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Survey Week success!
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently concluded its Survey Week, which ran from 30th January to 3rd February. During the week, students were encourage to take part in two surveys: the BGU Student Satisfaction Survey (BGUSSS) and the National Student Survey (NSS). The BGUSSS provides students with the opportunity to reflect on various aspects of their learning experience, including teaching, assessment, support, and resources. The NSS is a national survey that encourages final-year students to share their views on their overall experience at the University. Both surveys provide vital data that helps the University understand what is working well and where improvements need to be made. As part of the activities, students had the opportunity to meet some friendly dogs, enjoy delicious treats, free pizza, and engage with the Students’ Union clubs and societies. Those who participated in the BGUSSS were entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £50 One4all voucher and a £5 catering voucher for use in The Union Bar, Curiositea, or the Refectory (to be collected in person). NSS entries had the chance to win up to £150 reimbursement towards graduation costs.* Two winning students receiving their prizes In addition to the two surveys, What Uni also visited the campus, so students could write a review about BGU for the WhatUni? Student Choice Awards. Those who participated in this were entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £2,000 voucher.* BGU saw an excellent turn out for Survey Week, with response rates for both surveys up on the same time last year. The University values and considers all feedback given by its students and this is an opportunity for students to make their voices heard and be part of shaping the learning community at BGU. The information provided by these surveys is considered at University level and used to inform the University's strategic planning processes. This ensures that the University is continually working to improve the quality of the student experience, in line with student feedback. Each autumn, BGU produces a summary document reviewing the findings of both surveys and outlining key information, as well as detailing how the University plans to improve in key areas. * Winners are being contacted directly. -
International students share traditional dinner with University representatives
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently held a dinner party for its first-year international and Erasmus students at the university's urban diner, The Refectory. The students in attendance were from all over the world, including some from India, Germany, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, USA, Ghana, and Switzerland. At the event, everyone was able to enjoy a traditional fish and chip supper and spend the evening getting to know each other better. The university hosts a series of meals throughout the year, with Christmas, March, and summer being the usual times for the events. The dinner was an excellent opportunity for the students to meet with different people from across the university, including representatives from senior leadership, admissions, faculty, marketing, international team, and the Students' Union. International Manager Wayne Dyble welcomed the students to the dinner, highlighting the importance of the event in helping them integrate and feel at home in the university. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Scott Fleming also joined in, showcasing his linguistic skills by greeting the students in many different languages. "We are thrilled to host events like this for our international students. It's a great way to help them feel welcome and supported while studying with us" said International Manager Wayne Dyble. There are currently 80 international students enrolled at BGU. The University is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for its international students, and this dinner was just one of the initiatives in place to achieve this goal. Lehr Bhargava from Singapore is studying SENDI and Drama and also acts as the Students' Union's Racial Diversity Officer. She said: "Because of events like these, I've been able to create a community of people who are in the same position as me. The support here has been great." -
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!" -
BGU Carnival 2023
Promotion To promote the event materials were displayed around campus in areas such as main reception, Curiositea, the Refectory, the Chaplaincy, and Student Advice. A-boards were also placed in key high-traffic areas to capture the attention of as many students as possible. CELT arranged online promotions through the team’s digital display boards and Blackboard, and in collaboration with Marketing and the SU on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and the student portal. Carnival On the day of the carnival, members of CELT and the SU set up Room 3DY with an array of games, wellbeing activities, and music. The strategic placement of both the candy floss and chocolate fondue stalls aimed to encourage students to explore the entire carnival area before heading to their food stall of choice. BGU welcomed therapy ponies courtesy of ‘Rainbow Dreaming CIC’ whose aim is to enrich the lives of as many people as possible through their visits. ‘Jo’ and ‘Buggles’ were very responsive and calm when interacting with the students. The event officially opened at noon, with students initially gathering by the pony enclosure to learn about pony care and their role in helping wellbeing in institutions, such as education and the care sectors. After spending time in this area, students were directed to the carnival in 3DY. Upon arriving at the SU building, students were guided to where carnival bunting and a vibrant atmosphere awaited. A brief introduction by a CELT member set the stage for students to explore the carnival's various activities at their own pace. At the entrance, students were also presented with several support resources. One of these being the Wellbeing Toolkit, which has now seen the fantastic addition of The Recipe Booklet. Carnival activities included ball toss, tin can alley, hook-a-duck, and ‘mindful’ colouring. Games offered the chance to win prizes like a bag of sweets which came in gluten-free and vegan options. While enjoying the activities on offer, students also had the opportunity to indulge in candy floss and a chocolate fountain into which students could dip either marshmallows or fruit. SU mascot Lenny also made an appearance, partaking in a little ‘Pin the tail on the lion’ and offering free hugs and selfies. Most notably this year the infamous hook-a-duck went incident-free, enabling the mop and bucket to remain in the cupboard for another year. In summary, the carnival was a resounding success, generating a vibrant and positive atmosphere. The impressive turnout of over 125 students in 3DY and more than 150 at the pony enclosure underscored the event's popularity. Given the popularity of the event and the positive impact it continues to have on students’ wellbeing, we hope to see the return of the BGU Carnival in 2024. -
Teacher Education celebrates Good rating
Following a rigorous full inspection in April 2024, the entire range of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provision at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) was judged to be ‘Good’ by Ofsted. The University, which boasts over 160 years of heritage in teacher education was visited by 11 Ofsted Inspectors, who scrutinised the wide range of programmes designed to develop primary, secondary and further education teachers to be successful in their future careers. Inspectors commended the ambitious training curricula, noting the clear intent to develop high quality, insightful teachers who work to address social inequality and ‘change pupil’s lives’. Dr Matt Dunn, Head of Initial Teacher Education Programmes at BGU, said: ‘We are delighted with the outcome of this inspection, which mirrors our own self-evaluation. Our highly-qualified and committed team of teacher educators are passionate about the transformational power of education. We nurture excellent teachers, challenging them to be the best that they can be, empowering them to play their part in transforming the communities within which they work. ‘We are especially pleased that inspectors recognised our supportive and caring ethos as a particular strength, noting that trainees consistently reported a ‘family feel’ to their experience in their meetings with inspectors. We are committed to ensuring that our future teachers know how to maintain good mental health and wellbeing, both for themselves and the pupils they teach.’ BGU works with over 740 partner schools and colleges across the region to deliver high quality ITT, and inspectors recognised their vital input, supporting the university in constructing and delivering ambitious and relevant training programmes which meet the needs of employers and communities. With 550 trainee teachers in 2023/24 academic year, BGU makes a significant contribution to the teacher workforce. Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of BGU said: ‘I am delighted the University’s dedication to excellence has been affirmed by this inspection. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire community towards fostering a dynamic learning environment where students thrive, and aspirations are nurtured. I extend my thanks not only to our exceptional staff but also to our valued partners whose collaboration and support have significantly contributed to the University’s success. Together we celebrate this achievement, proud of the meaningful impact we continue to have in shaping futures and enabling individuals to succeed.’ Inspectors met with several trainee teachers and were impressed with the extent to which they felt supported and prepared to teach in their future careers. One trainee reflected on this after the inspection: ‘Bishop Grosseteste University has provided me with unique experiences, knowledge, and most importantly, the support I needed to undertake my teacher training. With the staff's accessibility, flexibility and patience, I could not ask for a better support system…BGU has modelled a fantastic level of motivation that I intend to replicate in my teaching career. With the team's brilliant understanding and confidence, I developed into the trainee teacher I am today’. Marshall, Primary Trainee. You can read the full Ofsted report here. Find out more about Routes into Teaching with BGU here. BGU staff and partners in Refectory -
Survey Week 2025
Monday 27th to Friday 31st January
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