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Extra Funding to Encourage Young People into University
More young people will be encouraged to study at university thanks to new government funding which has been secured by Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. Today (Thursday 8th January) the university was promised £24,000 over two years to support its collaborative work with other universities and colleges to widen participation in higher education. The money will be used to extend and increase BGU’s widening participation activities across the region and enable the university to engage with pupils from more schools. BGU is involved in three networks which work to improve access to higher education to young people from all backgrounds. “This new funding of £24,470 from HEFCE (the Higher Education Funding Council for England) will provide a great boost to our widening participation activities,” said Karen Richardson, Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions at BGU. “Hopefully we will be able to reintroduce summer schools and help to raise the aspirations of students who would not otherwise think that studying at university was for them.” Lincolnshire is characterised by comparatively high attainment at GCSE but low levels of participation in higher education – only 32% of 18-year-olds go on to higher education courses at university or college compared to the national average of 38%. * BGU’s widening participation activities target people from disadvantaged socio-economic areas, people with no history of higher education in their family, black and minority ethnic groups, males (for teacher training courses) and mature students. The university currently runs two access to HE programmes: First Steps 2 Study and Next Steps 4 Study. First Steps 2 Study is aimed at Year 9,10 and 11 pupils and involves a student ambassador from BGU, campus visits and a visit to the school, while Next Steps 4 Study targets Year 12 and 13 pupils who take part in debates, workshops, seminars and presentations both at school and at the university. BGU is a member of three networks involved in widening participation: the North East Midlands Collaborative Outreach Network, the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers, and Magna Carta – Education for Liberty (which is led by the University of Lincoln). Other partners in the Magna Carta – Education for Liberty network include Lincoln College, Boston College, North Lindsey College, Grimsby Institute and Grantham College. Partners in the North East Midlands Collaborative Outreach Network include BGU, the University of Nottingham, the University of Derby, Nottingham Trent University, West Nottinghamshire College, Central College Nottingham, Loughborough College and Stephenson College in Coalville and Nottingham. The funding announced today is part of a new £22 million national scheme involving 226 higher education institutions and reaching 4,300 secondary schools and colleges. The National Networks for Collaborative Outreach (NNCO) will deliver a nationally co-ordinated approach to working with schools, universities and colleges to help people access higher education. Greg Clark, Minister for Universities and Science, commented: “A record number of students entered higher education in 2014, with entry rates for students from disadvantaged backgrounds increasing by over 10% to its highest ever level. “However there is still more work to do to ensure all students who want to study hard can benefit, irrespective of their background.” * Latest HEFCE statistics for 2011/12. -
BGU History in the Media
November has been a busy month for the past and present staff and students of our History and Humanities courses. Five members of staff and two former BGU students have contributed to the latest volume of the Survey of Lincoln series: North of the River Witham. The BGU staff involved and their contributions comprised of: Dr Mick Jones - the archaeology of the area Dr Chris Bonfield - Lincoln’s early schools Dr Hazel Kent - cinemas Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall - The Drill Hall Dr Andrew Jackson - the Cooperative Society. Lesley Clarke, a former BGU student, provided chapters on Greyfriars and the Central Library while Helen Durham along with Professor Heather Hughes of Lincoln University, presented a chapter on the visitor economy in central Lincoln. The support of BGU to this volume is recognised in a feature within the Lincolnshire Echo, (25 November). Earlier in the month, our Head of School of Humanities Dr Andrew Jackson made an appearance at the BBC Radio Lincolnshire Armistice Day Live Broadcast on 11 November. He spoke about his work on the WWI home-front poet, Bernard Samuel Gilbert and was joined by Maureen Sutton, local poet and folklorist, who read out a few of Gilbert’s wartime poetry in dialect. For more information about our History courses, please click here. -
Trainee Teacher Navigates Path to the Classroom
She’s flown sorties in a Tornado jet over Iraq and Afghanistan, but after ten years in the RAF trainee teacher Jenny Shackley is now taking on a very different kind of challenge. Jenny (31) from Woodhall has just started a one-year postgraduate course at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln and hopes to be teaching maths in a Lincolnshire secondary school this time next year. It’s a far cry from her role as a Tornado navigator, but the mathematics she used in the RAF helped her decide to train as a maths teacher. Now she wants to put down roots and work with young people, and she’s won a £25,000 scholarship from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) to help her achieve her goal. “I was in the RAF for ten years from 2003 to 2013 and did three tours of Afghanistan and two tours of Iraq,” says Jenny, whose partner is also a Tornado navigator currently based at RAF Coningsby. “I spent lots of time away and now I want to settle down and work with people so I decided to go into teaching. I wanted to be a teacher first and foremost; maths is a subject I enjoyed at school but I didn’t have a lot of self-belief. However I used it a lot in the RAF, and that’s given me more confidence with the subject.” With a mortgage and bills to pay Jenny looked round for bursaries, but then found out she was eligible for the IMA’s scholarship which exists to promote good mathematics teaching in schools. She passed the rigorous three-stage application process with flying colours and now benefits from membership of various mathematical bodies as well as access to events and a network of scholars with whom she can share ideas. “I definitely wouldn’t be doing this course if I hadn’t got the scholarship,” said Jenny. “I needed some sort of income so I was delighted when I found out that my application was successful.” With an open degree from the Open University Jenny began looking for teacher training courses in Lincolnshire, and she soon decided that a place at BGU was for her. “I’m very happy that I came to BGU,” she said. “I get a sense that this university is a very positive place and I definitely got a good feeling as soon as I walked onto campus. From day one I’ve been given all the information I need and it feels like a place I can work in and feel I’m being treated well. Our tutors have given us a strong sense of ownership of the course. I think it’s a really good environment.” If you would like to find out more about BGU’s teaching courses, including the PGCE (Secondary) qualification, call Admissions on 01522 527347 or email enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Bishop Grosseteste University Gears Up for Clearing
The admissions team at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is primed and ready to deal with enquires during Clearing on Thursday 13th August when students across the country will receive their A-level results. Admissions Assistant Laura Dovey (24, pictured) will be one of the people answering the phone, offering advice and support during Clearing, and she knows better than most what it can feel like to go through the process. In 2010, Laura from Lincoln, had taken a gap year and was planning to start a photography course at university in September when the course was cancelled at the last minute. “I was left without a plan and without a place at university,” said Laura. “My second UCAS choice was the BA English Literature course at BGU, but I wasn’t sure if I had already missed out on a place.” Laura was asked to use the Clearing process to apply for a place and was the first to get through when the lines went live at 8am. Laura said: “I discussed my qualifications with the admissions team and spoke to the senior course leader. I was delighted when I was offered a place on the English Literature course.” Following three years of study Laura graduated in 2013 with a first-class honours degree, something she puts down to the university, she said: “The atmosphere at BGU is one of inclusivity and support. “When I arrived I was quiet and shy, but thanks to the nurturing nature of my lecturers and encouragement from my friends I left feeling much more confident, both in myself and my work.” Laura and the rest of the admissions team will be ready to advise and support the next wave of students as they navigate the Clearing process. The call centre will be open from 8am until 6pm on both Thursday 13th August and Friday 14th August and the number to call is 01522 583698. Prospective students are invited to attend the university’s open day on Friday 14th August from 10am until 5pm. The day provides an opportunity to see what Bishop Grosseteste University has to offer, take a minibus tour of Lincoln and speak to staff and students about courses and life as a student. The open day also provides an opportunity for those who are starting (or hoping to start) in September to speak face-to-face to BGU staff about any anxieties regarding qualifications and pick up a free Freshers’ Wall Planner which contains all of the important events Freshers may want to attend. “The days following A-level results day can be a stressful and anxious time for those students who have not yet finalised their plans,” said Karen Richardson, Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions at BGU. “It’s a busy few days for us but as always we will do our best to ensure that students are not left worried or uncertain about their place at university.” Top Tips for Clearing If you’ve just got your A-level results and you’re not sure what to do next, consult Karen Richardson’s handy set of tips for students who will be entering the Clearing system: Don’t panic! If you stay calm you’re more likely to take in all the information you need to succeed. If your grades fall short, wait for that important acceptance/rejection indication on Track before you put yourself into Clearing. You never know – your first-choice university might still accept you. Don’t give up! You may well get a place on a similar course that’s just as good – but you’ll need to shop around. Don’t rush your decision. The UCAS system doesn’t even let you trigger the formal process of accepting a Clearing place until 5pm on results day, so you have the chance to shop around. Be realistic. If you’ve seriously blown it then think hard about re-sits or another course altogether – you can always re-apply next time around. UCAS is offering a free (for landlines) Exam Results Service on 0808 100 8000 where trained, professional careers advisers will be available to give help and advice Be prepared to make lots of phone calls and to be persistent! Keep your nerve – you may need all your negotiating skills to persuade an academic that they should take you on Enlist the support of friends and family – keep them informed, as they’ll be a great help to you when you have to make that difficult final decision Be prepared to explain to universities why you didn’t do as well as you hoped in your exams – and be honest If you don’t get the grades you need it’s not the end of the world – there are plenty of other opportunities to consider -
First-Class Degrees for Husband and Wife
A husband and wife who returned to study in their 40s will both graduate in Lincoln next week with first-class honours. Andy and Debbie Hicks had to juggle studying at Bishop Grosseteste University with work and looking after their two children, and Debbie also overcame a serious illness which forced her to miss most of an academic year. But on Tuesday 14th July they will celebrate their perseverance by receiving their degree certificates at Lincoln Cathedral. They are not the first members of their family to receive first-class honours: Debbie’s son Adam gained a first-class degree from Coventry University last year and her mother Christine Love graduated with first-class honours from Bishop Grosseteste College (as it was then) in the 1980s. Debbie enrolled at BGU to study Education Studies and History but after a year she decided that she no longer wanted a career in teaching, so she switched to the History and Theology joint degree course. “At the same time I found out that BGU offered a single honours degree in Theology,” she said. “Andy worked for the Life Church in Lincoln and it had always been his dream to do a theology degree, so he signed up for the course and combined studying with his job.” It was in December 2013 that Debbie became seriously ill; she needed three operations and was in hospital for much of the academic year. “We also moved house twice, my mother was very ill too and my stepfather passed away, so it was a very difficult time for us. We had just about everything thrown at us so it’s a wonderful surprise now to learn that we both gained first-class degrees!” With honours degrees under their belts Debbie (46) starts a new job next week as a community co-ordinator for the Royal Voluntary Service while Andy (43) is also looking forward to a change in his career. “We both thoroughly enjoyed our courses and we’re going to miss BGU hugely,” said Debbie. “It’s a wonderful university for mature students: it’s small and friendly and we found that the younger students accepted us as part of the group. “We owe a huge debt of thanks to the tutors at BGU, especially Jack Cunningham, who have been fantastic – we will miss them all so much.” -
Mother and Daughter Celebrate Graduation Success
A mother and daughter will graduate together next week after completing their respective courses at Bishop Grosseteste University. During the ceremonies in Lincoln Cathedral, Judith Coe (46) will receive a merit for her Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood) and Hannah Coe (23) will collect her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Two years ago Judith, a qualified nursery nurse, was running a series of childcare groups in Spilsby, East Lincolnshire, when she decided she wanted to invest in her career and develop her professional skills. She has been studying for her foundation degree while continuing with her full-time job and raising a family. The course is a work-related programme that enables practitioners (or experienced volunteers) to study alongside their work and family responsibilities. Students choose from three pathways: Learning Support, Early Childhood or Children & Youth Work, according to their work role. “For two years I have managed to juggle family commitments, my job and my course,” said Judith. “And now coming out the other side with my foundation degree, I feel much more confident in myself and am looking forward to developing my career further.” Meanwhile Hannah, who has a passion for sport, is about to begin her first year as a qualified teacher following the completion of her PGCE in Primary Education. “I’m planning on spending my next year working as a supply teacher,” said Hannah. “I believe this route will help me put what I have learnt into practice and give me an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings. “I am so proud of Mum and all that she has achieved. How many people can say that they’re graduating at the same time as one of their parents?” -
BGU Tops League Table for Employable Graduates
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln has landed the second top spot among universities across the country for graduate employability, according to new figures published today (Thursday). Ninety-eight graduates out of every 100 who leave BGU following their first degree are in full-time employment or further study six months after graduating, according to the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey published by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency. BGU’s figure of 98.1% for 2013/14 is up from 96.5% the previous year and puts Bishop Grosseteste University as the second university in the UK league table (after the Royal Agricultural University) for the job prospects of its first degree graduates. The national average for all UK universities is 93.2% “This outstanding ranking is fantastic news for our graduates as it shows that they are ready and ideally prepared for the workplace when they leave BGU,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “We work very hard to ensure that our degree courses are career-focused and most of them incorporate a professional work placement during the period of study. A good example is our new Team Entrepreneurship degree programme starting this autumn which will require students to set up their own business while on the course.” The latest DLHE figures can be found here. -
International Health Expert Looks Forward to Working with BGU
A leading healthcare expert from Australia led two research seminars for staff at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln on Wednesday and is looking forward to future collaborations. Amanda Kenny is Professor of Rural and Regional Nursing at La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University in Bendigo near Melbourne. Her seminars looked at how to build a strong research culture and how co-production can improve understandings in mental health. Co-production is defined as the development of services through equal partnerships between those who deliver services and those who use them. Global mental health policy identifies the need to involve consumers in all stages of healthcare design, delivery and evaluation. “We are very pleased this week to welcome Professor Kenny, who is a world-renowned researcher in mental health and cancer,” said Dr Graham Basten, Head of the School of Social Sciences at BGU. “We recently launched a suite of health and social care courses to complement our counselling and psychology programmes. I am delighted as Professor Kenny is keen to work with BGU and contribute to the research drive to enhance publications, grants and international collaborations in health and social care and with multidisciplinary teams across BGU. “Most importantly our work is in co-production with service users and will make a difference to local communities.” Professor Kenny is widely published internationally and is frequently invited as a key speaker at national and international conferences. Next week she will be chairing a conference on health and social care at the University of Cambridge. -
New Partnership Brings Imps and BGU Closer Together
Bishop Grosseteste University and Lincoln City FC have welcomed a deal which strengthens the partnership between the two organisations. Today BGU and Lincoln City announce a new three-year deal which will see BGU continue as the club’s main sponsor and home shirt sponsor. But the strategic partnership between the university and the football club goes much deeper than that: the two organisations will be working ever more closely together on student engagement, teaching and matchday activities. BGU has an outstanding reputation for teacher training and the Imps’ new management team of brothers Danny and Nicky Cowley were both PE teachers in Essex before joining Lincoln full-time this summer. The Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of BGU, says the partnership will work on a number of levels. “Three years ago we were pleased to support the club and raise our profile by signing our first sponsorship agreement,” he said. “But now the relationship is more meaningful and, we hope, more beneficial to both sides. “We have already had discussions with Danny and Nicky about how our academic sport department can work together with the club. This year we will launch our new single honours BSc degree in Sport, Coaching and Physical Education and we are in the process of validating a new foundation degree in Football Coaching with Lincoln College. “Clearly there are synergies here that we can explore, and we are delighted that Lincoln City has appointed a dynamic and successful management team to move the team forward on the pitch.” BGU has already donated two laptops to Danny and Nicky to assist them in their day-to-day player performance analysis, and the university is looking forward to more student engagement from Lincoln City too. Lincoln City players will be contributing to sports courses at BGU from next semester and helping to coach the BGSU football team, while the BGU Lions cheerleading team will have an enhanced role at the club on matchdays. The increased engagement follows the first ever Cathedral Cup match between BGU and the University of Lincoln which was played at Sincil Bank, Lincoln City’s home ground, in February. Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley commented: “We are thoroughly looking forward to working in partnership with BGU going forward. Nicky and I both wholeheartedly believe in education. “BGU have fantastic facilities but more importantly young, intelligent and vibrant people whom we as a club must utilise either as supporters or working with the club. We can provide these young people with exposure to a professional football environment where they can practise and apply their knowledge and skills. “This can be a great opportunity for them to begin their career in a forward-thinking and people-centred environment. We as a club will certainly gain from their expertise. “All successful partnerships have an element of give and take. We really feel this is a relationship where both organisations can benefit from each other. Together we both will be stronger.” -
Top 3 in the UK
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is ranked third among UK universities for student employability, according to new figures published yesterday. 97.2% per cent of students who leave BGU with an undergraduate degree find work or are continuing to study six months following graduation. Only two other universities – Keele and Harper Adams – have a higher employability figure than Bishop Grosseteste University. The figures relate to full-time first degree graduates leaving in 2014/15 and the national average for all UK universities is 93.9%. The statistics appear in the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey published by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency. “Once again the DLHE survey highlights how well our graduates do when they enter the job market,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “It’s very heartening to see BGU right near the top of the national ranking as it shows that we are doing everything we can to prepare for our students for the workplace when they leave us. “We work very hard to ensure that our degree courses are career-focused and most of them incorporate a professional work placement during the period of study. “One example is our new Business (Team Entrepreneurship) degree which requires students to set up their own business while studying with us.” The latest DLHE figures can be found by clicking here.
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