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BGU research supports trainee teachers in Pakistan
Dr Abigail Parrish, Senior Lecturer in the School of Teacher Development, recently delivered an online seminar for participants at a research workshop organised by the Institute of English Language and Literature at the University of Sindh in Pakistan. Abigail’s session looked at Self-Determination Theory and motivation to learn English, drawing on her research interests, and giving participants chance to think about how they could apply what they learned in their own classrooms. It was attended by 35 participants, the head of the English department and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sindh. One participant noted that the workshop was: "Rich in content and valuable in creating better understanding of the topics that were discussed, there should be more such events as it was a great learning opportunity" This feedback was also shared by the organiser, Dr Ghazal Kazim Syed, who reported that both the head of department and vice chancellor had been very impressed particularly with Abigail's commitment, professionalism and positive attitude to learning. Abigail has been invited to deliver another seminar for undergraduate and postgraduate students at a later date. James Duke, Digital Learning Developer at BGU, facilitated the online delivery of the session, providing invaluable support and advice to ensure it ran smoothly. You can read more about Abigail’s research into student motivation here: Abigail Parrish & Ursula Lanvers (2019). Student motivation, school policy choices and modern language study in England. The Language Learning Journal, 47:3, 281-298. DOI: 10.1080/09571736.2018.1508305 BGU have a global outlook on education, and our courses offer unprecedented opportunities to travel and teach. Our professionally focused educational courses are perfect for learners both within and looking to join the teaching profession. To find out how they can benefit you visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team for more information. -
First Implicit Religion Research Centre Launched at BGU
The Edward Bailey Centre for the Study of Implicit Religion, the first dedicated centre for the study of implicit religion in the world, has been launched at Bishop Grosseteste University by the Reverend Canon Professor Neil, Vice-Chancellor of BGU, together with Dr Francis Stewart, Implicit Religion Research Fellow. Implicit Religion focuses on commitments, rituals, actions, rites of passage, behaviours and beliefs that appear in things we would not normally think of as ‘religious’, for example the game of football or knitting communities. To this end Edward Bailey suggested three areas for focus: commitment, integrating foci, and intensive concerns with extensive effects. These have been explored in a wide range of topics from art, shopping, Elvis fans, pilgrimage, Occupy protests, video games, Starbucks, punk rock, elective childlessness, animal rights, tattoos and sport. The centre will serve as a hub for a wide range of activity including work in local schools, university modules, research projects, free public events in Lincoln. The centre aims to create new degree modules that are relevant and focused on implicit religion within Lincolnshire, to develop new degree courses that will bring international postgraduate students to BGU and be accessible for adults in Lincolnshire. Speaking on behalf of BGU, Professor Neil said: "Professor Bailey is synonymous with implicit religion and was well ahead of his time when he shaped the concept. The time is now right to expand the reach of the research exploring the concept of implicit religion to interpret the changing landscape of religion and spirituality in the UK. Theology is a core part of our University's heritage and I am delighted to see us continuing to push the boundaries of its exploration with this new centre of excellence.” As the lead of the new centre Dr Stewart expressed her excitement at how it would build on the legacy of Professor Bailey's work: "What do we mean when we say something is religious? What do we mean when we say something is not religious? Do we ever stop to consider if the person we are speaking to or about understands the word religion in the same way that we do? These are all questions that drive the study of Implicit Religion, a fascinating area of theological study that I look forward to being able to bring to a new generation of scholars." BGU's growing involvement in the study of implicit religion saw the institution host the 42nd Implicit Religion Conference earlier this year. The call for paper for the 43rd conference, which will also be held at at the University, is now open and submissions are free for all Lincoln residents. The Conference's theme will be 'Implicit Religion, Race and Representation' and will feature a keynote speech from Dr Ipsita Chatterjea, an expert on race and violence. If you’re interested in a future exploring and discussing religion then our Theology courses and RE teaching pathways could be for you. Visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team today for more information. -
BGU join the Lincoln Book Festival 2019 to Celebrate the life and legacy of Queen Victoria
This September staff and students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) joined the Lincoln Book Festival to celebrate the bicentenary of the births of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with ‘V for Victoria!’ with a series of events from 23rd to 28th September capturing the ways in which the city connects the life and legacy of Queen Victoria. From the most recent publications on Queen Victoria, the British Empire and Victorian authors such as, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, John Ruskin, and Janet Ross, but also Ada Lovelace, Charlotte Brontë’s publisher, William Smith Williams, there were exciting events for a variety of interests. BGU has been collaborating with the Festival for a number of years and that relationship further increased this year spearheaded by Dr Claudia Capancioni, Programme Leader for English at BGU, whose specialism is Victorian Literature. Staff and students were actively involved in the festival programme’s activities with our trainee PGCE students in English and Drama and staff opening the festival by leading workshops for school pupils who took part in a creative writing competition, Flash Fiction, and the creative writing programmes run by First Story and Writing East Midlands with the Society of Authors for Fiction. Later in the week BGU sponsored ‘If Words Could Kill’, an evening with Claire Harman and Ambrose Parry (aka Chris Brookmyre and Dr Marisa Haetzman). There was murder most foul in this two-part author event with Harman’s Murder by the Book, which focuses on a true crime murder that shocked Victorian London, and the thrilling new novel, The Way of the Flesh, Parry wrote about the hunt for a killer in 1847 Edinburgh. The University's involvement continued on Friday with Dr Capancioni introducing Janet Ross, a Victorian historian and biographer who entertained guests such as William Gladstone, Robert Browning, Mark Twain and Virginia Woolf at Poggio Gherardo, her villa near Florence. In Leaves from Our Tuscan Kitchen: or How to Cook Vegetables, Janet recorded the recipes of Giuseppe Volpi, her cook for over 30 years, which her guests loved and requested - George Frederic Watts in particular. Published in 1899 and still in print, it appeared at a time when vegetables were considered only as an adjunct to the main course, this recipe book has become an established resource for all British chefs interested in Italian food. Together with The Cheese Society and The Straw Collection, ‘In the Tuscan Kitchen of Janet Ross’ offered a taste of Ross’s recipes through sampling the cheese she used, accompanied by Tuscan wines. Since the summer, the city of Lincoln has contributed to an array of national events including the series organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which will be the topic of the forthcoming lecture by the V&A director, Tristram Hunt, at Lincoln Cathedral on 10 October. If you are interested in finding out more about studying English at BGU, visit our website, contact our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. -
Travellers Initiative Praised for Supporting Young People in Lincolnshire
LiNCHigher, a collaborative outreach programme led by educational providers across Lincolnshire, has been praised in a professional evaluation by the research and insight body Cosmos for its positive, dramatic and meaningful impact on young people in the county. LiNCHigher brings together Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), the University of Lincoln and 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. The evaluation focussed on 10 key projects run by LiNCHigher, including the Lincolnshire Traveller Initiative and the Lincolnshire World of Work Festival. Key findings from the evaluation highlighted that LiNCHigher has had a positive impact on students’ confidence, through their development of an array of new skills after completion of projects. This includes new study skills, techniques and ways of revising, which ensures students can retain information and be more successful in exams. Students also felt more confident in planning ahead – from finances to studying and revision. This included the ability to make decisions about their future, with students feeling as though they were now better informed to make a decision about their educational future. Of the 10 projects covered in the review Cosmos highlighted the Lincolnshire Travellers Initiative, funded by LiNCHigher, for having an especially dramatic and meaningful impact on the community. Case-studies illustrate its efficacy; the programme changed the students’ and parents’ perceptions towards education, gave the learners the opportunity to gain qualifications, increased employability skills, improved students’ confidence, raised the community’s knowledge on health issues, and revealed options and possibilities that were previously perceived as unviable. Given the prevalence of word of mouth recommendations in this culture, the intervention is predicted to have a lasting effect on the community as a whole. Speaking on behalf of LiNCHigher, Senior Project Officer Jessica Darnell, praised the efforts of the county’s educational providers to help the project succeed: “Higher Education should be open to anyone and it is exciting to be working alongside engaged, and enthusiastic providers to help those who would normally face barriers in participating in education. Thanks to the evaluation by the team at Cosmos we have been able to review the focus of the project and can now work with our partners to ensure its positive impact continues as it enters its next phase.” The next phase of the LiNCHigher will see the programme run until at least July 2021. If you are a Lincolnshire student or learning provider and would like to get involved in the LiNCHigher project please email linchigher@bishopg.ac.uk for further information. About Cosmos: Cosmos was selected for their expertise and experience in delivering complex research and evaluation projects within the education sector. They also deliver targeted outreach activities through their flagship Marginal Gains programme. Cosmos worked in close collaboration with LiNCHigher when carrying out the evaluation, which was key in successfully accessing ‘hard to reach’ groups and students. -
Lecturer helps lead celebrations for the life and impact of William Blake
Visionary poet and artist William Blake are one of the most vivid figures in British Romantic literature and to celebrate his impact a week of events began in Lincoln on 16 September 2019 with the launch of The Reception of William Blake in Europe at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Edited by Dr Sibylle Erle, Reader in English Literature at BGU, alongside Professor Morton D. Paley (University of California, Berkeley), the book is the first comprehensive and systematic reference guide to Blake’s influence across Europe. Exploring Blake’s impact on literature, art, music and culture, the book includes bibliographies of major critical responses, exhibitions and translations of Blake’s work in each country covered, as well as a publication history and timeline of the poet’s reception on the continent. The launch event at BGU was a tremendous success allowing Dr Erle and Professor Paley to meet with colleagues, students and Blake enthusiasts to discuss and share stories of the many years of working with European colleagues. It was followed later in the week by an additional launch in London at Senate House with the Series Editor Professor Elinor Shaffer before a Symposium at Tate Britain (20 September 2019). Contributors met with Martin Myrone (curator of the William Blake exhibition now open at the Tate and contributor to the volumes) bright and early for a curator’s tour at the staff entrance. The event, which lasted all day, was hosted by the Tate and supported by BGU. Other events in the week included Professor Morton D. Paley speaking at the Tennyson Research Centre about Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s copy of Blake’s Illustrations of the Book of Job. Tennyson received his copy in 1856, a present by his friend Benjamin Jowett, and through it Paley explored Blake's masterpiece in front of a select audience to a warm and enthusiastic response. Speaking at the end of the week Dr Erle expressed her pride at being involved in such an important cross-continental effort: “I am tired but so very happy. These were inspiring days, full of joy and inspiration. It was good for the soul. With the Brexit on the horizon, it felt good to come together as a European community of academics and talk about Blake.” Dr Erle’s research in the work and impact of William Blake has seen her invited to numerous speaking events. You can read more about her travels here. If you are interested in finding out more about English at BGU, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team. -
International Guest Speaker Launches BGU's new Research and Knowledge Exchange Unit, Voicing the Past
‘Voicing the Past: Culture, Legacy and Narrative’, a new Research and Knowledge Exchange Unit established by academics at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), was officially launched on the 16th of October with a special lecture by Professor Mariaconcetta Costantini. Established by Dr Cassie Ulph, Dr Claudia Capancioni, Dr Daphne Whiteoak, Dr Duncan Wright, and Dr Jon Begley, 'Voicing the Past: Culture, Legacy, and Narrative' aims to remap and reshape the ways in which we understand human identity, communities, and intellectual connections by unfolding historical voices connected to regional, national, European and transatlantic archaeological, cultural and literary heritage, its legacy and narratives. Original scholarly research based on archival research, digitalisation projects, historical fictional and non-fictional writing such as life writing, artefacts and documents will form the main drive of this work. Professor Mariaconcetta Costantini was welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, before going on to deliver her research seminar ‘Material Traces of the Victorian Past: Authenticity and Artifice’, which builds on her ongoing research into Victorian literature and culture, with a special interest in sensation fiction and the Gothic. Following the lecture, which formed part of a week-long visit to BGU during which she also shared her passion for the Gothic with first-year English students and for the Posthuman with the MA students, Professor Costantini said: “'Voicing the Past: Culture, Legacy, and Narrative' is an exciting, forward-looking initiative with great potential, and I accepted the invitation to join the unit very warmly. I have enjoyed my time at BGU and am thrilled to have had the opportunity to present my research.” Professor Costantini’s lecture was very well attended by staff and students, and received many, engaging questions and comments. With a bilateral agreement now existing between BGU and Gabriele d’ Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara in Italy, where the Professor teaches English Literature, both institutions hope the Professor’s Voicing the Past Lecture will become the first of many events and collaborations on which the two universities will embark. Speaking on behalf of the lecturers involved in the new research unit Dr Claudia Capancioni thanked the BGU community for their support: “We have been delighted with the warm welcome our RKE unit has had and are grateful for the support of the Vice-Chancellor, and those of you who attended and sent us inspiring messages and congratulations. We look forward to seeing what this exciting new unit can achieve” If you are interested in knowing more about 'Voicing the Past: Culture, Legacy, and Narrative', our initiatives, projects, future events, or you want to join our RKE Unit, please email Dr Claudia Capancioni at claudia.capancioni@bishopg.ac.uk -
National Caribbean Heritage Museum Helps BGU Celebrate Black History Month
As part of Black History Month Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) was proud to host a guest lecture delivered by Catherine Ross, Founder of Museumand, the National Caribbean Heritage Museum, exploring the histories and narratives of twentieth century Caribbean migration to the UK. The lecture explored the stories of some of the first pioneering Caribbean people to emigrate to the UK during the Windrush era following the Second World War. To give a personal context to these incredible stories Catherine and her team displayed items the migrants brought with them in their suitcases including ladies’ curling tongs, pre-1960s jewellery, men’s razor sets, hair products; and leisure items such as books, dominoes and harmonicas. Using these unique artefacts, collected since 1997 by Catherine for the museum, the lecture offered a fascinating insight what it meant to those who swapped Kingston for Birmingham, how they adapted to their new lives and the UK and how their presence contributed to Britain’s history through moving personal accounts, music, art, performance and crafts. Dr Sheine Peart, Lecturer of Professional Studies at BGU and researcher into features of the Black British experience, organised the event and ahead of the lecture explained why she felt such discussions were so important: “Caribbean people have been a part of British history for a millennia, certainly as far back as the Romans, but their stories have often been silenced or forgotten. Events such as this are an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate these rich stories and to do it as part of Black History Month has been fantastic.” Both Sheine and the team at Museumand hope this event will be the first of many at BGU exploring Black History. If you would like to take part in future events keep an eye on our news page or come along to one of our Open Days to find out how you can become a part of the learning community at BGU. -
New Book Aims to Help Support Autistic Children by Exploring the ‘Two Sides to Every Story’
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) was proud to host the launch of ‘Exploring Theory of Mind with Children & Young People on the Autism Spectrum’ the latest book by Dr Clare Lawrence, Senior Lecturer in Secondary Education at BGU. Subtitled ‘Two Sides to Every Story’, the book explores how theory of mind differences, and the difficulties created by different viewpoints, can lead to frustration and confusion for children with autism. This exploration is lead by carefully structured stories featuring Bryn, who is autistic, his mother and their ‘Wise Dog’. All involve frustrating or confusing social events that befall Bryn leading to meltdowns with each story then told again from another viewpoint. Each night, Wise Dog talks to Bryn and helps him understand what has happened. Alongside the stories of Bryn, his mother and Wise Dog are a wide selection of activities which are based around the stories and are designed to further the reader’s understanding of the challenges faced by children with Autism. These activities include story board and role-playing exercises which are perfect for parents and children to work through together or for teachers to use in classroom situations. Speaking at the launch Clare discussed the positive impact she hoped the book would have: “I’ve been working on this book for a long time and I’m delighted to now see it finished and available for people to enjoy and learn from. The ability to interpret different viewpoints can be a real struggle for children with autism who, due to theory of mind differences, see their version as the truth. My hope now is that this book can educate those who come into contact with children on the spectrum on how to interact with and support children with viewpoint so different to their own”. Clare was supported in the creation of the book by her BGU colleague Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes Primary & Early Years ITE, who provided illustrations. ‘Exploring Theory of Mind with Children & Young People on the Autism Spectrum’ is available now. If you would like to explore a future supporting children and young people, visit our website to book your place on one of our upcoming Open Days where you’ll find out how our wide variety of exciting courses can help you reach your goals. -
BG Futures Aim to Help Students Find Their Entrepreneurial Excellence in Global Entrepreneurship Week
Global Entrepreneurship Week (#GEW2019), the world’s largest campaign to promote entrepreneurship, began on the 18th of November and to celebrate BG Futures, the Careers, Employability and Enterprise team at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), are running a series of events to encourage the University’s future business leaders. With sessions on global business, ‘enterprising attitudes’, how to begin self-employment and accountancy advice the team hope to provide budding entrepreneurs with the skills they need to begin their businesses. And the drive to foster entrepreneurial successes at BGU is not limited purely to Global Entrepreneurship Week as Sarah Moseley, the team’s newly appointed Enterprise Development Manager, explains: “When universities foster a culture of enterprise and entrepreneurship, it equips students with the skills for a rewarding, self-determined professional and personal life With a career history working with SMEs I hope to bring to life, in a sustainable manner, our student’s enterprising ideas It is no coincidence that we have launched our Graduate Attributes excellence award in GEW and all the activities that we are offering students as part of GEW will count towards the award.” To find out more about the Graduate Attributes Excellence award or advice on how to start your entrepreneurial journey you drop into BG Futures, email bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk or call them on 01522 583900. -
Dance Society Raise over £1000 for Children in Need with Charity Tapathon
Members of the Bishop Grosseteste University Students’ Union (BGSU) Dance Society have once again participated in a World Record Attempt Tapathon in support of Children in Need raising over £1000 in the process. The aim of the annual Tapathon is to see how many dancers can perform the same tap routine at the same time across the UK. In the build up to the event two of the society’s executive members, Society President Keeley Pearson and Secretary Evie Elliott, learnt the official routine before teaching it to their members. 21 members of the dance society took part in the event beginning rehearsal in late September, giving them just over six weeks to learn the routine. During these six weeks, members used their sponsorship forms to collect as many funds as possible for Children in Need. In the 2018 Tapathon the society raised £587.50 and so they set themselves a challenge of £700 for the 2019 edition. Speaking after the event Emily Gray, BGSU Dance Society Treasurer, described how the day unfolded and praised the efforts of her fellow dancers: “When the day of the Tapathon arrived, everyone was very excited. We got rehearsals underway, having a couple of run throughs before the event started, to ensure we could perform the routine perfectly. After the fifteen-minute call, we all got into place and then performed the routine twice to verify the Tapathon attempt. All of our members danced perfectly and everyone had a smile on their face. The sponsorship money was counted during our performance and we are pleased to announce that we raised an incredible £1275 for Children in Need. As a society, we have raised enough money for at least eight young carers for a whole month of play therapy, six disabled children to get physiotherapy while in school, as well as ten young children to get a whole school year worth of free school meals. BGSU Dance society have helped children in the UK in great amounts from the money we have raised. As an executive team, we would like to give a special mention to one member in particular for the amount of money she raised for Children in Need - Emily Green, a 3rd year BGU student, managed to raise £167 alone. This is such an amazing amount of money and we are so proud of her, along with all of our other participating members.” Bishop Grosseteste University would also like to take the opportunity to praise the members of the Dance Society as £1275 is a fantastic amount to be raised by a group of young students. BGSU offer a wide range of diverse societies to match any interest (and will happily support you to start a new one). You can find more information on all of them on their website or you can meet them in person on our December Open Day. You can also follow more of their events and fundraising through their social media channels: Facebook: BGSU Dance Instagram: @bgsu_dancesoc Twitter: @BGSUDance
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