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BGU Graduate’s Café Project to Offer a Future to Young People in Skegness
At the start of the year the impact of the pandemic on the education of children in Skegness was featured by Sky News*. Enterprise Development Manager, Sarah Moseley, chatted with Ruth Campbell, who graduated from Bishop Grosseteste University in 2020, as she embarks on a new venture to support young people in the area. The project, Café YOU (You Opportunity Union), aims to support young people who might have missed other opportunities to grow their skills as Ruth explains: “I have a background of working with young people and have always been passionate about youth work and concerned about those who fall through the gaps and miss opportunities to grow and develop. Whilst I was at BGU I started working on an idea for a youth project which I called Youth Opportunity Union (YOU). The vision is to support NEET young people aged 16-19 to get back on track, through short courses and work experience.” After highlighting a suitable premises, the BA (Hons) Professional Studies in Childhood and Youth graduate completed a business proposal and, following a successful pitch to the board of the Charity at The Storehouse, North Parade in Skegness, Ruth took over management of a coffee shop at the end of 2020. Lockdowns and restrictions have inevitably slowed progress, but the base will enable the delivery of vocational education and work experience along with the provision of courses, qualifications and a small group environment for learning. Ruth has registered with the awarding body ASDAN, so young people who access the project are able to work towards qualifications whilst gaining work experience. Ruth’s vision, COVID-19 and restrictions permitting, is for the project to grow, for Café YOU to be fully run by young people, and to be able to welcome customers back in: “I want the community to use this space to their advantage. We can arrange a safe space for 1:1 work for professionals; tables can be booked, and we have allocated space for groups to meet. There is even a soft play area for little ones to enjoy. Currently we could be operating as a Takeaway but the Storehouse has recently become a Covid-19 vaccination Centre.” When asked what advice she has for students and graduates wanting to start their own enterprise, Ruth had this to say: “Start small! I am so passionate about what I want to do that I can get carried away and take on too much. I have learned to work realistically within my own capabilities even if it’s frustrating at times! To accept help and advice. There is usually more than one way to achieve what you need to, and it is always worth listening to people who might know more than you do. Stay true to your vision. The clearer you are about your ultimate vision, the end goal, the easier it is to stick with, and for it to make sense to other people. Believe in it yourself and your confidence will attract others to your idea. It can be hard not to get swept along with other people’s ideas for your business/project, but when your vision is clear it makes it easier not to get side-tracked “. To find out more about YOU visit their: Website Facebook page Instagram *View the full Sky Feature here If you are a BGU student or alumni running their own enterprise, or have an idea that needs shape, our Enterprise Team within BG Futures would love to hear from you. Contact sarah.moseley@bishopg.ac.uk Tel 01522 563817 -
Online software offers an ‘Evolution’ in learning for Entrepreneurship students
Although for some the COVID lockdown has created feelings of isolation and disconnect, it has provided the Team Entrepreneurship (TE) students at Bishop Grosseteste University the opportunity to trial world-class simulation software that allows remotely and virtually 'run' an entire company. The software, called ‘Evolution’ allows participants to 'take over' a virtual company which has a trading history, product in development, staff and premises. As its new managers, they must use all of the information available to them in order to make decisions that affect staff, buildings, raw materials, sales and ultimately profitability, running the company over a number of virtual years. As in real life, all decisions impact on profitability and bad decision can have an adverse effect. Senior Lecturer Chris Jackson discusses how the software, created by a York based company called Simventure, became an invaluable tool on the course: "I had come across their product online while researching materials for both the TE course and the new MSc International Business and noticed that it's used globally by some big business schools. I wanted to know more, so I just picked up the phone and struck up a conversation with the company. It turns out that their CEO and I share similar backgrounds and are pretty passionate about entrepreneurship. The programme seems a perfect fit for the MSc, where we'll now be using it as the backbone of one module." "With the continuation of lockdown after Christmas, we realised that there was a possibility that Team Entrepreneurship students could struggle to create the learning experiences needed for them to be able to complete assignments - the Evolution programme seemed to be a perfect compromise, and we'll be introducing this to our learners in the next few weeks.". "We want to keep our students' learning as real as possible while encouraging them to try new strategies and tactics. Of course, things may go wrong, but then unlike real life, Evolution has 'pause' and 'rewind' features!" Alongside this, students are currently testing their business thinking and planning capabilities by using another online tool called Validate. Not only can this be accessed remotely, but it encourages learners to share their work with their peers and with supervisors. It doesn’t take students long to realise that the answers that they are looking for are neither in their heads of in text books - by gamifying their learning they are challenged to take their thinking outside of the classroom. Unlike many traditional models of venture creation, Validate also features sustainability in the initial stages and challenges the learner to map their thinking to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). Now also introduced as an integral part of future business courses, this is another way in which BGU can combine ethical and sustainable thinking in our programmes. If you'd be interested in experiencing a 'virtual' business experience for your students or staff, you can contact Chris Jackson at chris.jackson@bishopg.ac.uk. To find out how you can create your own successes in our collaborative learning community, visit our website, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. Image credit (©Simventure) -
"By choosing BGU you are doing more than just a degree, you are setting yourself up for life" - How studying at BGU started Jake's career in sport
I came to Bishop Grosseteste with the ambition of becoming a PE Teacher. BGU helped me achieve everything, and more, than I could have ever hoped for. During my three years studying Education Studies and Sport, I was able to gain my first experiences of what it would take to become a teacher. I was able to work in a variety of settings including a secondary school PE Department along with Primary and UTC college environments. The secondary placement in particular, reaffirmed to me that I was right in wanting to be a PE Teacher and chase my dream career. I was able to work alongside the entire PE department, assisting in delivering lessons, running extra-curricular clubs and gaining experience across different Key Stages. The modules allowed me to learn about educational philosophies and different pedagogical approaches to teaching, which allowed me to form my own style of teaching. The wealth of experience the lecturers have meant you could be challenged but also challenge them on contemporary issues and have a high-level discussion about what is happening in the world of sport and education. I was able to achieve a first-class honours degree and I felt like I earnt my degree as the level of scrutiny and academic rigor made sure you get what you put into each assessment. My favourite module though was when I got to complete my dissertation. I used my dissertation as preparation for my PGCE at Loughborough University. I was able to interview many PE teachers across the country about the feasibility of a Models-Based Practice being adopted in a PE curriculum. Rafe Elliot, my sport lecturer was always there to give me advice and support throughout. To this day, my dissertation is my proudest piece of work. -
Lincoln Civic Trust Scholarship Award 2021 Opens for Applications
Applications are invited for the Lincoln Civic Trust scholarship award 2021-22, which is funded by the Lincoln Civic Trust and Bishop Grosseteste University. The award honours the work of Richard Lucas, the Trust’s founding president and noted local historian. Applications are open to students who are enrolled on the MA in Social & Cultural History who are either studying full-time 2021-2022 or who are undertaking their second year of part-time study. The scholarship is competitive. Applicants must submit a 1000 word research proposal on their choice of dissertation subject which MUST address an aspect of the history of the City of Lincoln, and/or Lincolnshire. The outline should include: NameContact detailsIndication of stage of study (full-time or part-time)A clear statement on the intended area of research, the significance of the research and archives to be consulted The award will be administered as a discount of £2,000 against the tuition fee payable by the selected student for the MA in Social & Cultural History during the academic year 2021-22. The recipient of the award will be invited to attend the Lincoln Civic Trust’s Annual General Meeting and present their dissertation research outline. They will be expected to return after the completion and submission of their dissertation and give an illustrated presentation on their findings. They will also be invited to publish a short written summary of their dissertation research in a newsletter, magazine, and/or report. The closing date for this scholarship is Monday 27th September 2021, no later than 4pm. Any applications received after this time will not be accepted. The selection of the recipient will be based on expert review undertaken by academic staff within the History subject area. Their decision in the matter is final. Applicants are to submit their applications via email to the Programme Leader, Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall: claire.hubbard-hall@bishopg.ac.uk -
PGCE Trainees Use Lockdown Experiences to Craft Personal Poems
Inspired by poet Nina Alonso, PGCE trainees at Bishop Grosseteste University have created personal, Cento poems to share their experiences of life in lockdown -
Lecturer aiming to raise over £1000 by walking over Cancer
Tracey Kilcoyne, BAPE/PTS Placement Lead & Senior Lecturer at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), is aiming to raise over £1000 for Cancer Research by participating in the Charity’s 'Walk all over Cancer' challenge this month. Those undertaking the ‘Walk all over Cancer’ challenge need to travel 10,000 steps everyday throughout March by walking, running, cycling, exercising, or any other physical activity. Tracey is currently storming her way through challenge and has already covered over 50,000 steps. As she reached the end of her first week of walking, Tracey shared her motivation for taking part: “I didn't know this until recently but Cancer affects 1 in 2 of us in someway in our lifetime. This has had significant impact on my family over the last 3 years. Without going into details Cancer Research has been part of my family's life for a while now and without the amazing discoveries in research into Cancer those affected may not have had hope, early diagnosis, treatment or a even a cure. So I wanted to give something back and contribute to this important charity so that this life-saving work continues. I had set myself a modest goal of raising £150 but already I have smashed this and am aiming to raise £1K so anyone willing to donate to Cancer Research can do so through my fundraising pages. I will be tweeting and posting on Facebook daily about my aches and pains, the songs I listen to and the beautiful views I encounter on the way. If anyone living in my area spots me out and about walking with my dogs give me a wave or a pip of the car horn. I am following COVID guidelines and staying local by walking the roads and bridle paths surrounding my home, as I am lucky enough to live in a very rural location just outside of Newark. It's not too late for others to sign up and take part in the challenge and join me to create a TEAM walking in our respective areas. Alternatively, words of encouragement on social media or even ideas for walking playlists would also be appreciated.” You can support Tracey’s efforts through her general fundraising page or her Facebook fundraising page. You can also follow her on twitter and send messages of support with #walkallovercancer and #10000stepsaday. Are you fundraising or supporting a charity and would like to share your efforts? Contact us at news@bishopg.ac.uk to share your story. -
Academics' Research Explores Teacher Training and Well-Being Around the World
Academics from Bishop Grosseteste University's (BGU) Well-being and Workload in Education Research and Knowledge Exchange Unit (RKEU) have published an article in the British Education Research Association's Research Intelligence magazine. Out this month the article, by Dr. Aimee Quickfall, Dr. Emma Clarke and Shaun Thompson, explores the differences and similarities in teacher trainee well-being across Finland, Denmark and the UK, drawing on their research experience of three years data collection in these countries. Speaking ahead of publication, Dr Quickfall discussed the article’s focus, along with the ongoing work of the RKEU: “Mental health and well-being are pressing issues for the education sector, and the pandemic has exacerbated this. This BGU RKEU are working to find solutions to poor teacher trainee well-being, by looking to other countries for best practice. The team are currently engaged in an Erasmus+ funded project to build teacher trainee and mentor tool kits to support well-being and manage workload.” The Spring edition of Research Intelligence is focused on contemporary issues in mental health and wellbeing in education, and has been guest edited by Professor Jonathan Glazzard and Samuel Stones from Leeds Beckett University, and can be found here: https://www.bera.ac.uk/publication/spring-2021 You can find more information on the work and projects of the Well-being and Workload RKEU by clicking here.. 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. -
‘Fantastic work’ sees Carers Award Re-Accredited for Second Year
At the start of 2020 Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) was delighted to be a awarded a Carers Quality Award by Every-One, the carers’ charity. Just over a year on from that achievement, the “fantastic work” of those involved in carers support at BGU has seen the award re-accredited for a second year. The teams driving carers awareness and support have been working on a number of innovative initiatives over the last year including: Carers passportsPull up carers bannerCarers pin badgesCarers newsletter (which has a number of opportunities for staff and students to get involved)Carers videos have also been produced with staff and students highlighting the support offered by the carer’s community at BGU The goal of all of these initiatives has been to promote a Carers community where inclusivity of staff and student carers is a priority as Leanne McHugh, Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care at BGU, who leads the overall project, explains: “Having a robust system in place where annually the 5 standards of the Carers Quality Award are reviewed ensures the sustainability and longevity of the projects. This was the first year we have been through the re-assessment process where evidence was required against each area of the standards criteria. As the carer’s initiatives have grown from strength to strength, we welcomed this opportunity. Being offered this platform to share our developments and new initiatives since our first recognition enabled best practice to be shared with others, building network of Carers support across Lincolnshire.” And the group’s efforts, in addition to achieving re-accreditation, also received high praise from Julie Goy, Quality Development Lead Every-one.org.uk: “What fantastic work you continue to do to support Carers at BGU, just amazing” To find out how you can get involved with the ongoing Carers projects at BGU, contact Leanne McHugh at Leanne.mchugh@bishopg.ac.uk To find out how you can create your own successes in our collaborative learning community, visit our website, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. -
How to manage relationships away from home
Ebony Thurland - BA (Hons) Education Studies and Special Educational Needs student - shares her guide to keeping in touch with your loved ones -
Don’t let Dyslexia stop you from achieving your dreams!
Victoria Dalton - BA (Hons) English Literature student - shares her advice on staying positive and focused when facing challenges
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