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BGU Sports Day success!
20th to 24th May 2024 -
Student's passion 'reignited' through placement
Work-based learning experiences are an integral component of the BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care here at Bishop Grosseteste University. We have developed a range of partnerships within the sector including Lincolnshire County Council Children’s Health, Children’s Social Care, Charity Organisations Every-one, Black Barn Farm and LINKAGE, all of whom provide valuable placements as well as connect with students during classroom-based sessions. Every undergraduate student undertakes three compulsory annual placements over the course of their three years giving them a minimum of 180 hours of learning in practice. Students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences whilst in placement and form a fundamental part of their learning when back in the classroom and through assignments. Reflection and discussion supports students to expound their knowledge, consider their and others values, and develop their practice skills in their journey to becoming healthcare practitioners. Our latest collaboration is with the Lincolnshire’s Neighbourhood Team: ‘Neighbourhood working’ provides a collaborative approach to the delivery of local services. This includes involvement from health, social care, voluntary organisations, and charities. Their ethos is centred around working together to find solutions to health and wellbeing challenges. Our role is to put patients on the right radars or coordinate when multiple services are involved and not working together. As this was a new work-based learning opportunity we asked Health & Social Care BGU student Amy to share her thoughts around this opportunity: “I was initially anxious about going to placement, I have not worked in this area for some time and knew there would be a considerable amount of learning. I can honestly say it was the best experience, I started the placement with an open mind and committed myself to get involved with any aspects of work suggested to me I quickly realised how vital the neighbourhood team are in improving the lives of service users within the social care sector, I was able to shadow, ask questions, understand their responsibilities, and appreciate how far reaching their services can be. I was treated with respect, honesty and welcomed, I was put in situations that allowed me to explore my own views and absorb new concepts. Most importantly this placement has reignited my passion for undertaking this degree; manging time, assignments and lectures can at times become the only focus, where my original goal was to undertake a degree that enabled me to work within the health and social sector supporting service users and this experience has placed this back in the forefront of my drive and determination to continue and succeed.” Amy Annis, 2nd Year BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care Student. When asked about the benefits of having a student, the Neighbourhood team representative Nicola Stimson replied: “It has been a pleasure to be able to have students out with us as a team. To be able to show the diversity of our role and to be able to show the student all the different opportunities of community roles and what jobs are about / services they could work in. We also enjoy being able to show what Neighbourhood Teams is about and how working collaboratively, we can put that patient at the centre of what matters to them." -
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! -
BGU graduate's production to run in West End!
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) graduate Daniel Swift is once again making waves in the world of theatre! This time, taking a production aimed at people labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) to the West End and is the very first of its kind. In 2019, he founded Concrete Youth, a theatre company for the purpose of creating more accessible shows and events. 'I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you; we will soon be announcing that our next production will run in the West End this autumn. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first West End production specifically designed for audiences labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). I loved my time at the university. It was transformational for my practice and introduced me to the world of inclusive arts and education. The educators in the Drama department were exceptional and continue to support my work years later.' Daniel Swift Sensory Cinders is a new sensory pantomime adaptation of Cinderella for audiences labelled with PMLD, featuring original music that explores themes of identity, self-expression, transformation, magic, personas, authenticity, and connectedness. What does it mean to pursue self-love and understanding in a world that doesn’t understand you? This marks the first West End show and the first inclusive sensory pantomime specifically designed for audiences such as this. The production features specially designed sensory materials by Henshaws Arts & Crafts, a Yorkshire-based collective supporting local learning-disabled visual artists. The show marks all the artists’ professional theatre debuts. Sensory Cinders is a co-production from the multi-award-winning sensory theatre company Concrete Youth and the nationally recognised venue Barnsley Civic. The production is presented in partnership with @sohoplace and Henshaws Arts Centre. The show is supported by Sheffield Theatres and Arts Council England. and the production's development was supported by the National Theatre's Generate programme. You can read Daniel Swift's previous work at Concrete Youth with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities here. -
'Let's Play' event held at BGU
The Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (SENDI) team at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is delighted to have welcomed Neil Stuart from Autism New Zealand, who joined us for the day to share the Let’s Play approach. This adult-change programme enables parents and early years practitioners to offer joyous and quality experiences of play from the child’s own patterns, making it possible for young children with autism to enjoy playing with their parents and carers without uncertainty or fear.'Fantastic and engaging presentation. Thoroughly enjoyed listening & hopefully putting some strategies into practice.' Bev Clark (Parent/ PAACT) Over a hundred attendees from across Lincolnshire and surrounding counties gathered on Thursday 20th June at BGU, to join in this one-off opportunity to learn more about New Zealand’s national early steps programme. The mixed audience of parents, practitioners, students, academics, and other professionals had opportunities to gain new understanding and reflect on their own approaches, learning to relate and connect through playfulness in ways meaningful for the child. The day’s free training was highly entertaining and drew on ingenious metaphors to raise empathy and to demonstrate the importance of change in the adult rather than the child. Complete with evidence base, video coaching and the simplicity of ‘pattern, memory, variation’, this approach got everybody thinking.'This is the second time I have visited Bishop Grosseteste University to see Neil and he has not disappointed on either occasion. His character, passion and knowledge about the subject of play, in particular engaging autistic children in play, is captivating. I would thoroughly recommend. Each time I left feeling a renewed energy to pass on the little gems of wisdom we learned to the team back in our setting.' Anna Thorpe (Abbey Academies)'Inspirational – affirms the way we work when supporting autistic children and their families to build connections and meaningful relationships; the principles, ethos and beliefs.' Adele Sherrif (WTT) From the feedback, it was widely agreed this innovative approach had been insightful and inspiring, providing everything needed to implement the new thinking and to change practice. A huge thank you to Neil who enabled us to share this humanist approach as a free event.'Brilliant training leaving a lot to think about and move forward with.' Ellie Newton (WTT) This SENDI team event contributes to a series of international collaborations of knowledge exchange, enhancing understanding through international perspectives. If you are interested in receiving information about future SENDI events or to discuss courses at BGU, please contact admissions@bishopg.ac.uk or julia.lindley-baker@bishopg.ac.uk (Programme Leader, SENDI). -
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 -
Dr Duncan Mercieca
Dr Duncan Mercieca lectures in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion at BGU. His research draws upon post-structural philosophers to think through educational issues, in particular, those related to diversity and otherness; inclusion and disability; and critiquing education research and its methods. Duncan also works in a special school in Scotland. -
BGSU Fringe fundraising success
We are really pleased to announce the BGSU Fringe event raised a total of £1044, which will be split 50% to The Teenage Cancer Trust and 50% to The BG Foundation Fund. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that was involved in the event – it was a really successful day and we look forward to welcoming you all next year. You can view the photos taken on the day in our Facebook photo album, here -
End of an Era as Muriel Robinson Steps Down at BGU
The first Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln retires from her post today. Professor Muriel Robinson has been at the helm of the institution for almost ten years and has overseen a decade of growth, modernisation and diversification at the university. Having joined in 2003 as Principal of Bishop Grosseteste College, she was installed in January as the first Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. During her time as the head of the institution the number of students at BGU and the range of degree courses offered has expanded significantly. BGU gained the authority to award its own degrees in 2006 and achieved university title in 2012. She will be succeeded by the Rev Professor Peter Neil, who takes up the post of Vice Chancellor on 1st May 2013. “So far I have been at school, at college, a teacher, a lecturer and finally a vice chancellor. At last the bell for playtime is ringing!” said Professor Robinson, “I’m very much looking forward to the next phase of my life and I have so much more I want to do, from the trivial daily satisfaction of sending people birthday cards on time to the bigger plans around finding some enriching voluntary roles and finally having time to get to know this great county of Lincolnshire properly. “Of course I shall miss so many of the people I have worked with, and in particular the stimulation of our student body, but I know that both for me and for BGU this is the right time to step down. “We are on the brink of the next phase of our life as a university and it is appropriate for someone with new energies and new ideas to take BGU on that journey. “I wish BGU every success in the years ahead and I’m really proud to have been associated with it. Being first Principal and then Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University has been the best last job anyone could want!” Notes to editors Professor Muriel Robinson studied English and Education to doctoral level at the University of London and worked as a primary school teacher before becoming an education academic at Brighton Polytechnic (later the University of Brighton). She was Deputy Head of the School of Education at the University of Brighton and Vice Principal of Newman College of Higher Education before becoming Principal of BG in 2003. Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln was established in 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. It is an independent higher education institution based in Lincoln and awarding its own degrees at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level. It changed its name from Bishop Grosseteste University College to Bishop Grosseteste University in November 2012. -
Bishop Grosseteste to Celebrate University Title at Cathedral
The newly named Bishop Grosseteste University will hold a service of thanksgiving in Lincoln Cathedral later this month to celebrate its new title. The ceremony will be held at 10.30am on Wednesday 30th January and will also mark the installation of the Chancellor, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas DBE, and the Vice Chancellor, Professor Muriel Robinson OBE. Privy Council confirmed BGU’s new title in December 2012 after the Government changed the threshold number of students required for an institution to be called a university. Until recently only higher education institutions with 4,000 or more students could use the title university. Smaller institutions were called university colleges, but now all HE institutions with more than 1,000 students have the right to apply to call themselves a university. The ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral will be attended by BGU staff, governors and students, and it is also open to members of the public. After the ceremony invited guests will be invited back to the university for a private celebratory lunch in the form of a ‘posh pack-up’ using locally sourced produce. During the afternoon the University Court – a grouping of the university’s most senior stakeholders who come together twice a year to offer their insights and support – will have its inaugural meeting on campus. At 4.30pm the Rt Rev Christopher Lowson, Bishop of Lincoln, will give a lecture as part of BGU’s series of public lectures on what constitutes a good life and the implications for us all in trying to live one. The event is called ‘For all that has been – Thanks. For all that shall be – Yes’, a title which refers to the past and future success of the institution. Professor Muriel Robinson believes the new university title will benefit BGU greatly. “To be able to take our place alongside other UK universities is a symbolic moment for us which recognises the excellent teaching and research which goes on at Bishop Grosseteste University,” she said. “The new title dispels any confusion that the old one may have created. We have 150 years of history and have been awarding our own degrees since 2006, but the old name ‘university college’ put some people off. Now we will be better equipped to compete with other universities to secure the best staff and students.” The event is free of charge and open to the public. If you would like to book a seat, please contact Conferencing and Events Administrator Jessica Lyons on 01522 583681 or email jessica.lyons@bishopg.ac.uk before 16th January. Notes to editors: Bishop Grosseteste University was established in January 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. It is an independent higher education institution based in Lincoln which awards its own degrees at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level. It changed its name from Bishop Grosseteste University College to Bishop Grosseteste University in November 2012. “For all that has been – Thanks. For all that shall be – Yes” is a quotation from Dag Hammarskjöld (29th July 1905 – 18th September 1961), Swedish diplomat, the second United Nations Secretary-General, and Nobel Peace Prize recipient. The quotation used for the title and leitmotif of the service comes from his book Vägmärken (Markings), a collection of journal entries published in 1964. For media information please contact:Jez AshberryShooting Star PR01522 52854007780 735071jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
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