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Ex-Student Dan Returns to BGU as Gary Barlow
Former Bishop Grosseteste University student Dan Hadfield will be back on campus on Saturday (1st October) to perform as Take That star Gary Barlow. Dan, who performs as the singer as well as acting as Gary’s official lookalike, will be singing some of Gary’s best known hits at 7.30pm in The Venue. Having performed alongside Gary Barlow and appeared on the X Factor, Dan is known as the number one Gary Barlow tribute act and performs his solo show across the country as well as abroad. He has appeared on the BBC comedy Miranda and last year amazed guests at a wedding in Cheshire by performing with Gary to the bride and groom! Dan worked in higher education for a while at both BGU and the University of Lincoln, but had a change of heart when he decided to turn his hobby into a full-time career. “It will be wonderful to see Dan back on campus performing all those Gary Barlow and Take That hits live,” said Hannah Clipsham, Events Manager at BGU. “We’re very proud of his achievements as a graduate of BGU and we’re sure this concert will be a special night for everyone.” The new Refectory at BGU will be offering a pre-show curry – to book a table email refectory@bishopg.ac.uk or call 01522 583795. Tickets to the concert cost £15 – to book visit www.thevenuelincoln.co.uk, call 01522 585635 or email daisy.wedge@bishopg.ac.uk. Find out more about Dan at www.garybarlowlookalike.com -
BGU students shadow national book awards
BGU Education Studies students are taking part in the United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA) book awards shadowing scheme this year. This national scheme takes place annually and offers students the chance to vote for their favourite new children’s book in a range of age group categories, 'shadowing' the official UKLA awards panel which includes teachers and literacy experts across the UK. The author selected by students nationally will receive a special award at the UKLA international conference in July. A group of 17 second year BGU Education Studies students volunteered to meet with lecturer Dr Helen Hendry and children’s librarian Janice Morris for four lunch-time meetings throughout this year’s second semester. They chose the 3-6 age range as the books are quick to read and fun to talk about! The meetings are informal and include time to talk about likes, dislikes and reactions to the text and illustrations. The students have been trying out the books on willing children of friends and family, and during school placements. They also used the official UKLA criteria to consider the relationship between words and illustrations, the author’s use of language, and to try to choose the book which young readers would want to read over and over again. Helen Henry said “involving the Education Studies students in shadowing the UKLA book awards is a fantastic way of widening their knowledge of current high quality children’s literature. This will be important for many of their future careers in education. “Through our informal discussions and consideration of the award criteria they really get a chance to think about what children gain from sharing stories and how picture books can be a powerful tool in the classroom. “This project also highlights the wonderful selection of children’s books and teaching resources in our library and encourages our students to use these when planning creatively on placement in partnership schools. It is a real pleasure to share the books with our students and debate and discuss our favourites!” Two students who respond to the shadowing event in an innovative way, perhaps by involving pupils and schools, can be nominated to attend the UKLA conference and meet the authors. At the end of May the student shadowers can vote individually online for their chosen winner. BGU students clearly know their books for children as last year both of the groups' favourites won their UKLA categories. Richard Byrne's 'This book just ate my dog' won the UKLA Students Award and Alex T. Smith ‘s ‘Little Red and the very hungry lion’ won the overall UKLA Book Award 2016 for its age range. We will find out in July if our students can pick a winner again! Do you want to get involved with the shadow book awards next year? Find out more about studying Education at BGU. -
From BGU to Tamil Nadu and back again
A journey of learning, discovery and friendship for our Special Educational Needs and Inclusion Students. As University field trips go – this has to be one of the best around. Eleven students studying Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (SENI) and four members of staff from Bishop Grosseteste University spent ten days in India learning how trainee teachers are educated in Tamil Nadu and visiting special education schools. At BGU, in addition to developing expertise in specific subject areas, students are also encouraged to develop a global outlook, strong academic practice, and the skills, qualities and attitudes needed for success in their future work and life. These are described as the BGU Graduate Attributes. Dr Claire Thomson, Head of Centre for Enhancement in Teaching and Learning (CELT) at BGU. said “there is little doubt that opportunities like this broaden our students’ horizons and foster a level of cultural understanding that will serve our students throughout their careers.” As part of the trip, BGU students had the chance to visit teacher-training colleges and engage with both undergraduate and post-graduate students enrolled on teacher education programmes. Through their interactions, both sets of students were able to discuss teaching methods and the educational systems in their own countries - and share information about their own lives. The visit also involved visiting a number of special schools, including a school for the blind, a school for the deaf and a school for students with learning disabilities. The BGU students led activities in each of these settings tailored to the students’ needs and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to put the skills they have learnt on placement in the UK into practice overseas as well as having the opportunity to gain real world experience, to back up their theoretical learning. “It was a once in a lifetime experience that will remain with us all forever” said Claire McGovern, a second year SENI student. Leader of the visit, Dr Julia Lindley-Baker said: “The University has established very positive relationships with the Southern India Diocese, who welcome and support our student study visits. Students continue to benefit from the warm hospitality we receive which facilitates opportunities to experience, understand and embrace cultural differences”. To give something back to their hosts in India the students took over a number of gifts for the institutions they visited and presents for the children in the special schools, including gifts for the girls living in a church-supported orphanage. Special Education Needs and Inclusion student Laura Hakner had, through a range of charitable events organised within her village in East Yorkshire, raised over £800 to be given to a range of deserving causes. It wasn’t all work, work, work however. The students were thoroughly entertained during their visit and enjoyed traditional and modern dance demonstrations, mime performances, and of course, delicious meals and refreshments – they even got to meet the Bishop of Tirunelveli Rt. Rev. J.J. Christdoss. It wasn’t all one-sided either with our students doing their best to entertain their hosts with dance moves of their own; leading a conga line of over 500 students in the Sarah Tucker College in Tirunelveli as part of a programme of entertainment. The momentum has not diminished since the students return to the UK either; one student is running a Students Creating Change project - as part of our acclaimed student engagement programme – to raise enough money to fund a student in India through their three-year BA Education programme. If you would like to contribute to this campaign, please contact Helen Waters-Marsh, Student Engagement Facilitator at helen.waters-marsh@bishopg.ac.uk Helen was fortunate enough to accompany the students on their trip to India thanks to the support of the Centre for Enhancement in Teaching and Learning (CELT centre) – which now sits at the heart of the BGU campus. CELT is committed to enhancing learning, teaching and the student experience and supports staff and students in terms of learning development, digital learning and student engagement projects. -
Lincoln Skyline to Feature on BGU’s Knight Sculpture
A pair of talented artists from Birmingham are putting Lincoln on the map by featuring the city’s iconic skyline on the knight sculpture being sponsored by Bishop Grosseteste University. Kieron Reilly and Lynsey Brecknell have called BGU’s statue ‘Knight and Day’, and it is one of 35 knights which will make up this year’s Lincoln Knights’ Trail celebrating the 800th anniversary of the Battle of Lincoln. The event organised by Lincoln BIG runs from 20th May until 3rd September and the knight statues will be unveiled at a launch evening at The Showroom in Lincoln on 27th March. As part of the trail BGU’s knight will be stationed near Newport Arch not far from the university’s campus. “Our design ‘Knight and Day’ shows off Lincoln’s beautifully unique skyline in silhouette form against a bold sunset, including our sponsor Bishop Grosseteste University,” said Lynsey. “Following the success of the Lincoln Barons’ Charter Trail in 2015 we’re sure that the Lincoln Knights are going to be loved by the locals and visitors from across the country, and we are proud to be a part of such an exciting project.” Kieron and Lynsey have very different artistic backgrounds: Lynsey has developed a career in theatre as a scenic artist and set builder while Kieron has a background in animation and now focuses on model making and design. They have successfully collaborated on many public art trails in the past and are looking forward to showcasing their design alongside the other sculptures on the Lincoln Knights’ Trail. “I’ve had a preview of our knight and it’s looking fantastic,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “We chose this design because we found it eye-catching and attractive, and also because it features the Lincoln skyline. The artists have adapted this to include the Skinner building on our campus in the silhouette, along with colours in the sky which fade up to BGU purple at the very top. “We think it looks wonderful and we’re looking forward to seeing it take its place as part of the Lincoln Knights’ Trail this summer.” Following the launch on 27th March each knight will be hosted by its sponsor to promote the trail, which will starts on 20th May – 800 years to the day since the Battle of Lincoln. The Lincoln Knights’ Trail is a Wild in Art event brought together by Lincoln BIG in partnership with Visit Lincoln and Education Business Partnership (EBP), in support of local homeless charity the Nomad Trust. Following a call for artists back in September 2016, over 200 innovative designs were submitted. A shortlist of 70 was drawn up and the artists given the opportunity to paint their design onto a miniature knight sculpture. The 35 sponsors then selected their favourite design. Following the trail the knights will be sold at auction at Lincoln Cathedral on 30th September. Two-thirds of the money raised will go to The Nomad Trust and one-third will help to create a new Art and Innovation Fund for Lincoln. The knights were designed and created by Wild in Art’s Creative Director Chris Wilkinson in the style of a chess piece. -
BGU Looking Eastward to Forge Links in China
Bishop Grosseteste University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor has attended an Educational Exchange in Hunan Province in China as part of Lincolnshire County Council’s endeavours to strengthen relationships and socio-economic prosperity of the two regions. Professor Jayne Mitchell attended the event following the signing of an economic friendship agreement with Hunan Province by the county council. The educational exchange programme focused on developing relationships between universities and strategic bodies such as the education and economic development departments in provincial and county governments. It was co-ordinated by the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of Hunan Provincial People’s Government of China and the Hunan Provincial Education Department. The week-long programme involved visits to three cities in Hunan Province (Changsha, Changde and Zhangjiajie), introductions to senior officials in the Foreign and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office and Hunan Provincial Department of Education, and meetings to discuss collaboration and partnership working with 12 of the region’s top universities. During the visit Professor Mitchell signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hunan First Normal University. The two universities are now planning staff and student exchanges, joint academic programmes, collaborative research projects and cultural exchanges in teacher education. Discussion is also ongoing with several more universities in Hunan about developing similar arrangements in other subject areas and priority sectors for the county. “There are many similarities in the history, expertise and future goals of BGU and universities in Hunan,” said Professor Mitchell. “By working together to share experience, knowledge and resources we can further develop the education and skills of local people and help contribute to the economic prosperity of businesses right across the county. “I would like to thank our hosts for their warm welcome and openness in seeking ways to work together. We have made many new friends and look forward to strengthening these relationships further by extending BGU’s partnership working with both Lincolnshire County Council and universities and businesses in China.” Cllr Colin Davie, Executive Member for Economic Development at Lincolnshire County Council, said: “I’m delighted that Bishop Grosseteste University had a successful visit. This is not just an important step for the university, but it will also help further cement our friendship with the province. “I’m confident that this growing relationship will bring opportunities for other businesses too, with agriculture, engineering, adult social care and culture already earmarked as areas for future collaboration. We have a lot in common and, working together, we can ensure greater prosperity for both regions.” -
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.” -
Game of Thrones star Jim Broadbent returns to BGU
Oscar-winning actor Jim Broadbent returned to Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln yesterday. The BGU honorary graduate attended a cinema showcase event for local schoolchildren at The Venue, BGU’s on-campus cinema. The invitation-only event on Monday 10 July 2017 included a screening of the final short films of Lincolnshire schools who have participated in the Cinema cent Ans de Jeunesse (CCAJ) programme. Broadbent joined children who had been involved in the programme on stage to close the evening and offered some words of encouragement. “I think it’s terrific, well done to you all. I hope that there are going to be more chances for school children in Lincolnshire to make films”, said Broadbent. Speaking after the event Broadbent said, “They’re all budding filmmakers, they were fantastic. I hope that BGU can be involved more and more into the future.” Broadbent is starring in the upcoming season of Game of Thrones. While he remained tight-lipped on who would end the series on The Iron Throne, he did confirm details about his character. “I’m playing an older man! I’m playing a Maester, a Grand Maester”, he said. Broadbent revealed that he was not an avid viewer of the hit show before taking the part, but said that what he has seen so far of the new season is “brilliant, absolutely sensational.” Read more: Oscar Winner Jim Broadbent Honoured by BGU -
Films by Lincolnshire pupils hit the big screen at The Venue
The Venue at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln is set to host a special screening of films made by local school children next week.The invitation-only event on 10 July will showcase the filmmaking process and final short films of Lincolnshire schools who have participated in the Cinema cent Ans de Jeunesse (CCAJ) programme. Films made by participants at Legsby Primary School, Fosse Way Academy, Withern St. Margarets Primary School, Allington Primary School and Nettleham Junior School will be shown at The Venue.The CCAJ is Cinémathèque Française’s young people’s filmmaking programme. Established in 1995 to celebrate the centenary of cinema, the programme has a specific structure that is still in use over 20 years later. The programme invites the young people to make films that respond to an aspect of film language. The structure of the programme features exploratory exercises and the production of a final ‘film essai’. There is also a comprehensive ‘viewing curriculum’ of clips taken from the history of cinema. The programme takes place across a whole school year and in Lincolnshire runs as an extra-curricular activity for year five children. All participating schools attend a showcase event at the BFI London. However, as parents and family of the pupils involved are unable to attend, The Venue has stepped in to put on the special screening event. “The Venue is excited to be supporting local schools, giving them the opportunity to showcase their work to family. [We are] treating them to an evening of film on the big screen, working in conjunction with Lincoln Film Society and BFI”, said Laura-Jane Lunt, Commercial Support Assistant at The Venue. Find out more about The Venue and all upcoming screenings and events. (www.lincolnfilmsociety.com) -
Royal Visit to Mark Opening of Landmark Building at BGU
HRH the Duke of Gloucester will visit Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln next week to officially open the university’s latest new building. The £2.2 million extension to Constance Stewart Hall, which has created a new landmark building at the junction of Newport and Longdales Road, will be opened on Thursday 6thJuly. The works have doubled the size of the teaching block and involved building a steel-framed structure on top of part of the original building to give the university an additional seven teaching spaces set over two floors. This approach of building over an existing structure means that BGU will significantly increase its teaching space capacity without increasing the building’s overall footprint, which helps to maintain the green and open feel of the campus. During his visit to Lincoln on 6th July the Duke of Gloucester will also officially open the Battles and Dynasties Exhibition at The Collection. At BGU he will be introduced to dignitaries including the Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson; the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Chris Burke; Lincoln’s MP Karen Lee; the Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil; and the university’s Chancellor, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas. On a tour of the campus the Duke will visit the university’s business centre BG Futures, the Victorian chapel and the new Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching which opened in March. He will then officially open the new extension at Constance Stewart Hall by unveiling a plaque at approximately 2.45pm. A bold statement “This iconic addition to our estate really makes a bold statement in uphill Lincoln that BGU is an outward-facing institution,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “It’s further evidence of our ongoing commitment to invest in our teaching resources to ensure our students continue to have an outstanding experience.” Steve Deville, Director of Resources at BGU, said: “This fantastic new building reinforces BGU’s commitment to invest in our students and their learning experience. “This building is to be opened just a few months after our new Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching facility and will provide students with flexible teaching spaces and state-of-the-art facilities to aid their learning.” The new teaching spaces will incorporate moveable partition walls, increasing their flexibility, meaning that they can be used not only for teaching but also for a variety of functions and events. Delivered by Lincoln-based architects LK2 and local construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd, the project was carried out in two phases and saw a 7,770 square foot extension added to the Constance Stewart Hall to accommodate new teaching space. The extension is supported by an impressive steel framework made from locally sourced steel and erected by Robert Woodhead Ltd. Throughout the project, contractors pledged to use local resources wherever possible. The project was procured through the empa framework which is managed by Scape Group. The development of the new building on campus was an opportunity to enhance the graduate attributes of BGU students, who were able to gain valuable work experience on the project with Robert Woodhead Ltd. -
BGU student organises activity day for young carers
A BGU Drama in the Community student recently organised an activity day with forty young carers from across Lincolnshire. Every year Drama in the Community students at BGU complete a community project in their final year working with a community group for approximately three months. The communities vary from work with the elderly, projects with people with mental health issues, special needs, schools, youth groups and many more. Chloe Stewart, a third year Drama in the Community student, decided to work with young carers for her project. Her project culminated in an activity day at the BGU campus giving young carers the opportunity to relax, socialise and try out a range of activities. The young people took part in drama, dance, samba band, sports and craft workshops. Chloe said “after speaking to some of the young carers, it was apparent that the day had had an effect on them. “Some expressed that the day had given them the opportunity to get away from their responsibilities, others said how thrilled they were to have tried the different activities that were available for them, and some just stated how nice it was to meet individuals of a similar age to them in a similar situation. “I felt immense pride in watching the two communities come together to give the young carers the opportunity to have some time away from their home life and responsibilities.” To make the day a success Chloe liaised with a number of outside organisations, companies and Lincolnshire County Council. Freshtime Futures Trust, a charity from Boston that give young individuals funding to achieve their goals, invested just under £1000 to enable the day to go ahead. The connections made at the event will be long lasting and there is hope that the event will be held again in the future. The community project is just one of many opportunities that Drama in the Community students at BGU get involved with. Chloe said “the course gives students incredible opportunities. I am thrilled we are given the chance to go out into the world and use our knowledge and skills to benefit a community. “It is incredible to be able to see your hard work come to life and what real effect you can have on other individuals.” Find out more about studying Drama at BGU.
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