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New Mum Juggles Childcare and Study to Achieve Degree
A student who became a mum while studying for a degree will graduate from Bishop Grosseteste University next week. Gemma Mills (21) attended an open day at BGU after the first term had already begun and was persuaded by lecturer Viv Kerridge to join the BA (Hons) Drama in the Community course the following week. In her second year Gemma, from Peterborough, discovered she was expecting her first child and her third year began just seven weeks after the birth of her daughter Ella. Since then she has successfully juggled the full-time course with motherhood. “The encouragement I received from the university has been phenomenal, especially following the birth of my daughter last year,” said Gemma. “As well as a bursary to help my partner and me cope with the additional financial needs, I felt truly supported as I returned for my third year on schedule.” Following the three-year course Gemma now has her sights on a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Drama Education, which she will begin in September at BGU. Gemma added: “The atmosphere at BGU has always been so supportive – whether you’re fresh from school, a mature student, or a parent with a young family, the ethos is one of inclusivity. “It’s for this reason that I’m intending to remain here to study the PGCE Secondary course.” -
First-Class Degrees for Husband and Wife
A husband and wife who returned to study in their 40s will both graduate in Lincoln next week with first-class honours. Andy and Debbie Hicks had to juggle studying at Bishop Grosseteste University with work and looking after their two children, and Debbie also overcame a serious illness which forced her to miss most of an academic year. But on Tuesday 14th July they will celebrate their perseverance by receiving their degree certificates at Lincoln Cathedral. They are not the first members of their family to receive first-class honours: Debbie’s son Adam gained a first-class degree from Coventry University last year and her mother Christine Love graduated with first-class honours from Bishop Grosseteste College (as it was then) in the 1980s. Debbie enrolled at BGU to study Education Studies and History but after a year she decided that she no longer wanted a career in teaching, so she switched to the History and Theology joint degree course. “At the same time I found out that BGU offered a single honours degree in Theology,” she said. “Andy worked for the Life Church in Lincoln and it had always been his dream to do a theology degree, so he signed up for the course and combined studying with his job.” It was in December 2013 that Debbie became seriously ill; she needed three operations and was in hospital for much of the academic year. “We also moved house twice, my mother was very ill too and my stepfather passed away, so it was a very difficult time for us. We had just about everything thrown at us so it’s a wonderful surprise now to learn that we both gained first-class degrees!” With honours degrees under their belts Debbie (46) starts a new job next week as a community co-ordinator for the Royal Voluntary Service while Andy (43) is also looking forward to a change in his career. “We both thoroughly enjoyed our courses and we’re going to miss BGU hugely,” said Debbie. “It’s a wonderful university for mature students: it’s small and friendly and we found that the younger students accepted us as part of the group. “We owe a huge debt of thanks to the tutors at BGU, especially Jack Cunningham, who have been fantastic – we will miss them all so much.” -
Mother and Daughter Celebrate Graduation Success
A mother and daughter will graduate together next week after completing their respective courses at Bishop Grosseteste University. During the ceremonies in Lincoln Cathedral, Judith Coe (46) will receive a merit for her Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood) and Hannah Coe (23) will collect her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Two years ago Judith, a qualified nursery nurse, was running a series of childcare groups in Spilsby, East Lincolnshire, when she decided she wanted to invest in her career and develop her professional skills. She has been studying for her foundation degree while continuing with her full-time job and raising a family. The course is a work-related programme that enables 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. “For two years I have managed to juggle family commitments, my job and my course,” said Judith. “And now coming out the other side with my foundation degree, I feel much more confident in myself and am looking forward to developing my career further.” Meanwhile Hannah, who has a passion for sport, is about to begin her first year as a qualified teacher following the completion of her PGCE in Primary Education. “I’m planning on spending my next year working as a supply teacher,” said Hannah. “I believe this route will help me put what I have learnt into practice and give me an opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings. “I am so proud of Mum and all that she has achieved. How many people can say that they’re graduating at the same time as one of their parents?” -
BGU Tops League Table for Employable Graduates
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln has landed the second top spot among universities across the country for graduate employability, according to new figures published today (Thursday). Ninety-eight graduates out of every 100 who leave BGU following their first degree are in full-time employment or further study six months after graduating, according to the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey published by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency. BGU’s figure of 98.1% for 2013/14 is up from 96.5% the previous year and puts Bishop Grosseteste University as the second university in the UK league table (after the Royal Agricultural University) for the job prospects of its first degree graduates. The national average for all UK universities is 93.2% “This outstanding ranking is fantastic news for our graduates as it shows that they are ready and ideally prepared for the workplace when they leave BGU,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “We work very hard to ensure that our degree courses are career-focused and most of them incorporate a professional work placement during the period of study. A good example is our new Team Entrepreneurship degree programme starting this autumn which will require students to set up their own business while on the course.” The latest DLHE figures can be found here. -
Take That BGU! Dan Makes a Welcome Return
A former Bishop Grosseteste University student is set to make a glorious return to the campus to perform as Take That star Gary Barlow. Dan Hadfield, who performs as the singer as well as acting as Gary’s official lookalike, is singing at BGU on Friday 6th November in The Venue from 7pm. Having performed with the man himself and appeared on the X Factor, Dan is known as the ‘number one Gary Barlow tribute artiste’ and performs his solo show across the country as well as abroad. He has also appeared on the BBC comedy Miranda. Dan said: “I know that it will be a pleasure to perform at BGU again. My mind goes back to performing in the university’s Stars In Their Eyes competition as David Gray with my friend Euan on guitar. We were the only entrants to perform live, and covered ‘Say Hello, Wave Goodbye’, a nine-minute song which brought the house down enough for us to win the competition.” Dan also worked in higher education for a while at both BGU and the University of Lincoln, but left that behind to perform as Gary. He is currently writing his debut album of original music, set for release in 2016. Hannah Clipsham, Events Manager at BGU, said: “It’s great that we can welcome back a former student to the university to perform. To have one who’s done so well in his chosen career is pretty special. This should be a night to remember, and we can’t wait to hear all those Take That hits live!” Find out more about Dan at www.garybarlowlookalike.com Tickets for the evening cost £15, with all funds raised going to the BGU Foundation Fund, which helps enhance the student experience and supports making a difference to people’s lives. The university is also offering a pre-concert meal to book in advance in the Refectory from 5pm to 6.30pm. To book, call 01522 583795 or visit www.thevenuelincoln.co.uk For further details contact the Conference and Events Office on 01522 583681 or email jessica.lyons@bishopg.ac.uk -
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. -
PGCE (Secondary) Social Science
Announcing a new PGCE in Social Science (14-19 curriculum) starting in September 2016 The School of Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln has a longstanding national reputation for providing high-calibre initial teacher training in Secondary specialist subjects. Drawing on expertise within the team of PGCE Secondary partnership programme we are planning to introduce a new PGCE in Social Science for graduates in Sociology, Psychology, Politics and Law. We work with a wide range of schools, colleges and educational organisations across county of Lincolnshire and beyond. Our PGCE Social Science is aimed at trainees wishing to mainly teach the 14-19 curriculum in one or more of the social sciences (sociology, psychology, politics and law) in secondary schools and/or post-16 colleges. Trainees will be given the opportunity to study and teach areas of the Social Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Law, Health and Social Care, Citizenship and PSHE) at Key Stages, 4 and 5. Trainees may gain some experience of teaching the humanities (RE, Geography and History) subjects at Key Stage 3 and 4. Social Science subjects are exceptionally popular choices at GCSE, 'A' level, IB and BTEC levels. For further information please contact Dr Yvonne Hill: 01522 583 730 yvonne.hill@bishopg.ac.uk -
New Partnership Brings Imps and BGU Closer Together
Bishop Grosseteste University and Lincoln City FC have welcomed a deal which strengthens the partnership between the two organisations. Today BGU and Lincoln City announce a new three-year deal which will see BGU continue as the club’s main sponsor and home shirt sponsor. But the strategic partnership between the university and the football club goes much deeper than that: the two organisations will be working ever more closely together on student engagement, teaching and matchday activities. BGU has an outstanding reputation for teacher training and the Imps’ new management team of brothers Danny and Nicky Cowley were both PE teachers in Essex before joining Lincoln full-time this summer. The Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of BGU, says the partnership will work on a number of levels. “Three years ago we were pleased to support the club and raise our profile by signing our first sponsorship agreement,” he said. “But now the relationship is more meaningful and, we hope, more beneficial to both sides. “We have already had discussions with Danny and Nicky about how our academic sport department can work together with the club. This year we will launch our new single honours BSc degree in Sport, Coaching and Physical Education and we are in the process of validating a new foundation degree in Football Coaching with Lincoln College. “Clearly there are synergies here that we can explore, and we are delighted that Lincoln City has appointed a dynamic and successful management team to move the team forward on the pitch.” BGU has already donated two laptops to Danny and Nicky to assist them in their day-to-day player performance analysis, and the university is looking forward to more student engagement from Lincoln City too. Lincoln City players will be contributing to sports courses at BGU from next semester and helping to coach the BGSU football team, while the BGU Lions cheerleading team will have an enhanced role at the club on matchdays. The increased engagement follows the first ever Cathedral Cup match between BGU and the University of Lincoln which was played at Sincil Bank, Lincoln City’s home ground, in February. Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley commented: “We are thoroughly looking forward to working in partnership with BGU going forward. Nicky and I both wholeheartedly believe in education. “BGU have fantastic facilities but more importantly young, intelligent and vibrant people whom we as a club must utilise either as supporters or working with the club. We can provide these young people with exposure to a professional football environment where they can practise and apply their knowledge and skills. “This can be a great opportunity for them to begin their career in a forward-thinking and people-centred environment. We as a club will certainly gain from their expertise. “All successful partnerships have an element of give and take. We really feel this is a relationship where both organisations can benefit from each other. Together we both will be stronger.” -
Ofsted Praise for BGU's FE Teacher Training
Bishop Grosseteste University’s further education teacher training has been praised by Ofsted for having a “clear vision and an extremely strong commitment to their engagement with partners in the FE and skills sector”. The report, published on Thursday by Ofsted, follows a highly successful Ofsted inspection of early years, primary and secondary provision at BGU in Lincoln in December 2015. In this latest report of FE teacher training the inspectors found that “the university has ensured that their strategic vision and strong partnership development prepared capable, confident and skilled practitioners”. It added that BGU’s “leaders show the university’s positive response to the local and national need for skilled practitioners in FE, as part of their wider commitment to professional and career development”. Nationally the FE and skills sector has experienced considerable and continuing change, and inspectors commended BGU for reviewing, restructuring and extending its provision. The “dynamic and well considered actions” of leaders have created a strong partnership, reinforced by the “dedication and enthusiasm” of tutors and mentors, the report said. Inspectors found that the institution, which has been training teachers for over 150 years, continues to lead innovation which flourishes in the “safe learning environments” created by the partnership. Trainees “are not afraid to challenge themselves by trying out new and innovative ways to help their learners succeed”. The Ofsted inspection took place in May 2016. Dr Nick Gee, Head of the School of Teacher Development at BGU, said: “We are delighted by this report which once again highlights our clear vision, strong leadership and total commitment to partnership working. “To have secured ‘good’ OFSTED judgements in all age phases (early years, primary, secondary and FE) demonstrates the true depth and breadth of our expertise and places us amongst a very exclusive national pool of universities.” Matt Shough, Head of Higher Education at New College Stamford, said: “We are delighted that the report has recognised the work that the university and colleges have done in providing high-quality teacher training in the further education sector. “We are particularly pleased that the inspection recognised the care, support and challenge that the trainees receive from our tutors and mentors and consequently the high expectations set for them as emerging teachers.” Sally Reeve, Teaching and Learning Manager at Lincoln College Group, said: “We are immensely pleased to see that the hard work and dedication undertaken by the partnership and the commitment of the staff and trainees involved has been recognised by Ofsted. “We are also extremely grateful for all the support BGU has given in the preparation for the inspection and during it. This is a great team result with a positive impact on our trainees’ confidence.” To view the entire report visit the Ofsted website here. If you're wishing to pursue a career in the education, training and skills sector please see our Certificate in Education, Training and Skills or Professional Graduate Diploma in Education, Training and Skills. -
Top 3 in the UK
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is ranked third among UK universities for student employability, according to new figures published yesterday. 97.2% per cent of students who leave BGU with an undergraduate degree find work or are continuing to study six months following graduation. Only two other universities – Keele and Harper Adams – have a higher employability figure than Bishop Grosseteste University. The figures relate to full-time first degree graduates leaving in 2014/15 and the national average for all UK universities is 93.9%. The statistics appear in the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey published by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency. “Once again the DLHE survey highlights how well our graduates do when they enter the job market,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “It’s very heartening to see BGU right near the top of the national ranking as it shows that we are doing everything we can to prepare for our students for the workplace when they leave us. “We work very hard to ensure that our degree courses are career-focused and most of them incorporate a professional work placement during the period of study. “One example is our new Business (Team Entrepreneurship) degree which requires students to set up their own business while studying with us.” The latest DLHE figures can be found by clicking here.
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