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  1. BGU Lecturer Helps Promote Social Innovation in Malaysia
    Dr Elinor Vettraino, Head Coach and Programme Leader for Business and Enterprise at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), was one of five team coaches selected to support the development of social innovation in projects in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. The SITEL project (Social Innovation through Team Entrepreneurial Learning) created by the University of Westminster and funded by the British Council, was an intensive Trans and Multi-Disciplinary five day workshop designed to foster an eco-system for developing resilient social enterprise through entrepreneurship education. The focus of the programme was to provide opportunities for early career researchers from both Malaysia and the UK to learn from each other and explore opportunities for building long-lasting research connections to explore solutions to social innovation challenges in the area. Dr Vettraino was delighted to be involved in the project: “It was a privilege to be asked to coach a team in this project and to have the opportunity to add real value to research in the region which will lead to real action.” The project Dr Vettraino was involved with was an agro-tourism farm-stay located close to Mount Kinabalu. Research into the challenges for the local community indicated the need for technology to support the development of irrigation systems, as well as training to support the youth of the area to stay and continue to work in the community. Dr Vettraino added that the future applications of the project team’s efforts created exciting avenues for community development: “Funding is available to take forward some of the project ideas that were generated during the programme and it is fantastic to have been involved in genuine development of opportunities for the people in the area.” Dr Vettraino is head of the Business and Enterprise area at BGU. You can find more information on the exciting opportunities offered by BGU’s Business courses on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team.
  2. PGCE Students Unleash their Wild Side for Innovative Learning Experience
    PGCE Secondary Physical Education and Dance trainees at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) went on a trip to Sherwood Forest GoApe where they spent several hours enjoying a unique learning opportunity in the tree top adventure. The PGCE GoApe experience is used as a cohesive activity for prospective teachers to experience learning opportunities out of the classroom. Building bonds with one another and understanding how to work independently and together to achieve difficult tasks. The session consisted of three hours of climbing, swinging and jumping through different layouts and unique crossings. The high ropes course for new and returning adventurers alike continued to challenge all in different ways and to successfully complete it the trainees were required to utilise their strengths and work together as a team supporting one another. All of this builds back into the skills they will need in their future careers and this year’s group found it worthwhile experience with one saying: "The trip was extremely useful for team building and communication between participants, and would be a really useful classroom tool. It was really enjoyable." Whilst another of their teammates discussed how it could be built back into their future work: "It helped all participants realise and experience the various aspects of the hidden curriculum. This kind of activity would be brilliant to take a small group of A-Level or GCSE pupils." You can find more information on the wide range of innovative PGCE courses offered by BGU on our website. Or contact our Enquiries Team to find out how to begin your journey into teaching.
  3. Encouraging Inclusive Leadership around the World
    Umar Zamman, Director of People and Organisational Development at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), recently delivered a speech to the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) on the power and importance of being inclusive leaders. He was awarded a bursary by the ACU to attend the conference. Speaking at the ACU’s global ‘HR in the HE Community’ conference in Canada, Umar discussed the characteristics, actions and qualities of an inclusive leader, examining how HR can support leaders to be more inclusive and help organisations create an inclusive environment and culture. Delivered by strategic HR practitioners, the conference programme included an exciting line up of 27 international speakers from 12 countries across the Commonwealth, featuring a mix of presentations and panel discussions. In addition to Umar’s address, delegates discussed how to meet the many challenges facing HR professionals working in Higher Education today, as well as exploring opportunities for the profession in the future. Activities throughout the conference were guided by four sub-themes, which had been identified by HR practitioners from universities across the Commonwealth as their key priorities: HR as a strategic partner Exploring how HR can transform into a more effective resource for the organisation, enhance its credibility, evolve into a strategic partner, and align business objectives with university goals. Leadership and capacity building Building the capacity to effect change and fulfil the University's mission, engaging and inspiring teams to get the best results, and creating participatory and collaborative processes that develop the abilities of the next generation of leaders. HR in the digital age The impact of technology on human resource management; using digital HR tools and approaches to recruit, develop, and retain a talented workforce, and the changing role of people management in the digital era. HR operational excellence Developing an HR analytics framework to drive strategy, becoming a proactive, collaborative business partner; transforming operations using organisational design theory, identifying and adopting world-class capabilities, and delivering maximum value from your HR function. Returning from the conference Umar described it as being a part of positive change in the Higher Education Sector: “It was fantastic to be asked to represent BGU at the Association of Commonwealth Universities Global HR conference. I met some wonderful colleagues from around the world and it enabled me to share best practice on inclusive leadership in the HE sector. “It also gave me an opportunity to talk about some of the great things we are doing here at BGU. I look forward to the next ACU conference in 2020” The staff and academics at BGU are regularly invited to present at conferences around the world, you can follow all their travels on our news page and find out how you can start your own adventures on our course pages.
  4. Students Cover BGU in Natural Artwork
    Visitors to Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) may have seen some interesting stone circles and leaf collages around campus this week.
  5. BGU Lecturer Leading Innovation in Health & Social Care
    During the Summer Nicki Walsh, Programme Leader for Health & Social Care at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), presented at a number of international conferences showcasing the work being undertaken in Lincolnshire to support improvements in General Practice. Changing health and social needs, due in part to longer lifespans and rapidly ageing populations around the world, mean that many causes of ill health are chronic and more complex due to comorbidities (e.g. Diabetes, respiratory disease). This therefore requires the providers of Health and Social care to respond in a dynamic, flexible and sustainable way to these pressures and challenges. While adapting, the focus of practitioners must be on the delivery of safe, effective and appropriate care. General Practice (in the UK) is well placed to respond to these pressures (NHS England 2013 and NHS England 2015). At the heart of this response is the General Practice Nurse (GPN) however workforce demographics and years of underinvestment in the workforce will see the number of skilled nurses needed reduce considerably in the next 10 years (QNI, 2015), causing what can be termed a “knowledge haemorrhage”, where practice experience and intuitive practice are lost. Therefore, investment in pre-registration and post registration professional education along with creative solutions which respond to this knowledge loss are needed (Walsh, 2017). This is particularly true of recruitment and retention both of which are key to ensuring that provision is fit for purpose. In August, Nicki presented at the 2nd International Conference on Nursing Science & Practice (United Scientific Group) in London. Her paper looked at a number of interventions and activities which are occurring locally to support the GPN agenda. This included the work with Lincs West CCG, which sees a monthly GPN Educational Forum held at BGU. It also looked at the data from the evaluation of a project with the University of Lincoln, which explored getting newly qualified nurses into General Practice. In addition Nicki presented her preliminary findings from her PhD, which is using a diabetes lens to look at the value and effectiveness of continuing professional development (CPD) for GPNs. At the beginning of September Nicki was in Cambridge presenting at the 29th International Networking for Education in Healthcare Conference (Advance HE). Delivering her preliminary findings of her PhD to an audience of peers she was well received and was able to establish some important networking opportunities. Finally, at the end of September a Nicki’s collaborative work with Rachel Mason (from the University of Lincoln) was presented at the Queen’s Nursing Institute Conference at the Royal College of GPs. This showcased work which saw undergraduate student nurses undertake their final management placement within General Practice. This was again well received and work is currently being carried out to prepare a case study for the Atlas of Shared Learning at the request of NHS England, which is designed to showcase examples of good practice designed to lead change across the NHS. All of this work leads to the new BGU Master's Programme for Primary and Community Care which will see BGU enter the evolving field of Practitioner education with a focus on Advance Practice. You can find out more information on this course along with all the Health & Social Care opportunities at BGU by visiting our website or contacting our Enquiries Team.
  6. Future Art Teachers Unearth Historic Gems
    PGCE Secondary Art and Design trainees from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) spent a day in Yorkshire visiting The National Arts Education Archive, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth Wakefield. There were many highlights for the students to enjoy but perhaps the most revealing came during an exploration of the archives with the arts educator Tony Chisholm. Tony introduced the group to examples of pupils’ art works dating from the 1940s to recent times and unpacked exciting and thought provoking examples of artworks created by secondary school children in particular. The quality and scope of the art was certainly an eye opener for the PGCE students and provided plenty of food for thought for their future careers. The remaining part of the day included an exploration of the current exhibitions at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and The Hepworth including Giuseppe Penone and Lee Miller. Field trips to these sites are an annual event on the programme which have also included trips to Tate Modern and the Courtauld Institute of Art in previous years. BGU have been training high quality teachers for over 150 years so when it comes to education there is nowhere better to study. You can find more information on the wide range of innovative PGCE courses offered by BGU on our website. Or contact our Enquiries Team to find out how to begin your journey into teaching.
  7. BGU Officially Welcome New Students at Annual Matriculation Ceremony
    Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) formally welcomed nearly 600 students at the annual Matriculation Ceremony on Tuesday 9 October. Now in its fourth year the welcoming ceremony has become an established and popular part of the academic calendar. All newly enrolled students are invited to the ceremony, held in the grand surroundings of Lincoln Cathedral, which gives both undergraduate and postgraduate students the chance to meet University staff and each other. This year’s ceremony began at 3pm with a procession of over 100 BGU members of staff before the new students were officially welcomed to the University by the University’s Chancellor, Dame Judith Jonas-Mayhew, the Vice-Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, the President of the Students’ Union, Craig Ferguson and the The Dean of Lincoln, The Very Revd Christine Wilson. As a symbol of their belonging in BGU, all students were given a specially designed gold badge. The Vice-Chancellor explained why the event has become such an important part of the student journey at BGU: “The Matriculation Ceremony marks our students’ formal entry into the University. In addition to offering a friendly welcome to all those who are starting their studies here this year, it ensures they know they are now part of the BGU and academic community, of which every student is an integral member. It is emphasised that we are all there to guide and support the students throughout their time with us.” The ceremony closed with a performance from the BGU choir followed by speeches from Samuel Wernham, second year Drama student, and Emma Stanbridge, BGU graduate and MA English Literature student. New undergraduate students Amelia Revill, Education Studies and English, Charlotte Jezard, Education Studies, and Francesca Baugh, Primary Education with QTS, described after the ceremony how, thanks to the event, BGU was already feeling like home: “This afternoon has been really welcoming and enjoyable. It’s really nice to see all the students and academics coming together to meet each other, we’ve enjoyed our time at BGU so far but this has definitely made us all feel even more at home here” If you would like to become a part of the BGU community visit our website to find out about all the exciting courses available to you or contact our Enquiries Team today. You can watch this year’s ceremony and find a photo album on our Facebook page.
  8. BGU to Sponsor Kuwaiti Academic
    The School of Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is sponsoring an academic from the National University of Kuwait to help them undertake a trip to the United Kingdom. Dr Suaad Alshebou, a former doctoral student of BGU’s Professor Chris Atkin, will be visiting Lincoln to engage with the academic life at BGU. As part of her visit Suaad will be giving a public lecture at BGU on ‘Non-traditional students in traditional universities: motives and barriers of female adult learners in Kuwait’ Through her work at the College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training Associate Professor Dr Alshebou conducts research in Higher Education, Comparative Education and Adult Education. Her current project is 'Non-traditional learners in traditional colleges. A feminist perspective’. Professor Atkin described his excitement at the fresh perspectives Dr Alshebou’s visit would offer: “It’s a real honour to be hosting Dr Alshebou during her time in the UK and I look forward to her contribution to academic life at BGU The public lecture being hosted by BGU on the 6th December will provide an opportunity to learn something of the challenges and rewards faced by non-traditional Kuwaiti adult women learners engaging with traditional universities. Dr Alshebou will be in the UK for the remainder of this academic year and will bring a valuable comparative perspective to academic life at BGU.” Dr Alshebou’s lecture will take place on Thursday 6 December at 2:00pm in CSH 02 on the BGU campus and will be introduced by the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of BGU, in his capacity as Chair of the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL). It is open to all current and former BGU staff and students as well as members of the public. For further details please contact Professor Chris Atkin via chris.atkin@bishopg.ac.uk BGU regularly to play host to visiting speakers from around the world providing students, staff and visitors with unique learning opportunities. To find out how you can experience these visit our website.
  9. Students Craft Tall Tales and Wondrous Environments to Create a Unique Learning Opportunity
    Last week first year BA Primary Education with QTS students at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) offered a unique educational experience, including the creation of wondrous learning environments, to 100 local school children. The day-long event formed part of a larger Story Telling Project being undertaken by the BGU students. Each had previously been paired with a local primary school pupil for whom they wrote a short monster story. These stories then formed the foundation of the day’s activities. The morning saw the BGU students taking the pupils to Lincoln Cathedral where they aided them in becoming “Monster Detectives”, searching for the famous Lincoln Imp across the Cathedral. They then moved to BGU where the students had created a fantastic world of colourful and imaginative learning spaces for the pupils. Each of the learning environments offered a space for the students to share their monster stories and guide the children through innovative learning activities they had planned. The creation of these spaces, along with the rest of the Story Telling Project, is designed to craft the students’ teaching skills helping them learn how to organise activities that engage with and motivate children. For this reason, as Emma Rogers (Senior Lecturer in Primary at BGU) explains, the Project is an important part of the BA Primary course: “This project marks their first steps to becoming teachers. Through it they’re able to gain experience of both the logistics of running learning activities for children as well as the human skills required. Because their stories and environments are based on the specific children they’ve been paired with they gain experience building relationships with their pupils and crafting their efforts to get the best out them.” Molly Harrison, one of the BA Primary Ed with QTS students involved, was full of praise for what the Project offered her and her course mates: “The project is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to read the responses of pupils to the activities we’re setting for them. Every child is different, what this project is teaching us is how to adapt our efforts to support a variety of pupils to ensure they get the most out of education.” For Andy Dickinson, also a Senior Lecturer in Primary at BGU, the Project is not just a vital learning opportunity for trainee teachers but also an invaluable experience for the pupils it supports: “The Story Telling Project is a chance to work 1:1 with pupils, learning how to engage with and inspire them. Story telling is such an incredibly important tool to help children learn. For some of these children, the books our students have created might be the only ones they ever get so this project is vital.” The Story Telling Project is just one of an array of innovative learning activities carried out by the School of Teacher Development at BGU. If you’d like more information on how to begin your adventure in the world of Primary Education, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team today.
  10. Local Heritage Sites in Line for Sandford Award
    Lincolnshire’s International Bomber Command Centre and Belton House are among 49 heritage sites across the British Isles set to receive the prestigious Sandford Award.

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