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Empowering others through music therapy
Sabina Marr knew she wanted to be a music therapist since the age of 12. With a passion for music, a caring nature, and a fascination for the human mind, it made perfect sense to combine these elements of her personality and work towards a career in music therapy. Sabina added singing, the guitar, the piano and the viola to her list of talents, honing her own skills so she could use them to support others in the future. After gaining experience working for HCPT - a charity that works with young people and adults with complex needs - she enrolled on Bishop Grosseteste University's (BGU) Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion and Music course. Sabina said: "There were only a couple of universities in the whole country that offered this kind of course combination, so I went to look round BGU. As soon as I stepped foot on campus, I knew I was in the right place. "The University's approach is completely person-centred and I felt immediately welcomed into its community. Throughout my course I had fantastic support from my tutors and I was given the opportunity to complete placements that improved my confidence and provided experience that would prove invaluable in my future career." After completing a Master's in Music Therapy, Sabina joined Chiltern Music Therapy in 2021 as a Music Therapist. The non-profit organisation provides Music Therapy, Neurologic Music Therapy™ and Community Music services across England and strives for 'a world where music therapy is the transformative thread in everyday life.' Clients range significantly in age, background, personal needs, and goals. Sabina says it's a misconception that music therapists only work with children and shares that 60-70% of her client base are adults. Sessions can be one-on-one or to a group of clients, and may be delivered in schools - including those for students with special educational needs - or in a clinical setting such as brain injury rehabilitation, residential care homes, mental health facilities and hospitals. When defining music therapy, Sabina said: “Every person has the ability to appreciate and respond to music. Music therapists use this connection to establish and develop therapeutic relationships with the people they are working with, in order to meet relevant physical, emotional, social, behavioural, cognitive and communicative goals. Sessions are tailored so that they are accessible and targeted towards individualised development. "Music therapy is an established psychological clinical intervention, and is an internationally recognised practice.” She emphasises that her goal is not to teach others how to play instruments or read music. She says: "I use music to achieve non-musical goals. For example, when working with someone who has had a stroke, I may use melody and familiar songs to improve their clarity and fluency of speech. If the person needs support learning to walk again, I may use elements of music, such as rhythm, to help with their coordination and balance. If the individual is suffering from low mood, we may use song writing or musical improvisation to explore these feelings. "With music, you don't have to rely on words to express yourself, which is really helpful for my non-verbal clients. It's important to tailor the sessions to the individual needs of the client so we can make sure we're on the right path to achieving their goals. "There are so many ways music can be used to improve lives. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my clients progress and witnessing how much the sessions have helped them. Right now, I'm focusing on refining my expertise and continuing to use music therapy to empower others. " -
BGU announces honorary award recipients for 2023
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has announced the recipients of its Honorary Awards, which will be presented at upcoming graduation ceremonies in late July 2023. Five awardees are set to receive Honorary Doctorates for their outstanding contributions to academic achievement, social, economic or cultural life. Two Distinguished Honorary Fellowships will be awarded to individuals for exceptional contributions to the University and public life locally or regionally. Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees are husband and wife, Claire and James Birch, whose fundraising efforts have supported several local projects, including the reinvigoration of Doddington Hall. Charles Cormack, another recipient of an Honorary Doctorate, is recognised as a leader in international higher education. As the founder of the Ukraine Twinning initiative, his work paired UK and other international universities with Ukrainian universities to provide support and resources. Dame Judith Mayhew-Jonas DBE will also receive an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of her exceptional contributions over the course of her career, including as Dame Commander of the British Empire, Chairman of the Royal Opera House, Commissioner of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Chancellor of BGU. Another recipient of the Honorary Doctorate is best-selling female historian Alison Weir acclaimed for her extensive body of work, including 21 history books and 14 historical novels, which have collectively sold three million copies worldwide. Receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Hannah Spencer, Managing Director of LAGAT College and Trustee and Vice Chair of the Lincolnshire Employment Accommodation Project (LEAP), which aims to tackle the issue of homelessness. Her work has so far helped over 1,500 individuals and families find stable housing and employment. John O'Donoghue, a member of Lincoln BIG, will also receive a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship. His dedication to providing career opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students in Lincoln through his businesses has made a significant impact in the local area. He also acts as an external trustee for Bishop Grosseteste Students’ Union. Bishop Grosseteste University Vice-Chancellor, The Rev’d Canon Professor Peter Neil said: “We are proud to be awarding this year’s honorary recipients for their expertise and service in their respective roles. I am delighted to welcome them to our wider BGU community. “Each one of them is inspirational in their own right and all serve as excellent role models for our students in how to make a positive impact on society.” The awards will be presented during graduation celebrations at Lincoln’s Cathedral. Awardees were nominated by students, retired staff, alumni, and current or former University Council members. More information about each recipient can be found here. -
Sandford Awards recognise 43 educational heritage sites
43 heritage sites have been recognised for their outstanding educational provision at this year's Sandford Awards. The presentation ceremony took place on Monday 6th November at Hampton Court Palace, one of this year’s recipients. Among the winners were the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Ulster Folk Museum, Newcastle University Library, International Bomber Command Centre, and National Civil War Centre in Newark. A full list of awardees can be found here. The awards were presented by Dr Tracy Borman, Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. Dr Tracy Borman said: "It is a huge pleasure and privilege to be presenting this year's Sandford Awards. Yet again, the winners represent a diverse range of historic sites across the British Isles and some really innovative learning programmes. "It is an extra treat to be staging our first in-person ceremony since the pandemic and in such magnificent surroundings as Hampton Court Palace." The Sandford Awards focus on formal, curriculum-aligned, heritage learning programmes that take place in the historic setting or natural environment and use the history and collections or natural resources to engage, inform and inspire visitors. Recognition is also given to informal learning such as family programmes and self-guided provision. Over 500 heritage sites and services across the British Isles have received the Sandford Award since the first awards were made in 1978. Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) manages the Sandford Award in partnership with Heritage Education Trust. BGU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Fleming said: "We at BGU are delighted to continue our support for the Sandford Award and heritage education across Britain. Once again, the recipients of the awards are outstanding sector-leaders and we offer huge congratulations to them all.” Entries for the 2024 Sandford Awards open on Monday 4 December. To register your interest in applying, please contact at sandford@bishopg.ac.uk -
World Religions and Education Research Unit Launch Announced
Leading researchers in religion and education are set to convene for the official launch of the World Religions and Education Research Unit (WRERU) at an event hosted by Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. The launch, scheduled for Thursday 23rd November, introduces WRERU as a significant collaborative platform for scholars and researchers to explore the intricate interplay between education and religion. With a burgeoning membership comprising 49 individuals, including visiting or honorary staff, established staff, and doctoral researchers, WRERU stands as one of the largest research groups of its kind, boasting worldwide membership encompassing the UK, Australia, Turkey, Israel, and Hong Kong in China, while its research activities transcend borders. The launch will include the delivery of inaugural professorial lectures by WRERU Co-Directors, Professors Leslie J Francis and Julian Stern, as well as the unveiling of John Holdsworth's latest book, ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’. Professor Julian Stern said: “WRERU is one of the largest research groups of its kind in the country – in fact, in the world – and we are delighted to have it here at Bishop Grosseteste University. “Researchers with a common interest in how education and religions can work together will meet and exchange ideas, advancing research in the field. Lincoln has an ‘anchor’ institution, reaching out to schools and religious communities locally, nationally, and internationally. We are happy to be part of it." "My inaugural professorial lecture, entitled 'Education and Religion in a Somewhat Lonely World' will explore how big issues in education can be understood through key religious themes, and how both education and religion can help us to understand a world that seems increasingly troubled and lonely." Professor Francis said: “WRERU has been deliberately established at BGU as a Research and Knowledge Exchange Unit, focusing on international research that can impact both faith communities and wider society. “My inaugural professorial lecture is entitled 'Faith in Religions and Education: Growing stronger faith communities and nurturing a better society'. In this lecture, I will illustrate some of the ways in which the WRERU research community is already engaged in knowledge transfer to support faith communities and to nurture better understanding within religiously diverse societies.” The launch event welcomes attendees from all backgrounds, including those in schools, universities, religious organisations, and any individual interested in the intersection of education and religion. The event will be conducted both in-person at Bishop Grosseteste University’s campus and virtually via Zoom. Attendance is free, and registration should be confirmed via the Eventbrite page. -
Dr. Tim Galsworthy: Mississippi State University research fellowship
In November 2023, Dr. Tim Galsworthy (Lecturer in History & Military History) undertook a week-long research fellowship at Mississippi State University. Dr. Galsworthy was the inaugural recipient of the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Research Fellowship from the Mississippi Political Collections. As well as undertaking archival research, which will be part of his forthcoming book, Tim also gave a lecture based on his previous research into the 1960s Mississippi Republican Party. This lecture was attended by Mississippi State faculty and students, members of the public, and Congressman Michael Guest – Republican Congressman for Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District. Tim's research fellowship reflects the international scope and impact of BGU researchers. Find out more on Tim's work and role at Bishop Grosseteste University here. (BA Hons) History course at BGU (BA Hons) Military History course at BGU Photo credit: Mississippi State University -
UKNL Education Exchange 2024
BGU welcomed students and teachers from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences. -
Writing the Air War and Lincolnshire Conference
11th & 12th May 2024 -
BGU number 1 in 'Complete University Guide for History 2024!'
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has been included in rankings for the best universities for History in the UK, including courses on Ancient History, International History, and Modern History. The Complete University Guide helps students around the world research degree courses and universities, with their university league tables and rankings serving as a guide to which university is best for prospective students. Joint with the University of Derby, BGU scored highly in 'student satisfaction' with the ranking including students studying History and Military History! Programme Leader for History Dr W. Jack Rhoden, was extremely pleased to find out the news...'It's great to see our approach to teaching history and supporting our students recognised as exceptional once again. We are experts in small-group delivery and provide a welcoming and supportive environment for our students to thrive in. Our expert lecturers work closely with each other and with the students to develop challenging and interesting modules and assessments and ensure sessions are interactive and responsive to student needs. These results underline that BGU is the perfect place for anyone looking to study history in a personalised and supportive atmosphere.' The full league table for History student satisfaction on The Complete University Guide website can be viewed here. -
Guernsey placement success for pGDE trainees
Bishop Grosseteste University students on pGDE courses (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) in Sport, Performing Arts, Plumbing, Health and Social Care, Childcare, English and Engineering undertook a placement for a week at the Guernsey College of Further Education. All trainees on the programme have one main placement and the Guernsey visit was to enable them to see another setting beyond their own and also to show them different education system to BGU's. Guernsey was an experience that we would not of missed - it gave us an insight into the lifestyle of another teaching environment. We were made very welcome and as such were able to enjoy the culture and social experience. As a group it gave us the opportunity to bond and engage with fellow teacher trainers. Roger, pGDE student Guernsey College staff will be coming to the UK in the future for a reciprocal visit, where staff have arranged for them to spend some time in Further Education colleges where our trainees are based and a day at BGU. Input was provided to the colleges Continuing Professional Development (CPD) during the time trainees were with them on placement. This gave Guernsey an opportunity to develop relationships with trainees to fill any potential vacancies they have. This opportunity has allowed me to develop my skills as a facilitator. Working with the performing arts department in an environment that's so different from my current placement gave me great inspiration for carrying on my teaching practice. Keira, pGDE student What an amazing opportunity! Spending time with the staff at Guernsey Institute and gaining valuable insight into creativity within the English classroom was a treasurable experience. Thank you so much. Shelley, pGDE student Programme Leader Stefan Fusenich would like to give a shout out to the Guernsey colleagues... Jennette Heart Deputy Principal who supported me with the inception of the ideas, Lucy Mallet who co-ordinated the visit, and Venessa Mee, who arranged for me to deliver and trainees to attend the college's CPD day. -
Health & Social Care graduate nominated for award
Bishop Grosseteste University graduate Kayleigh Denman has recently been nominated for the Daisy Award by a patient she looked after in the course of being a student nurse. She is the first ever student at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust to receive this nomination! The Daisy Award is an internationally recognised award which identifies nurses and midwives who give extraordinary compassionate care. "I graduated from BGU in 2023 with a degree in BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care. I personally feel the course at BGU played a massive part in me being able to understand the meaning of evidence-based, compassionate care and how to professionally practice this. The course is particularly beneficial if you were like me and uncertain as to where in the health and social care sector you would like to go into, due to the broad spectrum of opportunities and choices. This course enabled me to learn multiple skills that cover all aspects of health and social care, preparing me for any challenges, achievements and decisions that will benefit me in the future. The skills and knowledge I learnt throughout the 3 years undergraduate degree helped me become a student nurse, allowing me to work to the best of my abilities, along with my understanding of how to communicate in a professional and friendly manner to all patients and staff members, as reflected by the nomination for the Daisy Award. The Health & Social Care lecturers were amazing in terms of knowledge within the field and they always went above and beyond to support and care for their students, to which I personally am grateful for. I am awaiting to start the MA Health & Social Care Leadership course at BGU, encouraged by the support and confidence given to me throughout the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care. Achieving a Master’s degree in this subject will enable me to consider different career paths that are available and allow me to proceed in a future career in an important role within this sector. I have already gained key skills and experiences during my undergraduate degree, giving me a solid foundation for my studies and the motivation to succeed and further boost my skills and abilities." We wish Kayleigh the best of luck in her nomination and fingers crossed for success!
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