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  1. Extra Funding to Encourage Young People into University
    More young people will be encouraged to study at university thanks to new government funding which has been secured by Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. Today (Thursday 8th January) the university was promised £24,000 over two years to support its collaborative work with other universities and colleges to widen participation in higher education. The money will be used to extend and increase BGU’s widening participation activities across the region and enable the university to engage with pupils from more schools. BGU is involved in three networks which work to improve access to higher education to young people from all backgrounds. “This new funding of £24,470 from HEFCE (the Higher Education Funding Council for England) will provide a great boost to our widening participation activities,” said Karen Richardson, Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions at BGU. “Hopefully we will be able to reintroduce summer schools and help to raise the aspirations of students who would not otherwise think that studying at university was for them.” Lincolnshire is characterised by comparatively high attainment at GCSE but low levels of participation in higher education – only 32% of 18-year-olds go on to higher education courses at university or college compared to the national average of 38%. * BGU’s widening participation activities target people from disadvantaged socio-economic areas, people with no history of higher education in their family, black and minority ethnic groups, males (for teacher training courses) and mature students. The university currently runs two access to HE programmes: First Steps 2 Study and Next Steps 4 Study. First Steps 2 Study is aimed at Year 9,10 and 11 pupils and involves a student ambassador from BGU, campus visits and a visit to the school, while Next Steps 4 Study targets Year 12 and 13 pupils who take part in debates, workshops, seminars and presentations both at school and at the university. BGU is a member of three networks involved in widening participation: the North East Midlands Collaborative Outreach Network, the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers, and Magna Carta – Education for Liberty (which is led by the University of Lincoln). Other partners in the Magna Carta – Education for Liberty network include Lincoln College, Boston College, North Lindsey College, Grimsby Institute and Grantham College. Partners in the North East Midlands Collaborative Outreach Network include BGU, the University of Nottingham, the University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University, West Nottinghamshire College, Central College Nottingham, Loughborough College and Stephenson College in Coalville and Nottingham. The funding announced today is part of a new £22 million national scheme involving 226 higher education institutions and reaching 4,300 secondary schools and colleges. The National Networks for Collaborative Outreach (NNCO) will deliver a nationally co-ordinated approach to working with schools, universities and colleges to help people access higher education. Greg Clark, Minister for Universities and Science, commented: “A record number of students entered higher education in 2014, with entry rates for students from disadvantaged backgrounds increasing by over 10% to its highest ever level. “However there is still more work to do to ensure all students who want to study hard can benefit, irrespective of their background.” * Latest HEFCE statistics for 2011/12.
  2. Awards for Heritage Sites Helping Visitors to Learn
    They range from the grand (Chatsworth House) to the modest (Cottage Museum, Woodhall Spa), and from the famous (Titanic Belfast) to the obscure (the Museum of Hatting). But they are all award winners, and on Friday 4th December 52 heritage sites in the UK and Ireland will receive a Sandford Award in recognition of their education work. Museums, forts, galleries, houses and archives will be among those represented at the annual Sandford Awards for Heritage Education which this year take place at the London Transport Museum, which also won an award this year. The Sandford Awards are jointly managed by Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln and the Heritage Education Trust, and BGU’s Vice Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, will present the awards this year. The 2015 winners, which represent a cross-section of heritage sites from across the country, include The Collection in Lincoln, Arbeia Roman Fort in South Shields, Black Country Living Museum in the West Midlands, Stockport Air Raid Shelters and the World Rugby Museum at Twickenham. Dr Tracy Borman, Sandford Co-ordinator at Bishop Grosseteste University, said: “The Sandford Awards pay tribute to education excellence and we look forward to honouring another outstanding crop of heritage sites next month. For the first time this year we will also award a special prize: the Frances Garnham Award for Innovation in Heritage Education. “We’re looking forward to another enjoyable ceremony and we’d like to congratulate all the sites who have been successful this year.” The awards ceremony begins at 11.30am on Friday 4th December and the Sandford Award Winners 2015 are: Arbeia Roman Fort, South Shields Battle of Bannockburn Bingley Five Rise Locks Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Bruce Castle Museum, Haringey Burghley House, Stamford Canterbury Roman Museum Castell Henllys Iron Age Village Chatsworth House Clitheroe Castle The Collection, Lincoln Colne Valley Museum Cottage Museum, Woodhall Spa Danelaw Centre for Living History, York Discovery Museum & Tyne and Wear Archives Experience Barnsley Falmouth Art Gallery Foxton Locks, Market Harborough Framework Knitters Museum, Nottingham Great North Museum: Hancock, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley Harvington Hall, Kidderminster Hatton Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hatworks: The Museum of Hatting, Stockport The Higgins Bedford Holdenby House,Northampton Hopetoun House, Edinburgh The Judge's Lodging, Powys Keats House, London Kent Life, Maidstone Kerry County Museum Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Locomotion, County Durham London Transport Museum Milton Keynes City Discovery Centre National Maritime Museum Cornwall National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port Parliament Education Service Pollok House, Glasgow Queen Street Mill, Burnley Richmond Cultural Education Partnership Science Museum, London Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend Sheffield Cathedral Shipley Art Gallery South Shields Museum and Art Gallery Stockport Air Raid Shelters Tatton Park, Cheshire Titanic Belfast Wolves Museum, Wolverhampton The Wordsworth Trust, Grasmere World Rugby Museum, Twickenham
  3. BGU Chaplain to Join Cathedral Community
    The Dean of Chapel and Chaplain at Bishop Grosseteste University is to be installed as a Priest Vicar of Lincoln Cathedral next week. The Rev Dr Peter Green will be installed at a ceremony in St Hugh's Choir at Lincoln Cathedral at 5.30pm on Tuesday 3rd November. “To be invited to be a member of the foundation of one of the most stunning architectural statements of Christian faith in the world is a wonderful privilege and opportunity,” said Peter, who has been in post at BGU since 2012. “The way that universities use cathedral titles to describe some of their officers, such as Chancellor and Dean, shows the hugely important role played by the church in the development of higher education in Europe. It is wonderful therefore that a university like BGU with its Anglican foundation is being given a chance to deepen its relationship with the cathedral – especially given that it is the resting place of our namesake Bishop Robert Grosseteste. “I hope to use this role to encourage all who use our chaplaincy to participate more fully in the life of the cathedral, both spiritually and educationally.” Priest Vicars at Lincoln Cathedral support the worshipping life of the cathedral by occasionally leading worship and its pastoral outreach and help to support those who come to the cathedral looking for spiritual support.
  4. Graduate Success as Outstanding Student Achieves Dream
    A career in teaching awaits a graduate from Bishop Grosseteste University who enrolled at university on a foundation degree and is now leaving with a postgraduate qualification. Ashlea Reid (24) from Grimsby was working in a nursery when she realised that her ambition was to become a teacher. But with a job to hold down she didn’t have the time to access a full-time course to help her fulfil her dreams. Fortunately for Ashlea, Bishop Grosseteste University delivers a Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood); a work-based course for people who are already working or volunteering with children and want to study for a degree. “I wanted to study at BGU because of its reputation for teacher training, and a career in teaching was my long-term goal,” said Ashlea. “I found out that they offered the Applied Studies foundation degree course, which I could access once a week to fit in with working at the nursery.” Following the two-year course Ashlea graduated in 2013 with a merit and then went on to study a BA (Hons) in Applied Studies (Early Childhood), which she completed in 2014, gaining a 2:1. Thanks to her training and experience Ashlea was able to develop professionally and in 2014 began working as a teaching assistant at New Waltham Academy in Grimsby alongside her studies. Last year Ashlea began the final phase of her training by undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). She will celebrate completing the course on Wednesday 15th July at 2pm during a ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral. “I would urge others, thinking about a career in teaching but working full-time, to consider the Applied Studies route,” said Ashlea. “Being able to train at the same time as gaining valuable real-life experience has definitely made a difference to my professional development. “I’m really looking forward to beginning my career as a Year 1 teacher at Signhills Academy in Cleethorpes this September.” BGU’s Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-related programme that enables working practitioners (or experienced volunteers) to study alongside their work and family responsibilities. Students choose from three pathways: Learning Support, Early Childhood or Children & Youth Work, according to their work role.
  5. Foundation Degree Sets Dad of Three on Road to Learning
    A father of three from Boston set off on the road to postgraduate study by enrolling on a Bishop Grosseteste University foundation degree course at Boston College. This week Dave Callow (37) will graduate with an honours degree from BGU at Lincoln Cathedral – and he is now set to embark on a master's course at the University of Lincoln. Dave left school at 16 with a good set of GCSEs, and after studying Art and Design at Boston College he tried factory work, landscape gardening and office roles, but he didn’t settle into a permanent career. After becoming a full-time dad he realised he needed a rewarding occupation. “I wanted to be an example to my kids,” he said. “I didn’t want to be coming home to them feeling miserable from a job that left me unfulfilled.” He approached Boston College for careers advice, began volunteering at his local school and re-took his Maths GCSE. In 2012 he enrolled on the BGU Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Learning Support) at Boston College and soon found himself being challenged to think about his work in school in fresh and interesting ways. “It awakened a thirst for knowledge,” said Dave. “I wanted a deeper understanding of social issues and injustices. At my work setting I found I was suddenly more aware of the complexities of children’s lives outside of school. “The connection between what we were learning in the modules and the day-to-day work was so strong; I felt drawn to working with families and to making a positive contribution to society.” One of the benefits of BGU’s collaborative partnership with Boston College is the opportunity it offers to people to study locally, said Dave. “At that time, as a full-time Dad in Boston, I just couldn’t have gone anywhere else. It gave me such an important step on the way.” At the end of his foundation degree in Boston Dave stepped up to the BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies in Education at BGU in Lincoln. “I’ve loved the experience of being in a university,” he said. “The BGU campus is lovely, the library is amazing and the tutors are nice and helpful. I like the structure of the progression year - the way the modules had been planned allowed us to become more independent as the year passed.” As he neared the end of his degree Dave knew he wanted to continue studying, so he spoke to careers staff at BG Futures and undertook an in-depth psychometric test. He applied for the MSc in Social Work at the University of Lincoln and within a few weeks he had been offered a place. Dave recognises that he has come a long way since he started. “When I think now about the first presentation I had to do on my foundation degree, it was one of the scariest days of my life! But now, at the end of the honours degree, I feel much more confident in my ability, my knowledge and myself. Even though I’ve finished my degree, I’m still reading about the things I’ve studied – it’s definitely unleashed something within me that wants to go on learning.” BGU’s Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-related programme that enables working practitioners (or experienced volunteers) to study alongside their work and family responsibilities. Students choose from three pathways: Learning Support, Early Childhood or Children & Youth Work, according to their work role. The course is validated by the university and delivered at three colleges in Lincolnshire – Boston College, New College Stamford and North Lindsey College in Scunthorpe – as well as at BGU in Lincoln. It usually runs over two years.
  6. New Mum Juggles Childcare and Study to Achieve Degree
    A student who became a mum while studying for a degree will graduate from Bishop Grosseteste University next week. Gemma Mills (21) attended an open day at BGU after the first term had already begun and was persuaded by lecturer Viv Kerridge to join the BA (Hons) Drama in the Community course the following week. In her second year Gemma, from Peterborough, discovered she was expecting her first child and her third year began just seven weeks after the birth of her daughter Ella. Since then she has successfully juggled the full-time course with motherhood. “The encouragement I received from the university has been phenomenal, especially following the birth of my daughter last year,” said Gemma. “As well as a bursary to help my partner and me cope with the additional financial needs, I felt truly supported as I returned for my third year on schedule.” Following the three-year course Gemma now has her sights on a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Drama Education, which she will begin in September at BGU. Gemma added: “The atmosphere at BGU has always been so supportive – whether you’re fresh from school, a mature student, or a parent with a young family, the ethos is one of inclusivity. “It’s for this reason that I’m intending to remain here to study the PGCE Secondary course.”
  7. First-Class Degrees for Husband and Wife
    A husband and wife who returned to study in their 40s will both graduate in Lincoln next week with first-class honours. Andy and Debbie Hicks had to juggle studying at Bishop Grosseteste University with work and looking after their two children, and Debbie also overcame a serious illness which forced her to miss most of an academic year. But on Tuesday 14th July they will celebrate their perseverance by receiving their degree certificates at Lincoln Cathedral. They are not the first members of their family to receive first-class honours: Debbie’s son Adam gained a first-class degree from Coventry University last year and her mother Christine Love graduated with first-class honours from Bishop Grosseteste College (as it was then) in the 1980s. Debbie enrolled at BGU to study Education Studies and History but after a year she decided that she no longer wanted a career in teaching, so she switched to the History and Theology joint degree course. “At the same time I found out that BGU offered a single honours degree in Theology,” she said. “Andy worked for the Life Church in Lincoln and it had always been his dream to do a theology degree, so he signed up for the course and combined studying with his job.” It was in December 2013 that Debbie became seriously ill; she needed three operations and was in hospital for much of the academic year. “We also moved house twice, my mother was very ill too and my stepfather passed away, so it was a very difficult time for us. We had just about everything thrown at us so it’s a wonderful surprise now to learn that we both gained first-class degrees!” With honours degrees under their belts Debbie (46) starts a new job next week as a community co-ordinator for the Royal Voluntary Service while Andy (43) is also looking forward to a change in his career. “We both thoroughly enjoyed our courses and we’re going to miss BGU hugely,” said Debbie. “It’s a wonderful university for mature students: it’s small and friendly and we found that the younger students accepted us as part of the group. “We owe a huge debt of thanks to the tutors at BGU, especially Jack Cunningham, who have been fantastic – we will miss them all so much.”
  8. Mother and Daughter Celebrate Graduation Success
    A mother and daughter will graduate together next week after completing their respective courses at Bishop Grosseteste University. During the ceremonies in Lincoln Cathedral, Judith Coe (46) will receive a merit for her Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood) and Hannah Coe (23) will collect her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Two years ago Judith, a qualified nursery nurse, was running a series of childcare groups in Spilsby, East Lincolnshire, when she decided she wanted to invest in her career and develop her professional skills. She has been studying for her foundation degree while continuing with her full-time job and raising a family. The course is a work-related programme that enables practitioners (or experienced volunteers) to study alongside their work and family responsibilities. Students choose from three pathways: Learning Support, Early Childhood or Children & Youth Work, according to their work role. “For two years I have managed to juggle family commitments, my job and my course,” said Judith. “And now coming out the other side with my foundation degree, I feel much more confident in myself and am looking forward to developing my career further.” Meanwhile Hannah, who has a passion for sport, is about to begin her first year as a qualified teacher following the completion of her PGCE in Primary Education. “I’m planning on spending my next year working as a supply teacher,” said Hannah. “I believe this route will help me put what I have learnt into practice and give me an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings. “I am so proud of Mum and all that she has achieved. How many people can say that they’re graduating at the same time as one of their parents?”
  9. BGU Tops League Table for Employable Graduates
    Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln has landed the second top spot among universities across the country for graduate employability, according to new figures published today (Thursday). Ninety-eight graduates out of every 100 who leave BGU following their first degree are in full-time employment or further study six months after graduating, according to the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey published by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency. BGU’s figure of 98.1% for 2013/14 is up from 96.5% the previous year and puts Bishop Grosseteste University as the second university in the UK league table (after the Royal Agricultural University) for the job prospects of its first degree graduates. The national average for all UK universities is 93.2% “This outstanding ranking is fantastic news for our graduates as it shows that they are ready and ideally prepared for the workplace when they leave BGU,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “We work very hard to ensure that our degree courses are career-focused and most of them incorporate a professional work placement during the period of study. A good example is our new Team Entrepreneurship degree programme starting this autumn which will require students to set up their own business while on the course.” The latest DLHE figures can be found here.
  10. Take That BGU! Dan Makes a Welcome Return
    A former Bishop Grosseteste University student is set to make a glorious return to the campus to perform as Take That star Gary Barlow. Dan Hadfield, who performs as the singer as well as acting as Gary’s official lookalike, is singing at BGU on Friday 6th November in The Venue from 7pm. Having performed with the man himself and appeared on the X Factor, Dan is known as the ‘number one Gary Barlow tribute artiste’ and performs his solo show across the country as well as abroad. He has also appeared on the BBC comedy Miranda. Dan said: “I know that it will be a pleasure to perform at BGU again. My mind goes back to performing in the university’s Stars In Their Eyes competition as David Gray with my friend Euan on guitar. We were the only entrants to perform live, and covered ‘Say Hello, Wave Goodbye’, a nine-minute song which brought the house down enough for us to win the competition.” Dan also worked in higher education for a while at both BGU and the University of Lincoln, but left that behind to perform as Gary. He is currently writing his debut album of original music, set for release in 2016. Hannah Clipsham, Events Manager at BGU, said: “It’s great that we can welcome back a former student to the university to perform. To have one who’s done so well in his chosen career is pretty special. This should be a night to remember, and we can’t wait to hear all those Take That hits live!” Find out more about Dan at www.garybarlowlookalike.com Tickets for the evening cost £15, with all funds raised going to the BGU Foundation Fund, which helps enhance the student experience and supports making a difference to people’s lives. The university is also offering a pre-concert meal to book in advance in the Refectory from 5pm to 6.30pm. To book, call 01522 583795 or visit www.thevenuelincoln.co.uk For further details contact the Conference and Events Office on 01522 583681 or email jessica.lyons@bishopg.ac.uk

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