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Bishop Grosseteste to Celebrate University Title at Cathedral
The newly named Bishop Grosseteste University will hold a service of thanksgiving in Lincoln Cathedral later this month to celebrate its new title. The ceremony will be held at 10.30am on Wednesday 30th January and will also mark the installation of the Chancellor, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muriel Robinson OBE. Privy Council confirmed BGU’s new title in December 2012 after the Government changed the threshold number of students required for an institution to be called a university. Until recently only higher education institutions with 4,000 or more students could use the title university. Smaller institutions were called university colleges, but now all HE institutions with more than 1,000 students have the right to apply to call themselves a university. The ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral will be attended by BGU staff, governors and students, and it is also open to members of the public. After the ceremony invited guests will be invited back to the university for a private celebratory lunch in the form of a ‘posh pack-up’ using locally sourced produce. During the afternoon the University Court – a grouping of the university’s most senior stakeholders who come together twice a year to offer their insights and support – will have its inaugural meeting on campus. At 4.30pm the Rt Rev Christopher Lowson, Bishop of Lincoln, will give a lecture as part of BGU’s series of public lectures on what constitutes a good life and the implications for us all in trying to live one. The event is called ‘For all that has been – Thanks. For all that shall be – Yes’, a title which refers to the past and future success of the institution. Professor Muriel Robinson believes the new university title will benefit BGU greatly. “To be able to take our place alongside other UK universities is a symbolic moment for us which recognises the excellent teaching and research which goes on at Bishop Grosseteste University,” she said. “The new title dispels any confusion that the old one may have created. We have 150 years of history and have been awarding our own degrees since 2006, but the old name ‘university college’ put some people off. Now we will be better equipped to compete with other universities to secure the best staff and students.” The event is free of charge and open to the public. If you would like to book a seat, please contact Conferencing and Events Administrator Jessica Lyons on 01522 583681 or email jessica.lyons@bishopg.ac.uk before 16th January. Notes to editors: Bishop Grosseteste University was established in January 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. It is an independent higher education institution based in Lincoln 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. “For all that has been – Thanks. For all that shall be – Yes” is a quotation from Dag Hammarskjöld (29th July 1905 – 18th September 1961), Swedish diplomat, the second United Nations Secretary-General, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The quotation used for the title and leitmotif of the service comes from his book Vägmärken (Markings), a collection of journal entries published in 1964. For media information please contact:Jez AshberryShooting Star PR01522 52854007780 735071jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk -
New Vice Chancellor for Bishop Grosseteste University
The Rev Professor Peter Neil will become Bishop Grosseteste University’s next Vice-Chancellor. Professor Neil will succeed Professor Muriel Robinson OBE who retires in April 2013 after 10 years at BG. -
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 -
Demand is High for BGU's Work-Based Foundation Degree
A two-year course for people who want to study while continuing to work has proved so popular that Bishop Grosseteste University is to start a January intake of students to cope with demand. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-based course for people who are working and want to study for a degree. All the students are working or volunteering with children or young people and most are older than the typical A-level school leaver. “The foundation degree offers students the chance to reflect on their work with children, to improve their practice and to develop their thinking,” said Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU. “The course is very popular, and this year we’ve recruited more students for our foundation degree than ever before, so we’ve decided to introduce a second intake of students who will start the course in January.” Foundation degrees are broadly equivalent to the first two years of a bachelors degree (BA). They focus on a particular job or profession and are designed with employers’ needs in mind.“Many foundation degree students progress to do a third year at BGU to gain a full BA (Hons) degree,” said Sacha. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU offers three pathways: Early Childhood, Children and Youth Work and Learning Support. BGU will be hosting a foundation degree open evening for anyone interested in enrolling on Wednesday 30th October 2013 between 5.45pm and 8pm. Those attending will have the opportunity to talk to academic staff as well as foundation degree students past and present. To find out how to apply for a place, visit www.bgu.ac.uk/prospectus or www.bgu.ac.uk/courses or call 01522 527347. Case study: The Childcare Entrepreneur Boston student Vicky Wilson set up successful childcare business The Home Nursery while studying for a foundation degree at BGU. Vicky, who has two sons aged 10 and 12, was working at her local pre-school as Deputy Manager when she enrolled on the Foundation Degree (Early Childhood) at BGU in 2010. “I worked at the pre-school for the first year of my foundation degree but felt that I could progress further than my current position would allow me to do,” said Vicky. “I had an extension built onto the back of my home and registered as a childminder.” After completing her foundation degree and graduating with a first, Vicky continued her studies by topping up to a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood), from which she graduated with another first in July 2013. Vicky now employs three members of staff and has just expanded by restoring a grade-two listed property for use as a nursery. “If anyone is at a crossroads in their life, I would strongly recommend academic learning to find yourself,” said Vicky. “Studying while working full-time and having a family and home to look after is really hard work but it’s worthwhile in the end. “If I had not attended Bishop Grosseteste University, and achieved well beyond my own expectations, I would never have been in the position to own and manage my own nursery. It has been life-changing for me.” Case study: The Teaching Practitioner A Newark mum who works with children who speak English as a second language has broadened her horizons after starting on the FdA at Bishop Grosseteste University. Lisa Edwards (36), a peripatetic practitioner with the Nottinghamshire Achievement and Equality Team, follows the learning support pathway on the course. “Since beginning the foundation degree my skills and knowledge have greatly improved my levels of confidence and have created new opportunities within my role,” said Lisa. “While I used to be mainly involved with one-to-one pupil work, recently I have been involved in the developing of training for teachers in equality issues, and I have delivered racial harmony lessons to year 5 and 6 pupils. “I give advice visits to teachers on teaching strategies for EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils and I have also delivered training for PGCE students in strategies to use with pupils learning EAL. “The course has really given me the self-belief that I can progress my career further.” News release28th October 2013 -
Degree for woman who combined study with start-up
A Boston student who set up a successful nursery business from her own home while studying for a degree graduates from Bishop Grosseteste University, at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday (17th July). Vicky Wilson, who is mum to two boys aged 10 & 12, was working at her local preschool as Deputy Manager when she enrolled on the Foundation Degree in Children’s Services (Early Childhood) course at BGU in 2010. “I worked at the preschool for the first year of my foundation degree but felt that I could progress further than my current position would allow me to do,” said Vicky. “I had an extension built onto the back of my home and registered as a childminder.” After completing her foundation degree and graduating with a first, Vicky then continued her studies by topping up her foundation degree into a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood), from which she will graduate with another first this summer. Vicky now employs three members of staff at her thriving childcare business, The Home Nursery, and is now planning an expansion. “We are currently awaiting planning permission before we begin working on the beautiful, grade-two listed property that we have found and plan to restore. The new business will be established and ready to provide care for children by October this year,” she said. On completing her degree while looking after a family and building a business, Vicky gave some advice to anyone looking to do the same: “If anyone is at a crossroads in their life, I would strongly recommend academic learning to find yourself. Carrying out studies while working full-time and having a family and home to look after is really hard work but worthwhile in the end. “If I had not attended Bishop Grosseteste University, and achieved well beyond my own expectations, I would never have been in the position to own and manage my own nursery. It has been life changing for me. “I owe so much to my tutors for the support and encouragement that they have given me, they really helped me to find myself and realise my own potential. The support that I have had from fellow students has also been amazing. I have made friends that I will keep for life. Being at BGU has given me the support of an extended family.” The Bishop Grosseteste University graduation ceremonies will run in three separate sessions at 10.15am, 2.30pm and 7.15pm on 17th July at Lincoln Cathedral. Ceremonies will include professional photography, a celebration lunch and tea and a special graduation service in the university’s chapel. Vicky Wilson will graduate at 7.15pm. More information about Bishop Grosseteste University’s foundation degree routes is available on the University’s course pages. 15 July 2013 -
War Horse Author Michael Morpurgo To Receive BGU Honour
Award-winning author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo, OBE is to be honoured by Bishop Grosseteste University at a graduation ceremony later this month. The author of War Horse will receive an honorary doctorate of the university at one of three graduation ceremonies which will take place at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 17th July. Other honorary awards will be given to Dame Clare Tickell DBE, Chief Executive of Action for Children and author of a recent review of early years education in the UK, and to Karen Lowthrop MBE, CEO of environmental social enterprise Hill Holt Wood near Lincoln. Dame Clare Tickell will receive an honorary doctorate at 10:15am on 17th July. Michael Morpurgo’s award will be given at 2:30pm and Karen Lowthrop will given an honorary doctorate at 7:15pm. A record total of 870 students will graduate from Bishop Grosseteste University at the ceremonies this year. “At our first graduation ceremonies as a university we will be pleased to recognise the achievements of three people who are excellent role models for our own graduating students,” said the Reverend Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “Michael Morpurgo is celebrated for his contribution to children’s literature and for his work setting up Farms for City Children. “Dame Clare Tickell DBE has made a significant contribution to our understanding of early childhood, particularly through her work as Chief Executive of Action for Children and her invaluable review of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. “Closer to home, Karen Lowthrop has made both a national and a local contribution to education in its broadest sense through her pioneering work at Hill Holt Wood. “These are all people whose careers have exemplified a real commitment to education for all ages and we will be proud to share another special day for Bishop Grosseteste University with them later this month.” Members of the media are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend please contact Jez Ashberry at Shooting Star PR on 01522 528540 or 07780 735071 or email jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk. -
BGU Vice Chancellor Joins College of Canons at Lincoln Cathedral
The Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, the Reverend Professor Peter Neil, has joined the College of Canons at Lincoln Cathedral. When he was installed as Prebendary for Dunholme at an Evensong service held on St Hugh's Day yesterday (Monday 17th November) Canon Neil became the first head of the university to be made a Canon of Lincoln Cathedral in over 100 years. The first two principals of the original Diocesan College were Canons of the Cathedral: the Reverend Canon Hector Nelson (1862-92) and the Reverend Canon Alfred Rowe (1892-1912). Professor Neil has been worshipping at Lincoln Cathedral since his arrival in the city last year. “This is a wonderful honour and it enhances the relationship between Bishop Grosseteste University and the cathedral,” said Canon Neil. “I am very much looking forward to serving in this capacity.” The recognition given to the Vice Chancellor illustrates the continuing relationship between the cathedral and the university and the Diocese of Lincoln and the university, said Canon Neil. “As an Anglican foundation we are very proud of our roots in the diocese. In mediaeval times many of the great universities grew out of the cathedral schools. We are a growing university and we see ourselves integral to the fabric of Lincoln. We have something special to offer and that is enhanced by the connections we have with both the cathedral and the diocese.” Canon Neil has degrees in theology from Queen’s University Belfast (through Union Theological College) and from Cardiff University (through St Michael’s Theological College, Llandaff). He was ordained in St David’s Cathedral in the Church in Wales. Bishop Grosseteste University holds its graduation ceremonies each year in the Cathedral and its annual carol service will take place there on 3rd December at 3pm. -
Top Nursery Awards for BGU Trio
A student and two graduates from Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln have each won a prestigious early years award from Nursery World magazine. Carolynn Fletcher, who is currently studying for a Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU, won the Nursery Manager of the Year prize at the Nursery World Awards last week.Carolynn manages Swineshead Pre-School near Boston in Lincolnshire which has grown from 24 sessional places to 78 full-time places under her management and achieved an Ofsted grade of outstanding. Carolynn’s colleagues at the nursery told the judges that she was born to manage the pre-school and since joining the setting in 1999 has been the driving force behind its success. Marie Walker, who graduated from BGU two years ago with a first-class BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies in Early Childhood, is the owner of Little Learners Pre-School in Skegness, Lincolnshire, which won the Pre-school of the Year award. Little Learners Pre-School is rated as outstanding by Ofsted even though it has only been open for less than a year and is part of Little Learners Nursery School, which won Nursery World’s Nursery of the Year in 2010. Sally Forster, Lead Practitioner and Deputy Manager at Kidzone Cranwell, won Nursery World’s Outstanding Contribution Award. Sally graduated in 2010 with a first-class degree in Applied Studies in Early Childhood which is a one-year top up degree that follows a Foundation Degree. Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator in Applied Studies at Bishop Grosseteste University, commented: “Carolynn, Marie and Sally are all extremely gifted early years professionals and we’re delighted to see their talents recognised with these prestigious awards. ‘The strength of the FdA and the BA (Hons) Applied Studies in Early Childhood top up degree is that it enables early years practitioners to really think about their practice in relation to what the research tells us about how to support and enable the best outcomes for young children.” To find out more visit https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/awards -
TV Archaeologist to Launch New Degree at BGU
Well known TV archaeologist Julian Richards will launch a new Archaeology and History degree to be offered from September 2015 at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. BGU currently offers single honours History but will run a joint degree next year which will be launched at a two-day event on 14th and 15th October 2014. Julian Richards, well known for his appearances on Meet the Ancestors and Blood of the Vikings, will deliver a lecture at BGU entitled Bringing the Past to Life at 6.30pm on Tuesday 14th October. He will also be involved in a school activity earlier in the day at BGU, leading children from Ermine Primary School through a mock excavation so that they can learn how archaeologists work and what they can discover.These activities will take place from 10.30am until 11.30am and from 1.45pm until 2.45pm on Tuesday 14th October and reporters / photographers are welcome to attend. Zoe Tomlinson, Community Archaeologist at BGU, is excited to have Julian Richards launch the new degree at BGU. “Julian is the ideal person to launch our new degree because not only has he undertaken some really interesting fieldwork but also published books and articles for both the general reader and for academic study,” she said. Julian Richards is recognised for his work on Stonehenge and has written a number of books on archaeology for both adults and children. The new joint honours degree will offer a wide variety of modules across the subjects of archaeology and history. The course includes the opportunity for students to experience a live excavation project and develop key practical skills in both field and lab-based techniques. BGU has particular strengths in public and community archaeology and students will also gain skills in these areas as they study Britain’s Roman and mediaeval past. Dr Craig Spence, Senior Lecturer and Academic Co-ordinator for History and Archaeology at BGU, explained: “The relationship between archaeology and history is particularly strong and close to us at BGU, because we understand history is not just understood through documents but through a dynamic consideration of words, images, buildings and artefacts. “Studying archaeology at BGU gives students the opportunity to get really hands on with the past.“It is a privilege to be based in a city filled with such great history. As a result we make excellent use of the archives and museums in the ancient city of Lincoln which help to tell its 2,000-year history from Roman foundation to industrial renaissance in the 19th and 20th centuries.” Alongside the launch event, BGU has organised a Young Person’s Photography competition. All shortlisted entrants will be invited to the university to attend Julian Richards’ lecture on 14th October, where he will announce and present the prize to the competition winner. The winner of the competition will be chosen by a panel of four judges: John Rimmer, Academic Co-ordinator for Art and Design and Visual Arts at BGU; Lynne McEwen, award-winning freelance photographer; Steven Cole, photography teacher at William Farr School, and Sam Gordon, Manager of the Lincoln’s Bishops’ Palace for English Heritage. Spaces are limited for the Bringing the Past to Life lecture on 14th October. To register contact Bronwen Kane on 01522 583622 or email bronwen.kane@bishopg.ac.uk. For more information about all of the history and archaeology courses on offer at the university please contact Dr Craig Spence: craig.spence@bishopg.ac.uk.
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