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Unique art exhibition comes to BGU
If you visit the Robert Hardy Building on campus, you will discover a selection of artworks each created by prisoners at HMP Morton Hall as part of their 12-week art programme. Last week the exhibition launched and had an auction for specific pieces during opening night. The University collaborated with PeoplePlus UK to make this happen and from a social purpose and perspective, working closely with HMP Morton Hall helps support individuals to realise their ambitions and create positive change in their communities and beyond. While open to all, the art studio supports prisoners with mental health issues and those struggling to participate in the prison’s mainstream education and training programmes. As part of rehabilitation, offenders undertake art sessions providing space to be creative and work with others in a safe environment. This exhibition provided the opportunity to showcase their innovative creations and reinforces the message that something positive can come out of prison life. "When I draw or paint, it takes away the negative thoughts. I feel like I’ve found a new talent within myself that’s helping me grow out of my issues and keeps me away from insecurities I had before the course." Allison Webb, Director of Business & Community Engagement, said "it is a special exhibition that gives the prisoners a voice" and Gillian Johnston (Programme Lead for Sociology and Criminology) stated at the opening night: "Criminology is a new and exciting discipline for us at BGU, so when this initiative was first mooted a few months ago I jumped at the chance for us, as an institution and at a programme level, to be involved. It cannot be underestimated just how important these initiatives are in fostering relationships between organisations. Being able to collaborate with HMP Morton Hall on this important project is a delight for me and I hope this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between us." Samantha Boothman the Head of Education, Skills and Work at HMP Morton Hall said "we are delighted to be working with BGU on this unique event and very much looking forward to further collaboration." Overall the auction raised £560 and these funds will go to Victim Support, Ambers Army (The PeoplePlus recognised charity for 2024), the prisoner who created the artwork, and for a new art studio kiln. The majority of the remaining artwork is for sale and the viewing public can buy item(s) through the silent auction process. Information on how to do this can be found in the foyer of the Robert Hardy Building. "The art course is purposefully unaccredited; this enables men to learn not just about art and new techniques, but also to develop wider skills without being pressured to pass an exam. Everyone is able to work at their own pace and is guided to follow their own creative pathway. The art room is a space where the men can spend time out of their cell and share thoughts, worries and ideas whilst also developing their creativity. For many it is the first time they have experienced a classroom and using a pencil or paint brush. They are encouraged to help each other to be their best selves. I witness time and again how creativity and kindness to one another can totally change people for the better and improve their mental wellbeing." Karen Sharples – Art Lecturer at HMP Morton Hall. PeoplePlus UK deliver the educational provision at the prison and you can watch their short video Bringing the Inside, Out which explains their purpose further. The exhibition runs from the 30th of May until 13th of June 2024 in the Robert Hardy Building, BGU. -
Armed Forces students attend 'Festival of Friends'
Here at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) we love hosting a variety of events that support our community, especially schools and students. Recently, we had LiNCHigher run 'Festival of Friends,' a collaboration and celebratory event between schools within Lincolnshire to share best practice on supporting learners from Armed Forces families. Festival of Friends was created to support children who come from military families and help them through many challenges they may face, such as moving between schools or separation between deployed family members. With the help of the event, LiNCHigher and BGU can support children throughout their education and into their future careers and adulthood. The day included a talk with RAF STEM colleagues, adults who grew up as military children, and Britain's Got Talent's Steve Royle giving lessons on how to juggle! The Robert Hardy Building on-campus also hosted beautiful displays made by students from the schools touching on themes around military children, help around relationships, and the environment. An official ceremony finished off the exciting day in BGU's on-campus cinema space The Venue where each school received an award for their much appreciated participation. You can view more photos from 'Festival of Friends' below this article! -
BGU graduates some of the most employable in the country
The results from the Graduate Outcome Survey are in... -
Health & Social Care graduate nominated for award
Bishop Grosseteste University graduate Kayleigh Denman has recently been nominated for the Daisy Award by a patient she looked after in the course of being a student nurse. She is the first ever student at East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust to receive this nomination! The Daisy Award is an internationally recognised award which identifies nurses and midwives who give extraordinary compassionate care. "I graduated from BGU in 2023 with a degree in BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care. I personally feel the course at BGU played a massive part in me being able to understand the meaning of evidence-based, compassionate care and how to professionally practice this. The course is particularly beneficial if you were like me and uncertain as to where in the health and social care sector you would like to go into, due to the broad spectrum of opportunities and choices. This course enabled me to learn multiple skills that cover all aspects of health and social care, preparing me for any challenges, achievements and decisions that will benefit me in the future. The skills and knowledge I learnt throughout the 3 years undergraduate degree helped me become a student nurse, allowing me to work to the best of my abilities, along with my understanding of how to communicate in a professional and friendly manner to all patients and staff members, as reflected by the nomination for the Daisy Award. The Health & Social Care lecturers were amazing in terms of knowledge within the field and they always went above and beyond to support and care for their students, to which I personally am grateful for. I am awaiting to start the MA Health & Social Care Leadership course at BGU, encouraged by the support and confidence given to me throughout the BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care. Achieving a Master’s degree in this subject will enable me to consider different career paths that are available and allow me to proceed in a future career in an important role within this sector. I have already gained key skills and experiences during my undergraduate degree, giving me a solid foundation for my studies and the motivation to succeed and further boost my skills and abilities." We wish Kayleigh the best of luck in her nomination and fingers crossed for success! -
Primary Ed students host The Peckover Primary School
We were thrilled to welcome The Peckover Primary School to our campus recently, so their students could experience university life on campus for a day. They were hosted by three second year Primary Education Students, Molly Sim, Bella Cook and Olivia Sutcliffe along with their tutors. The day started with a welcome and question and answer session, followed by a tour of campus and craft activities. The children explored the range of subjects that can be studied at university and made their own mortar boards ready for an end of day mini graduation. The staff and children enjoyed the event so much they have requested to come again next year with their Y6 pupils. Mrs Parsley said: "Thank you so much to BGU for an amazing day and for being flexible and making the day so enriching and exciting. The second year students were absolutely brilliant with our children and so patient and supportive." -
BGU graduate given Prue Goodwin Award!
This year's Prue Goodwin award has been presented to Bishop Grosseteste University Children’s Literature and Literacies MA student (now 2024 graduate) Emma Edwards, in recognition of her Master's dissertation which explored representations of disability in children's literature. Her research around this topic was incredibly in-depth and she was "very interested in the types of characters represented in literature, as well as how the children interpreted and understood them." Dr Prue Goodwin, who received an honorary doctorate from BGU in 2021, has been an inspiration to many colleagues and their teaching. Prue Goodwin trained as a teacher at BGU (1965-1965) and is now a world authority on Primary Education. She is a longstanding member of the UK Literacy Association (UKLA) and a prolific writer, having written and edited more than 18 books and guides. Emma commented: "I am really grateful that my master’s dissertation has been recognised through the Prue Goodwin award. I referred to her work during the research element of the study. The final dissertation was a result of a lot of hard work and was particularly challenging as I was balancing a Primary School teaching role, a new Senior Lecturer role and a young family.My dissertation stemmed from two key pieces of academic writing. Bishop (1990) identified that books were, ‘Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors.’ Blaska (2004) built on this work and went on to identify that ‘Perhaps no group has been as overlooked and inaccurately presented in children’s books as individuals with disabilities.’ My final work focused on representations of disability within children’s literature, particularly focusing on visible disabilities. I’m really proud of the work through this piece of research and I hope that I will have the opportunity to share my findings and build further on my understanding of representations within children’s literature in the future." Her award was presented by award-winning children's author Hannah Gold on Thursday 24th of July just after the BGU Graduation ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral. Hannah was attending the ceremony to receive her Honorary Doctorate from BGU. Congratulations Emma! -
BGU tops leader boards in five categories in National Student Survey
The results from the National Student Survey (NSS) 2024 have been announced, and we are thrilled at the outcome, retaining 1st in three categories from 2023, as well as achieving 1st in two new categories. At an institution level, BGU’s positivity scores exceeded sector averages in all themes. This trend continues at an individual question level where BGU scored higher than the sector average across the board. The NSS was the chance for students to provide feedback on their student experience and aimed at undergraduates in their final year of study. We’ve been ranked 1st for: Learning OpportunitiesAssessment and FeedbackLearning ResourcesAcademic SupportStudent Voice Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: “These awards are a testament to the dedication and hard work of all our colleagues. It’s inspiring to see our students acknowledge the excellence of our transformative education, and the supportive, empowering environment we foster at our University. “Together, we’re empowering our students to develop the skills needed for a life of positive impact.” See more of our awards and accolades here. -
BGU students celebrate Graduation 2024
Students, friends, family, and faculty gathered in Lincoln Cathedral to witness the graduation ceremonies of students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Celebrations took place on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th July over four ceremonies. 888 students from various academic disciplines graduated this year, including undergraduate, master's, postgraduate, doctoral programmes, and apprenticeships, with many donning their robes to cross the stage at Lincoln Cathedral. The University also presented Honorary Awards to individuals recognised for their exceptional contributions to the University, academia and society. Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees was BBC presenter Peter Levy, who has had a distinguished 49-year career in broadcasting, notably presenting BBC Look North for Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire since 2002. Hannah Gold, celebrated children’s author of best-sellers such as The Last Bear, also received an Honorary Doctorate. Receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Alex Baxter, who is the Chair of Franklin Sixth Form College, and whose service in the Royal Navy inspired his current roles and contributions to military-civil engagement in North East Lincolnshire. Educationalist and historian Judith Jones was honoured for her exceptional contributions to the University and public life, including her voluntary work with the Sandford Award. Paul Deane, Principal and Chief Executive of Grantham College, was recognised for his role in fostering educational collaborations across Lincolnshire. Richard Hallsworth received an Honorary Fellowship for his dedicated service to BGU as a trustee and council member. This year's ceremonies were overseen by Interim Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton. She said: “Graduation marks a significant milestone for all our students, and it is a privilege to celebrate this achievement in the historic Lincoln Cathedral. “We are delighted to honour the diverse talents and achievements of our graduating students, and to anticipate the extraordinary contributions they will make in their respective fields and communities. I have no doubt they will make us proud.” -
Students graduate in exciting Early Childhood degree pathway
In September 2021, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) introduced students to the opportunity to work towards sector endorsed graduate practitioner competencies alongside the BGU BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies programme. The ECGPC (Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies) pathway seeks to strengthen the link between placement and theory, developing a graduate led workforce across the ECEC sector. It includes 80 days of placement in a variety of settings, an additional portfolio, and a very special end point assessment where they showcase all they have learned. This is therefore the first year of completion. This route, along with our traditional BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, is full and relevant, meaning they are ready and qualified to work within the Early Childhood sector. BGU students Marina Quaresma and Katy Evans graduated from the University on Thursday 24th July 2024 with a qualification in BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner). Prior to graduation they both completed their End Point Assessment for their chosen routes, demonstrating the skills they have learned across their extensive placement. Both of them are BGU's very first students to graduate with the ECGPC! The GPC route really benefits practical skills such as planning activities and observing children. Placement offers the opportunity to see the theory in practice and allows you to build relationships with local settings. The E-diary also benefits your reflective skills and allows you to look back on what you have learnt. My favourite part was watching the children flourish under my care and the relationships I made along the way. Katy Evans The Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies aim to: 1. Remove the confusion in the sector about how ECS Degrees are aligned to practice requirements in the four nations of the UK. 2. Address the inherent challenges of different types of Early Childhood degrees and study pathways, enabling the wider workforce to be clear about individual early career graduates’ expected level of knowledge, skills and actual experience in practice. 3. Acknowledge the different pathways that lead learners to undertake the degrees, enhance their practice experience and enhance employability skills. 4. Ensure that Higher Education academic routes are responsive to the changing needs and training routes in early years practice, education and the wider Children’s Services workforce. 5. Make a significant contribution to strengthening a graduate-led Early Childhood workforce that is responsive to workforce needs and improves outcomes for children. 6. Afford students with placement opportunities to critically apply theory to practice in a range of Early Childhood settings and/or schools, social care and health settings. This will enable students to develop graduate skills in the application of the inter-disciplinary Early Childhood knowledge base to reflective practice. 7. Provide new opportunities for graduates who want to strengthen their practice in Early Childhood and/or progress to post-graduate academic programmes or professional training, including Early Years Teacher (0-5), Teacher (3-11), Social Work and health professions. ECSDN. (2020). Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies -
Top heritage sites recognised as 2024 Sandford Award winners announced
The National Army Museum, a Victorian steamship, and Windsor Castle are among the winners of this year’s Sandford Award. Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), in partnership with the Heritage Education Trust and supported by Historic Royal Palaces, is thrilled to announce the winners of the prestigious 2024 Sandford Award. This year’s award presentation ceremony will take place at the historic Kensington Palace on Tuesday 10 December 2024. The Sandford Award, established in 1978, is the gold standard for heritage learning, recognising the exceptional contribution of heritage organisations to formal and informal education. In 2024, the award attracted 39 applicants, many of whom have been previous recipients. This year, the honour is being awarded to 36 winners. A list of winners can be found here. Professor Andrew Jackson, speaking on behalf of BGU said: “Bishop Grosseteste University is delighted to be joining the celebrations of the Sandford Award 2024. The number and diversity of winners form a fabulous testimony to the role of our sites and organisations and reflects the dedication of their staff to heritage education and learning. BGU is proud to be supporting and championing their endeavours.” Dr Tracy Borman, OBE, Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust and Chancellor of BGU said: “I am thrilled to see such a rich and diverse range of sites celebrated in this year’s Sandford Awards. From iconic historic buildings such as Windsor Castle, Whitby Abbey, and the Roman Baths to art galleries, archives, ships, and even a farm, they are all united by the excellence of their education provision. My heartfelt congratulations go to all the worthy winners of 2024.” The Sandford Award continues to recognise a wide variety of heritage sites, including historic buildings, museums, archives, and natural landscapes that provide exceptional educational experiences for visitors of all ages. The award is not only a validation of formal learning programmes that align with national curricula but also acknowledges the value of informal learning opportunities such as family programmes and self-guided tours. Looking ahead, the 2025 Sandford Awards will open for entries on Monday, 2 December 2024. Heritage organisations across the UK are encouraged to apply. Find more information on the Sandford Award and how to enter here. Photo credit for banner image: Learning at Royal Collection Trust
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