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  1. BGU strengthens ties with Universities in China
    The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln, Professor Jayne Mitchell, participated in the ‘UK Week in Hunan’ between 3 -7 July 2017. The ‘UK Week’ was arranged by the British Consulate in Hunan to showcase the relationships between companies from the UK and China. Throughout the week Professor Mitchell attended a range of activities aimed at strengthening BGU’s relationships with Chinese institutions.As part of the visit Professor Mitchell met with four universities to discuss collaborative partnership working arrangements. She also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a new partner university in Hunan Province; Hunan University of Science and Technology (HNUST). The agreement with HNUST could provide opportunities for collaboration in Teacher Education, English, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and research and study exchange for students and staff. She also met with officials from the Hunan Provincial Government Education Department, delivered a seminar on ‘education and globalization; opportunities for collaboration’ and participated in events as part of the UK ‘trade and industry’ celebrations.Professor Mitchell also attended a reception for HRH the Princess Royal hosted by the British Ambassador to China.Speaking about the visit, Professor Mitchell said “We are extremely pleased to be able to connect with new partners in China, in addition to strengthening our relationships with existing partners.“Bishop Grosseteste University is committed to developing its staff and students as global citizens. This partnership will benefit our staff, students and graduates – in addition to the economic and cultural prosperity of Lincolnshire.”
  2. BGU at Heart of Teaching Reform in Thailand
    Education experts from Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln have just returned from Thailand where they are helping the government to improve the quality of teacher training.Professor Chris Atkin, Chair in Higher Education, and Dr Smaragda Kampouri from the university’s School of Teacher Development, had a meeting with Thailand’s Education Minister, His Excellency Dr Teerakiat Jareonsettasin.In the first such overseas consultancy project that BGU has undertaken, staff from Lincoln are working as consultants to the Thai government to improve initial teacher training in Thailand as part of a broader initiative to raise children and young people’s educational outcomes across the country.“Thailand spends more on education than most other ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries, but pupils’ outcomes are consistently among the lowest,” said Professor Atkin.“The Thai government is convinced that the key to future success for Thai pupils is by improving teacher education. Good teachers are at the heart of good education.“Historically the emphasis in Thailand has been on the spirit of the teacher and teaching as a vocation – teachers in Thailand train for five years before they decide what their specialism will be.“One of our key recommendations was to increase the number of graduate entries into teaching, so the system recruits teachers who already have a first degree in their chosen discipline. In our view Thai teachers need to spend more time studying their subject, particularly those who go onto work in secondary phase schools.”Bishop Grosseteste University first worked with the Thai government last year on an initial review of initial teacher training in Rajabhat universities (newer universities which were formerly teacher training colleges), funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.They met the Education Minister (then the Deputy Education Minister) last August and visited five Rajabhat universities across the country as part of their research.Last week Professor Atkin, Dr Kampouri and BGU’s International Manager Wayne Dyble returned from a further visit to Bangkok to discuss what progress has been made in implementing reforms.“This is the first overseas consultancy project of this type we have undertaken and it’s something we aim to do more of in the future. Dr Emma Pearson and Shaun Thompson, members of the team that visited Thailand last summer, are planning a further visit in the summer to support the reform agenda,” said Professor Atkin.“The meeting went very well and is likely to keep BGU at the heart of the policy reform agenda in Thailand and the wider ASEAN region for years to come.“BGU has over 150 years’ experience in teacher education and we are now looking to expand our international footprint and share our expertise with the rest of the world and learn from the experiences of others working in teacher education.”
  3. Election Candidates to Debate the Issues at BGU
    An election debate aimed at students is set to take place at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln next week. Lincoln’s parliamentary candidates will go head to head in a hustings event at The Venue on Thursday 25th May at 8pm. The event will be an opportunity for students and staff at BGU and the University of Lincoln to put questions to the candidates for the city parliamentary constituency before the General Election on 8th June. Conservative candidate Karl McCartney, Labour’s Karen Lee and Lib Dem candidate Caroline Kenyon have already confirmed their attendance, as has Tony Wells, standing in for the UKIP candidate Nick Smith. The other candidates – Ben Loryman (Green), Phil Gray (Independent) and Iain Scott-Burdon (Independent) – have all been invited to appear at the hustings. Each candidate will be allowed to give a short address before questions are invited from the audience. The event is open to students only but it will be live streamed on the Bishop Grosseteste University Students’ Union Facebook page so the general public in Lincoln can hear what the candidates have to say. The hustings will be chaired by Bob Walder, Chair of the Bishop Grosseteste University Council and former Chief Executive of the Longhurst Group. “It’s thought that only 36 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 voted in the 2015 General Election, and yet the politicians we elect next month will decide the future of young people across the country for many years to come,” said Abi Rogers, Students’ Union Manager at BGU. “As an SU we want to encourage students to register to vote and make sure they cast their vote on 8th June, whatever their political beliefs. “This debate will give students across the city a chance to meet their candidates and ask them important questions about what they would do for Lincoln and for young people if elected.” To book a free ticket online visit www.bgsu.co.uk. Tickets will also be available on the door, subject to availability.
  4. BGU's first Principal Fellow of the HEA
    Dr Ruth Sayers has become Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) first Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). The HEA is a national body that works to encourage teaching excellence to “help improve the student journey into, through and beyond higher education”. As part of their work the HEA award four different categories of Fellowship, with Principal Fellowship being the most prestigious. Achieving Principal Fellowship of the HEA means that Ruth has demonstrated sustained commitment to learning and teaching at BGU and has influence at a national and international level. Ruth, Executive Dean of Learning, Teaching and International at BGU, has joined a very select group of just under 730 Principal Fellows in both the UK and internationally who have attained Principal Fellowship. There are now over 87,000 Fellows which illustrates the level of interest in professional teaching qualifications for HE staff. Ruth said “I’m very proud to have been awarded Principal Fellowship. It is a recognition that many of the strategic changes that I have led in my role as Executive Dean of Learning and Teaching have been effective.” The process for applying for Principal Fellowship took over two years to complete, because it involved a great deal of reflection and drafting. The application comprised a lengthy written submission which was mapped against the Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF) descriptors. Three advocate statements from current and former colleagues were also included in the application. Ruth explains “the process of applying to be a Principal Fellow of the HEA was a rewarding and enriching one. It encouraged me to reflect in a structured and critical way on my leadership of learning and teaching across the institution.” There has been more HEA success at BGU recently with 24 more members of staff receiving recognition over the past 10 months. 14 BGU staff members became Fellows while 10 more became Senior Fellows. Along with gaining her Principal Fellowship, Ruth Sayers has been instrumental in helping her colleagues to receive recognition. She said “I will continue to encourage colleagues to undertake Fellowship of the HEA. We have an excellent record of staff engagement with the process, evidenced through the number of new Fellows and Senior Fellows over the past year. “We create space for staff to reflect on their teaching pedagogies through an active staff development series and annual conference. There is a culture at BGU of putting learning and teaching at the heart of everything we do, to enhance the student experience. We see our students as partners in the development of pedagogies for learning.” Ruth’s Principal Fellowship will help to consolidate an already well-established relationship between BGU and the HEA. “We have an excellent relationship with the Higher Education Academy and have made use of their staff as trainers, consultants and advisers in supporting the development of excellent learning and teaching at BGU.”
  5. A night at the Academy Awards
    Staff from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln attended Sir Robert Pattinson Academy’s work-based learning skills and academic awards evening last week. Gemma Gazi, BGU's Education Liaison Officer, and Chris Hakes, Widening Participation Coordinator at BGU, presented two awards to students from the school at the celebration on 14 September 2017. Chris was asked to present the ‘MacFarlane Award for Advance Level Studies’, which is awarded to the student who has achieved the highest results in their A levels. The award went to a student called Antonia Folia who had achieved outstanding results across four A-levels plus the Extended Project Qualification. Gemma was asked to present the ‘Work Experience – Education Award’ for students who have completed Year 11 work experience within a school or nursery. The three finalists all had glowing references from their placements. The winner was Sam Benton, who had completed her work experience in the PE department at Lincoln Christ Hospital School. During the placement, she had the opportunity to help deliver lessons and coach students. The evening was in an Oscars style, with canapés and a drinks reception before heading into the school’s main hall for the awards ceremony. Speaking after the event Gemma said, “We have worked closely with Sir Robert Pattinson Academy for a number of years, both through recruitment and widening participation activities, so it was great to be invited to celebrate the evening with their staff and students. “We both found the evening very enjoyable and it was great to support one of our local schools!” Find out more about Outreach for Schools and Colleges at BGU.
  6. Sport at BGU shortlisted for prestigious award
    Sport at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln has been shortlisted for an award at this year’s Active Lincolnshire Sports Awards. The department is one of three finalists in the Sports Department of the Year category. Sport at BGU was praised in the shortlisting process for “a great partnership between students, BGU staff and professionals from Lincoln City FC”. The BGU logo sits proudly on the Lincoln City home shirt and BGU’s sponsorship of the club has brought about many benefits to students, the club and the city over the last year. Sports students received coaching from City manager Danny Cowley in December, worked with players as they trained at BGU and learnt about the importance of data and research in preparing high-performing teams. The FA Cup trophy made a memorable appearance on campus in March prior to the Imps’ historic quarter-final clash against Arsenal. The Imps’ FA Cup run attracted national and international TV coverage of the partnership which has helped to raise the profile of the Club, BGU and the city of Lincoln as a whole. The Sports department also received praise for working with its partners and the wider community to provide more opportunities for people to become involved in sport and physical activity. The Sports Department, working with its FE College partners, has developed a new BSc (Hons) Sport, Coaching and Physical Education degree that will enable more people across the county to study the benefits of sport and physical activity. BGU’s Student Ambassadors are putting their coaching and teaching skills to good use supporting local primary schools to deliver sport and physical activity for young people. The Cathedral Cup, an initiative developed jointly by students from both of the city’s Universities, was also highlighted as a particular success. Sports teams from BGU competed against teams from the University of Lincoln in October 2016, culminating in a showpiece football match, at Lincoln City’s Sincil Bank stadium, attended by thousands of sports fans from across Lincolnshire. The Cathedral Cup has become an annual charitable and community-focussed showcase for the city. Dr Graham Basten, Head of School of Social Sciences at BGU, said, “I am absolutely delighted that the Sports Department at BGU has been shortlisted for the Lincolnshire Sports Award. “That an independent panel has noted our sustained progress in developing community links, student engagement, our partnership with Lincoln City Football Club, and our new BSc Sport and Coaching is testimony to the great work of the academic and wider staff at BGU, our students and our partners. “It was great to see our logo on the Imps football shirt worn by young and old, a real sense of pride in the city. I therefore hope that more students will be inspired to ‘Study Sport at BGU’”. The Lincolnshire Sports Awards will take place at the Lincolnshire Showground on 2 November 2017. Find out more about Sport at BGU.
  7. Clear Advice to Students from BGU on A-level Results Day
    With A-level results day looming, Bishop Grosseteste University’s admissions team is poised and ready to guide students through the Clearing process. If you haven’t quite achieved the grades you need for your first-choice university or if you’ve done better than expected, it’s not too late to apply to through Clearing. That’s the message from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) which recently achieved an impressive 85% satisfaction rate in the National Student Survey. Notably students praised BGU staff for their level of availability when it came to supporting their needs, in addition to their ability to explain complex topics. The admissions team at BGU in Lincoln will be on hand to deal with enquiries during Clearing, which begins on Thursday 17th August when students across the country will receive their A-level results. The call centre will be open from 8am until 6pm on both Thursday 17th August and Friday 18th August and the number to call is 01522 583698. Prospective students can also visit the university at an open day on Friday 18th August from 10am until 3pm. The day provides an opportunity to see what Bishop Grosseteste University has to offer, take a minibus tour of Lincoln and speak to staff and students about courses and life as a student. To book your place on the Clearing open day, visit www.bgu.ac.uk/open-days “A-level results week can be a stressful and worrying time for students and their families, but remember that we are here to help and advise whatever your situation,” said Louise Stow, Student Recruitment Manager at BGU. “Our open day is also an opportunity for those who are starting (or hoping to start) in September to speak face-to-face to our staff about any anxieties they might have. “It’s a busy period for us but as always we will do our best to ensure that students are not left worried or uncertain about their place at university.” Top Tips for Clearing If you’ve just got your A-level results and you’re not sure what to do next, here is a handy set of tips for students who will be entering the Clearing system: Don’t panic! If you stay calm you’re more likely to take in all the information you need to succeed. Don’t panic! If you stay calm you’re more likely to take in all the information you need to succeed. If your grades fall short, wait for that important acceptance/rejection indication on track before you put yourself into Clearing. You never know – your first-choice university might still accept you. Don’t give up! You may well get a place on a similar course that’s just as good – but you’ll need to shop around. Don’t rush your decision. The UCAS system doesn’t even let you trigger the formal process of accepting a Clearing place until 5pm on results day, so you have the chance to shop around. Be realistic. If you’ve seriously blown it then think hard about re-sits or another course altogether – you can always re-apply next time around. UCAS is offering a free (for landlines) Exam Results Service on 0808 100 8000 where trained, professional careers advisers will be available to give help and advice Be prepared to make lots of phone calls and to be persistent! Keep your nerve – you may need all your negotiating skills to persuade an academic that they should take you on. Enlist the support of friends and family – keep them informed, as they’ll be a great help to you when you have to make that difficult final decision. Be prepared to explain to universities why you didn’t do as well as you hoped in your exams – and be honest. If you don’t get the grades you need it’s not the end of the world – there are plenty of other opportunities to consider.
  8. Research Boosted at BGU as Five Earn Promotions
    Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln has appointed a professor and four readers from among its academic staff in recognition of their research work. Dr Kate Adams in the University’s Research and Innovation Centre becomes a professor, while Dr Jack Cunningham and Dr Sibylle Erle in the School of Humanities and Dr Caroline Horton and Dr Emma Pearson in the School of Social Sciences become readers. Professor Adams is an education specialist and the University’s Head of Research. Her research focuses on aspects of childhood from children’s perspectives, particularly on spirituality, and the implications of children’s understandings for the wellbeing agenda in education. Dr Cunningham is Academic Co-ordinator for Theology and has researched extensively into early modern and late medieval religious history. He is also one of the principal investigators of the Ordered Human Project based at BGU and a specialist in the life and work of Robert Grosseteste. Dr Erle is a Senior Lecturer in English and her research interests range from William Blake and Alfred, Lord Tennyson to 1790s politics and landscape gardening. She has lectured and given seminars at Tate Britain and the Wellcome Institute and most recently lectured at the Universities of Greifswald and Zürich. Dr Horton is the Academic Co-ordinator for the PhD programme. She also teaches on psychology courses and runs DrEAMSLab, the university’s Dreaming, Emotions, Associations and Memories in Sleep Laboratory. She is an active researcher in the field of sleep-dependent memory consolidation, with a particular interest in studying dreaming as a reflection of autobiographical memory consolidation processes. Dr Pearson is a Senior Lecturer in Education and Academic Co-ordinator for the Education Doctorate programme, and her research activities are centred on the study of socio-cultural contexts of learning. Her consultancy work with organisations such as UNICEF, UNESCO and the Asia Pacific Regional Network for Early Childhood (ARNEC) has supported her research and involved travel to many countries, from North Korea to Vanuatu. “These appointments recognise the exceptional leadership and excellence in research which is being demonstrated by these members of staff,” said Professor David Rae, Executive Dean for Research and Knowledge exchange at BGU. “BGU has a long-term plan to develop research excellence, and recognising the talent and achievements of our top researchers is fundamental to this. The new professorship and four readerships aim to provide the research leadership for our entry into the next Research Excellence Framework in 2021 and beyond.”
  9. Retired RAF Service Woman Realises Her Dream at BGU
    A Lincoln woman who spent over two decades in the Royal Air Force before retiring and returning to education will graduate with a degree from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln this week. After moving to the UK from the Caribbean, Amanda Betts (47) joined the RAF and served as an Aerospace Systems Operator for 22 years before deciding to go to university. With an interest in primary school teaching she attended Lincoln College to study an Access to Higher Education course in teacher training in 2013. At the same time, she began volunteering as a Teaching Assistant at Chad Varah Primary School in Lincoln, before starting a three-year BA (Hons) degree in Education Studies and History at BGU in 2014. Amanda said: “It was always my intention to do some aspect of teaching, but it was only after getting into university that I thought that being a primary school teacher would be my next role,” While at university Amanda joined the Networking Club through the BGU Employability Award which helps students prepare for the workplace after graduation. After initially wanting to become a primary school teacher, she decided that she would be better suited in a slightly different role. “It’s not always easy knowing if a career or particular job will suit you but the Networking Club allowed me to speak to a range of teaching staff and experts all in one place. I soon realised that full-time teaching was not the path for me. “Instead I wanted to work in an environment with children using a wider range of activities and services which would help the child in life, not just academically.” Once back on track Amanda applied for a voluntary post to work with vulnerable children and adults at the St Giles Sure Start Children’s Centre during her third year. She said: “I met a variety of social workers and outreach workers who were dedicated to making sure each child received the best start possible. “I knew that by volunteering I could make a difference to children’s lives too, and this is when I discovered where my skills and interests would be best suited.” The road to graduation has not been an easy ride for Amanda, who not only found out she was dyslexic during her time at university but also got married part way through her degree! “I never did many academic examinations in the RAF apart from oral exams so getting used to reading and writing essays in a short space of time was hard for me. I just thought that I was having difficulties with the workload, especially being a mature student, but I never considered myself dyslexic. As well as all this I was adjusting to married life!” After graduation, Amanda will start volunteering at the St Giles Sure Start Children’s Centre and plans on using skills from her degree to facilitate activities for the children who visit the centre. Amanda Betts will graduate at Lincoln Cathedral with a BA (Hons) degree in Education Studies and History at 10.15am on Wednesday 19th July 2017.
  10. Free conference at BGU to 'Improve Relationships in Schools'
    Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln has partnered with Think2Speak to again support their annual conference #T2SLive17. The event is aimed at staff working with young people to discuss the importance of 'Improving Relationships and Communications with a Whole School Approach'. The conference features expert speakers, including BGU's Dr Sacha Mason and Dr Richard Woolley, who will share the latest research, resources and practical guidance to teach relationships education and communicate more effectively; in the staffroom, classroom and between school and home. Delegates are also able to choose from a selection of workshops including RSE for SEN, Mental Toughness and Resilience, Recognising & understanding the signs & impact of shame on relationships and Leveraging Digital Media to Improve Communications in Your School. The conference takes place on Tuesday 28 November 2017 in BGU’s Hardy Building and is free of charge for staff employed in educational settings and school governors. Full details of the agenda, online booking and all the available workshops are on the website.

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