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BGU Goes Global as Conference Celebrates Internationalism
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln celebrated the breadth of its international activity by staging a BG Global conference on campus yesterday (22nd April). The keynote speaker was Vivienne Stern, Director of the UK Higher Education International Unit, who spoke about issues affecting the higher education sector in internationalisation and attracting international students to the UK. The conference also provided an opportunity for BGU to launch its Internationalisation Strategy, which has been developed by the university’s new International Manager Wayne Dyble and a group of colleagues from across the institution. Dr Ruth Sayers, Executive Dean for Learning Teaching and International at BGU, welcomed the delegates, some of whom were the university’s students. She described the range of activities represented at the conference as impressive, including presentations on international research activity, mobility programmes overseas, institutional partnerships and special projects. BGU has a long history of working with partners in many international settings, including China, Nepal, Thailand, the Gambia, Norway, Uganda, Brazil, Tanzania and India. The conference also offered academic staff an opportunity to discuss how they are internationalising the curricula in innovative ways, supported by a project led by the Higher Education Academy. “The conference represents a sea change in our international work,” said Dr Sayers. “We celebrate the many activities that have gone before, but we look forward to a much more strategic future, in which internationalisation will permeate all our activities and the new International Office will drive forward the strategy that was launched at the conference.” -
Research at BGU Recognised as ‘World Class’
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is celebrating after learning that research undertaken by its staff and students has been judged to be ‘world-leading’. Results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF 2014), a system used to independently assess the quality of research undertaken in all UK higher education institutions (HEIs), have been published today (Thursday). They show that research in Education, English Literature and History and have been judged to be world-leading and given the highest possible 4* rating.The University’s Vice-Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, said: “We are delighted with the outcome. To have our research in these key subjects judged by experts to be world-leading is a fantastic achievement.” Professor John Sharp, who led the submission to REF 2014 on behalf of the university, paid tribute to his colleagues’ hard work, over several years, to develop the research. “Bishop Grosseteste University is committed to undertaking research that can be applied in ways that benefit our students and the general public and is useful to others,” he said. “The dedication and passion for research shown by staff and students from across the university has been rewarded by this result; to be recognised as undertaking research that is judged to be world class is very pleasing indeed.” The REF 2014 outcome is a further boost to Bishop Grosseteste University’s plans to grow its research as part of its overall new five-year strategy. -
New history of Lincoln
A detailed history of an area of Lincoln has just been published with contributions from 4 members of BGU staff. This is volume 10 of the Survey of Lincoln series: ‘Birchwood, Hartsholme and Swanpool: Lincoln’s Outer South-Western Suburbs’. This includes chapters by Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall (Skellingthorpe Aerodrome and hutments); Dr Hazel Kent (Hartsholme Country Park); Dr Andrew Jackson (The Hartsholme Housing Estate); Dr Michael Jones (Archaeology), BGU Visiting Reader; and also Heritage Studies graduate, Lesley Clarke (Swanpool Garden Suburb). The volume is available from local bookshops at £6.95, and there is a public event relating to the launch of the volume at the Lincolnshire Archives, Saturday 13 December, 11:00am-1:00pm. -
Bishop Grosseteste University Secondary NQT Conference 2014
Our first Annual Secondary NQT Conference will take place from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm on 5th February 2014. Our focus this year will be Early Professional Development. The conference is FREE to all BG NQTs. This will be a fantastic opportunity to reflect with your fellow students, university staff and guest speakers on what you have learned, to share how you have applied this, and look forward to your future development. There will be a choice of workshops on issues to support where you are now. The conference is a great opportunity to meet up with old friends and network with colleagues, and you will receive a BGU attendance certificate for your CPD file! To help ensure that the workshops address your current needs and interests, please indicate which of the following possible workshops would appeal to you. We welcome suggestions for additional topics, and will try to accommodate these if possible.Behaviour The flipped classroom at A level Gifted, more able and talented Career pathways Active learning Advice from a Recently Qualified Teacher Creative teaching and learning Sharing triumphs and disasters We will meet at 4:00 pm in Hardy TR1 for tea and cake, with a welcome at 4:30 from the Vice Chancellor, Revd Dr Peter Neil. We are informing your Head Teacher of this event, and hope you will be able to join us. Please reply to pde@bishopg.ac.uk by 10th January 2014. -
BGU History in the Media
November has been a busy month for the past and present staff and students of our History and Humanities courses. Five members of staff and two former BGU students have contributed to the latest volume of the Survey of Lincoln series: North of the River Witham. The BGU staff involved and their contributions comprised of: Dr Mick Jones - the archaeology of the area Dr Chris Bonfield - Lincoln’s early schools Dr Hazel Kent - cinemas Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall - The Drill Hall Dr Andrew Jackson - the Cooperative Society. Lesley Clarke, a former BGU student, provided chapters on Greyfriars and the Central Library while Helen Durham along with Professor Heather Hughes of Lincoln University, presented a chapter on the visitor economy in central Lincoln. The support of BGU to this volume is recognised in a feature within the Lincolnshire Echo, (25 November). Earlier in the month, our Head of School of Humanities Dr Andrew Jackson made an appearance at the BBC Radio Lincolnshire Armistice Day Live Broadcast on 11 November. He spoke about his work on the WWI home-front poet, Bernard Samuel Gilbert and was joined by Maureen Sutton, local poet and folklorist, who read out a few of Gilbert’s wartime poetry in dialect. For more information about our History courses, please click here. -
Lincoln B&B Featured in National Campaign
A bed and breakfast based on campus at Bishop Grosseteste University has been featured in a national newspaper as part of Visit England’s Access for All campaign. Visit England has been working with the Daily Express to highlight accessible tourist and business destinations across the country. Longdales House bed and breakfast at BGU was featured in a special edition which appeared in the S magazine supplement on Sunday (27th September). Visit England has now been granted an extra £125,000 to support businesses in improving their accessibility. As part of the project, businesses are provided with personalised feedback of their access statement as well as online and classroom disability awareness training for members of staff. Located on the campus of Bishop Grosseteste University, Longdales House was originally home to the head of the college and in 2011 it was developed into a stylish bed and breakfast facility. Staff at Longdales House have undergone extensive training over the past year to improve customer service excellence, having already attended a course as part of the World Host programme in June this year when Lincoln became a World Host committed destination. Jane Vincent, Senior Conferencing and Events Co-ordinator at BGU, said: “I am delighted that Longdales House has been approved for inclusion in the Visit England National Access for All campaign. I would like to say thanks to all the BGU staff that have helped us to achieve these awards.” Longdales House features a range of facilities for disabled people with accessible en suite rooms, conference rooms installed with hearing loops on the adjacent BGU campus, Deafgard alarm systems and a host of other options available on request. -
Bishop Grosseteste University Gears Up for Clearing
The admissions team at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is primed and ready to deal with enquires during Clearing on Thursday 13th August when students across the country will receive their A-level results. Admissions Assistant Laura Dovey (24, pictured) will be one of the people answering the phone, offering advice and support during Clearing, and she knows better than most what it can feel like to go through the process. In 2010, Laura from Lincoln, had taken a gap year and was planning to start a photography course at university in September when the course was cancelled at the last minute. “I was left without a plan and without a place at university,” said Laura. “My second UCAS choice was the BA English Literature course at BGU, but I wasn’t sure if I had already missed out on a place.” Laura was asked to use the Clearing process to apply for a place and was the first to get through when the lines went live at 8am. Laura said: “I discussed my qualifications with the admissions team and spoke to the senior course leader. I was delighted when I was offered a place on the English Literature course.” Following three years of study Laura graduated in 2013 with a first-class honours degree, something she puts down to the university, she said: “The atmosphere at BGU is one of inclusivity and support. “When I arrived I was quiet and shy, but thanks to the nurturing nature of my lecturers and encouragement from my friends I left feeling much more confident, both in myself and my work.” Laura and the rest of the admissions team will be ready to advise and support the next wave of students as they navigate the Clearing process. The call centre will be open from 8am until 6pm on both Thursday 13th August and Friday 14th August and the number to call is 01522 583698. Prospective students are invited to attend the university’s open day on Friday 14th August from 10am until 5pm. 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. The open day also provides an opportunity for those who are starting (or hoping to start) in September to speak face-to-face to BGU staff about any anxieties regarding qualifications and pick up a free Freshers’ Wall Planner which contains all of the important events Freshers may want to attend. “The days following A-level results day can be a stressful and anxious time for those students who have not yet finalised their plans,” said Karen Richardson, Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions at BGU. “It’s a busy few days 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, consult Karen Richardson’s 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. 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 -
Foundation Degree Sets Dad of Three on Road to Learning
A father of three from Boston set off on the road to postgraduate study by enrolling on a Bishop Grosseteste University foundation degree course at Boston College. This week Dave Callow (37) will graduate with an honours degree from BGU at Lincoln Cathedral – and he is now set to embark on a master's course at the University of Lincoln. Dave left school at 16 with a good set of GCSEs, and after studying Art and Design at Boston College he tried factory work, landscape gardening and office roles, but he didn’t settle into a permanent career. After becoming a full-time dad he realised he needed a rewarding occupation. “I wanted to be an example to my kids,” he said. “I didn’t want to be coming home to them feeling miserable from a job that left me unfulfilled.” He approached Boston College for careers advice, began volunteering at his local school and re-took his Maths GCSE. In 2012 he enrolled on the BGU Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Learning Support) at Boston College and soon found himself being challenged to think about his work in school in fresh and interesting ways. “It awakened a thirst for knowledge,” said Dave. “I wanted a deeper understanding of social issues and injustices. At my work setting I found I was suddenly more aware of the complexities of children’s lives outside of school. “The connection between what we were learning in the modules and the day-to-day work was so strong; I felt drawn to working with families and to making a positive contribution to society.” One of the benefits of BGU’s collaborative partnership with Boston College is the opportunity it offers to people to study locally, said Dave. “At that time, as a full-time Dad in Boston, I just couldn’t have gone anywhere else. It gave me such an important step on the way.” At the end of his foundation degree in Boston Dave stepped up to the BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies in Education at BGU in Lincoln. “I’ve loved the experience of being in a university,” he said. “The BGU campus is lovely, the library is amazing and the tutors are nice and helpful. I like the structure of the progression year - the way the modules had been planned allowed us to become more independent as the year passed.” As he neared the end of his degree Dave knew he wanted to continue studying, so he spoke to careers staff at BG Futures and undertook an in-depth psychometric test. He applied for the MSc in Social Work at the University of Lincoln and within a few weeks he had been offered a place. Dave recognises that he has come a long way since he started. “When I think now about the first presentation I had to do on my foundation degree, it was one of the scariest days of my life! But now, at the end of the honours degree, I feel much more confident in my ability, my knowledge and myself. Even though I’ve finished my degree, I’m still reading about the things I’ve studied – it’s definitely unleashed something within me that wants to go on learning.” BGU’s Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-related programme that enables working practitioners (or experienced volunteers) to study alongside their work and family responsibilities. Students choose from three pathways: Learning Support, Early Childhood or Children & Youth Work, according to their work role. The course is validated by the university and delivered at three colleges in Lincolnshire – Boston College, New College Stamford and North Lindsey College in Scunthorpe – as well as at BGU in Lincoln. It usually runs over two years. -
New Students Invited to ‘Share Hand of Friendship’
A welcoming ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral is to take place for the first time to formally introduce new students at Bishop Grosseteste University. The event on 8th October will give both undergraduate and postgraduate students the chance to meet university staff and each other. It is hoped that this matriculation ceremony will now be held annually, and over 1,000 new students have been invited. The university’s Vice Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, explained: “Matriculation is the term used to describe students' formal entry into the university. We hope this serves as a friendly welcome to all those who are starting their studies here this year and that students feel they are becoming a part of the wider university family.” The ceremony will be held in Lincoln Cathedral on Thursday 8th October at 3.30pm. For most students this will also be the place of their graduation, thanks to the university’s links with the Diocese of Lincoln. An academic procession will take place, with members of the university’s academic staff, council and officers of the university making a grand entrance. Distinguished county and civic guests will also be invited to attend. Students will also be given a badge to commemorate the event, a unique modern-day pilgrim badge specially created and designed by the Historic Lincoln Trust which also commemorates the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. Professor Neil added: “The Dean of Lincoln will welcome students to the cathedral and the matriculation roll will then be endorsed by the Registrar and Secretary on behalf of the university. “I will then invite students to 'share the hand of friendship' and shake hands with each other to admit them all formally as members of the university. Speeches will then be given by me, the President of BGU Students' Union and Lord Cormack, Chairman of the Historic Lincoln Trust.” Students will leave the cathedral to be greeted by the university samba band who will be performing following a public announcement by Lincoln’s Town Crier. -
Teenagers Invited to Options Evening
Are you unsure what your next step will be after finishing your GCSEs? Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln will give year 10 and 11 students the chance to learn more about their post-16 options next month. The options evening on Thursday 15th October 2015 is designed to inform and advise students and parents about the range of choices available for them after year 11. Representatives from school sixth forms and further and higher education establishments will be on hand, as will apprenticeship and training providers from the Lincoln area who will be offering guidance. Allison Lawrence, Head of Careers, Employability and Enterprise at Bishop Grosseteste University, said: “The evening will provide an opportunity for pupils and parents to find out about some of the options open to them following year 11 to help pupils make the right choices. “There will be careers staff from a range of different backgrounds as well as university representatives to provide advice and support.” The evening will run from 4pm until 7pm at the Hardy Building, Bishop Grosseteste University on Longdales Road, Lincoln, LN1 3DY. Parent talks which offer tips for supporting with student decisions will be held at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm. If you would like to book a place for one of these talks or have any other queries please contact Diane Haines, BG Futures Administrator, on 01522 583900 or diane.haines@bishopg.ac.uk.
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