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Mother and Daughter Graduate Together at BGU
A mother and her daughter graduated together from Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln on Wednesday 20th July. Carol Bailey (57) and Sammie Steadman (31) graduated with a Foundation Degree (FdA) in Applied Studies (Early Childhood). They both work at the Sunshine Children’s Centre in Burgh-le-Marsh near Skegness and juggled their studies and full-time work during their two years at BGU. Carol works full time as a supervisor at the centre while Sammie is the Deputy Manager. Carol never thought she would study at university but the foundation degree was the right fit for her because it requires a minimum of two years’ experience of work with children in their early years. “My daughter and I were working 37 hours and a half per week and going to university in Lincoln from Skegness on a Monday. It was difficult and time-consuming as even the weekends were being taken up, but it was enjoyable at the same time,” said Carol. “We knew everyone else on the course was in the same boat and we would talk to each other as everyone was either in full-time work or doing 12 hours’ voluntary work. “I never thought I could do anything like this so it’s definitely a proud moment, and graduating alongside my daughter has made me even prouder.” Sammie has now decided to continue via the top up degree onto a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies this September. “I was really happy to go to university with my mum. It takes us an hour to get there so it was nice to have that time together to catch up,” she said. “It’s going to be weird going back to BGU without my mum in September but I’m going back with people who I’ve already met in the past two years, so I should be fine. “My mum and I are grateful to BGU as all the lecturers were friendly and responded to all our emails.” -
Students discover early history of BGU
History students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln have delved into archives of student magazines to uncover BGU’s roots as a training college. The project, led by lecturer in History Dr W. Jack Rhoden, saw a group of four BGU History students work with BGU archivist Guenever Moyes to digitise and record a run of student magazines from the late 19th and early 20th century. The magazines were written and self-published twice a year by the female students of Lincoln Diocesan Training College (the college was renamed Bishop Grosseteste College in 1962 to mark its centenary) and contain a wealth of insights and information about life at the College. The first edition is from 1895 and there are contributions from former students and discussions of College history going all the way back to its foundation in 1862. We learn from these magazines that there was already an association of past members set up in 1892. The team also discovered that in its first 30 years the College produced nearly 700 students who went on to practice their profession and settle all around the globe, from North America to Australia, India and southern Africa. There is a plan to use these student magazines to inform a temporary exhibition at the British Association of Victorian Studies (BAVS) conference in mid-August 2017, and a more permanent exhibition of College history on campus in the near future. The aim of which will be to inform current and future students of the rich history of BGU as an educational institution with global reach and impact. Dr W. Jack Rhoden said, "Preserving and working on these magnificent magazines is a real privilege. They provide a window into the lives of the many ordinary women who went on to achieve extraordinary things as teachers and missionaries across the world." The project is in its early stages and is just the first of many seeking to digitise and promote the exceptional College records contained in BGU archives. Found out more about History at BGU. -
Mother and Daughter to Graduate Together at BGU
A mother and her daughter will graduate together from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln on Wednesday 19th July. Sharon Tory (47) will be graduating with a Foundation Degree (FdA) in Professional Studies (Early Childhood) while her daughter Megan Tory (21) will be graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies. The mother and daughter duo from Boston came to study together at BGU after attending an open day intended for Megan, who was looking for an early years degree programme. But Sharon had always wanted to be a teacher, and when she heard about the FdA Professional Studies course she knew it would be ideal for her. “I already work with young children at a pre-school and I didn’t think it would be possible to study for a degree alongside my job, but when I found out that the FdA course would allow me to do both I knew I had to consider it,” said Sharon. Megan started the three-year BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies course in September 2014 and was the first in her family to go to university. “I never wanted to be too far away from home so BGU was the perfect choice for me living in Boston.” said Megan. After debating whether to go ahead or not, Sharon began the two-year FdA degree a year later in September 2015. Sharon said: “At the start, it was a bit of a challenge getting used to working and doing a degree at the same time, but overall the whole experience has been so rewarding. “I never thought I would be able to do it, so it’s definitely going to be a proud moment graduating alongside my daughter.” Sharon will continue her studies via the top up degree onto the BA (Hons) Professional Studies course this September at BGU, and follow on with a QTS course to become a teacher. Sharon Tory will graduate at 2.30pm and Megan Tory will graduate at 10.15am at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 19th July 2017. -
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. -
BGU Academic Leads on ‘Outstanding Early Years Provision’
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is delighted to announce the launch of a new book by Dr Pat Beckley, Senior Lecturer in the School of Teacher Development at BGU, that is set to lead the way on the provision of Early Years education. ‘The Philosophy and Practice of Outstanding Early Years Provision’ examines the philosophical and theoretical foundations of early years practice supporting practitioners as they reflect on the collective and personal rationales which motivate and inform their work with young children. Chapters on subjects including ‘Wellbeing for Life in Early Years’ and ‘The Multicultural Classroom’ explore the theoretical underpinnings from a variety of perspectives, before translating them into effective strategies for application in a range of early years settings. Written and edited by Dr Beckley, the new book features contributions from leading Early Years professionals including chapters by other members of the BGU Teacher Development team – Ami Montgomery, Senior Lecturer and TESOL Course Leader and Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes for Primary and Early Years – along with a chapter written by Emma Revill; one of BGU’s school based mentors. Drawing on sound expertise the book is divided into four easily navigated sections which explore key issues including the creation of enabling environments, leadership in the early years, the opportunities and challenges presented by diversity, and the value of creative approaches. Its ultimate aim is to deepen the reader’s understanding of the concepts and ideas behind everyday practice. ‘The Philosophy and Practice of Outstanding Early Years Provision’ is essential reading for students and practitioners who wish to improve current and future practice by gaining insight into the philosophical foundations which underpin outstanding provision. BGU will be hosting a launch event for the book on campus on Monday the 9th of July at 4.30pm. If you would like to attend please contact Jonny Richardson, BGU PR Assistant. If you’re interested in a future in Early Years provision or Teaching there are few institutions that can provide a better experience than BGU. You can find information on our range of education based courses on our website, or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
Graduation celebrates a family adventure for Chloe and Hazel
With weeks to go before she was due to start her foundation degree; it looked as though Chloe Johnson was going to miss out on her dreams of studying Special Educational Needs & Disability. -
BG Futures Summer Social Offers New Entrepreneurs the Chance to Celebrate their Success
The recent Summer Social organised by Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) BG Futures Team provided an informal opportunity for organisations and entrepreneurs to further develop their professional network whilst promoting their individual repertoires. -
Students Craft Tall Tales and Wondrous Environments to Create a Unique Learning Opportunity
Last week first year BA Primary Education with QTS students at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) offered a unique educational experience, including the creation of wondrous learning environments, to 100 local school children. The day-long event formed part of a larger Story Telling Project being undertaken by the BGU students. Each had previously been paired with a local primary school pupil for whom they wrote a short monster story. These stories then formed the foundation of the day’s activities. The morning saw the BGU students taking the pupils to Lincoln Cathedral where they aided them in becoming “Monster Detectives”, searching for the famous Lincoln Imp across the Cathedral. They then moved to BGU where the students had created a fantastic world of colourful and imaginative learning spaces for the pupils. Each of the learning environments offered a space for the students to share their monster stories and guide the children through innovative learning activities they had planned. The creation of these spaces, along with the rest of the Story Telling Project, is designed to craft the students’ teaching skills helping them learn how to organise activities that engage with and motivate children. For this reason, as Emma Rogers (Senior Lecturer in Primary at BGU) explains, the Project is an important part of the BA Primary course: “This project marks their first steps to becoming teachers. Through it they’re able to gain experience of both the logistics of running learning activities for children as well as the human skills required. Because their stories and environments are based on the specific children they’ve been paired with they gain experience building relationships with their pupils and crafting their efforts to get the best out them.” Molly Harrison, one of the BA Primary Ed with QTS students involved, was full of praise for what the Project offered her and her course mates: “The project is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to read the responses of pupils to the activities we’re setting for them. Every child is different, what this project is teaching us is how to adapt our efforts to support a variety of pupils to ensure they get the most out of education.” For Andy Dickinson, also a Senior Lecturer in Primary at BGU, the Project is not just a vital learning opportunity for trainee teachers but also an invaluable experience for the pupils it supports: “The Story Telling Project is a chance to work 1:1 with pupils, learning how to engage with and inspire them. Story telling is such an incredibly important tool to help children learn. For some of these children, the books our students have created might be the only ones they ever get so this project is vital.” The Story Telling Project is just one of an array of innovative learning activities carried out by the School of Teacher Development at BGU. If you’d like more information on how to begin your adventure in the world of Primary Education, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team today. -
From unemployment to full time study at BGU
How the MOVE project helped one woman achieve her goals. The MOVE project is an ESF and Big Lottery funded project and Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is one of 24 partners across Lincolnshire. The project aims to work with people who have been out of work for a long time or who are economically inactive. The project began in 2016 and the first participant was Mandy. Mandy came to the project after many years of unemployment and ill health; she had ideas about what she wanted for her future but no idea about how to get there or if she could. Mandy’s background had involved a difficult childhood and involvement in drug misuse. When she came on to the project she was very anxious and a little bit afraid of what would happen next. Thankfully, she was able to put her trust in the team at BG Futures and with their ongoing support and structured inputs, she was able to make progress. These inputs included in-depth careers advice and guidance to help explore and develop career aims, psychometric tests to identify work strengths and abilities, life coaching to deal with social anxiety and ongoing regular support. They were also able to find her a suitable volunteering placement with Addaction and Mandy has been volunteering with the Amy Winehouse Foundation for 18 months. This involves going into secondary school in Lincolnshire to help educate young people about drugs and their effects. Through her time on the MOVE project Mandy has added to her qualifications and studied an Access course at Lincoln College, ultimately applying to BGU and securing a place to study for a degree in Health and Social Care. A year and 10 months after starting her MOVE journey, in September 2018, Mandy enrolled at BGU. She is now well into her first year, enjoying the course and even the challenge of assignments. Not all MOVE participants end up in Higher Education. The point of the project is to help people to identify and achieve their goals towards employment and learning through a tailored one: one approach that helps with self-confidence, motivation and wellbeing alongside employability skills and goal setting. Seeking support from MOVE is voluntary and therefore will not impact any benefit claim and there is also the opportunity for financial help to cover expenses including child care, respite care and travel. If you want to find out more for yourself or for someone you know: contact the MOVE team on 01522 583900 or email moveproject@bishopg.ac.uk -
BGU kick off the Festive Season with a Christmas Extravaganza
The festive season kicked into full gear at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) last weekend as the University held its first Christmas Extravaganza. Over 100 children, along with their families and friends, came to visit Santa in his amazing grotto where they were entertained by puppet shows, magic shows, a circus workshop and face painting. The Extravaganza, which also played host to stalls and activities from the BGU Lincoln Teenage Market, received excellent feedback and now looks set to become a popular edition to the BGU events calendar. Funds raised at the event will be going to the BGU Foundation Fund which provides grants to support projects that enhance the student experience and help to make a difference to other peoples’ lives. The seasonal celebrations continue at BGU next week with our annual Christmas Carol Service where you are invited to join BGU staff and students in the spectacular surroundings of St Hugh’s Choir in Lincoln Cathedral. This year’s theme of “Looking into the Future” draws together the great Advent themes of the signs that point to the coming of the Saviour, with a foretaste of the Christmas Joy. Admission is free of charge and all are welcome. Further details can be obtained from events@bishopg.ac.uk or by telephoning 01522 585635 For more information on all our upcoming events, please visit our website.
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