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BGU Initial Teacher Education (ITE) students earn nationally recognised Primary Science Enhancement Award (PSEA)
The PSEA scheme enables student teachers to increase their experience and understanding of teaching and learning in primary science. -
Student teachers visit UK Parliament to explore parts of primary national curriculum
The intention of the trip was to develop our students understanding of teaching Fundamental British Values. -
Primary Education students host insightful podcast reflecting on the role of inclusive practice within teaching
Our BA Primary Education students have taken part in creating a podcast! -
Local primary school children visit BGU campus library for interactive reading session
Our undergraduate Early Childhood Studies (ECS) students welcomed children from Mount Street Academy in Lincoln to a reading session at our on campus library. -
Local school children study Brayford Pool's natural environment
Last week, children from Ruskington Chestnut Street School took part in a geography field trip to Lincoln, led by trainee teachers from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Three PGCE Geography students from the University spent a day preparing fieldwork for the Brayford Pool area of Lincoln, which was then taught to the primary school's Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. Geography fieldwork is an essential part of studying the subject, allowing students to explore and investigate the world around them. The fieldwork conducted by Chestnut School pupils provided them with hands-on experience and the opportunity to explore a new and exciting environment, and learn more about their local area. BGU's Dr Charles Rawding said: "Our three trainees did an exceptional job in preparing and delivering the activities. Their enthusiasm, creativity and expertise ensured that the pupils were fully engaged and able to get the most out of the experience. "It's wonderful to see pupils engaging with Geography in such a meaningful way. Fieldwork allows students to see the real-world applications of what they are learning in the classroom, and we are thrilled to be a part of it." -
Bishop Grosseteste University celebrates excellent National Student Survey results
For three subjects in particular BGU placed in the top ten in the UK, with Literature and English finishing in first place with a satisfaction score of 100%, Sport Science ranking second with 96%, and Health Studies rising to 10th nationally with a 90% satisfaction score. The NSS is an annual survey for undergraduate students that invites them to share feedback on their university experience. Around half a million students are asked to give their opinions relating to various aspects of their course, including teaching quality, assessment and feedback, and learning community. The results help prospective students make informed choices about their education and provide important data for universities and colleges to improve their student experience. The latest survey results show BGU has made substantial improvements in ranking across all NSS core question categories. In the 2022 survey, BGU is ranked in the top 30 for eight out of nine categories – including first for timely feedback, third for student assessment and feedback, and sixth for learning resources. Satisfaction with access to learning resources has also improved, with satisfaction with library resources climbing to 4th, and access to course specific resources rising to 14th. Other highlights also include Education and Teaching Training course areas, placed in the top 25 which is their highest ever ranking to date, and Childhood and Youth Studies reporting above sector satisfaction rates. Rob Boast, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Students) at BGU, said: “The community at BGU prides itself on ensuring that students are a name not a number, and we’re pleased that so many of our final year undergraduates, who experienced all the turbulence of learning throughout the pandemic, have shared such positive feedback about their time with us. “As a small university we are perfectly positioned to offer our students a personal and tailored experience, so it is encouraging that areas such as academic support, assessment and feedback, learning community and student voice have reported high satisfaction rates. “The sharp rise in our ranking across several categories reflects a lot of hard work from our staff across all departments, working collaboratively to provide a student-focussed learning experience, and we will continue with our ambitious plans to expand on our outstanding record for student progression, achievement and employability on a national level.” -
BGU graduate given Prue Goodwin Award!
This year's Prue Goodwin award has been presented to Bishop Grosseteste University Children’s Literature and Literacies MA student (now 2024 graduate) Emma Edwards, in recognition of her Master's dissertation which explored representations of disability in children's literature. Her research around this topic was incredibly in-depth and she was "very interested in the types of characters represented in literature, as well as how the children interpreted and understood them." Dr Prue Goodwin, who received an honorary doctorate from BGU in 2021, has been an inspiration to many colleagues and their teaching. Prue Goodwin trained as a teacher at BGU (1965-1965) and is now a world authority on Primary Education. She is a longstanding member of the UK Literacy Association (UKLA) and a prolific writer, having written and edited more than 18 books and guides. Emma commented: "I am really grateful that my master’s dissertation has been recognised through the Prue Goodwin award. I referred to her work during the research element of the study. The final dissertation was a result of a lot of hard work and was particularly challenging as I was balancing a Primary School teaching role, a new Senior Lecturer role and a young family.My dissertation stemmed from two key pieces of academic writing. Bishop (1990) identified that books were, ‘Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors.’ Blaska (2004) built on this work and went on to identify that ‘Perhaps no group has been as overlooked and inaccurately presented in children’s books as individuals with disabilities.’ My final work focused on representations of disability within children’s literature, particularly focusing on visible disabilities. I’m really proud of the work through this piece of research and I hope that I will have the opportunity to share my findings and build further on my understanding of representations within children’s literature in the future." Her award was presented by award-winning children's author Hannah Gold on Thursday 24th of July just after the BGU Graduation ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral. Hannah was attending the ceremony to receive her Honorary Doctorate from BGU. Congratulations Emma! -
End of an Era as Muriel Robinson Steps Down at BGU
The first Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln retires from her post today. Professor Muriel Robinson has been at the helm of the institution for almost ten years and has overseen a decade of growth, modernisation and diversification at the university. Having joined in 2003 as Principal of Bishop Grosseteste College, she was installed in January as the first Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. During her time as the head of the institution the number of students at BGU and the range of degree courses offered has expanded significantly. BGU gained the authority to award its own degrees in 2006 and achieved university title in 2012. She will be succeeded by the Rev Professor Peter Neil, who takes up the post of Vice Chancellor on 1st May 2013. “So far I have been at school, at college, a teacher, a lecturer and finally a vice chancellor. At last the bell for playtime is ringing!” said Professor Robinson, “I’m very much looking forward to the next phase of my life and I have so much more I want to do, from the trivial daily satisfaction of sending people birthday cards on time to the bigger plans around finding some enriching voluntary roles and finally having time to get to know this great county of Lincolnshire properly. “Of course I shall miss so many of the people I have worked with, and in particular the stimulation of our student body, but I know that both for me and for BGU this is the right time to step down. “We are on the brink of the next phase of our life as a university and it is appropriate for someone with new energies and new ideas to take BGU on that journey. “I wish BGU every success in the years ahead and I’m really proud to have been associated with it. Being first Principal and then Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University has been the best last job anyone could want!” Notes to editors Professor Muriel Robinson studied English and Education to doctoral level at the University of London and worked as a primary school teacher before becoming an education academic at Brighton Polytechnic (later the University of Brighton). She was Deputy Head of the School of Education at the University of Brighton and Vice Principal of Newman College of Higher Education before becoming Principal of BG in 2003. Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln was established in 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. It is an independent higher education institution based in Lincoln and awarding its own degrees at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level. It changed its name from Bishop Grosseteste University College to Bishop Grosseteste University in November 2012. -
BGU Lays Foundations for Work-Based Degree
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln welcomed a new intake of Foundation Degree students in February to cope with high demand for places. 23 students enrolled on the two-year course at the beginning of February in addition to the 120 students who started in September. "The increased popularity of the foundation degree sparked our decision to introduce a second intake of students that commenced in February," said Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU. "This year we have enrolled a record number of students to the course, and further interest is still being shown for the forthcoming academic year." A former children's entertainer from Durham, Matthew St Julien, has set his sights on developing his knowledge and increasing his range of skills after enrolling onto the course. He has six years' experience dealing with young people after working as a Redcoat at two Butlins resorts and overseas in America for the kids club on the Disney Cruise Line. "I've always enjoyed working with children from an entertainment aspect but decided to broaden my horizons," said Matthew. "The foundation course BGU offers was my best option. The combination of applying my years of experience to theory is simply the best of both worlds." In addition to studying at BGU Matthew is also volunteering as a teaching assistant twice a week at The Meadows Primary School in Lincoln. "As a teaching assistant I am responsible for small group learning, which gives me the opportunity to practise what I am taught on the course with the children in a more controlled setting. The information I'm receiving from the course is an eye-opener and I am considering furthering my education at BGU to increase my career prospects." Mother-of-three from Caistor Rachael Goeminne made the decision to utilise her free time and her child raising experience by enrolling on the course last month. She currently volunteers at Caistor Church of England and Methodist Primary School twice a week while learning in her spare time. "I left education 26 years ago which made me particularly nervous when I first started the course," said Rachael. "However the tutors and advisors have been very welcoming which is encouraging. The course has exposed me to many possibilities that I will consider for my future career within teaching or social care. Juggling studying, volunteering and family responsibilities can be quite intense at times, but I'm enjoying it nevertheless and hope to continue on to do a BA Honours degree at BGU." The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-based course appropriate for people who want to gain industry experience alongside studying for a degree. Students require a minimum of one year's experience working or volunteering with children, and continue to do so over the duration of their study. Foundation degrees are the equivalent of two-thirds of a full honours degree (BA Hons). The courses are designed to provide students with both a qualification and relevant skills which will appeal to employers. "A large number of foundation degree students advance to do a third year at BGU to gain a full BA (Hons) degree as they understand its importance for career progression," said Sacha. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU offers three pathways: Early Childhood, Children and Youth Work and Learning Support. To find out how to apply for a place, visit our course pages or call 01522 527347. -
New Head Transforms Failing School in Just Two Terms
An inspiring head teacher has transformed his school just six months after taking up his first headship. Buckminster Primary School between Grantham and Melton Mowbray was placed in special measures by Ofsted in April last year, and Bishop Grosseteste University graduate Jon Brown (36) was appointed as its new head over the summer. Today staff, children and parents at the school are celebrating after Ofsted took the school out of special measures and rated it as good with outstanding features. "For a school to come out of special measures so quickly is incredible - almost unprecedented," said Mr Brown, who trained as a teacher and studied for his MA at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. "Together we've turned the school round in just two terms, which is very rare. The biggest issue I faced when I arrived was that there were key areas that needed radical change. The school had limited leadership in place and the progress of children had eroded.I put firm plans in place and made new appointments, and in September we hit the ground running. The staff have had constant training about all elements of good to outstanding teaching and learning, and they've all pulled together. "We now have very robust systems in place to identify and track children's progress to make sure they achieve their full potential." Buckminster Primary School had its first monitoring visit by inspectors on 12th September 2013 and inspectors converted a further visit earlier this month into a full inspection. The school was taken out of special measures on Wednesday 5th February."The staff and I have worked really hard to refocus the children's attitude to learning, and the teamwork and community feel of the school is now very strong," said Mr Brown. He paid tribute to other local schools, CfBT Education Trust, Leicestershire County Council and staff at Bishop Grosseteste University, whom he described as "absolutely instrumental in providing continuous professional development. It's fantastic to have an institution at the cutting edge of education innovation and research right on our doorstep," he said. "So many of the skills I've had to employ at Buckminster were certainly born at BGU." "One of my very first lectures on outstanding teaching was about taking risk - I took a risk here and through hard work and dedication we have achieved our goals." Mr Brown is a member of the University Court at BGU and was made a fellow of Bishop Grosseteste University in 2007. He completed his MA in 2011 and graduated with his identical twin brother Nick, who is now Assistant Head of The Priory Academy LSST in Lincoln. "The children, staff and governors have all played an integral part in the transformational changes that have now taken place," he added. "The goal now is to get this school to outstanding across the board, where it deserves to be. I want the school to build its own vision and its own future involving children, parents and all the staff, and that's something that will set it on its journey to being outstanding." Bishop Grosseteste University was established in uphill Lincoln in January 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. It is an independent higher education institution which awards its own degrees at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level. It changed its name from Bishop Grosseteste University College to Bishop Grosseteste University in November 2012. Buckminster Primary School is a small, rural school for children aged four to 11. The school is housed in a Victorian building on the private Buckminster Estate between the villages of Buckminster and Sewstern on the Lincolnshire / Leicestershire border. The Ofsted report published today rates Buckminster Primary School as good with outstanding features. The quality of teaching is rated as good, the achievement of pupils is good, the behaviour and safety of children is outstanding and leadership and management of the school is outstanding. To view the report visit the school's website at https://www.buckminster.leics.s... or download the PDF from the Cision newsroom, at https://mb.cision.com/Public/235/9541734/85939b1d4da1533a.pdf. News release 24th February 2014
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