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Foundation Degree Sets Dad of Three on Road to Learning
A father of three from Boston set off on the road to postgraduate study by enrolling on a Bishop Grosseteste University foundation degree course at Boston College. This week Dave Callow (37) will graduate with an honours degree from BGU at Lincoln Cathedral – and he is now set to embark on a master's course at the University of Lincoln. Dave left school at 16 with a good set of GCSEs, and after studying Art and Design at Boston College he tried factory work, landscape gardening and office roles, but he didn’t settle into a permanent career. After becoming a full-time dad he realised he needed a rewarding occupation. “I wanted to be an example to my kids,” he said. “I didn’t want to be coming home to them feeling miserable from a job that left me unfulfilled.” He approached Boston College for careers advice, began volunteering at his local school and re-took his Maths GCSE. In 2012 he enrolled on the BGU Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Learning Support) at Boston College and soon found himself being challenged to think about his work in school in fresh and interesting ways. “It awakened a thirst for knowledge,” said Dave. “I wanted a deeper understanding of social issues and injustices. At my work setting I found I was suddenly more aware of the complexities of children’s lives outside of school. “The connection between what we were learning in the modules and the day-to-day work was so strong; I felt drawn to working with families and to making a positive contribution to society.” One of the benefits of BGU’s collaborative partnership with Boston College is the opportunity it offers to people to study locally, said Dave. “At that time, as a full-time Dad in Boston, I just couldn’t have gone anywhere else. It gave me such an important step on the way.” At the end of his foundation degree in Boston Dave stepped up to the BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies in Education at BGU in Lincoln. “I’ve loved the experience of being in a university,” he said. “The BGU campus is lovely, the library is amazing and the tutors are nice and helpful. I like the structure of the progression year - the way the modules had been planned allowed us to become more independent as the year passed.” As he neared the end of his degree Dave knew he wanted to continue studying, so he spoke to careers staff at BG Futures and undertook an in-depth psychometric test. He applied for the MSc in Social Work at the University of Lincoln and within a few weeks he had been offered a place. Dave recognises that he has come a long way since he started. “When I think now about the first presentation I had to do on my foundation degree, it was one of the scariest days of my life! But now, at the end of the honours degree, I feel much more confident in my ability, my knowledge and myself. Even though I’ve finished my degree, I’m still reading about the things I’ve studied – it’s definitely unleashed something within me that wants to go on learning.” BGU’s Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-related programme that enables working 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. The course is validated by the university and delivered at three colleges in Lincolnshire – Boston College, New College Stamford and North Lindsey College in Scunthorpe – as well as at BGU in Lincoln. It usually runs over two years. -
New Students Invited to ‘Share Hand of Friendship’
A welcoming ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral is to take place for the first time to formally introduce new students at Bishop Grosseteste University. The event on 8th October will give both undergraduate and postgraduate students the chance to meet university staff and each other. It is hoped that this matriculation ceremony will now be held annually, and over 1,000 new students have been invited. The university’s Vice Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, explained: “Matriculation is the term used to describe students' formal entry into the university. We hope this serves as a friendly welcome to all those who are starting their studies here this year and that students feel they are becoming a part of the wider university family.” The ceremony will be held in Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday 8th October at 3.30pm. For most students this will also be the place of their graduation, thanks to the university’s links with the Diocese of Lincoln. An academic procession will take place, with members of the university’s academic staff, council and officers of the university making a grand entrance. Distinguished county and civic guests will also be invited to attend. Students will also be given a badge to commemorate the event, a unique modern-day pilgrim badge specially created and designed by the Historic Lincoln Trust which also commemorates the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. Professor Neil added: “The Dean of Lincoln will welcome students to the cathedral and the matriculation roll will then be endorsed by the Registrar and Secretary on behalf of the university. “I will then invite students to 'share the hand of friendship' and shake hands with each other to admit them all formally as members of the university. Speeches will then be given by me, the President of BGU Students' Union and Lord Cormack, Chairman of the Historic Lincoln Trust.” Students will leave the cathedral to be greeted by the university samba band who will be performing following a public announcement by Lincoln’s Town Crier. -
Teenagers Invited to Options Evening
Are you unsure what your next step will be after finishing your GCSEs? Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln will give year 10 and 11 students the chance to learn more about their post-16 options next month. The options evening on Thursday 15th October 2015 is designed to inform and advise students and parents about the range of choices available for them after year 11. Representatives from school sixth forms and further and higher education establishments will be on hand, as will apprenticeship and training providers from the Lincoln area who will be offering guidance. Allison Lawrence, Head of Careers, Employability and Enterprise at Bishop Grosseteste University, said: “The evening will provide an opportunity for pupils and parents to find out about some of the options open to them following year 11 to help pupils make the right choices. “There will be careers staff from a range of different backgrounds as well as university representatives to provide advice and support.” The evening will run from 4pm until 7pm at the Hardy Building, Bishop Grosseteste University on Longdales Road, Lincoln, LN1 3DY. Parent talks which offer tips for supporting with student decisions will be held at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm. If you would like to book a place for one of these talks or have any other queries please contact Diane Haines, BG Futures Administrator, on 01522 583900 or diane.haines@bishopg.ac.uk. -
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. -
Enjoy Bhajis and Bhangra Beats at BGU Bollywood Evening
Tickets are still available to join in the one-night-only Bollywood bash at Bishop Grosseteste University. This year’s Bollywood-themed evening will take place on Sunday 13th September 2015 to raise money for the Bishop Grosseteste University Foundation Fund. For just £25 guests will be treated to a screening of Bollywood movie Queen, followed by an authentic Indian meal in the Refectory. The evening will begin at The Venue at BGU from 5pm, with the bar open from 4pm. Queen is a 2014 comedy-drama directed by Vikas Bahl and produced by Anurang Kashyap. The film tells the story of a young Delhi girl who decides to travel alone on her planned honeymoon after her fiancé ends their relationship. Hannah Clipsham, Events Manager for BGU, said: “Bollywood is one of the largest centres of film production in the world, so this is a real treat for everyone, whether you are already an avid fan of Indian film and culture or not. “This will be our fourth annual Bollywood evening, which has always been very popular in the past. And as if there were another excuse needed to get involved, we will direct all proceeds from the evening to the BGU Foundation Fund. “This event is co-organised with the dedicated support and generosity of Jasmit Phull, a member of the Bishop Grosseteste University Council, who works hard to make it a success.” The BGU Foundation Fund exists to encourage and enable students and alumni to take part in voluntary or community engagement activities, both here in the UK and overseas. The initiative supports charitable projects that clearly demonstrate enrichment to the students, but cannot be otherwise resourced through the university’s main funds. It also helps staff to develop innovative activities which enhance the student experience and supports the Students’ Union clubs and societies. Over the last year grants have been provided to support many diverse activities, including a visit by one student to Japan to take part in the world Scout Jamboree. Another is travelling to Bangalore, India as part of a visual arts project. Although it is not compulsory, guests are welcome to fully embrace the evening of Bollywood glamour and arrive in traditional Indian or international dress. For tickets or more information please contact Jessica Lyons in the BG Venues Conference and Events Office 01522 583702 or email jessica.lyons@bishopg.ac.uk -
Ofsted Praise for BGU's FE Teacher Training
Bishop Grosseteste University’s further education teacher training has been praised by Ofsted for having a “clear vision and an extremely strong commitment to their engagement with partners in the FE and skills sector”. The report, published on Thursday by Ofsted, follows a highly successful Ofsted inspection of early years, primary and secondary provision at BGU in Lincoln in December 2015. In this latest report of FE teacher training the inspectors found that “the university has ensured that their strategic vision and strong partnership development prepared capable, confident and skilled practitioners”. It added that BGU’s “leaders show the university’s positive response to the local and national need for skilled practitioners in FE, as part of their wider commitment to professional and career development”. Nationally the FE and skills sector has experienced considerable and continuing change, and inspectors commended BGU for reviewing, restructuring and extending its provision. The “dynamic and well considered actions” of leaders have created a strong partnership, reinforced by the “dedication and enthusiasm” of tutors and mentors, the report said. Inspectors found that the institution, which has been training teachers for over 150 years, continues to lead innovation which flourishes in the “safe learning environments” created by the partnership. Trainees “are not afraid to challenge themselves by trying out new and innovative ways to help their learners succeed”. The Ofsted inspection took place in May 2016. Dr Nick Gee, Head of the School of Teacher Development at BGU, said: “We are delighted by this report which once again highlights our clear vision, strong leadership and total commitment to partnership working. “To have secured ‘good’ OFSTED judgements in all age phases (early years, primary, secondary and FE) demonstrates the true depth and breadth of our expertise and places us amongst a very exclusive national pool of universities.” Matt Shough, Head of Higher Education at New College Stamford, said: “We are delighted that the report has recognised the work that the university and colleges have done in providing high-quality teacher training in the further education sector. “We are particularly pleased that the inspection recognised the care, support and challenge that the trainees receive from our tutors and mentors and consequently the high expectations set for them as emerging teachers.” Sally Reeve, Teaching and Learning Manager at Lincoln College Group, said: “We are immensely pleased to see that the hard work and dedication undertaken by the partnership and the commitment of the staff and trainees involved has been recognised by Ofsted. “We are also extremely grateful for all the support BGU has given in the preparation for the inspection and during it. This is a great team result with a positive impact on our trainees’ confidence.” To view the entire report visit the Ofsted website here. If you're wishing to pursue a career in the education, training and skills sector please see our Certificate in Education, Training and Skills or Professional Graduate Diploma in Education, Training and Skills. -
Visiting Professorship at BGU for Australian Health Expert
A leading healthcare expert from Australia has become a visiting professor at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. Professor Amanda Kenny accepted the visiting professorship from Professor Jayne Mitchell, Deputy Vice Chancellor at BGU, at a special lunch in honour of her visit today (Tuesday). Professor Kenny, who is Professor of Rural and Regional Nursing at La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University in Bendigo near Melbourne, Australia, is paying her second visit to BGU this week with two colleagues. She will give a guest lecture and seminar and is working with researchers from the School of Social Sciences at the university on future health research projects. “Professor Kenny has made outstanding contributions to knowledge exchange, education, professional practice and consultancy, principally in the fields of nursing, rural and public health,” said Professor Mitchell. “We recently launched a suite of health and social care courses to complement our counselling and psychology programmes and we are delighted that she has accepted our offer of a visiting professorship.” Professor Kenny said: “La Trobe University and Bishop Grosseteste University have striking similarities in the way they have developed and the successes and challenges they face. We have fantastic opportunities for cross-disciplinary research in such fields as oral health for children and psychosocial cancer care. “I feel privileged that we will be able to work together on collaborative research projects and look forward to staff and student exchanges in the future.” Professor Kenny is widely published internationally and is frequently invited as a key speaker at national and international conferences. The partnership has been facilitated by a former colleague, Dr Janice Pascal, who now works at Bishop Grosseteste University as Academic Co-ordinator for Health and Social Care. -
Lecturers Swapping Lecterns for Laughs
Stand-up comedians often make jokes about politics, their childhood or everyday observations – but a new breed of comic is getting laughs out of academic research. Bright Club is a nationwide project to turn academics into comedians, and Bishop Grosseteste University is the latest institution to join in the fun. BGU will host its first Bright Club event at its Curiositea café on Thursday 12th May. Compered by professional comedian Simon Bligh, the evening will feature comic turns by education experts, drama tutors and even the university’s chaplain! “Academics are notoriously solitary creatures, and while they’re used to presenting their research at conferences this is a chance for them to put across the research they’re doing in a much more fun and inspired way,” said Elinor Vettraino, a business and enterprise academic at BGU who is organising the event. “Bright Club began life at University College London and it occurred to me that it’s an interesting way of engaging people within the BGU community to share practice and learning while having a fun evening.” At the BGU event next week former Perrier Award nominee and Time out Comedian of the Year Simon Bligh will introduce participants including: Dr Julia Lindley-Baker Academic Co-ordinator, Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion The Reverend Dr Peter Green University Chaplain Graham Meeson Head of School of Humanities Dr Dennis Eluyefa Senior Lecturer in Drama Elinor Vettraino Academic Co-ordinator, Business & Enterprise “To prepare our budding stand-ups who are treading the boards for this first pilot experience Simon has held two training sessions,” said Elinor. “But the idea is that it’s a risk, and at the same time it’s great fun. It’s helps lecturers, whose job it is to engage with students and get their message across, to make their repertoire more versatile.” Tickets for the event cost £5 on the door (£2 for students) at Curiositea and are open to members of the public as well as to BGU staff and students. Doors open at 7pm and the event starts at 7.30pm on Thursday 12th May. Universities involved in Bright Club include Cambridge, Oxford, Leicester, Loughborough, Manchester, St Andrews, Belfast and Bristol. To find out more about Bright Club visit https://brightclub.org/ -
New Lease of Life for Former Connie’s Restaurant at BGU
A former canteen and dining room at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is being turned into much needed teaching accommodation as the institution gears up for an increase in students. BGU is spending £850,000 on converting the former Connie’s dining room and kitchen into an academic facility. The refurbishment project will create seven multi-functional, flexible teaching spaces on the ground floor of the building which will be ready for use in September 2015. The university’s strategic plan envisages a growth in student numbers and BGU is also broadening the range of courses it offers, introducing Business (Team Entrepreneurship), Health and Social Care, Sociology, Psychology, Counselling and History and Archaeology from September. Part of the new teaching facility will be used by staff and students on the university’s new Business (Team Entrepreneurship) degree course. “In the past Connie’s was the place where our students who lived on campus had their meals, but now we’ve moved to self-catering accommodation and opened the Refectory to cater for the changing demand,” said Fred Robson, Head of Estates at BGU. “We no longer need this catering space so we’re converting the building to give us additional teaching space as we grow our student numbers.” The work, which entails some minor demolition and re-roofing of the former kitchen, is being undertaken by the main contractor, Robert Woodhead Ltd from Mansfield. -
Eye-opening trip to India for BGU’s Theology Students
Fourteen Theology students from Bishop Grosseteste University and three members of staff have just returned from the university’s latest visit to India. The aim of the 2016 Theology Trip was to experience Indian religion and culture at first hand, supporting modules on the degree course which reference Asian beliefs and culture. Because many of the students plan to be teachers the group also visited schools and universities, including those linked to BGU in a formal partnership. The students also spent some time working with students from three colleges in the Tirunelveli area with which BGU has formal links: St John’s College, St John’s College of Education and Sarah Tucker College. “ These visits to India provide our students with a direct experience of Indian religion and culture, which they have studied in lectures and texts at BGU but which they need to actually experience in order to fully understand,” said Mark Plater, Lecturer and Subject Co-ordinator for PGCE Secondary Religious Education at BGU. “ Our visits include first-hand experiences of religion in the community and culture and visits to a range of educational contexts, including local and international schools, centres for special needs and higher education institutions. “ Apart from the more obvious educational benefits, these experiences also confront students with the challenges of developing countries, encouraging them to consider bigger questions about what is most significant in life and the limits of our own habits and assumptions.” The annual visit took place from 23rd February until 3rd March 2016. Highlights included being blessed by an elephant at Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, visiting the children at SDETland, and spending time with Indian students in Tirunelveli.
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