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Katie Potter
Teaching Katie teaches on a range of Education Studies modules. She is a Primary School teacher with over twenty years experience. She has taught all Primary years including the Early Years in schools in the UK. Katie has also taught in state schools in Sweden and an international school in Portugal. -
Sarah Howe
Sarah joined BGU in September 2015. Her experience is primarily working with children aged between birth and seven years. This experience incorporates working in Lincolnshire and British International Schools for eighteen years and seven years as an Early Years Consultant. Sarah has a range of leadership experience both in the UK and beyond. This includes positions as Head of Infant School in both Dubai and Brussels, and Head of an Infant and Nursery School in Lincoln. For the past eight years, Sarah has also been an active governor in a large primary school. In these various roles, Sarah has worked closely with staff, governors, students, newly qualified teachers and other agencies in both schools and settings, including Children’s Centres, to provide high quality learning and teaching outcomes. Her work has included leading and supporting a range of training and professional development, which has also been enhanced through close partnership working with other schools, settings, agencies and training providers. Teaching As a Senior Lecturer, Sarah primarily teaches and contributes to the PGCE- Early Years and PGCE- 3 to 7 years programmes. Her particular areas of specialism are Early Years, supporting EAL learners, promoting a creative curriculum and Art. -
Tara May
Tara teaches on the FdA and BA (Hons) (top up) Applied Studies across all pathways (Learning Support, Early Childhood and Children and Youth). She joined Bishop Grosseteste in 2012 as a Visiting Tutor working on the FdA and BA (top up) Applied Studies, undergraduate Early Childhood Studies, Education Studies and SENI programmes before taking up a full time position in 2015. Prior to this Tara worked as the Assessment Manager for an Early Years Professional Status provider and a Programme Leader of a FdEd and BA (Hons) (top up) Early Childhood Studies within another Higher Education institution. Teaching Tara teaches on the Foundation and Honours degrees in Applied Studies across all of three pathways. Her teaching interests include the individual in society, inclusion and professional practice in early years. Tara also has a particular interest in the role of early years professionals and the implementation and development of the Early Years Teacher Status. -
Samantha Hoyes
Samantha has been teaching at Bishop Grosseteste University since 2012, initially as a visiting tutor and as a full-time member of staff from 2020. Prior to joining BGU full time, she has worked in a variety of early years settings, as well as managing and co-owning two early years settings in Lincolnshire. Samantha also has experience inspecting early years provision. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is currently undertaking her PhD. Her PhD research focuses on the experiences of working mothers and how they position their identity. Samantha has a keen interest in the power dynamics involved in research, exploring a range of methods and approaches, including photo elicitation, online interviewing and quilting as ways and means to share power and present research findings. Samantha teaches on the undergraduate Early Childhood Studies programme and teaching interests include policy, provision and practice, outdoor play, children’s rights, and risky play, as well as an array of contemporary issues which impact the sector. Building on research from her Master's, Samantha has a strong interest in early years professionalism and the continued development of the early years sector and is Co-Chair for the Professionalism and Workforce Strategy group (PAWS) as part of the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN). -
Royal Seal of Approval for BGU Cornerstone Building
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will officially open the new library and student services building at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln next month. The Princess Royal’s visit on Friday 15th February will round off a momentous year for the institution, which has celebrated its 150th anniversary and earned the right to use the university title for the first time. The £2.75 million Cornerstone Building at BGU, which was refurbished and extended last year, houses the university’s library and its student support and advice teams. During her visit The Princess Royal will meet dignitaries including the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Muriel Robinson OBE, the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Karen Lee, the Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Christopher Lowson and Lincoln MP Karl McCartney. She will also meet staff and students at BGU and visit BG Futures, the university’s business incubation centre, and the university’s coffee shop Curiositea. Reporters, photographers and TV crews are welcome to attend. Full details and timings of the visit will be sent to the media nearer the time. “Everyone here is looking forward to The Princess Royal’s visit with tremendous excitement,” said Professor Muriel Robinson, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “We are very proud of our new Cornerstone Building and we’re delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness to open this fantastic facility. This event will cap an amazing 12 months for this institution, during which time we have celebrated 150 years of education in Lincoln and become recognised as a university for the first time.” The Cornerstone Building houses 135,000 resources including books, journals, audio-visual resources (DVDs, CDs), ebooks and a renowned Teaching Resources Collection, including children’s books, resource packs and puppet bags. It is also home to BGU’s Student Advice and Learning Development teams, bringing all the support students need in a first-class new facility. ——- 1 January 2013 Notes to editors: The timings of The Princess Royal’s visit will be released to the media in early February. The Princess Royal will also be visiting Lincoln College and Lindum Construction on 15th February. -
BGU Lays Foundations for Work-Based Degree
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln welcomed a new intake of Foundation Degree students in February to cope with high demand for places. 23 students enrolled on the two-year course at the beginning of February in addition to the 120 students who started in September. "The increased popularity of the foundation degree sparked our decision to introduce a second intake of students that commenced in February," said Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU. "This year we have enrolled a record number of students to the course, and further interest is still being shown for the forthcoming academic year." A former children's entertainer from Durham, Matthew St Julien, has set his sights on developing his knowledge and increasing his range of skills after enrolling onto the course. He has six years' experience dealing with young people after working as a Redcoat at two Butlins resorts and overseas in America for the kids club on the Disney Cruise Line. "I've always enjoyed working with children from an entertainment aspect but decided to broaden my horizons," said Matthew. "The foundation course BGU offers was my best option. The combination of applying my years of experience to theory is simply the best of both worlds." In addition to studying at BGU Matthew is also volunteering as a teaching assistant twice a week at The Meadows Primary School in Lincoln. "As a teaching assistant I am responsible for small group learning, which gives me the opportunity to practise what I am taught on the course with the children in a more controlled setting. The information I'm receiving from the course is an eye-opener and I am considering furthering my education at BGU to increase my career prospects." Mother-of-three from Caistor Rachael Goeminne made the decision to utilise her free time and her child raising experience by enrolling on the course last month. She currently volunteers at Caistor Church of England and Methodist Primary School twice a week while learning in her spare time. "I left education 26 years ago which made me particularly nervous when I first started the course," said Rachael. "However the tutors and advisors have been very welcoming which is encouraging. The course has exposed me to many possibilities that I will consider for my future career within teaching or social care. Juggling studying, volunteering and family responsibilities can be quite intense at times, but I'm enjoying it nevertheless and hope to continue on to do a BA Honours degree at BGU." The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-based course appropriate for people who want to gain industry experience alongside studying for a degree. Students require a minimum of one year's experience working or volunteering with children, and continue to do so over the duration of their study. Foundation degrees are the equivalent of two-thirds of a full honours degree (BA Hons). The courses are designed to provide students with both a qualification and relevant skills which will appeal to employers. "A large number of foundation degree students advance to do a third year at BGU to gain a full BA (Hons) degree as they understand its importance for career progression," said Sacha. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU offers three pathways: Early Childhood, Children and Youth Work and Learning Support. To find out how to apply for a place, visit our course pages or call 01522 527347. -
Demand is High for BGU's Work-Based Foundation Degree
A two-year course for people who want to study while continuing to work has proved so popular that Bishop Grosseteste University is to start a January intake of students to cope with demand. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-based course for people who are working and want to study for a degree. All the students are working or volunteering with children or young people and most are older than the typical A-level school leaver. “The foundation degree offers students the chance to reflect on their work with children, to improve their practice and to develop their thinking,” said Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU. “The course is very popular, and this year we’ve recruited more students for our foundation degree than ever before, so we’ve decided to introduce a second intake of students who will start the course in January.” Foundation degrees are broadly equivalent to the first two years of a bachelors degree (BA). They focus on a particular job or profession and are designed with employers’ needs in mind.“Many foundation degree students progress to do a third year at BGU to gain a full BA (Hons) degree,” said Sacha. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU offers three pathways: Early Childhood, Children and Youth Work and Learning Support. BGU will be hosting a foundation degree open evening for anyone interested in enrolling on Wednesday 30th October 2013 between 5.45pm and 8pm. Those attending will have the opportunity to talk to academic staff as well as foundation degree students past and present. To find out how to apply for a place, visit www.bgu.ac.uk/prospectus or www.bgu.ac.uk/courses or call 01522 527347. Case study: The Childcare Entrepreneur Boston student Vicky Wilson set up successful childcare business The Home Nursery while studying for a foundation degree at BGU. Vicky, who has two sons aged 10 and 12, was working at her local pre-school as Deputy Manager when she enrolled on the Foundation Degree (Early Childhood) at BGU in 2010. “I worked at the pre-school for the first year of my foundation degree but felt that I could progress further than my current position would allow me to do,” said Vicky. “I had an extension built onto the back of my home and registered as a childminder.” After completing her foundation degree and graduating with a first, Vicky continued her studies by topping up to a BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood), from which she graduated with another first in July 2013. Vicky now employs three members of staff and has just expanded by restoring a grade-two listed property for use as a nursery. “If anyone is at a crossroads in their life, I would strongly recommend academic learning to find yourself,” said Vicky. “Studying while working full-time and having a family and home to look after is really hard work but it’s worthwhile in the end. “If I had not attended Bishop Grosseteste University, and achieved well beyond my own expectations, I would never have been in the position to own and manage my own nursery. It has been life-changing for me.” Case study: The Teaching Practitioner A Newark mum who works with children who speak English as a second language has broadened her horizons after starting on the FdA at Bishop Grosseteste University. Lisa Edwards (36), a peripatetic practitioner with the Nottinghamshire Achievement and Equality Team, follows the learning support pathway on the course. “Since beginning the foundation degree my skills and knowledge have greatly improved my levels of confidence and have created new opportunities within my role,” said Lisa. “While I used to be mainly involved with one-to-one pupil work, recently I have been involved in the developing of training for teachers in equality issues, and I have delivered racial harmony lessons to year 5 and 6 pupils. “I give advice visits to teachers on teaching strategies for EAL (English as an Additional Language) pupils and I have also delivered training for PGCE students in strategies to use with pupils learning EAL. “The course has really given me the self-belief that I can progress my career further.” News release28th October 2013 -
War Horse Author Michael Morpurgo To Receive BGU Honour
Award-winning author and former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo, OBE is to be honoured by Bishop Grosseteste University at a graduation ceremony later this month. The author of War Horse will receive an honorary doctorate of the university at one of three graduation ceremonies which will take place at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 17th July. Other honorary awards will be given to Dame Clare Tickell DBE, Chief Executive of Action for Children and author of a recent review of early years education in the UK, and to Karen Lowthrop MBE, CEO of environmental social enterprise Hill Holt Wood near Lincoln. Dame Clare Tickell will receive an honorary doctorate at 10:15am on 17th July. Michael Morpurgo’s award will be given at 2:30pm and Karen Lowthrop will given an honorary doctorate at 7:15pm. A record total of 870 students will graduate from Bishop Grosseteste University at the ceremonies this year. “At our first graduation ceremonies as a university we will be pleased to recognise the achievements of three people who are excellent role models for our own graduating students,” said the Reverend Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “Michael Morpurgo is celebrated for his contribution to children’s literature and for his work setting up Farms for City Children. “Dame Clare Tickell DBE has made a significant contribution to our understanding of early childhood, particularly through her work as Chief Executive of Action for Children and her invaluable review of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. “Closer to home, Karen Lowthrop has made both a national and a local contribution to education in its broadest sense through her pioneering work at Hill Holt Wood. “These are all people whose careers have exemplified a real commitment to education for all ages and we will be proud to share another special day for Bishop Grosseteste University with them later this month.” Members of the media are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend please contact Jez Ashberry at Shooting Star PR on 01522 528540 or 07780 735071 or email jez@shootingstar-pr.co.uk. -
Top Nursery Awards for BGU Trio
A student and two graduates from Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln have each won a prestigious early years award from Nursery World magazine. Carolynn Fletcher, who is currently studying for a Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU, won the Nursery Manager of the Year prize at the Nursery World Awards last week.Carolynn manages Swineshead Pre-School near Boston in Lincolnshire which has grown from 24 sessional places to 78 full-time places under her management and achieved an Ofsted grade of outstanding. Carolynn’s colleagues at the nursery told the judges that she was born to manage the pre-school and since joining the setting in 1999 has been the driving force behind its success. Marie Walker, who graduated from BGU two years ago with a first-class BA (Hons) degree in Applied Studies in Early Childhood, is the owner of Little Learners Pre-School in Skegness, Lincolnshire, which won the Pre-school of the Year award. Little Learners Pre-School is rated as outstanding by Ofsted even though it has only been open for less than a year and is part of Little Learners Nursery School, which won Nursery World’s Nursery of the Year in 2010. Sally Forster, Lead Practitioner and Deputy Manager at Kidzone Cranwell, won Nursery World’s Outstanding Contribution Award. Sally graduated in 2010 with a first-class degree in Applied Studies in Early Childhood which is a one-year top up degree that follows a Foundation Degree. Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator in Applied Studies at Bishop Grosseteste University, commented: “Carolynn, Marie and Sally are all extremely gifted early years professionals and we’re delighted to see their talents recognised with these prestigious awards. ‘The strength of the FdA and the BA (Hons) Applied Studies in Early Childhood top up degree is that it enables early years practitioners to really think about their practice in relation to what the research tells us about how to support and enable the best outcomes for young children.” To find out more visit https://www.nurseryworld.co.uk/awards -
Professor Leonard George Marsh OBE
We are saddened to learn of the death of the former Principal of Bishop Grosseteste, Professor Leonard Marsh. Professor Leonard Marsh OBE was Principal of Bishop Grosseteste College (now Bishop Grosseteste University) for 22 years from September 1974 until August 1996. Educated at Ashford Grammar School in Kent and Borough Road College in London, he studied for an Academic Diploma in Education and then an Advanced Certificate at the University of London Institute of Education before gaining his Master of Education research degree at the University of Leicester in 1965. His first teaching post was at Crofton Junior School, Kent, where he worked for six years from 1952 before taking up a post as lecturer in education and mathematics at St Paul’s College in Cheltenham. In 1961 he became Principal Lecturer and Head of Department at Goldsmith’s College, University of London, where he set up the prototype for his later work at BG as the ‘Plowden floor’, and from 1974 until his retirement in 1996 he was Principal of Bishop Grosseteste College in Lincoln. He was Chairman of the National Association for Primary Education from 1981 until 1983, a visiting lecturer and professor at various American colleges, an education consultant in Portugal, Puerto Rico and for the BBC and an external examiner for a number of colleges. He wrote many books for teachers and children on education and mathematics and was asked to form an advisory committee following the publication of the Plowden Report of 1967 on primary schools in England. Until very recently he was still being asked to advise schools and to speak on his vision of primary education, such was his reputation in the world of primary schools in the UK. Professor Muriel Robinson, Principal and then Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University from 2003 until 2013, said: “Len Marsh made an immense difference to BG in his time there. He understood how children learn and what schools need to be like to facilitate that learning, and he gave the place a superb reputation for primary education. “BG had a huge in service programme for teachers across the country at that time and that’s how I first met him. I was teaching in London in the early 1980s and I was fortunate enough to take part in some of the programmes they ran in Lincoln. The sessions were amazing, truly inspirational. The physical environment at BG, from the model school environments of the primary bases to the furniture and buildings refurbished using excellent architects and craftsmen, not only raised the level of student achievement but offered practical and practice-changing ideas to many teachers. “His legacy was to create a worldwide reputation for primary education at BG. He worked with teachers all over the world, from Pakistan and Jordan to Mexico. Across the UK he gave BG a reputation for a particular model of primary education which was almost unique. Across Lincolnshire and well beyond there will be many teachers who will be saddened to read of Len’s passing and whose own careers have been shaped, like mine, by his influence.” Leonard Marsh’s funeral will take place at 2.30pm on 13th October 2014 at St Nicholas’ Church in Chislehurst. Bishop Grosseteste University will hold a minute’s silence in memory of Professor Marsh at today’s Grosseteste Day liturgy (8th October) in the University Chapel at 1pm. The service will be attended by the Bishop of Winchester. The university is planning a memorial service for Professor Marsh next month.
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