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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." -
BGU spreads kindness for Mental Health Awareness Month
In a bid to promote mental health awareness, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently visited three colleges in the local area to distribute free cookies and provide valuable mental health resources and support information. The initiative took place as part of Mental Health Awareness Month and aimed to offer support and assistance to students during the busy exam period. The team from BGU visited Boston College, Franklin College in Grimsby, and John Leggott College in Scunthorpe to spread some kindness. At each college, they distributed an impressive total of 350 still-warm cookies, baked lovingly by the University's own urban diner Refectory. As well as handing out cookies, the team gave each student a postcard with a QR code that linked to a wealth of mental health and wellbeing resources and support. Students were encouraged to make use of these services or pass them on to a friend that may need them, especially during the busy exam period. Students at each college were also reminded to 'Keep it kind' with free badges gifted by the University. Linc Higher's Boston College Engagement Officer Lorraine Breeton said: "I would just like to thank BGU for coming along to support Boston College students by signposting to information on Mental Health awareness month, and of course, bringing those delicious cookies. They certainly cheered many (350!!) people up!" During mental health awareness month, BGU is also running the campaign, '31 Good Deeds for May', urging everyone to engage in a simple act of kindness each day. The student advice team have hosted a number of events throughout the month, including a wellbeing walk through Lincoln's historical quarter, opening a relaxation station on campus, and running Talk-About events where students can receive judgement free advice. A member of the BGU team said: "It was wonderful to meet all these students and spark some insightful and open conversations around Mental Health Awareness Month. "If the resources we've shared help even one person, it's worth it. At the very least, we hope we've sweetened the students' day with a free cookie!" -
First Aid for Mental Health training offered at BGU
Bishop Grosseteste University has offered First Aid for Mental Health training to its staff for the first time. 21 members of the BGU community signed up to become First Aiders for Mental Health. Every member of staff across the University was offered the opportunity to enrol in either a Level 2 or Level 3 course with Firecracker, an organisation that works with businesses to help them see the impact health can have upon workplace culture. The Level 2 course was delivered over one day and covered a number of health-related subjects including how to provide advice and start a conversation, and the impact of different mental health conditions. The Level 3 course built on this foundation of knowledge, and explored further topics including an in-depth analysis of various conditions. The courses were delivered by Firecracker Founder and Senior Lecturer in Business and Enterprise Rachel Linstead. She has been a trainer for over 22 years and has a Masters in Workplace Health and Wellbeing. Rachel said: "We all have mental health and it’s vitally important for everyone to understand what good and poor mental health looks like. The workplace is an ideal opportunity to give staff the tools to support themselves and their colleagues to ensure that everyone can flourish in and out of the workplace." First Aiders for Mental Health (FA4MH) are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of common workplace mental health issues and know how to effectively guide a person towards the right mental health support. They are also equipped to promote a workplace culture where staff are free to discuss mental health issues openly and feel supported by their colleagues when they do so. Staff from a variety of areas across the University signed up to gain these new skills, including individuals from support services, business and enterprise, CELT, members of academic staff, and the Students' Union. Bishop Grosseteste Students' Union President Connor Short completed the Level 3 course. He said: "I feel that First Aid for mental health training is important for everyone to know because, much like in instances where physical first aid is needed, it can save a life. "It is impossible to know if or when someone may need support, but having it available can make the world of difference for us all." Following the success of the training, the University hopes to offer further opportunities to its staff to become First Aiders for Mental Health in the future. -
BGU scores high in National Student Survey
Students have voted Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) as a leader in three categories* of the National Student Survey (NSS). The University took first place in learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, and learning resources. BGU also performed well in other areas, ranking top ten for student voice and teaching – for which the University received a nearly 91% positive response. For academic subjects, the university achieved multiple top ten spots in all categories. The history department celebrated a 100% positive score for both academic support and course organisation. Sports was awarded first for assessment and feedback and came second for learning opportunities. The English department was voted second for teaching, with a positive score of 98.2%. Nearly half a million students from more than 150 Higher Education Institutions across the UK are invited to take part in the NSS every year. The survey provides final-year students an opportunity to give feedback about their student experience at colleges and universities. It is an influential source of information and serves as a key component of the quality assurance and wider regulatory landscape in UK higher education. Rob Boast, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Students) at BGU, said: “Student voices are incredibly important to the University, and we’re pleased that so many of our final year undergraduates took part in the NSS and shared such positive feedback about their time with us. “We pride ourselves on our personal and friendly approach to higher education, ensuring that every student's voice is not only heard, but valued. The outstanding feedback we’ve received is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the BGU community – an environment where students and staff work together to achieve excellence. “Looking ahead, we will continue striving to exceed expectations. The feedback we've collected will drive further improvements, allow us to expand on our outstanding record and help us deliver an educational experience that stands apart.” BGU’s recent news comes after it secured additional award victories earlier this year. The University achieved first place for Halls and Accommodation and Student Support, and third place for Career Prospects at the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. *The NSS data presented above excludes FECs & alternative providers. Results are measured by per cent positive responses. 323 BGU students responded to the 2023 NSS (a response rate of 81%). As a small institution BGU is not typically included in the Guardian Good University Guide league table, although several subjects do have sufficient numbers to be included in the subject league tables. -
Virtual collaboration: Health & Social Care Students and the University of Szczecin
Second year Health & Social Care BSc (Hons) and Masters students from BGU took part in a virtual collaboration with Social Work students from the University of Szczecin (Poland). The exchange was via Microsoft Teams and both groups explored a number of health and social care related issues from the perspective of the UK and Poland. This helped their understanding of the systems in both countries, with student led discussions revealing a divergence between the systems in the two counties. For example, the funding mechanisms and organisational structures related to provision and the distinct differences around referral processes and social care provision. Students from BGU and Szczecin undertook presentations, namely; Sam Williams (MA in Health and Social Care Leadership, BGU) presented on the relatively new concept of social prescribing in England and how this works in Lincolnshire. Pat Chuchro (BSc (Hons) Health and Social care, BGU) talked about her role in the NHS, having moved to the UK over 13 years ago from Poland. Pat’s insight into both healthcare systems was illuminating and helps support learning both at BGU and Szczecin. Natalia Niciecka (Social Work student, Szczecin) also gave an informative overview of the Polish social cares system. You can read one of the completed evaluations of the virtual exchange here. -
BGU wins OFS bid to expand apprenticeship provision
BGU is delighted to announce that the University has been successful in securing additional funding as part of a competitive bidding process launched by the Office for Students (OFS), to increase the number of Level 6 degree apprenticeship courses and places available. The OFS have confirmed they will invest £12million in the first wave of three, to support university providers to both increase the number of students and the equality of opportunity within Level 6 apprenticeship programmes. The full article can be viewed here. Apprenticeships and Partnerships Manager Jane Fletcher said: “We are incredibly excited with this outcome and the opportunity this has presented us with. This will enable us now to build upon our already strong foundations and develop two new Degree-Apprenticeship standards – namely Project Manager and Youth Worker, to support our local and regional employer partnerships.” Dr Nick Gee, Dean of Faculty commented: “We are delighted to have been awarded OFS funding to develop these new apprenticeship standards. This represents a fantastic opportunity to grow our apprenticeship provision at BGU, by developing our current expertise.” An implementation project is now underway to develop these programmes and have them available for 2024/25. Employers wishing to express an interest in collaborating with us on this exciting portfolio development should contact apprenticeships@bishopg.ac.uk -
BGU Sports Day success!
20th to 24th May 2024 -
Top heritage sites recognised as 2024 Sandford Award winners announced
The National Army Museum, a Victorian steamship, and Windsor Castle are among the winners of this year’s Sandford Award. Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), in partnership with the Heritage Education Trust and supported by Historic Royal Palaces, is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2024 Sandford Award. This year’s award presentation ceremony will take place at the historic Kensington Palace on Tuesday 10 December 2024. The Sandford Award, established in 1978, is the gold standard for heritage learning, recognising the exceptional contribution of heritage organisations to formal and informal education. In 2024, the award attracted 39 applicants, many of whom have been previous recipients. This year, the honour is being awarded to 36 winners. A list of winners can be found here. Professor Andrew Jackson, speaking on behalf of BGU said: “Bishop Grosseteste University is delighted to be joining the celebrations of the Sandford Award 2024. The number and diversity of winners form a fabulous testimony to the role of our sites and organisations and reflects the dedication of their staff to heritage education and learning. BGU is proud to be supporting and championing their endeavours.” Dr Tracy Borman, OBE, Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust and Chancellor of BGU said: “I am thrilled to see such a rich and diverse range of sites celebrated in this year’s Sandford Awards. From iconic historic buildings such as Windsor Castle, Whitby Abbey, and the Roman Baths to art galleries, archives, ships, and even a farm, they are all united by the excellence of their education provision. My heartfelt congratulations go to all the worthy winners of 2024.” The Sandford Award continues to recognise a wide variety of heritage sites, including historic buildings, museums, archives, and natural landscapes that provide exceptional educational experiences for visitors of all ages. The award is not only a validation of formal learning programmes that align with national curricula but also acknowledges the value of informal learning opportunities such as family programmes and self-guided tours. Looking ahead, the 2025 Sandford Awards will open for entries on Monday, 2 December 2024. Heritage organisations across the UK are encouraged to apply. Find more information on the Sandford Award and how to enter here. Photo credit for banner image: Learning at Royal Collection Trust -
Bishop Grosseteste University appoints New Vice-Chancellor
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has announced the appointment of Dr Andrew Gower as the new Vice-Chancellor, effective from 22nd April 2025. -
Primary Education staff and students host Maths sessions for local children
Our Primary Education staff and students hosted two sessions at the Ermine Library.
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