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Children’s Spirituality Top of the Agenda at BGU
A total of 75 delegates from more than 15 countries converged on Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln for the biennial four-day event. Led by Dr Kate Adams, Head of Research at the university, and held in partnership with the International Association for Children’s Spirituality (IACS), the conference ran from Tuesday 26th until Friday 29th July. Dr Adams said: “There is a significant recognition that the spiritual dimension of life is often undervalued in societies which are consumer-driven and market-orientated. We wanted to explore the many elements of children’s spirituality through dialogue between those from different disciplines and cultures.” Entitled Spirituality and the Whole Child: Interdisciplinary Approaches, the conference attracted many of the world’s leading experts, practitioners and postgraduate students and was a forum for those working in education, social work, chaplaincy, psychology, youth work, ministry and neuroscience. Keynote speakers came from prestigious universities from across the globe and included John (Jack) Miller from the University of Toronto, Canada; Joyce Ann Mercer from Yale Divinity School, USA; and Jacqueline Watson from the University of Exeter, UK. They shared their research, insight and wisdom and stimulated debate on alternative schooling, restorative spirituality for traumatised children and integrated working to support children respectively. An additional 44 papers and workshops were delivered covering themes relating to spirituality in different contexts. These included the early years through to adolescence, music, art, meditation, mindfulness, children’s literature, resilience and religious approaches. During the conference, Dr Adams was elected as Co-chair of the association. “I am honoured to have been voted in to this role by our members,” she said. “IACS is an inclusive community which values the spiritual lives of children and young people, irrespective of their faith or lack thereof. It is particularly pertinent to BGU as a church university to be central to this significant work which is being conducted across the globe.” A series of social events took place during the week and included the formation of a community choir by conference delegates. The choir was led by Frances Kelly, a recent recipient of a British Citizen Award for services to community music-making in Lincolnshire. The delegates also enjoyed a bespoke tour of Lincoln Cathedral as seen through children’s eyes as well as a conference dinner showcasing the outstanding talents of BGU chef Jack Bridges and his team. -
Excellent student satisfaction
BGU is the second highest ranked public university in England for student satisfaction. Figures released today from the National Student Survey show that 92% of BGU students are satisfied with their university experience - that’s 7% higher than last year’s score and six percentage points higher than the sector average. Significantly seven courses reported overall satisfaction above 92%. Education Studies, Theology & Ethics achieved 100% satisfaction while three other courses – Early Childhood Studies, Primary Education with Recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status and Applied Studies – all recorded satisfaction levels of 97%. Dr Ruth Sayers, Executive Dean Learning, Teaching and International, welcomed today’s findings: “This is an excellent result for BGU and demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership with our students to improve their teaching and learning experience. We take what our students tell us very seriously and are always keen to hear what they have to say. We’ve introduced a number of initiatives to help give them a greater input including a new student engagement facilitator role which has been created to enhance and further develop a culture of staff and students working in partnership across the university. We’re also delighted with the overall response rate, which was 81% of eligible final year students, and would like to thank the Bishop Grosseteste Students’ Union (BGSU) for their support in encouraging people to take part.” BGSU President Kieran Parrish said he is thrilled with the outcome: “This shows that the students recognise the high quality of service they are actually getting from the university and that the relationship is one which is strong and transparent. From an SU point of view it is excellent to see how engaged and happy the students are, however, we know that there is always room for improvement. We are relishing the chance to build upon this and push ourselves to provide better for the students in the future.” The NSS statistics follow on from a succession of positive results for BGU. In April, the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) published its review which found that BGU met its expectations in all areas – academic standards, learning opportunities, information and enhancement. In July, the Destination of Leavers from Higher Education survey revealed that BGU is one of the top three universities in the UK for student employability with 97.2% per cent of students who leave BGU with an undergraduate degree finding work or continuing to study six months following graduation. Also during the year, Ofsted gave a very positive rating for all of teacher education – early years, primary, secondary and further education – and praised BGU for having a “clear vision and an extremely strong commitment to their engagement with partners in the FE and skills sector”. The Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, said it’s been an extremely successful year. “We’ve achieved some outstanding results this year which show that we provide outstanding facilities and support,” he explained. “It is also worth highlighting that we’ve recorded increases in all of the eight NSS question categories and attained one of the biggest rises in the country for overall student satisfaction. We conduct our own in-house survey every year and receive very positive feedback but it is very encouraging to see our students saying this in public. However, there is no room for complacency and we will keep growing the range of subjects on offer and further invest in improving our up-hill campus so that we can continue giving the students an excellent experience.” -
Need a New Career Challenge? Why Not Apply to University?
An Education Studies and Psychology student who was looking for a new career challenge and applied to Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln through Clearing will receive his degree at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday. Now he’s aiming to continue his education by studying for a master's degree in Forensic Psychology at the University of Lincoln. Glen Hughes (25) was disillusioned with his job as a carer and convinced Olivia Sagan, Academic Co-ordinator for Psychology at BGU, to offer him a place. He will graduate with a BA (Hons) degree in Education Studies and Psychology on on Wednesday 20th July. “I was pretty bored with my job and I rang up not expecting a place,” said Glen. “When I spoke to Olivia she gave me a place and I was like, what is going on here? I don’t think it really dawned on me that I was actually going to university! “My advice to anyone contemplating going to university through Clearing is: don’t hold back, just do it. When I contacted BGU I was bored out of my mind and they gave me what I needed.” Glen, from Bracebridge Heath near Lincoln, has been involved in a number of roles at BGU that help promote both the Education Studies and Psychology courses; he worked as a student ambassador and is now interning for Olivia and helping with her research projects. Before entering Clearing Glen studied for a BTEC in Health and Social Care at Andover College. He then moved to Lincoln and was a carer with Bupa for two years. -
BGU Short Courses Help Develop Employability Skills
Do you want to improve your interview technique or develop skills to help you in the world of work? Two upcoming short courses at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln can help participants do just that. The university is offering two one-day courses: Interview Techniques in February or June, and Preparation for Work in April. Both courses can help a range of people from those already in employment, to those looking for employment or their first job and those going back to work after time away. Interview Techniques on Friday 24 February or Monday 12 June 2017 will give participants the skills to help stand out during an interview, whether it be for work, further education or another venture. Participants will learn valuable interview techniques throughout the day before completing a practice interview to demonstrate their skills. The course is open to everyone and costs £60pp or £50 for BGU students and alumni. The Preparation for Work course can help participants improve communication skills at work, boost confidence and prepare you for the expectations of the workplace. According to the UK Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR), "Businesses are looking for young people who stand out from the crowd. They want you to demonstrate that you have a clear idea of where you’re going in life and show signs of having the personal qualities and confidence to get there" This course is designed to help you be aware of your own skills and how you can transfer them to a work environment. Open to everyone, the course on Wednesday 26 April 2017 costs just £35pp. For more information and to book please contact Gemma Fogg by emailing gemma.fogg@bishopg.ac.uk or calling 01522 583621. -
Ex-Student Dan Returns to BGU as Gary Barlow
Former Bishop Grosseteste University student Dan Hadfield will be back on campus on Saturday (1st October) to perform as Take That star Gary Barlow. Dan, who performs as the singer as well as acting as Gary’s official lookalike, will be singing some of Gary’s best known hits at 7.30pm in The Venue. Having performed alongside Gary Barlow and appeared on the X Factor, Dan is known as the number one Gary Barlow tribute act and performs his solo show across the country as well as abroad. He has appeared on the BBC comedy Miranda and last year amazed guests at a wedding in Cheshire by performing with Gary to the bride and groom! Dan worked in higher education for a while at both BGU and the University of Lincoln, but had a change of heart when he decided to turn his hobby into a full-time career. “It will be wonderful to see Dan back on campus performing all those Gary Barlow and Take That hits live,” said Hannah Clipsham, Events Manager at BGU. “We’re very proud of his achievements as a graduate of BGU and we’re sure this concert will be a special night for everyone.” The new Refectory at BGU will be offering a pre-show curry – to book a table email refectory@bishopg.ac.uk or call 01522 583795. Tickets to the concert cost £15 – to book visit www.thevenuelincoln.co.uk, call 01522 585635 or email daisy.wedge@bishopg.ac.uk. Find out more about Dan at www.garybarlowlookalike.com -
Win a signed Lincoln City shirt with BGU!
PLEASE NOTE: COMPETITION HAS NOW CLOSED As part of Bishop Grosseteste University’s ongoing partnership with Lincoln City Football Club, and to celebrate the Imps’ promotion to the Football League, we are delighted to announce a competition to win a signed shirt. We are giving away a Lincoln City home shirt (complete with BGU logo!) signed by the first team squad. For details on how to win please see below. BGU’s sponsorship of Lincoln City Football Club provides many mutual benefits for both the university and the club. From our sports students receiving coaching from Danny Cowley, The FA Cup visiting the university, to laptops provided by BGU helping the Imps on their remarkable FA Cup run, the opportunities this season have been plentiful. Study the new BSc (Hons) Sport, Coaching and Physical Education degree at BGU and you could receive coaching from Danny Cowley. Competition For your chance to win a signed Lincoln City home shirt simply like this Facebook post and comment with your answer to the question: What is the full name of our new Sport degree? Terms & Conditions for BGU’s signed Lincoln City shirt prize draw: There is 1 prize of a Lincoln City home shirt signed by the first team squad. Open to UK residents, excluding employees of Bishop Grosseteste University. Closing date for entries is 4.00pm on Tuesday 2 May 2017. Only one entry per person. Entrants must like and leave a comment with the correct answer on this Facebook post. The winner will be chosen at random. The winner will be informed by a reply to their comment plus a Facebook message on Tuesday 2 May 2017. By participating in this prize draw, entrants confirm they have read, understood and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook -
BGU students shadow national book awards
BGU Education Studies students are taking part in the United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA) book awards shadowing scheme this year. This national scheme takes place annually and offers students the chance to vote for their favourite new children’s book in a range of age group categories, 'shadowing' the official UKLA awards panel which includes teachers and literacy experts across the UK. The author selected by students nationally will receive a special award at the UKLA international conference in July. A group of 17 second year BGU Education Studies students volunteered to meet with lecturer Dr Helen Hendry and children’s librarian Janice Morris for four lunch-time meetings throughout this year’s second semester. They chose the 3-6 age range as the books are quick to read and fun to talk about! The meetings are informal and include time to talk about likes, dislikes and reactions to the text and illustrations. The students have been trying out the books on willing children of friends and family, and during school placements. They also used the official UKLA criteria to consider the relationship between words and illustrations, the author’s use of language, and to try to choose the book which young readers would want to read over and over again. Helen Henry said “involving the Education Studies students in shadowing the UKLA book awards is a fantastic way of widening their knowledge of current high quality children’s literature. This will be important for many of their future careers in education. “Through our informal discussions and consideration of the award criteria they really get a chance to think about what children gain from sharing stories and how picture books can be a powerful tool in the classroom. “This project also highlights the wonderful selection of children’s books and teaching resources in our library and encourages our students to use these when planning creatively on placement in partnership schools. It is a real pleasure to share the books with our students and debate and discuss our favourites!” Two students who respond to the shadowing event in an innovative way, perhaps by involving pupils and schools, can be nominated to attend the UKLA conference and meet the authors. At the end of May the student shadowers can vote individually online for their chosen winner. BGU students clearly know their books for children as last year both of the groups' favourites won their UKLA categories. Richard Byrne's 'This book just ate my dog' won the UKLA Students Award and Alex T. Smith ‘s ‘Little Red and the very hungry lion’ won the overall UKLA Book Award 2016 for its age range. We will find out in July if our students can pick a winner again! Do you want to get involved with the shadow book awards next year? Find out more about studying Education at BGU. -
BGU Lecturers Go Dutch
BGU lecturers Pat Beckley, Yvonne Hill and Tony Luby recently embarked upon an exchange visit to the Netherlands visiting schools in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. In their first visit to the country, they found excellent further education practice at ROC van Amsterdam zuid-oost in Amsterdam where students received personalised learning based on their workplace. Outstanding classroom practices and relationships based around Hattie's Visible Learning were displayed in Rotterdam's Emmaus primary school. Tony and Yvonne met with the 16 MA students who will be coming to Lincoln to study at BGU this October. Yvonne said the MA Education course at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences has given her "food for thought" - and with 14 of the students being primary teachers BGU should be able to give them a good experience for their third year stay in the UK. Tony Luby said that "the future looks orange" as he discussed during the visit various opportunities for building international relationships with schools in the Netherlands. The CEO and Principal of the Forge Trust expressed interest in taking forward this scheme which could benefit schools local to BGU. Find out more about teaching courses at BGU. -
From BGU to Tamil Nadu and back again
A journey of learning, discovery and friendship for our Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Students. As University field trips go – this has to be one of the best around. Eleven students studying Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (SENI) and four members of staff from Bishop Grosseteste University spent ten days in India learning how trainee teachers are educated in Tamil Nadu and visiting special education schools. At BGU, in addition to developing expertise in specific subject areas, students are also encouraged to develop a global outlook, strong academic practice, and the skills, qualities and attitudes needed for success in their future work and life. These are described as the BGU Graduate Attributes. Dr Claire Thomson, Head of Centre for Enhancement in Teaching and Learning (CELT) at BGU. said “there is little doubt that opportunities like this broaden our students’ horizons and foster a level of cultural understanding that will serve our students throughout their careers.” As part of the trip, BGU students had the chance to visit teacher-training colleges and engage with both undergraduate and post-graduate students enrolled on teacher education programmes. Through their interactions, both sets of students were able to discuss teaching methods and the educational systems in their own countries - and share information about their own lives. The visit also involved visiting a number of special schools, including a school for the blind, a school for the deaf and a school for students with learning disabilities. The BGU students led activities in each of these settings tailored to the students’ needs and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to put the skills they have learnt on placement in the UK into practice overseas as well as having the opportunity to gain real world experience, to back up their theoretical learning. “It was a once in a lifetime experience that will remain with us all forever” said Claire McGovern, a second year SENI student. Leader of the visit, Dr Julia Lindley-Baker said: “The University has established very positive relationships with the Southern India Diocese, who welcome and support our student study visits. Students continue to benefit from the warm hospitality we receive which facilitates opportunities to experience, understand and embrace cultural differences”. To give something back to their hosts in India the students took over a number of gifts for the institutions they visited and presents for the children in the special schools, including gifts for the girls living in a church-supported orphanage. Special Education Needs and Inclusion student Laura Hakner had, through a range of charitable events organised within her village in East Yorkshire, raised over £800 to be given to a range of deserving causes. It wasn’t all work, work, work however. The students were thoroughly entertained during their visit and enjoyed traditional and modern dance demonstrations, mime performances, and of course, delicious meals and refreshments – they even got to meet the Bishop of Tirunelveli Rt. Rev. J.J. Christdoss. It wasn’t all one-sided either with our students doing their best to entertain their hosts with dance moves of their own; leading a conga line of over 500 students in the Sarah Tucker College in Tirunelveli as part of a programme of entertainment. The momentum has not diminished since the students return to the UK either; one student is running a Students Creating Change project - as part of our acclaimed student engagement programme – to raise enough money to fund a student in India through their three-year BA Education programme. If you would like to contribute to this campaign, please contact Helen Waters-Marsh, Student Engagement Facilitator at helen.waters-marsh@bishopg.ac.uk Helen was fortunate enough to accompany the students on their trip to India thanks to the support of the Centre for Enhancement in Teaching and Learning (CELT centre) – which now sits at the heart of the BGU campus. CELT is committed to enhancing learning, teaching and the student experience and supports staff and students in terms of learning development, digital learning and student engagement projects. -
Lincoln Skyline to Feature on BGU’s Knight Sculpture
A pair of talented artists from Birmingham are putting Lincoln on the map by featuring the city’s iconic skyline on the knight sculpture being sponsored by Bishop Grosseteste University. Kieron Reilly and Lynsey Brecknell have called BGU’s statue ‘Knight and Day’, and it is one of 35 knights which will make up this year’s Lincoln Knights’ Trail celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln. The event organised by Lincoln BIG runs from 20th May until 3rd September and the knight statues will be unveiled at a launch evening at The Showroom in Lincoln on 27th March. As part of the trail BGU’s knight will be stationed near Newport Arch not far from the university’s campus. “Our design ‘Knight and Day’ shows off Lincoln’s beautifully unique skyline in silhouette form against a bold sunset, including our sponsor Bishop Grosseteste University,” said Lynsey. “Following the success of the Lincoln Barons’ Charter Trail in 2015 we’re sure that the Lincoln Knights are going to be loved by the locals and visitors from across the country, and we are proud to be a part of such an exciting project.” Kieron and Lynsey have very different artistic backgrounds: Lynsey has developed a career in theatre as a scenic artist and set builder while Kieron has a background in animation and now focuses on model making and design. They have successfully collaborated on many public art trails in the past and are looking forward to showcasing their design alongside the other sculptures on the Lincoln Knights’ Trail. “I’ve had a preview of our knight and it’s looking fantastic,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “We chose this design because we found it eye-catching and attractive, and also because it features the Lincoln skyline. The artists have adapted this to include the Skinner building on our campus in the silhouette, along with colours in the sky which fade up to BGU purple at the very top. “We think it looks wonderful and we’re looking forward to seeing it take its place as part of the Lincoln Knights’ Trail this summer.” Following the launch on 27th March each knight will be hosted by its sponsor to promote the trail, which will starts on 20th May – 800 years to the day since the Battle of Lincoln. The Lincoln Knights’ Trail is a Wild in Art event brought together by Lincoln BIG in partnership with Visit Lincoln and Education Business Partnership (EBP), in support of local homeless charity the Nomad Trust. Following a call for artists back in September 2016, over 200 innovative designs were submitted. A shortlist of 70 was drawn up and the artists given the opportunity to paint their design onto a miniature knight sculpture. The 35 sponsors then selected their favourite design. Following the trail the knights will be sold at auction at Lincoln Cathedral on 30th September. Two-thirds of the money raised will go to The Nomad Trust and one-third will help to create a new Art and Innovation Fund for Lincoln. The knights were designed and created by Wild in Art’s Creative Director Chris Wilkinson in the style of a chess piece.
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