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BGU students invited to share their guidance in developing ‘Reading for Pleasure’
Students on the BA Primary Education with QTS course at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) have been sharing their good practice to encourage children to ‘read for pleasure’ with other HE institutions and schools. -
BG Futures Summer Social Brings Entrepreneurial Talents Together
The BG Futures Summer Social organised by Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) BG Futures Team returned this year to once again provide an informal opportunity for BGU based organisations and entrepreneurs to come together to celebrate the year’s successes. Held in the on-campus BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre the event offered a welcome opportunity for the current physical and virtual tenants to come together. A number of students who have been successfully developing their own business ideas with the support of the BGU Enterprise Club were also in attendance. All the organisations based in BG Futures are between one month, and three years old and are supported by Becky Goodman; Enterprise Development Manager along with the BG Futures Careers, Employability and Enterprise Team. New additions to the BG Futures community since the last Summer Social include Wilesmith, TaylorWalsh and Early Bird Lifestyle Support BG Futures has a broad remit ranging from careers guidance and support to enterprise development and application for further study. The team take great care of BGU alumni looking to start their own ventures and provide a bespoke support offer for up to two years after graduation, enabling them to continue to flourish by delivering employability advice and assistance applying for jobs or further study. With opportunities open to non-alumni as well, the on-campus business and enterprise centre equips new businesses and entrepreneurs with a base for their creativity and includes incubation units, a Hot-Desk room and Virtual Office facilities. If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure. -
BGU Team Win £15,000 Grant to Support New RE Learning Initiative
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has successfully bid for a £15,000 pilot project, allowing six local schools to develop an ongoing friendship with a trained 'faith practitioner', learning more about them and their religion & culture. The Learning About Religion through Dialogue (LAR-D) programme is designed to nurture local Religious Education (RE) teachers, strengthen RE teaching and encourage pupils to engage in direct dialogue with faith practitioners. The six chosen schools will be allocated a specific faith member who will then visit and become a ‘friend’ of the school for 6 months. The schools can then craft sessions for their pupils with the practitioner to help them discover more about faith and culture. The LAR-D programme is based around the concept of enquiry-based-learning (EBL) which stems from the RE-searchers programme. It encourages pupils to research and explore ideas for themselves by making direct contact with people of faith, in order to converse with them about matters that are of concern or interest to them. This allows the pupils to form a relationship with the faith-members, and engage in ongoing conversation providing wider learning, rather than merely asking questions and getting answers. If you’re interested in a future exploring and discussing religion then our Theology courses and RE teaching pathways could be for you. Visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team today for more information. -
Successful Scoping Event Creates New Opportunities for Women in Third Sector Leadership
Earlier this year staff from the Psychology department at Bishop Grosseteste University, working in partnership with Involving Lincs and the Community Fund, facilitated a scoping event relating to resilience in leadership, specifically focusing on women in the Third Sector in Lincolnshire. The event heard from sector leaders to establish opportunities, aspirations, successes, barriers and needs and was well received by those in attendance who praised its "Great communication, fantastic insight into the working reality of women in leadership" In response to the feedback from the scoping meeting, efforts are now underway to run a second opportunity for Women In Third Sector Leadership on Thursday the 19th of September. Thomasin Nicholds, Lecturer in Psychology at BGU and one of the event organisers, explained what participants could expect from it: "The second event has been designed by some of the participants of the last session, to develop peer support opportunities and a greater understanding of mentoring. Individuals will be exploring the benefits of developing these professional relationships in order to enable their own wellbeing at work and that of their colleagues. The theme running through the event will be how we ensure a resilient leadership in the third sector, with further exploration as to what this means specifically for women leaders. A working group of leaders has designed the session and are keen to consider the Leadership needs across the third sector, via new and existing resource, all facilitated by partnership working." You can book your place to join in the event here. In addition to sector leaders there are also opportunities for students to be involved both in the running of the day and with follow up work in project and research development. For more information contact Thomasin Nicholds, Lecturer in Psychology at BGU. If you are interested in finding out more about studying Psychology at BGU, visit our website, contact our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. -
BGU wellbeing research reaches a wider audience at national conference
Academics from the School of Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), Dr. Emma Clarke and Aimee Quickfall, presented their on-going wellbeing research at a British Education Research Association (BERA) special interest group, last month. The BERA Mental Health, Wellbeing and Education special interest group support researchers in education who are looking at the mental health and wellbeing of students, teachers and children. Their July event included presentations from The Education Support Network, Professor Andrew Ravenscroft from the University of East London and Dr. Elizabeth Nye from the University of Oxford. Following the event Aimee explained how the diverse nature of the attendees made the BERA group the perfect place to present their research: “The attendees were hugely supportive and interested in our research methods and findings. We have made links with other universities and organisations who have the same passion to improve conditions for teachers and trainee teachers that we have, and we look forward to working with them in the future.” The research project at the centre of Aimee and Emma’s presentation, which has so far included projects in Finland, Denmark and at two universities in the UK, has been carried out by Shaun Thompson, Sue Lambert, Hannah Wells, Dr. Claire Thomson, Dr. Emma Clarke, Aimee Quickfall, a team of student researchers on the BGU PGCE Primary programme and Professor Jonathan Glazzard at Leeds Beckett University, as well as faculty members in The University of Eastern Finland and UCC in Copenhagen. For Dr. Clarke the opportunity to work with student researchers on the project was a particular highlight: “The interviews and other methods were enjoyable for researchers and participants. We particularly enjoyed working as a team with student researchers, who helped to design the research and to keep it strongly focused on the student experience of the PGCE.” Strands of the project have used photo-elicitation to capture the daily experiences of being a teacher trainee, as well as drawing timelines of the whole programme in terms of well-being and semi-structured interviews to talk through the photographs and timelines. The team have also used a simple 'see-saw' model for trainees to consider their resources and challenges and whether they can balance these. The team are now building in sessions for trainees on the PGCE Primary to think and talk about their well-being based on their pilot study findings, as well as rolling out the well-being research for a second year with Leeds Beckett University and international collaborators. If you’re interested in a future in education, our BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (3 year undergraduate degree), BA (Hons) Primary Teaching Studies with QTS (15 month top up degree), and PGCE courses are the perfect ways to begin or continue your adventure on the path to becoming a fantastic teacher! If you have any questions, our Enquiries Team are ready to help. Contact them today or visit our website to find out how to take your next steps. -
Successful Students See Support Service Soar From Strength to Strength
Enterprising students Damian Taylor (MA Health & Social Care) and Neil Martin (BA History) are the latest success story to emerge from BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Having joined the BGU Enterprise Club just a few months ago the duo have gone from strength to strength with their growing business EarlyBird Lifestyle Support and are already working from their own premises. EarlyBird Lifestyle Support is a friendly well-being service based in Lincoln and serves the city and surrounding areas helping people with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, collecting prescriptions and medication, food shopping, trips out, escorting individuals to appointments and more. Speaking to the BGU Futures Team, Damian discussed how the support from the Centre helped him, Neil and their team reach their goals: “Being able to become residents in the BG Futures Enterprise Room has allowed us the time and space to work productively whilst in the early stages of our business. One of the main benefits is that it has allowed us to present ourselves to local authorities and other community professionals as a legitimate and professional business. The guidance and advice we have received from Becky has been incredibly important for us and invaluable. The enterprise centre is a fantastic resource for new and upcoming businesses. You may have the misconception that you have to have it all figured out with a full business plan before you receive support, this is far from the truth, you can be at the very being stages of an idea! Mixing this support with my 10 years front line and management experience in the sector, along with the Health & Social care provision at BGU, has really enabled Neil and I to create a service that brings both health care and social care together which allows us to offer holistic and bespoke person centred support with a wider understanding of social injustices and the adult social care crisis. I would encourage anyone even thinking about going into business or anyone with a concept for self-employment to come in and speak to someone. I can guarantee you won’t regret it!” Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures, was equally full of praise for the hard work of Damian and his team: “It has been great to work with Damian and Neil over the past few months, and I am excited to see how the business grows and develops over the coming months and years Damian first contacted us following a visit I made to his MA Health and Social Care course and after meeting with both Damian and Neil it became clear that the business needed the space to grow. The duo moved into the BGU Enterprise Club room in BG Futures, and from there we have watched them grow from strength to strength, from recruiting staff, to sourcing promotional products and hope that we have made a real impact to their start up journey, and continue to do so as they take up an office of their own with us in the centre.” The Careers, Employability and Enterprise team strive to support all students during their studies to research and plan their career, and to improve their employability. The BGU Enterprise Club hosted by BG Futures also provides students with Business Start-up support and guidance, in addition to free office space*, and the opportunity to pitch for start-up funding. If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure. Support from EarlyBird is available to anyone in Lincolnshire and the surrounding area, to find out how they can help you visit their website, or get in contact via email at info@ebls.co.uk or on 01522424161. On the 31st of August EarlyBird will be running a charity fundraiser in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. Join them from 10am at Freshney Place, Grimsby, as they attempt a ‘Coast to Coast’ 168 mile cycle. Alternatively you can donate to their efforts here. *Competitive process applies. -
Teenage Market Heads to the Coast to Encourage Enterprising Entrepreneurs
As the Lincoln Teenage Market continues to grow, the Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) based BG Futures team behind it are developing new and exciting partnerships with keen supporters. One such partnership is with the Lincolnshire Coastal Business Improvement District. A Business Improvement District (BID) is a precisely defined geographical area where the local business community has voted to invest in additional services to those provided by the local authority. By working with the Coastal BID BG Futures aims to inspire and support young entrepreneurs from across the wider county, in particular within Skegness and the surrounding area. BG Futures also aims to work with the local population to raise aspirations, and promote social mobility by providing informal careers advice and guidance, and promoting the BGU offer within the coastal community. Part of this initiative included bringing the Teenage Market to the centre of Skegness, providing entrepreneurial young people with the chance to trial new business ideas and sell creative products in Tower Gardens just off the seafront. Alongside the market BGU partnered with the local Premier Inn to raise funds for their chosen charity GOSH, while members of their team provided face painting for youngsters. Free crafts were also provided by BGU most notably by regular volunteer Jill Draycott who is a keen advocate of the market. Following the market Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager, and Nikki Smith; Careers, Employability and Enterprise Adviser at BGU praised the event for what it could do for the wider area: “Taking the Lincoln Teenage Market on tour to Skegness has been a particular highlight of our summer series of markets, and it has been great to partner with The Coastal Bid team on this to take the Market to the coast. Seeing new stallholders showcase their entrepreneurial talents, and our existing stallholders thrive in a new location backed by The Coastal Bid, local mayor, town council, and local businesses gives all of the BG Futures team an immense sense of pride“ The Teenage Market offers budding traders, business owners and performers the chance to trial their entrepreneurial ideas in a realistic and supportive environment. If you’d like to find out more about the Lincoln Teenage Market or perhaps get involved as a trader or performer at the next event, please contact the Teenage Market team at: teenagemarket@bishopg.ac.uk. You can also follow Lincoln Teenage Market on Facebook -
BGU lecturer joins academic and literary legends in exploring a balanced curriculum for children
Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes for Primary and Early Years in the School of Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), has contributed a chapter to a new book on the primary curriculum.'A Broad and Balanced Curriculum in Primary Schools: Educating the whole child' identifies the pressures of standardised testing and the focus on English and maths as impacting factors on teaching time, and asks how teachers can ensure that the curriculum truly is broad and balanced. Contributors provide an exploration of the current challenges in the curriculum as well as guidance on how to tackle them. Aimee's chapter looks at using philosophical inquiry with primary age children and how an hour a week of thinking deeply and discussing interesting questions together can improve teamwork, mutual respect, problem-solving skills, as well as writing, reading and mathematics achievement. Contributors include children's literary legend and former Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen; and Professor Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education (Literacy) at The Open University in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies and is available now through a number of outlets. Speaking following the book's publication Aimee expressed her delight at being involved: "I am delighted to have been invited to contribute to this very important book, which reflects how passionately the School of Teacher Development team at BGU feel about a broad and balanced curriculum for our teacher trainees and their pupils" If you’re interested in a future in education, our BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (3 year undergraduate degree), BA (Hons) Primary Teaching Studies with QTS (15 month top up degree), and PGCE courses are the perfect ways to begin or continue your adventure on the path to becoming a fantastic teacher! If you have any questions, our Enquiries Team are ready to help. Contact them today or visit our website to find out how to take your next steps. 'A Broad and Balanced Curriculum in Primary Schools: Educating the whole child' is edited by Susan Ogier and published by Sage. -
Heritage sites and museums across the East Midlands recognised for their informal learning at awards event
Over 30 museums, historic houses, cathedrals and country parks from the East Midlands that took part in the Sandford Award for Informal Learning (SAIL) were recognised at a major award ceremony this week. SAIL, a National Lottery Heritage Fund joint initiative of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and the Heritage Education Trust, supports museums and heritage sites to create memorable learning experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. From family discovery trails and toddler ‘mini museum’ play sessions to reminiscence sessions for visitors with dementia and autism-friendly visits, visitors to these award-winning sites can enjoy new opportunities to touch objects, share stories and see previously hidden treasures. Dr Tracy Borman, Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust, who presented the awards at the ceremony which took place at the National Civil War Centre, Newark said: “I am delighted to be presenting the SAIL awards, which recognise and celebrate informal learning at heritage sites. When we hear the term ‘heritage education’, we tend to think of school visits, but learners come from all backgrounds - from families and young adults to aspiring historians and those with special needs, or visitors simply looking for an enjoyable day out. Our award winners have shown just what a difference high quality programmes can make to visitors of all ages and abilities.” Professor Scott Fleming, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of BGU said: “The awards event was a wonderful celebration of inspiring work from across the East Midlands. So much of what’s been achieved is exactly what BGU is all about – inclusive education, outstanding learning, sharing heritage and changing lives. We’re delighted to have been involved.” Anne Jenkins, Director Midlands & East at the National Lottery Heritage Fund explained how the project was a perfect candidate for its support. “The National Lottery Heritage Fund has supported nearly 12,000 projects with over £1.6 billion National Lottery funding in the Midlands and East region, including the National Civil War Centre. Learning is central to most of our projects. Delivering best practice in learning has certainly been at the heart of this project led by Bishop Grosseteste University. The programme has played an invaluable role in building the confidence and skills of the heritage sector in this part of the world.” For more information please contact Lorraine Heyes, Sandford Cascade Learning Officer on 07808 018924 or via lorraine.heyes@bishopg.ac.uk Full list of award recipients: Banks Newton Heritage Beaumanor Hall Belton House National Trust Boughton House and the Montagu Monuments Bradgate Park Canalside Heritage Centre Chainbridge Forge Corby Heritage Centre Cotesbach Educational Trust Creswell Crags Museum and Heritage Centre Cromford Mills Derby Museums Trust: Derby Museum and Art Gallery Pickford’s House Doddington Hall Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association Erewash Museum The Flintham Museum The Hero Project Hinckley & District Museum Kedleston Hall National Trust Leicester Cathedral Lincoln Cathedral Lincolnshire County Council The Collection Lincoln Castle Gainsborough Old Hall Museum of Lincolnshire Life Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum National Civil War Centre Nottinghamshire County Council Bestwood Country Park Sherwood Forest Rufford Abbey Perlethorpe Outdoor Education Cotgrave Country Park The Mill at Kingsmill St Michael’s Centre Normanby Hall North Lincolnshire Museum Nottingham Industrial Museum Nottingham News Centre RAF Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre Sir John Moore Foundation Southwell Minster Spalding Gentlemen’s Society Sulgrave Manor Thoresby Park We’ll Meet Again WWII Museum -
Explore Punk Aesthetics and Sexuality/ies at a free event this October
Punk has arrived in Lincoln! Between August and November 2019 Lincoln Castle are exhibiting work by artist Jamie Reid and designer Vivienne Westwood. In response to this, academic staff at BGU are hosting an event which draws upon some of the voices often ignored or marginalised in the re-telling of punk history as well as representations of punk and its cultural legacy. The event, titled 'Punk Aesthetics and Sexuality/ies', will be held on Saturday 19th October and promises 'an evening of words, film and art'. There will be a discussion panel of academics, zine community representatives and band members, a short documentary from the Rebel Dykes, and a live set from Kermes. The event has been organised by Laura Way (Lecturer in Sociology) and Francis Stewart (Implicit Religion Research Fellow) as part of their ongoing work as members of the Punk Scholars Network and is part of a series of themed events. This will be a free event however spaces are limited so booking is essential. Refreshments will also be provided and there will be a 'zine’ table on the night. Whilst a free event, donations on the night will be welcomed towards covering the costs involved. As a non-profit event all money received will go to the contributors. Full details of panel members and documentary details will be detailed on the event’s blog and Facebook event page. Remember booking is essential, tickets can be booked here. If you would be interested in joining these discussions in even more depth visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team for more information on our wide range courses including a selection of joint honours BA Sociology and Theology degrees.
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