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Heritage Open Days & The Early History of Bishop Grosseteste University
Since 1994, Heritage Open Days have run every year shining a bright light on England's rich and diverse cultural heritage. This year, from 10-19 September, heritage sites across the county reflected on the theme of 'voices unheard', exploring 'stories from women, children, the working class and agricultural workers, minority groups and even animals that have somehow contributed to the history of Lincolnshire'. Bishop Grosseteste University has been educating students for over 150 years, but its early history was devoted to training young 'school mistresses'. In January 1862, 'Lincoln Diocesan Training College for Schoolmistresses' opened its doors for women who aspired to be teachers. As seen in the image below, the 'Joyce Skinner Building' is one of the original college buildings. Figure 1: A watercolour painting of Lincoln Diocesan Training College in 1888. BGU Archive During the first fifty years some 1,320 girls entered Lincoln Diocesan Training College. After gaining their teaching certificates, some women went on to have careers in elementary schools. Others passed away far too young—some married, and their daughters later attended the college. A few daring women even travelled to far off British colonies to teach. Interestingly, the vast majority of trainee 'schoolmistresses' came from working-class backgrounds. During the nineteenth century, teaching was considered a working-class profession, as it was deemed immoral for the upper classes to educate working class children. Figure 2: The oldest surviving image of students at Lincoln Diocesan Training College c1860s. BGU Archive For a young woman to be given a chance to study at a teacher training college in the late nineteenth century there was an expectation that she would have successfully carried out the role of an apprentice teacher. 'Pupil Teachers' aged between 13 and 18 years of age, spent four to five years shadowing teachers in an elementary school. Alongside teaching the youngest school children, they also carried out domestic duties. Pupil Teachers were also expected to conduct their study before or after the school day. While extremely demanding, the pupil teacher scheme was also preparing the young women to take the Queen's Scholarship Exam. This exam ultimately determined their national ranking. It was from this list that College Principals selected entrants. The Principal at Lincoln Diocesan Training College used the Queen's Scholarship List, but also chose candidates based on their physical well-being, religious knowledge, and geographical proximity, preferring candidates from Lincolnshire or nearby counties of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Figure 3: The Student Common Room c. 1900s. The Common Room was only added to the College in 1895 after numerous requests from the Inspector. BGU Archive Once at the college, the young women could not escape their working-class roots as domestic duties were still required. The college décor was plain, the amenities were sparse, and the food was basic. However, despite a rudimentary diet of potatoes, meat and bread, regular college food was more than what many of the girls were used to. A fascinating medical record held within the BGU Archive reveals that one group of undernourished trainee teachers managed to put weight on at the turn of the twentieth century, and their general health improved considerably during their two years at college. To learn more about the university’s early history and heritage, and study History, Military History or the MA in Social & Cultural History in the surviving Victorian buildings, please click here. -
First cohort welcomed on to newly-validated BA (Hons) Early Childhood Degree with Graduate Practitioner Competencies
The BA (Hons) Early Childhood degree at Bishop Grosseteste University (BG) has been redesigned by the Early Childhood team and revalidated to now offer students the opportunity to undertake Graduate Practitioner Competencies (GPC). These sector-endorsed competencies provide students with greater practice experience as they undertake nine Graduate Practitioner Competencies alongside their degree, ensuring they are further equipped with the skills and knowledge for a career in the Early Childhood sector, in addition to a range of modules to support them to be ‘full and relevant’ in the sector. It is anticipated that these students will seek roles in the sector which allow them to make a ‘significant contribution to a graduate led early years workforce’ (ECSDN, 2020, p. 6), or alternatively will provide students with the knowledge and skills required to progress on to appropriate post-graduate programmes, for example Early Years Teacher (0-5), Teacher (5-11), social work or health and social care professional. The course has been carefully crafted and designed with support from a range of stakeholders, including our current student body and a range of local settings. Becky from Bearhugs Nurseries Ltd said they are “excited about the changes to the programme and the options of the GPC Route, ensuring that students are even more equipped for their future careers supporting young children and families”. Students from the newly validated cohort are also excited to be undertaking this new route. Year 1 student Mel said: “The course has allowed me to explore my options working with children and be myself”. Emily (year 1) said: “I chose to study this course as I’ve known I wanted to work with children. Just not sure what career. I would like to become either an Early Years Teacher or a Health Play Specialist’. Olivia (year 1) said: “I chose this course as I wasn’t too sure on my future occupation and felt like this offered me many opportunities and will allow me to explore a range of different sectors to find out what I like”. The degree offers our students the flexibility to follow a range of Early Years careers, and the Early Years team are excited to see how Bishop Grosseteste University can help them in their careers. For more information, visit: www.bgu.ac.uk/courses/ecs -
International Men’s Day 2021
To celebrate International Mens Day, academics from across the University have highlighted influential men within their fields that have made a difference in their subject area. -
Blake in Europe is OUT!
Dr Sibylle Erle, Reader in English at BGU, writes a reflection on the first ever, special issue in Blake/An Illustrated Quarterly -
BGU alumni launches new nursery in Lincoln
Alice Anders new start-up is dedicated to creating a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming environment for all children. -
Plotting new worlds: English writing competition winners announced
The English Department at Bishop Grosseteste University is pleased to announce the winner of BGU Short Story Competition 2022, entitled Plotting New Worlds. -
Reading buddies share stories at local nursery
Students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently shared stories at St Giles Nursery as part of a Reading Buddies scheme. Developed in partnership with the nursery and Ermine Library, the scheme provides an opportunity for university students to witness the importance of sharing stories with young children and help them develop their literacy skills. Seven Early Childhood Studies students explored a range of books with small groups of early years children. From 'Gorilla Loves Vanilla' to the classic 'Funnybones', the children's imaginations were captivated by the books shared during the thirty-minute sessions. Under the scheme, students can gain certification for their CVs based on how many sessions they attend. The initiative runs once a month and has been well received by both the students and the children. BGU Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies Samantha Hoyes said: "The Reading Buddies scheme is a wonderful initiative that not only benefits the children but also provides our students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience. "By participating in this programme, our students are able to develop their skills and knowledge while supporting the local community. We are delighted to see the positive impact that this scheme is having and look forward to continuing our partnership with the Ermine Library and St Giles Nursery School." -
Local history to be unearthed at excavation
Chapters of Lincolnshire’s history may soon be uncovered at a ground-breaking archaeological excavation in Swanpool. Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) annual Archaeology Field School will mark the beginning of a significant years-long archaeological research project. Launching in June, the project aims to explore a complex, multi-phased site at Haw Hill in the Swanpool area of Lincoln, which has never previously been subjected to archaeological excavation. Located on the edge of the historic city of Lincoln, the site is believed to contain buried evidence of significant historical interest. A geophysical survey has already revealed indications of buried archaeology, and fieldwalking has uncovered prehistoric flint, Roman tile, butchered animal bones, worked limestone blocks, and inscribed post-Medieval tiles. According to documentary evidence, Haw Hill was the site of a variety of buildings and structures, including: a small religious house, St Mary Magdalene Hartsholme Hospital, a Middle Saxon church, and more. Jo Walker, Assistant Director for Western Growth Corridor at City of Lincoln Council said: “We are currently working with BGU to provide access to the land at Swanpool for this project. “The site is within the wider boundary of the Western Growth Corridor area but is separate to the development proposals set out as part of the masterplan. “We hope the project will bring many benefits in terms of skills, learning and a greater understanding of the historic value of the area.” History and archaeology enthusiasts are invited to join the BGU Archaeology Field School over the course of four-weeks. Participants will receive training in field archaeology and excavation skills, post-excavation finds processing, and data recording. All training and teaching will be delivered by expert archaeologists and qualified site supervisors, overseen by a Director of Training and Welfare. Dr Derwin Gregory, Archaeology and Heritage Programme Leader at BGU, said: "We are thrilled to launch this field school, which will not only give participants the chance to gain practical experience in field archaeology and excavation, but also provide valuable insights into the historical significance of Haw Hill. “We hope that the Archaeological Research Project will uncover new information about the site's past, and we look forward to seeing the excavation grow and evolve for years to come.” Two bursaries are available to military families, supported by Wings to the Past. This project uses archaeology and heritage projects to support personal resilience amongst Royal Air Force personnel and their families. The bursaries will provide a unique opportunity for two military families to spend time together, learn new skills, and explore the heritage of their area. The field school will run from Monday 12th June 2023 to Friday 7th July 2023. To register or learn more about the field school, email Derwin.Gregory@bishopg.ac.uk. With limited places available, early booking is recommended. -
Aspiring teachers get creative
A cohort of future teachers recently had the opportunity to flex their creative muscles during a full-day workshop exploring creativity in education. The events of the day aimed to empower the soon-to-be educators with tools and techniques to integrate creativity into their teaching practices, enabling them to create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment for their students. The Primary Education students enjoyed workshops, group tasks, and open discussion about the subject. Guest speakers also shared their expertise on the module subject, which is all about the curriculum choices a school may make. Across the day, three speakers worked with the group, including actor, writer, and teacher Ben Keaton from Creativity Academy, an organisation that visits schools and delivers workshops 'to give primary school teachers and their students the joy of making things.' BGU Senior Lecturer Emma Rogers said: "I'm really grateful that Ben Keaton was able to join us for the morning to share the work on creativity that his Creative academy is doing in schools around Lincolnshire." The students also heard from Liam Bielby, an Assistant Mathematics Hub Lead from the East Midlands East Maths Hub. Liam shared with the students the work of the maths hub and how they work with schools in the local area and the support available for early career teachers Kateřina Dvořáková also visited the university from Czechia. As the Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, University of South Bohemia, Kateřina specialises in pre-service training of primary English teachers. She said: "My stay at BGU was absolutely fantastic. I I could observe a number of lessons and the teaching practice of the TESOL students. "There have been several students from our university at BGU recently and more study visits are being planned. A semester at BGU can help our students improve their English and teaching skills and learn about Britain's culture and daily life." Kateřina gave BGU students a fascinating insight into teacher training in Czechia. Students heard that, in her country, it takes five years to train to become a Primary school teacher so all teachers have a Master's qualification. Emma Rogers added: "It was an insightful and productive day for students and staff alike. "Everyone really enjoyed hearing from all three speakers, who offered the students a diverse selection of different voices and experiences." -
Lecturer's first book explores the connections between music and language learning
BGU Lecturer Tracy Jeffery has published her first book - Developing Early Verbal Skills Through Music: Using rhythm, movement and song with children and young people with additional or complex needs. Tracy began working on the book three years ago, after she gave a presentation at the Down Syndrome Research forum about music and language. According to Tracy, the talk sparked a lot of interest from parents, and she was keen to share everything she had learned from working in schools and colleges as well as her PhD and later research. 'Developing Early Verbal Skills Through Music' explains the connections between music and language learning, especially in the very early stages (up to about 3-4 years). In the book, Tracy explains the science behind this, the evidence that shows how and why music-making can support speech skills; and why these same skills can develop differently in children and adults with learning or developmental differences and disabilities, including autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, hypermobility disorders. The book offers guidance about how to support learners with different diagnoses of SEND to develop musical skills in listening, rhythm, and singing so that practitioners can make adaptations. Dr Tracy Jeffery teaches on the BA in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (SENDI) programme, MA in SEND and leads the Distance Learning Top Up in SEND. She joined Bishop Grosseteste University as a Visiting Tutor in 2010, teaching on Education Studies, SENI and Psychology programmes, and joined as a full time lecturer in 2016. Tracy said: "I am delighted to have published my first book through Jessica Kingsley Publishers, who are well known for providing affordable and accessible books, especially in arts, therapies and SEND. "I wrote it for parents, firstly - I really wanted to share with them the amazing benefits that making music with children and adults can have for listening, attention, wellbeing, and most of all, for speech perception, speech production and voice. "There is so much research that shows how music-making can support skills as diverse as reading, second language learning, and speech fluency; but there are certain conditions that need to be in place when learning. "I have explained why some children and learners can have difficulty with speech and language, as well as music; and explained some of the ways parents, teachers, and practitioners can support children when making music so that they are also using the language-based skills." You can order from most bookstores, including e-books from Amazon; or can buy direct from Jessica Kingsley Publishers and get a 20% discount using the code JEFFERY20. Dr Tracy Jeffery with her new book
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