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BGU launch Solertia – a new student research journal
Bishop Grosseteste University launches a new student journal to showcase research undertaken by its undergraduate and postgraduate students. -
Senior lecturer invited to Andalusia to speak on differences between English and Spanish teacher training
Dr Mark Larrad, Senior Lecturer School of Teacher Development, recently made a lecture visit to the Faculty of Education at the University of Granada in Andalusia, the third time he has made this visit in recent years. The University of Granada is one of the oldest universities in Spain, and with over 300 teaching staff and nearly 2000 students, the Education Faculty is more than three times the size of Bishop Grosseteste University. Andalusia is one of 17 autonomous regions within Spain in all off which teacher training is controlled by the regional government rather than from the Spanish capital, Madrid. The purpose of his visit was two-fold: to give a lecture to final-year primary education teaching students about the differences (and similarities) between methods of teacher training between Andalusia and England and to meet with the Dean of Education to discuss possible future partnership. In his lecture Mark focussed on the eRPD and the way national standards (such as those for QTS) are used as a measure of progress. Whilst there are many other differences, the biggest similarity is that in Andalusia, Spain and England the most important responsibility of any teacher is to ensure each child can succeed. Another one of the big differences between English and Andalusian systems is that in Andalusia (as in Spain as a whole) all teachers in the state sector are civil servants, and as such, the majority stay in post for around 30 years (the point at which they are eligible for a generous state pension). Dr Mark Larrad, said: “In Spain nearly all teachers in state sector remain until their 50s (unlike in England which has a 20% attrition rate within the first five years after qualifying). “However, I found the most striking difference to be in the differing approach to what constitutes readiness to teach. In Andalusia, like other regions, each student’s chances of securing a job depend not on success in placement but on getting a high mark in the exam (called an oposición) all civil servants have to take before qualifying. “But a possible downside compared to the relative freedom English trainees with QTS have to choose where they work, is that Spanish trainees are effectively posted to schools where teachers are needed, and this might be a long journey from home. “Trainees might be moved several times in their career, but generally those with children are usually prioritized for schools near where they live and older teachers will not be moved around for this reason as much. “Exploring this fundamental difference led to an enthusiastic debate about which system the Spanish trainees would prefer: one where a job is guaranteed but with no freedom to choose your school, or the other way around!” In his discussion with the Dean, Javier Viloria Prieto, both expressed the hope that future years may bring opportunities for our institutions to work together. Dr Larrad believes that in the current climate where UK finds itself increasingly isolated from its former European neighbours, it has never been more important for English universities to nurture and develop links. -
Senior lecturer’s research recognised by International Olympic Committee
Dr. Helen Bushell-Thornalley, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education and Dance on the Secondary trainee teacher programme at BGU, will have her doctoral thesis added to the Internationally recognised Olympic World Library. -
Theology cohort visit London
Students from BA and MA Theology have recently returned from a tour of London’s religious landmarks. -
In memory of Margaret Elwell: one of the first history lecturers at Bishop Grosseteste University
Stories from the history of Bishop Grosseteste University are being told in a series of blog posts. In this instalment, Abigail White researches one of the first people to teach history a BGU. -
BGU awarded silver Hedgehog Friendly Campus
The university improves on their previous bronze accreditation after implementing a number of hog-friendly measures across campus. -
Second issue of Solertia is out now
Solertia is Bishop Grosseteste University’s newly launched student journal that showcases research undertaken by our undergraduate and postgraduate students. -
Bishop Grosseteste University’s results in Research Excellence Framework 2021
BGU is committed to supporting excellent research in all its forms. Research and knowledge exchange at the University also achieves impact in its local and regional communities, as well as nationally and internationally, it underpins its doctoral programme provision, and engages students in research-informed learning and teaching. BGU’s submission to REF 2021 reflects a period of significant growth in its research and knowledge exchange. Two more Units of Assessment have been added to the three that were returned in REF 2014, there has been a four-fold increase in the number of staff submitted, a near three-fold increase in the number of outputs, and a four-fold increase in research income. The University submitted work reflecting established fields of research expertise in Education, English Language and Literature, and History, and made its first entries in Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience and in Theology and Religious Studies. The results include published outputs of world-leading quality and acknowledge fields of internationally excellent public impact, and a rich, vibrant, and diverse research environment and culture. Vice-Chancellor, Revd Canon Professor Peter Neil, said: “These results mark an important milestone in BGU’s development as a provider with a reputation for excellence in research and knowledge exchange. “We have embraced the spirit of inclusivity in the REF and reflected research activity and interests across the whole of the institution. This successful outcome emphasises the breadth of our research, includes outputs which are regarded as internationally excellent and highlights our public impact with local, regional and international reach. “I am extremely grateful to colleagues for all their hard work in expanding and enhancing research at BGU over the last seven years. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of our external partners in supporting many areas of our research.” -
Dr Tracy Borman announced as new Chancellor at Bishop Grosseteste University
Lincoln-born, pre-eminent historian and bestselling author, Dr Tracy Borman is set to become the Bishop Grosseteste University’s new Chancellor this summer. -
Carers Week at BGU
In celebration of Carers Week (6-12 June), BGU is sharing the ways we support our staff and student caring community.
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