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Aspiring teachers get creative
A cohort of future teachers recently had the opportunity to flex their creative muscles during a full-day workshop exploring creativity in education. The events of the day aimed to empower the soon-to-be educators with tools and techniques to integrate creativity into their teaching practices, enabling them to create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment for their students. The Primary Education students enjoyed workshops, group tasks, and open discussion about the subject. Guest speakers also shared their expertise on the module subject, which is all about the curriculum choices a school may make. Across the day, three speakers worked with the group, including actor, writer, and teacher Ben Keaton from Creativity Academy, an organisation that visits schools and delivers workshops 'to give primary school teachers and their students the joy of making things.' BGU Senior Lecturer Emma Rogers said: "I'm really grateful that Ben Keaton was able to join us for the morning to share the work on creativity that his Creative academy is doing in schools around Lincolnshire." The students also heard from Liam Bielby, an Assistant Mathematics Hub Lead from the East Midlands East Maths Hub. Liam shared with the students the work of the maths hub and how they work with schools in the local area and the support available for early career teachers Kateřina Dvořáková also visited the university from Czechia. As the Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, University of South Bohemia, Kateřina specialises in pre-service training of primary English teachers. She said: "My stay at BGU was absolutely fantastic. I I could observe a number of lessons and the teaching practice of the TESOL students. "There have been several students from our university at BGU recently and more study visits are being planned. A semester at BGU can help our students improve their English and teaching skills and learn about Britain's culture and daily life." Kateřina gave BGU students a fascinating insight into teacher training in Czechia. Students heard that, in her country, it takes five years to train to become a Primary school teacher so all teachers have a Master's qualification. Emma Rogers added: "It was an insightful and productive day for students and staff alike. "Everyone really enjoyed hearing from all three speakers, who offered the students a diverse selection of different voices and experiences." -
BGU spreads kindness for Mental Health Awareness Month
In a bid to promote mental health awareness, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently visited three colleges in the local area to distribute free cookies and provide valuable mental health resources and support information. The initiative took place as part of Mental Health Awareness Month and aimed to offer support and assistance to students during the busy exam period. The team from BGU visited Boston College, Franklin College in Grimsby, and John Leggott College in Scunthorpe to spread some kindness. At each college, they distributed an impressive total of 350 still-warm cookies, baked lovingly by the University's own urban diner Refectory. As well as handing out cookies, the team gave each student a postcard with a QR code that linked to a wealth of mental health and wellbeing resources and support. Students were encouraged to make use of these services or pass them on to a friend that may need them, especially during the busy exam period. Students at each college were also reminded to 'Keep it kind' with free badges gifted by the University. Linc Higher's Boston College Engagement Officer Lorraine Breeton said: "I would just like to thank BGU for coming along to support Boston College students by signposting to information on Mental Health awareness month, and of course, bringing those delicious cookies. They certainly cheered many (350!!) people up!" During mental health awareness month, BGU is also running the campaign, '31 Good Deeds for May', urging everyone to engage in a simple act of kindness each day. The student advice team have hosted a number of events throughout the month, including a wellbeing walk through Lincoln's historical quarter, opening a relaxation station on campus, and running Talk-About events where students can receive judgement free advice. A member of the BGU team said: "It was wonderful to meet all these students and spark some insightful and open conversations around Mental Health Awareness Month. "If the resources we've shared help even one person, it's worth it. At the very least, we hope we've sweetened the students' day with a free cookie!" -
Wellbeing Resources
We have created some helpful resources that aim to support positive mental health and wellbeing. You can find some of these resources on this page and more information is available on Student Advice & Wellbeing’s Blackboard page. If you are worried about another student's mental health, please see our Student in Crisis page here or read our 'Worried about a friend's mental health?' guide here. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your mental health, or need some additional support please contact Student Advice & Wellbeing , or arrange an appointment with BGU’s Mental Health Adviser using our online booking system. -
Key facts
Explore the impressive facts and figures that highlight BGU's dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience. -
First Aid for Mental Health training offered at BGU
Bishop Grosseteste University has offered First Aid for Mental Health training to its staff for the first time. 21 members of the BGU community signed up to become First Aiders for Mental Health. Every member of staff across the University was offered the opportunity to enrol in either a Level 2 or Level 3 course with Firecracker, an organisation that works with businesses to help them see the impact health can have upon workplace culture. The Level 2 course was delivered over one day and covered a number of health-related subjects including how to provide advice and start a conversation, and the impact of different mental health conditions. The Level 3 course built on this foundation of knowledge, and explored further topics including an in-depth analysis of various conditions. The courses were delivered by Firecracker Founder and Senior Lecturer in Business and Enterprise Rachel Linstead. She has been a trainer for over 22 years and has a Masters in Workplace Health and Wellbeing. Rachel said: "We all have mental health and it’s vitally important for everyone to understand what good and poor mental health looks like. The workplace is an ideal opportunity to give staff the tools to support themselves and their colleagues to ensure that everyone can flourish in and out of the workplace." First Aiders for Mental Health (FA4MH) are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of common workplace mental health issues and know how to effectively guide a person towards the right mental health support. They are also equipped to promote a workplace culture where staff are free to discuss mental health issues openly and feel supported by their colleagues when they do so. Staff from a variety of areas across the University signed up to gain these new skills, including individuals from support services, business and enterprise, CELT, members of academic staff, and the Students' Union. Bishop Grosseteste Students' Union President Connor Short completed the Level 3 course. He said: "I feel that First Aid for mental health training is important for everyone to know because, much like in instances where physical first aid is needed, it can save a life. "It is impossible to know if or when someone may need support, but having it available can make the world of difference for us all." Following the success of the training, the University hopes to offer further opportunities to its staff to become First Aiders for Mental Health in the future. -
Break from study
We know there are times when you may need to take a break in study due to changing personal circumstances. This can be for a variety of reasons and can be a worrying time. However, we are here to support you. If you are thinking about taking some time out, we hope the information below will answer some of your queries. Need more help? Please email thehub@bishopg.ac.uk and we will triage your query to the appropriate team. -
BGU scores high in National Student Survey
Students have voted Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) as a leader in three categories* of the National Student Survey (NSS). The University took first place in learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, and learning resources. BGU also performed well in other areas, ranking top ten for student voice and teaching – for which the University received a nearly 91% positive response. For academic subjects, the university achieved multiple top ten spots in all categories. The history department celebrated a 100% positive score for both academic support and course organisation. Sports was awarded first for assessment and feedback and came second for learning opportunities. The English department was voted second for teaching, with a positive score of 98.2%. Nearly half a million students from more than 150 Higher Education Institutions across the UK are invited to take part in the NSS every year. The survey provides final-year students an opportunity to give feedback about their student experience at colleges and universities. It is an influential source of information and serves as a key component of the quality assurance and wider regulatory landscape in UK higher education. Rob Boast, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Students) at BGU, said: “Student voices are incredibly important to the University, and we’re pleased that so many of our final year undergraduates took part in the NSS and shared such positive feedback about their time with us. “We pride ourselves on our personal and friendly approach to higher education, ensuring that every student's voice is not only heard, but valued. The outstanding feedback we’ve received is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the BGU community – an environment where students and staff work together to achieve excellence. “Looking ahead, we will continue striving to exceed expectations. The feedback we've collected will drive further improvements, allow us to expand on our outstanding record and help us deliver an educational experience that stands apart.” BGU’s recent news comes after it secured additional award victories earlier this year. The University achieved first place for Halls and Accommodation and Student Support, and third place for Career Prospects at the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards. *The NSS data presented above excludes FECs & alternative providers. Results are measured by per cent positive responses. 323 BGU students responded to the 2023 NSS (a response rate of 81%). As a small institution BGU is not typically included in the Guardian Good University Guide league table, although several subjects do have sufficient numbers to be included in the subject league tables. -
PGCE Secondary
Our Secondary PGCE programme is designed to prepare you to teach your specialist subject to students aged 11-16 or 14-19. The course is structured to provide a blend of academic study and practical experience, ensuring you develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful teaching career. Led by experienced senior lecturers (who are qualified teachers with extensive teaching experience) and supported by a network of schools and colleges, our programme aims to help you meet the Teachers’ Standards and achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). ‘Trainees say that they are known ‘as a name, not a number’ and that they get the right help at the right time to become ‘fully fledged’ by the end of their course.’ - Ofsted, 2024 -
Interview with Dr Catherine Lee
Interview with our new Visiting Professor, Catherine Lee on 10th October 2023 by Dr Helen Bushell-Thornalley. -
English Language & Teaching with Foundation Year
Our English Language and Teaching programme immerses you in the fascinating study of English, from how it developed from humble origins to the global language with all its variations that we use today, to how it is learned by children as a first language or by learners of English as a second or further language - and much more. You will explore questions about language structures and language use in society, language disorders, and language acquisition and you will learn practical methods - and get hands-on experience - of how to teach it. Crucially, you will develop skills and knowledge to help you gain employment or pursue further studies for work or research in linguistics, education, and language teaching, and a range of other relevant fields.
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