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Lecturer aims to bring lessons from the forest into the classroom
Paul Brenham-Foster, Senior Lecturer in Primary at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), has been presented with a Level 3 Forest School Practitioner Award following a year of training and delivering sessions with local schools. The training, which included an initial week introducing the ethos and theory behind forest school, sits alongside an online portfolio covering health and safety, ecology, delivery of sessions, theories of play, learning and development. Both of these were followed by a practical assessment week, out in the woods, which explored a number of aspects including camp fire cookery, safe use of tools and fire, planning for holistic development and nature study skills. The Forest School Association defines Forest School as: ‘an inspirational process, which offers all learners regular opportunities to achieve and develop confidence and self-esteem through hands-on learning experiences in a woodland or natural environment with trees. It is a specialised learning approach that sits within and complements the wider context of outdoor and woodland education.’ The ethos is shared by thousands of trained practitioners across the UK and beyond. Its roots reach back to early years pioneers in outdoor learning and overseas to Scandinavia. As part of the approach, all participants are viewed as: equal, unique and valuable competent to explore & discover entitled to experience appropriate risk and challenge entitled to choose, and to initiate and drive their own learning and development entitled to experience regular success entitled to develop positive relationships with themselves and other people entitled to develop a strong, positive relationship with their natural world Following his award, Paul discussed why he became involved in the initiative and what he hoped its impact could be on the students at BGU: “Having worked in the Foundation Stage for over 20 years, the importance of outdoor learning and the Forest School approach affirms my own personal philosophy on teaching and learning within Early Years.” “With the increased focus schools have on mental health and well-being, it is important our trainees have an awareness of approaches such as Forest School as they begin their careers.” “The aim is for all trainees across the Primary programmes to experience the sessions as a participant and to begin to understand some of the theory behind the approach and hopefully be inspired to train as a Forest School practitioner at some point in their career.” Paul is currently researching how the Forest School approach can be used within school’s to promote children’s mental health and well-being and the importance of risky play in children’s development. If you’d like to find out more about innovative and diverse primary education course visit our website, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. -
Academics Explore Research Partnerships with International Visitors
Academics from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) welcomed Kerem and Meral Coşkun from Artvin Çoruh University in Turkey to explore and discuss potential collaborative research opportunities. Their planned research is based on the social, emotional and moral development of young children and has developed from a collaborative article ‘Is it possible to teach values without social psychology?’ (International Journal of Progressive Education, 14 (6). pp. 38-50. ISSN 1554-5210) written by BGU’s Dr Pat Beckley and academics from Artvin Çoruh. Dr Beckley discussed the new research and how it would build on the existing work carried out by the collaborative group: “The research builds on previous comparative studies the group have undertaken and focuses on differences and similarities between perceptions of social, emotional and moral development in selected primary school sites in England and Turkey. It is proposed to broaden those participating in the studies in both countries. It is an exciting opportunity for BGU as it creates a dynamic collaboration between two similar sized universities which have teacher training as a fundamental element of their work.” If you’re interested in a future in Early Years provision or Teaching there are few institutions that can provide a better experience than BGU. You can find information on our range of education based courses on our website, or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
BG Futures Provide Carrington Communications with the “Perfect Stepping Stone” to Success
In January 2018 digital PR agency Carrington Communications began their journey as a tenant of the BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre. After a highly successful year, and with expansion and new premises on the horizon, Carrington’s Founder, Rob Tomkinson, shares his start-up story and explains how the support of the BG Futures team has helped the company reach its goals. Since graduating from university Rob has always worked in PR. After moving to Lincolnshire he observed a gap in the market for an energised digital PR agency, thus sparking the inspiration for launching Carrington Communications: “No one in Lincolnshire was doing digital PR, even though the city, and region, was growing fast and there was a big need for it. I decided to build an agency that would be known for the quality of its work and the impact it had on its customers, above anything else.” Although Rob’s PR expertise had been refined over the years, owning his own business proved challenging in its own way, he used the examples of others’ success to try to determine his own: “I looked at other business owners around me who I respected - what sets them apart, in my view, is being brave enough to take the bold decisions - that’s what I’ve tried, and keep trying, to do; if the figures stack up, then we can make it work.” However, Rob is not one to become too comfortable in terms of measuring success: “I hope I never think I’ve become a successful ‘entrepreneur’ - there’s a danger and complacency in that which I want to avoid at all costs!” When asked about top tips for aspiring entrepreneurs, Rob placed significant importance on getting the “‘boring’ backroom bits right from the start”, building new relationships with other business people who share your values, and finally: “Delegate! That’s a lesson I had to learn the hard way a couple of times. I thought I was holding on to my early clients out of loyalty to give them the best service, but in reality they got a better service once I brought in the team here in to work alongside me.” Alongside these lessons, finding the right environment to thrive in has also been key for Carrington and in BG Futures they feel they found the perfect place for any start-up: “It’s been so good for us. Even though it was exciting when we took on our first office, it was pretty daunting too. The team at BG Futures gave us everything we needed. It’s a perfect stepping stone for new businesses looking for their first office. The location’s great, the offices are peaceful, the internet’s good and the on-site coffee shops are perfect for client or team meetings. Working around other start-ups has been really beneficial, as have the workshops that they run here - we even hosted our own for other tenants on doing PR on a budget. We’re pleased to be growing but sad to be leaving too - I’d recommend BG Futures to anyone.” Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures, expressed her team’s pride at being a part of Carrington’s growth: “It is great to see how Rob has developed Carrington from a one person business in a small unit, to one with a team expanding to one of our largest units within just 18 months, and although we will miss the team being with us within BG Futures, it is great that we have been able to give them the initial support and foundations upon which they will continue to build their business. And as with any of the businesses that start their journey with us in BG Futures, they never really leave us, just relocate” If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure. -
BG Futures Summer Social Brings Entrepreneurial Talents Together
The BG Futures Summer Social organised by Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) BG Futures Team returned this year to once again provide an informal opportunity for BGU based organisations and entrepreneurs to come together to celebrate the year’s successes. Held in the on-campus BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre the event offered a welcome opportunity for the current physical and virtual tenants to come together. A number of students who have been successfully developing their own business ideas with the support of the BGU Enterprise Club were also in attendance. All the organisations based in BG Futures are between one month, and three years old and are supported by Becky Goodman; Enterprise Development Manager along with the BG Futures Careers, Employability and Enterprise Team. New additions to the BG Futures community since the last Summer Social include Wilesmith, TaylorWalsh and Early Bird Lifestyle Support BG Futures has a broad remit ranging from careers guidance and support to enterprise development and application for further study. The team take great care of BGU alumni looking to start their own ventures and provide a bespoke support offer for up to two years after graduation, enabling them to continue to flourish by delivering employability advice and assistance applying for jobs or further study. With opportunities open to non-alumni as well, the on-campus business and enterprise centre equips new businesses and entrepreneurs with a base for their creativity and includes incubation units, a Hot-Desk room and Virtual Office facilities. If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure. -
Successful Students See Support Service Soar From Strength to Strength
Enterprising students Damian Taylor (MA Health & Social Care) and Neil Martin (BA History) are the latest success story to emerge from BG Futures Business and Enterprise Centre at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Having joined the BGU Enterprise Club just a few months ago the duo have gone from strength to strength with their growing business EarlyBird Lifestyle Support and are already working from their own premises. EarlyBird Lifestyle Support is a friendly well-being service based in Lincoln and serves the city and surrounding areas helping people with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, collecting prescriptions and medication, food shopping, trips out, escorting individuals to appointments and more. Speaking to the BGU Futures Team, Damian discussed how the support from the Centre helped him, Neil and their team reach their goals: “Being able to become residents in the BG Futures Enterprise Room has allowed us the time and space to work productively whilst in the early stages of our business. One of the main benefits is that it has allowed us to present ourselves to local authorities and other community professionals as a legitimate and professional business. The guidance and advice we have received from Becky has been incredibly important for us and invaluable. The enterprise centre is a fantastic resource for new and upcoming businesses. You may have the misconception that you have to have it all figured out with a full business plan before you receive support, this is far from the truth, you can be at the very being stages of an idea! Mixing this support with my 10 years front line and management experience in the sector, along with the Health & Social care provision at BGU, has really enabled Neil and I to create a service that brings both health care and social care together which allows us to offer holistic and bespoke person centred support with a wider understanding of social injustices and the adult social care crisis. I would encourage anyone even thinking about going into business or anyone with a concept for self-employment to come in and speak to someone. I can guarantee you won’t regret it!” Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures, was equally full of praise for the hard work of Damian and his team: “It has been great to work with Damian and Neil over the past few months, and I am excited to see how the business grows and develops over the coming months and years Damian first contacted us following a visit I made to his MA Health and Social Care course and after meeting with both Damian and Neil it became clear that the business needed the space to grow. The duo moved into the BGU Enterprise Club room in BG Futures, and from there we have watched them grow from strength to strength, from recruiting staff, to sourcing promotional products and hope that we have made a real impact to their start up journey, and continue to do so as they take up an office of their own with us in the centre.” The Careers, Employability and Enterprise team strive to support all students during their studies to research and plan their career, and to improve their employability. The BGU Enterprise Club hosted by BG Futures also provides students with Business Start-up support and guidance, in addition to free office space*, and the opportunity to pitch for start-up funding. If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure. Support from EarlyBird is available to anyone in Lincolnshire and the surrounding area, to find out how they can help you visit their website, or get in contact via email at info@ebls.co.uk or on 01522424161. On the 31st of August EarlyBird will be running a charity fundraiser in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. Join them from 10am at Freshney Place, Grimsby, as they attempt a ‘Coast to Coast’ 168 mile cycle. Alternatively you can donate to their efforts here. *Competitive process applies. -
BGU lecturer joins academic and literary legends in exploring a balanced curriculum for children
Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes for Primary and Early Years in the School of Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), has contributed a chapter to a new book on the primary curriculum.'A Broad and Balanced Curriculum in Primary Schools: Educating the whole child' identifies the pressures of standardised testing and the focus on English and maths as impacting factors on teaching time, and asks how teachers can ensure that the curriculum truly is broad and balanced. Contributors provide an exploration of the current challenges in the curriculum as well as guidance on how to tackle them. Aimee's chapter looks at using philosophical inquiry with primary age children and how an hour a week of thinking deeply and discussing interesting questions together can improve teamwork, mutual respect, problem-solving skills, as well as writing, reading and mathematics achievement. Contributors include children's literary legend and former Children's Laureate, Michael Rosen; and Professor Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education (Literacy) at The Open University in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies and is available now through a number of outlets. Speaking following the book's publication Aimee expressed her delight at being involved: "I am delighted to have been invited to contribute to this very important book, which reflects how passionately the School of Teacher Development team at BGU feel about a broad and balanced curriculum for our teacher trainees and their pupils" 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. 'A Broad and Balanced Curriculum in Primary Schools: Educating the whole child' is edited by Susan Ogier and published by Sage. -
Lecturer helps lead celebrations for the life and impact of William Blake
Visionary poet and artist William Blake are one of the most vivid figures in British Romantic literature and to celebrate his impact a week of events began in Lincoln on 16 September 2019 with the launch of The Reception of William Blake in Europe at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Edited by Dr Sibylle Erle, Reader in English Literature at BGU, alongside Professor Morton D. Paley (University of California, Berkeley), the book is the first comprehensive and systematic reference guide to Blake’s influence across Europe. Exploring Blake’s impact on literature, art, music and culture, the book includes bibliographies of major critical responses, exhibitions and translations of Blake’s work in each country covered, as well as a publication history and timeline of the poet’s reception on the continent. The launch event at BGU was a tremendous success allowing Dr Erle and Professor Paley to meet with colleagues, students and Blake enthusiasts to discuss and share stories of the many years of working with European colleagues. It was followed later in the week by an additional launch in London at Senate House with the Series Editor Professor Elinor Shaffer before a Symposium at Tate Britain (20 September 2019). Contributors met with Martin Myrone (curator of the William Blake exhibition now open at the Tate and contributor to the volumes) bright and early for a curator’s tour at the staff entrance. The event, which lasted all day, was hosted by the Tate and supported by BGU. Other events in the week included Professor Morton D. Paley speaking at the Tennyson Research Centre about Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s copy of Blake’s Illustrations of the Book of Job. Tennyson received his copy in 1856, a present by his friend Benjamin Jowett, and through it Paley explored Blake's masterpiece in front of a select audience to a warm and enthusiastic response. Speaking at the end of the week Dr Erle expressed her pride at being involved in such an important cross-continental effort: “I am tired but so very happy. These were inspiring days, full of joy and inspiration. It was good for the soul. With the Brexit on the horizon, it felt good to come together as a European community of academics and talk about Blake.” Dr Erle’s research in the work and impact of William Blake has seen her invited to numerous speaking events. You can read more about her travels here. If you are interested in finding out more about English at BGU, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team. -
Academic’s work on the 'early modern state' translated into German
‘Luther’s Legacy’, the latest book by Robert von Friedeburg, Reader in History at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), on the nature of the Early Modern State in Germany has been selected for translation into German by the Max Planck Institute for Legal History in Frankfurt. First published by Cambridge University Press in 2016 ‘Luther’s Legacy’ examines how the modern notion of state does not rest on the experience of a bureaucratic state-apparatus. It emerged to stabilize monarchy from dynastic insecurity and constrain it to protect the rule of law, subjects, and their lives and property. Against this background, Lutheran and neo-Aristotelian notions on the spiritual and material welfare of subjects dominating German debate interacted with Western European arguments against 'despotism' to protect the lives and property of subjects. The combined result of this interaction under the impact of the Thirty Years War was Seckendorff's Der Deutsche Fürstenstaat (1656), constraining the evil machinations of princes and organizing the detailed administration of life in the tradition of German Policey, and which founded a specifically German notion of the modern state as comprehensive provision of services to its subjects. The original publication has been praised for its “major intervention” and “new way of thinking” and the new translation will be published on November 1. Friedeburg has also been invited to Germany, to the University of Bielefeld, to talk about his book on October 17. Earlier invitations had been to the German Historical Institute in London and to Georgetown University. If you would be interested in joining these discussions visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team for more information on our wide range courses including a selection of joint honours BA History degrees, our MA in Social & Cultural History and our BA (Hons) in Military History. -
New Book Aims to Help Support Autistic Children by Exploring the ‘Two Sides to Every Story’
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) was proud to host the launch of ‘Exploring Theory of Mind with Children & Young People on the Autism Spectrum’ the latest book by Dr Clare Lawrence, Senior Lecturer in Secondary Education at BGU. Subtitled ‘Two Sides to Every Story’, the book explores how theory of mind differences, and the difficulties created by different viewpoints, can lead to frustration and confusion for children with autism. This exploration is lead by carefully structured stories featuring Bryn, who is autistic, his mother and their ‘Wise Dog’. All involve frustrating or confusing social events that befall Bryn leading to meltdowns with each story then told again from another viewpoint. Each night, Wise Dog talks to Bryn and helps him understand what has happened. Alongside the stories of Bryn, his mother and Wise Dog are a wide selection of activities which are based around the stories and are designed to further the reader’s understanding of the challenges faced by children with Autism. These activities include story board and role-playing exercises which are perfect for parents and children to work through together or for teachers to use in classroom situations. Speaking at the launch Clare discussed the positive impact she hoped the book would have: “I’ve been working on this book for a long time and I’m delighted to now see it finished and available for people to enjoy and learn from. The ability to interpret different viewpoints can be a real struggle for children with autism who, due to theory of mind differences, see their version as the truth. My hope now is that this book can educate those who come into contact with children on the spectrum on how to interact with and support children with viewpoint so different to their own”. Clare was supported in the creation of the book by her BGU colleague Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes Primary & Early Years ITE, who provided illustrations. ‘Exploring Theory of Mind with Children & Young People on the Autism Spectrum’ is available now. If you would like to explore a future supporting children and young people, visit our website to book your place on one of our upcoming Open Days where you’ll find out how our wide variety of exciting courses can help you reach your goals. -
Using Shared Reading to explore the ‘telling’ of death
Earlier this year, at the 2020 Death and Dying conference, attendees came together to discuss how shared reading could explore the ‘telling’ of death. One of the goals of the workshop was to use art to capture a ‘live’ response that included something of the personal and transitory nature of the event. Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes for Primary Education and Early Years at BGU, Dr Clare Lawrence, Senior Lecturer in Teacher Development, and Dr John Rimmer, Senior Lecturer PGCE secondary (art and design), share their feedback on the unique and engaging experience. Using Shared Reading to explore the ‘telling’ of death Academic and Creative Responses to Death and Dying Conference, BGU 2020 Dr Clare Lawrence, Aimee Quickfall, Dr John Rimmer Shared Reading is an approach pioneered and developed by Jane Davis to use the read-aloud experience of literary texts to explore group participants’ reflections, thoughts and memories, where the text is presented as a live presence, not as something pre-read or an object of study. This Shared Reading workshop was part of a conference that had as its theme, How to tell the children, and as such used texts that explored the ‘telling’ of death, and the experience of parents’ death as understood by the (adult) child of those parents. The text chosen were Gertrude’s description of Ophelia’s death in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Act IV sc. v and Charles Causley’s poem Eden Rock. Throughout the workshop Aimee Quickfall took notes visually, sketching and drawing as the participants talked. These sketches sought to capture something of the perspectives and experiences of those who took part, less to create a factual record and more to produce a live response that included something of the personal and transitory nature of the event. This method builds on the work of Heath and Chapman (2018), who believe that ‘a sketch does something different to, say, a photograph or a written field note’ (Heath and Chapman, 2018 p. 715). Back and Puwar (2012) suggest that the nature of data that is generated through sketching is different from that generated through other methods, not least because of what drawing, of necessity, leaves out. The artist must choose what to record, so that the record is always synthesised and personalised in a way that a mechanical record is not. Midgley (2011) believes that this means that drawing can capture passions and tensions in a way that other means of recording do not. The discussions during the workshop were then further synthesised by John Rimmer, who worked what was discussed into a piece of highly abstract animated art, reflecting his interpretation of the themes that were explored. These academic and Creative responses to the workshop will be shared in due course through published output. If you’d like to explore a future as part of diverse learning community, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team, or book onto an Open Event to find out how to take your first steps. References: Back, L., & Puwar, N. (2012). A manifesto for live methods: provocations and capacities. The sociological review, 60, 6-17. Heath, S., Chapman, L., & Centre Sketchers, T. M. (2018). Observational sketching as method. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 21(6), 713-728. Midgley, J. (2011). Drawing Lives-Reportage at Work. Studies in Material Thinking, (4). Retrieved, 5.
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