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BGU lecturers to speak at Lincoln’s first TEDx event
Lecturers from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln will speak at a new TEDx event this October. Lincoln is hosting its first ever TEDx event, TEDx Brayford Pool, on 28 October 2017. The theme of TEDx Brayford Pool is 'Past. Present. Future' and the event will highlight the best and most current ideas generated in Lincoln and Lincolnshire. Dr Jack Cunningham, BGU’s programme leader for Theology and Reader in Ecclesiastical History, has been selected as one of fifteen speakers and will present a keynote talk about Robert Grosseteste. Jack is a core member of the Ordered Universe Project that brings together scientists and historians to prepare the work of Robert Grosseteste for publication. “I will be talking about Robert Grosseteste, especially his work as a 13th-century scientist, and setting out to explode the myth that the Middle Ages were the ‘Dark Ages’ full of superstition and ignorance,” said Dr Cunningham. “Grosseteste had some very sophisticated ways of looking at the world: he was the first person to know what caused a rainbow and he has been called the first scientist. “Most impressive is his idea about cosmology and how the universe began, which is remarkably similar to the modern Big Bang theory. “I want to show that even though he worked 800 years ago with little access to the modern tools of science, he may well have had an enormous impact on our modern understanding of the universe we live in. “In fact, Robert Grosseteste is the perfect figure to illustrate the fact that the past, present and future are always inextricably linked.” Lyndsay Muir, senior lecturer in Drama at BGU, is also speaking at the event and will deliver a keynote titled ‘Tea with Trans - what's on (and off) the menu'. Her talk will discuss self-identified trans people creatively orchestrating conversations with the wider population. Lyndsay said, “There are all sorts of myths circulating about trans people, so what if you could just sit down and have a chat with someone and find out what they're like? “The problem is where would you start, if you didn't know someone and didn't want to be rude or offend them? The idea is to have a conversational menu that gives you somewhere to start – their name, what they enjoy talking about and what they really wouldn't want to discuss. “In my talk I’ll be explaining how this idea evolved, what it hopes to do and how it has been tried out.” Meanwhile at the event Dr Elinor Vettraino, programme leader for Business and Enterprise at BGU, will be running two 'fishbowl' sessions with groups of speakers focusing on moving forward and future thinking. TED began in 1984 as a conference for Technology, Entertainment and Design, but today covers almost any topic. Independently organised TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world. The talks will take place before a live audience and will be available to view online after the event. TEDx Brayford Pool will take place on 28 October at the Collection and Usher Gallery. -
BGU celebrate women’s voting rights through Vote 100 events
The history of the campaign for votes for women is inspiring and compelling, and still has great political significance in the present. Through 2018 and since, staff and students at BGU and other Lincolnshire communities have been exploring this history and its contemporary resonance. This engagement has found special expression through the creation of a touring exhibition, exhibition ‘Vote100: A Lincolnshire View of Women’s Suffrage’, and we have captured some of the reflections on its production and importance. The exhibition, which is continuing to tour locally, was created collaboratively with other organisations and individuals, including Lincoln Central Library and the local Fawcett Society as lead partners. It has formed the showpiece for part of a series of events celebrating important dates in the history of women’s voting rights and the extension of the franchise by #Vote100BGU project at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and elsewhere in Lincolnshire through 2017-18 and into 2019. February 6 2018 marked the 100th anniversary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, which enabled all men and some women over the age of 30 to vote for the first time. July 2 2018 marked the 90th anniversary of the Equal Franchise Act, which gave women the same voting rights as men from the age of 21. December 14 2018 was the centenary of the first general election in which women could exercise their newly gained right to vote. BGU hosted a series of events in the lead up to the centenary on February 6 2018, and since. Lectures, debates, performances and more, including student-directed events, celebrated the important milestones. History and English Literature staff Dr Andrew Jackson and Dr Claudia Capancioni, and students, Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson, Jasmine Mills along with team members from BGSU were particularly active in supporting the various events. BGU was founded in 1862 as the Lincoln Diocesan Training School for Mistresses, and through much of its history was a college specialising in preparing young women for the teaching profession. ‘Equal opportunities for women in professional life was at the heart of BGU’s original purpose. The history of the University over more than a century and a half make it a fitting setting to celebrate 100 years of progress in electoral and political opportunities for women.’ Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of Research, Bishop Grosseteste University. Upcoming dates: Our itinerant exhibition will contribute to the Wolds Women of Influence this summer. It will be at Spilsby Franklin Hall from 5th June to 26th July 2019. The exhibition will continue to tour throughout the year, please check back here for more information. Previous events: 2018, December 14. The Vote100 exhibition formed the backdrop to an event to mark the centenary of the 1918 General Election. The event also featured an extract from the play, 'The World At Her Feet', introduced by Dr Claudia Capancioni (BGU) and Stephen Gillard and Sam Miles (Lincoln Mystery Plays); an extract from the play, 'The Forgotten Suffragette', introduced by Phoebe Wall-Palmer (Lincoln Performing Arts Centre) and Rachel Baynton (Proto-type Theater); a talk by Prof. Krista Cowman (Lincoln University); and contemporary writings introduced by Dr Andrew Jackson, and read by Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson and Jasmine Mills 2018, December 10 – 13. The Vote100 exhibition was placed on display in the historic Old Stonebow Guildhall on the invitation of the City of Lincoln Council, as part of the lead up to the centenary of the 1918 General Election 2018, November 17. The Lincoln Labour Club hosted the Vote100 exhibition for their event to recognise and celebrate women’s rights: ‘100 years of Women’s Suffrage: Learning from their Legacy’. The exhibition was opened by Karen Lee MP and Professor Krista Cowman from the University of Lincoln, who introduced the collection within its historical context and explored its ongoing significance. The event also featured readings from letters in the BGU archive of 1909, on the arguments for and against women’s suffrage. The readings were introduced by Dr Andrew Jackson, and presented by Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson and Jasmine Mills. 2018, November 16. The Vote100 exhibition provided the stimulus and inspiration for a workshop with local schools for the Being Human Festival, led by Dr Claudia Capancioni and Sian Hope-Johnson. The Being Human Festival theme for 2018 was ‘Origins and Endings’. 2018, October 4 - November 13. The Vote 100 exhibition was on display as part of North Kesteven District Council’s Local Democracy Week, and tying in with European Local Democracy Week / UK Parliament Week. The portable exhibition was to be found in the Council Chamber, Sleaford Town Hall, and at Kesteven & Sleaford Girls High School in Sleaford, Sir Robert Pattinson Academy in North Hykeham, and in the Terry O’Toole Theatre, Nth Hykeham, over this period. 2018, September 27. BGU sponsored a Vote100-inspired evening event for the Lincoln Book Festival. The Festival’s theme for 2018 was ‘Revolution’, and under the banner of ‘Sisters of the Revolution, there were talks by authors Jane Robinson, Maggie Andrews and Janis Lomas, introduced by Prof. Krista Cowman of the University of Lincoln. 2018, June 4 – July 2. The exhibition ‘Vote100: A Lincolnshire View of Women’s Suffrage’, at Lincoln Central Library on Freeschool Lane, Lincoln. The exhibition was designed by History and English staff and students at BGU, Dr Andrew Jackson, Dr Claudia Capancioni, Elaine Johnson, Sian Hope-Johnson and Jasmine Mills; together with staff of Lincoln Central Library. The exhibition features Lincolnshire’s contribution, set in the context on the progress towards achieving the vote in 1918, and the equalising of the franchise in 1928. 2018, February 9. Women into politics event at BGU Students’ Union (BGSU). The evening included a debate on ‘who should sit on the iron throne’. Guest speakers included Lincoln MP Karen Lee, former BGSU President Becca Smith and BGSU Manager Abigail Rogers. 2018, February 6. Andrew Jackson and Sian Hope-Johnson, BGU SU Officer and Eng Lit student, featured on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, discussing the historical and contemporary significance of Vote100. Andrew and Sian appear a number of times through the first hour of a three-hour programme marking the event, available on BBC Catch-Up here. 2018, February 5. Parliamentary Reform in 1918: Continuity, Reform or Revolution? In this talk noted historian, Professor Martin Pugh, explored a number of important and relevant questions surrounding the Representation of the People Act 1918. 2017, November 27. BGU hosted the Lincolnshire heat of the Historical Association Great Debate 2017 on the topic of: ‘Was the 1918 extension of the franchise the most significant moment in British democratic history?’ The heat, organised by the City of Lincoln Historical Association was open to Lincolnshire schools and sixth form colleges. Further information is available from Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall at BGU. 2017, November 18 and 23. Part of BGU’s engagement with the national Being Human Festival on this year’s theme of ‘Lost and Found’. An event for two Lincoln-based schools on November 23 was organised in collaboration with the charities Slam Jam and First Story. The event on Saturday November 23 was open to the public and celebrated ‘Becoming teachers: women’s college life from 1862 to 1918’. This occasion considered the life and opportunities for young women in this period in history. Further information is available from Dr Claudia Capancioni at BGU. 2017, November 6. The first event relating to Vote 100, a lecture for the City of Lincoln Historical Association. Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of School of Humanities at BGU, presented ‘Life on the First World War Home Front: Distressing or a Blessing?’ Andrew was accompanied by Maureen Sutton, folklore historian and dialect poet. Maureen read some extracts of the work of the Lincolnshire home-front poet, Bernard Samuel Gilbert, whose writings considered the lives, experiences and opportunities for working women 100 years ago. Further information is available from Andrew or Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall at BGU. Articles: Dr Andrew Jackson: Celebrating votes for women one hundred years on, The Lincolnite. For further information: Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of Research, BGU andrew.jackson@bishopg.ac.uk Dr Claudia Capancioni, Programme Leader for English, claudia.capancioni@bishopg.ac.uk Staff from the Research Department at BGU are involved in the organisation of our Vote 100 events. Find out more about their work here. -
BG Futures networking event proves a great success
BG Futures, Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) Business and Enterprise Centre, recently hosted a networking event enabling organisations in the centre to explore how engaging in effective PR can help them thrive. -
Lecturer leads on behavioural diversity at European business event
Chris Jackson, Senior Lecturer and Team Coach in the Business and Enterprise Department at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), represented the University at the recent Academic Adventures event at Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK) in Finland. Traveling as Part of the Erasmus+ programme, Chris delivered two sessions on the importance of behavioural diversity in learning teams and took part in sessions that discussed how BGU use the Team Academy model of 'learning by doing' in our own BA(Hons) Team Entrepreneurship programme. The event was attended by delegates from across Europe who were keen to explore how self-determined or 'project-based' learning can be used in disciplines other than business, including HR, Physiotherapy and Teacher Education. This is in response to some academic institutions moving away from subject-specific delivery and embracing different models of learning. Returning from the Academic Adventures event Chris commented: "The response from delegates was very positive. This was largely due to the fact that delegates were able to hear first-hand from students and team coaches as to how the methodology is implemented and then acted upon. Just as at BGU, the process of the business course learning is that students have to design and run their own business projects - they're expected to earn as they learn!" "However, Team Academy methods aren't restricted to learning about business within higher education. Other disciplines may well want to explore business or enterprise elements, but then it's possibly more about adding value and difference than making money. "The way that this process works in academia is that projects are designed and executed by students in ways that address a particular issue. As the process evolves, they identify gaps in their knowledge - they discover what they don't know. The thing is, this differs from project to project and student to student, making the individual learning very relevant. As projects progress, learners are encouraged to underpin their experience with relevant academic theory - their experienced combined with their academic learning provides observable and assessable criteria." Finland are world-leaders in education and BGU have been using methodology closely aligned to the Tiimiakatemia model of business learning for four years. If you’re interested in a future in international business or in starting your own company, our business courses are the perfect path to take. You can find more information on them on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
BG Futures and Lincolnshire Co-op collaborate for social enterprise event
BG Futures & Lincolnshire Co-operative joined forces to raise awareness of the importance of social enterprises and community businesses to Greater Lincolnshire at a collaborative event. The event - “Supporting the creation of Social Enterprises and Community Businesses" - was organised by BGFutures in partnership with Lincolnshire Co-operative and hosted on Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) campus at Lincolnshire Social Economy Hub. The focus of the event, sponsored by Key Fund, was to identify the support available to individuals and organisations interested in becoming a social enterprise or community business. The event featured a panel of speakers from organisations who support the creation of community-owned enterprises. Harriet English, Head of Engagement at the Plunkett Foundation, discussed the business support available and how they can partner directly with local county councils and support bodies to help raise the profile of the community business model. Emma Laycock, Head of Co-operative Advice at Co-operatives UK, spoke about the benefits of co-operatives and how they can be used as a legal structure for social enterprises, while Dave Thornett, Business Development Manager at Key Fund, outlined the different types of social enterprises and legal structures. Allison Webb, Director of External Engagement at Bishop Grosseteste University, shared insights into BGU's involvement in the sector including the recent development of a social economy hub and academy. She also announced the exciting launch of Greater Lincolnshire as a Social Enterprise Place, which will see local authorities, organisations and enterprises coming together to promote the growth of the sector in Greater Lincolnshire. Allison said the event was a great opportunity to work collectively. She said: "It was really inspiring to see the collective enthusiasm and support available to aspiring enterprises. The event helped us raise awareness and equip attendees with the skills required to support individuals interested in exploring these business models. "We're excited to move forward with our launch of Greater Lincolnshire as a Social Enterprise Place and identify more ways we can make real, impactful change for individuals and community businesses. "The development of these enterprises is so important because they offer a direct response to the wants and needs of the local communities they serve. So many of these businesses have positive social impact at the heart of what they do and we're proud to be part of that." Find out more about Social Enterprise Places here. -
Tree-mendous Event Will Plant Seeds of Knowledge for Future
Two trees will be planted at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln and school children will learn about the importance of trees and forests at an event marking the 800th anniversary of the Charter of the Forest. On the same day The Woodland Trust, a national charity based in Grantham, will launch its new Charter for Trees, Woods and People at Lincoln Castle – home to one of the two remaining 1217 Charters of the Forest. BGU has invited school pupils onto its campus in Lincoln on Monday 6th November as part of a major campaign, sponsored by the Woodland Trust, to work on Britain’s environment for future generations. The schools involved are Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Horncastle, Ravensthorpe Primary School in Peterborough, Morton Trentside Primary School near Gainsborough and Brockley Primary School near Chesterfield. They will take part in educational activities relating to the Charter of the Forest and the Charter for Trees, Woods and People. The primary school pupils will make lanterns with handles made of sustainable, locally coppiced hazel, and they will be invited to attend a lantern parade being held as part of the TreeCharter launch that evening at Lincoln Castle. They will also be invited to think about why woods and trees are important to them and to add their thoughts to the lanterns. PGCE secondary Art and Design students will work with the primary school pupils on art activities using natural forms, with a special emphasis on materials derived from trees to create artworks that can be displayed in natural environments. The grammar school students will learn more about the 1217 Charter of the Forest and how it became part of the ‘Ancient Constitution’ of the kingdom, a notion of vital importance for the political and constitutional history of the British Isles, and eventually its American colonies. The event, from 10.45am until 2.30pm on Monday 6th November, will end with the ceremonial planting of a hornbeam tree and a wild cherry tree on campus at BGU. Robert von Friedeburg, a Reader in History at BGU who is organising the event, said: “England has lost a lot of historic woodland over the centuries and the Government’s reforestation plans are behind schedule, so civil society needs to jump in and engage for the good of us all. “This Woodland Trust campaign is almost too good to be true, and we’re pleased to be taking part in it. At BGU we teach good people to become good teachers, and good teachers are essential to teaching our children well. “For the younger pupils the event will help them to understand that nature is important, that we can do stuff with nature, but that we need to preserve it for future generations. The world does not only consist of electronically made illusions on smartphones!” The Charter of the Forest was sealed by King Henry III in 1217 and re-established for free men rights of access to the royal forest that had been eroded by William the Conqueror and his heirs. It was in many ways a companion document to the Magna Carta signed by King John two years earlier. More than 70 organisations and 300 local community groups have helped The Woodland Trust to collect over 60,000 tree stories from across the UK, demonstrating the important role that trees play in their lives. These stories helped to define the 10 Principles of the Tree Charter, ensuring that it stands for every tree and every person in the UK. Find out more about History at BGU. -
BGU staff and students raise charity funds at Christmas events
Staff and students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln raised money for charities at events over the festive period. The BGU Christmas Carol Service on 5 December, held in the magnificent surroundings of St Hugh's Choir in Lincoln Cathedral, took £355.33 during the collection for the staff and Students’ Union (BGSU) chosen charities. This year’s staff charity is The Book Bus. The Book Bus aims to improve child literacy rates in Africa, Asia and South America by providing children with books and the inspiration to read them. This year BGSU, through their annual Raise and Give campaign, have chosen St Barnabas Lincolnshire Hospice as their charity. St Barnabas’ mission is to ensure all individuals facing the end of their life in Lincolnshire receive dignified, compassionate care when they require it and where they ask for it. In addition, donations at BGU’s staff Christmas lunch and Winter Wine and Songs of the Season event in December raised a total of £266.45 for the BGU Foundation Fund. The BGU Foundation Fund was set up by the Alumni of BGU to support projects that enhance the student experience and help make a difference to other peoples’ lives. Wellingore WI for Community Music Provision also made a donation of £100 to the Foundation Fund. -
Special Event Kicks Off Life at BGU for New Mature Students
On Thursday 12th September, the team from the Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) held ‘Over 21s Only!’ a welcome event for incoming mature undergraduate students. Mature undergraduate students can sometimes find settling at university difficult due to the age and experiences differences with their peers. ‘Over 21s Only!’ is designed as a way for these students to ‘kick-start’ their studies at BGU by meeting others in their position, learning about available support, and chatting with existing mature students. Over 40 new students attended the event, representing a range of subject areas and disciplines. They were joined by current BGU students Chris, Stef, Claire, Mick, Judith, and Melanie, who shared their own experiences as mature students at BGU, assisted in workshop sessions, and delivered a campus tour. Students’ Union (SU) President Alan Foster and Vice President: Education Jordan Fane also dropped in to meet the new students and introduce them to the services offered by the SU. The day began with an inspirational talk by Dr Sacha Mason, the Programme Lead for Professional Studies, who emphasised the importance of independent learning and excellent time management for students who may have additional commitments. Other workshop sessions were delivered by Learning Development Tutor Dr Hannah Grenham on developing a growth mindset, problem-solving potential issues while studying, and critical thinking. The day was organised by the CELT team and facilitated by Student Engagement Facilitator Helen Waters-Marsh. The day was warmly received by all who attended, with feedback indicating that 91% felt more confident about beginning their studies as a result of the event. One attendee noted that the event made them feel ‘so excited and much less anxious’, while another expressed relief at ‘Knowing I am not alone on this journey’. This is the third time this important event has been run and it continues to evolve every year. If you are a mature student and would like to be involved in next year’s event, please contact studentchange@bishopg.ac.uk to register your interest. -
LiNCHigher inspires local young people to enter higher education with week of events
This week LiNCHigher is participating in events to help around 800 local young people and their influencers understand higher education options as part of a nationwide week of action. In Lincolnshire, young people are less likely to go into higher education than in other areas of the country despite similar GCSE results. LiNCHigher works across Lincolnshire as part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP), funded by the Office for Students (OfS), to change this. It brings together Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and the University of Lincoln with 45 schools, colleges and other local organisations to understand how to best create tailored activities and events that give inspiration, increase aspiration and support young people in years 9-13 to plan their future education. This week’s events will give these young people an opportunity visit a university campus, participate in motivation workshops, learn new revision techniques and try online tools to help them make decisions about future courses and jobs. Naomi Prendergast, LiNCHigher Project Manager, said, “It’s really important for the local area and our young people that they are supported to achieve their full potential. There are some excellent further and higher education institutions in Lincolnshire where young people can gain the skills, experience and qualifications to succeed in the work place. Our Project Team work in schools and in the community throughout the year to raise aspirations and give young people the tools they need to progress onto higher education. We understand the importance of teachers, parents and carers in this journey and are committed to supporting them too.” The NCOP week of action (4 – 8 June) shines a spotlight on the national network of partners and will be accompanied by social media activity as well as events across the country. For further information, please contact Helen Lee on 01522 585623 or email helen.lee@bishopg.ac.uk Planned Activities Monday 4 June Goal Mapping – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 9 (Positively Mad) University of Nottingham visit – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 10 Motivation workshop - Barnes Wallis Academy: year 10 (Luke Staton) Goal Mapping – The Priory Witham Academy: year 8 (Positively Mad) Motivation workshop - Giles Academy: year 10 (Luke Staton) Tuesday 5 June UCAS Workshop – Walton Girls High School: year 12, 13 (Nottingham Trent University) Career Investigator – Giles Academy: year 9 Progress and pathways evening - The Priory Witham Academy: year 12 Summer school meeting – Bishop Burton College Wednesday 6 June Improving attitudes – Haven High Academy: year 9-10 (First Story) Progression evening – Walton Girls High School: year 12 Exam preparation and motivation workshop – Sir Robert Pattinson Academy: year 12 Road Hog Bus – Tunnard Street, Boston Meeting with Justin Brown, Lincolnshire County Council Thursday 7 June Motivation Workshop - Skegness Grammar School Student Voice - Walton Girls High School: year 9-12 Medical Mentee Induction – Kestevan and Grantham Girls School Futures Club – Giles Academy Parents Evening – Peele Community College: year 10 UCAS evening – The Priory City of Lincoln Academy: year 12 Friday 8 June Inspirational Speaker morning - Kamal Hyman – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 9 Heads of year meeting – University Academy Holbeach 2Engage Performance at Manchester Met University Student voice – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 9-13 EMWPREP Steering Group and Meeting – Loughborough University -
Student uses drama to explore hate crimes for ‘Truth in Justice’ event
Charlotte Thompson, a Third Year Applied Drama in the Community student at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has been working alongside JUST Lincolnshire, Lincolnshire Police, CPS, Victim Support and the Police and Crime Commissioners Office to put together an event to mark the inaugural annual Stephen Lawrence Day 2019.
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