has made this visit in recent years. The University of Granada is one of the oldest universities in Spain, and with over 300 teaching staff and nearly 2000 students, the Education Faculty is more than three times the size of Bishop Grosseteste University. Andalusia is one of 17 autonomous regions within Spain in all off which teacher training is controlled by the regional government rather than from the Spanish capital, Madrid. The purpose of his visit was two-fold: to give a lecture to final-year primary education teaching students about the differences (and similarities) between methods of teacher training between Andalusia and England and to meet with the Dean of Education to discuss possible future partnership. In his lecture Mark focussed on the eRPD and the way national standards (such as those for QTS) are used as a measure of progress. Whilst there are many other differences, the biggest similarity is that in Andalusia, Spain and England the most important responsibility of any teacher is to ensure each child can succeed. Another one of the big differences between English and Andalusian systems is that in Andalusia (as in Spain as a whole) all teachers in the state sector are civil servants, and as such, the majority stay in post for around 30 years (the point at which they are eligible for a generous state pension). Dr Mark Larrad, said: “In Spain nearly all teachers in state sector remain until their 50s (unlike in England which has a 20% attrition rate within the first five years after qualifying). “However, I found the most striking difference to be in the differing approach to what constitutes readiness to teach. In Andalusia, like other regions, each student’s chances of securing a job depend not on success in placement but on getting a high mark in the exam (called an oposición) all civil servants have to take before qualifying. “But a possible downside compared to the relative freedom English trainees with QTS have to choose where they work, is that Spanish trainees are effectively posted to schools where teachers are needed, and this might be a long journey from home. “Trainees might be moved several times in their career, but generally those with children are usually prioritized for schools near where they live and older teachers will not be moved around for this reason as much. “Exploring this fundamental difference led to an enthusiastic debate about which system the Spanish trainees would prefer: one where a job is guaranteed but with no freedom to choose your school, or the other way around!” In his discussion with the Dean, Javier Viloria Prieto, both expressed the hope that future years may bring opportunities for our institutions to work together. Dr Larrad believes that in the current climate where UK finds itself increasingly isolated from its former European neighbours, it has never been more important for English universities to nurture and develop links.
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