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Students combine magic, puzzles and some Ancient Egyptian to bring Maths to life
Third year students on the BA Primary Education with QTS course at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) visited Monks Abbey Primary School where they used a variety of exciting challenges to help two Year 4 classes engage with maths. The BGU students are part of a mathematics subject leadership group and visit Monks Abbey every year to support pupils and increase interest in the subject. As part of their efforts they led the children through 21 'Crystal Maze' style mental challenges focusing on number and shape. These included identifying numbers in Ancient Egyptian script, making tangram pictures, completing a pentomino puzzle of Bengali numbers, putting numbers in a magic square and working out how to move all the discs to create the Tower of Brahma. Each student worked with two or three children, prompting them with questions to support their thinking. Dr Ashley Compton, Senior Lecturer in Primary at BGU, described the benefits these sessions could offer to both the school pupils and BGU’s students: “Students from BAPE have been going to Monks Abbey for the past ten years to lead this activity and the school are always eager to have us back. Every year the children have ended the session excited about problem solving in mathematics and it helps broaden their understanding of what mathematics can include. Our students meanwhile are able to gain experience in how different children respond to a range of problem solving activities as well as being able to refine their questioning skills. As potential mathematics subject leaders it lets them see the potential for organising special events which can help raise the profile of mathematics in school and increase a positive attitude toward the subject.” If you’d like more information on how to begin your adventure in the world of Primary Education, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team today. -
Lecturer’s “Valuable Work” Provides Insight into Early ADHD and ASD Diagnosis
Dr Maria Efstratopoulou, Senior Lecturer in Special Education Needs and Inclusion at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), was invited to join the NIPS Seminars where she shared research insights on early diagnosis of ADHD and ASD with Mental Health professionals from across Lincolnshire. The NIPS Seminars bring researchers and academics, medical and clinical professionals, community practitioners, independent and personal voices together in one space to share their insights and to support an informed community. Their aim is to create supportive, accessible, dynamic environments where we can discuss important mental health in relation to children and young adults. As one of the event’s guest speakers Dr Efstratopoulou led a discussion on ADHD and ASD research and support which was warmly received both during and after the seminar: “The early diagnosis of ADHD and Autism is a subject of great interest to me so I was really happy to have a positive reaction and many questions from the audience. What’s great is that engagement has continued after the seminar and I have received several emails from parents and professionals asking for further advice.” Lauren Burlinson, the founder of NIPS, was full of praise for Dr Efstratopoulou’s contribution: “We are incredibly proud to have had Maria come along and talk to our audience. Her work is valuable and supportive of those wanting to know more about both ADHD and ASD, sharing research and insight which is currently much-needed within the general public. We very much hope to work with Maria again and are glad to have had the chance to involve her in a NIPS event” A specialist handbook was also created for the seminar, to which Maria contributed an article on her discussion topic. This can be accessed online for free here. Our academics are regularly invited to present at conferences and events around the world, you can follow all their travels on our news page and find out how you can start your own adventures on our course pages. -
Staff and students’ flowers turn university garden into a colourful oasis of calm
Towards the end of autumn, staff and students at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) came together for a ‘Blooming Marvellous’ afternoon of green-fingered fun. Devised in partnership between BGU’s CELT and Chaplaincy teams the ‘Blooming Marvellous’ event encouraged the BGU community to celebrate positive change and growth by providing them with the opportunity to plant bulbs in the University’s Peace Garden. With spring in full swing and summer around the corner the Peace Garden has now burst into life, becoming an oasis of colour in the heart of campus, and the patient planters can now see the results of their efforts. Claire Thomson, Head of the Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching (CELT), was delighted for everyone involved that their hard work was now providing such a positive environment for the whole university: “Not only have our staff and students transformed the Peace Garden into a beautiful and tranquil place to relax, they have also created a symbol of their own growth, transition, and hope. Hopefully now, whenever they’re looking for that extra little push, they’ll be able to look on this gorgeous garden to feel inspired.” You can keep up to date with all the upcoming events designed to support and inspire our students and staff on our news and events pages. -
BG Futures Tenant White Wealth Management share their start-up story
White Wealth Management, a BG Futures tenant since October 2017, are approaching the end of their journey with the Business Incubation Hub. Danny White, owner and director, shared his start up story and reflected on how being a BG Futures tenant has benefited his business. Danny worked in NatWest bank from 2001 and became a Regulated Financial Advisor in 2005. Following changes in regulation in January 2013 the majority of UK banks exited the face to face financial advice market. Danny developed his new skills in a role at a company in Nottingham for two years. During this time, Danny worked towards becoming a Chartered Financial Planner and, in 2017, became a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society; it was in October of the same year that he decided to set up White Wealth Management. Danny felt the initial transition from employment to self-employment was a fluid one: “I had a set of skills that were easily transferable in terms of employment. Through contacts from my previous roles, it was quite clear there was a demand for advice in areas such as pensions and inheritance tax which was exacerbated by UK banks exiting the advice market.” Of course, setting up his own business was not without its challenges: “I found it really difficult getting used to cash flow; some complex pension cases could mean there would be a 9-12 month wait for remuneration” Ultimately, though, Danny felt encouraged by the amount of referrals he received from other financial advisors, as well as glowing recommendations from clients; thus spurring him on to grow and develop his business. Through all of his experience being self-employed, good and bad, Danny feels it is key to have a plan when you start your entrepreneurial journey but above all: “Research your market and be prepared to fail and adapt” When asked about his time at BG Futures Danny said: “The BG Futures approach to building a community atmosphere is great. In addition, the managed office space at BG Futures is great value, professional with some great facilities.” Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures, praised Danny’s growth and his impact on BG Futures: “It has been great to see Danny’s business flourish during his time with BG Futures, and it has been great to have White Wealth Management as part of our community. White Wealth Management have contributed greatly to the BG Futures offer, supporting the BGU Enterprise Club networking events, the charity events we have held, and to our community in the Business and Enterprise Centre by being there for other co-businesses and their colleagues. We will certainly miss Danny and his team when they move on after their 2 year period of business incubation with us in BG Futures” If you have got a vision for your own business but aren’t sure where to begin then the BG Futures team are the perfect place to start. With facilities and expert support available in their incubation centre, they’ll be able to get you on the road to success. Visit our website or contact them today to see how you can start your own adventure. -
Lincolnshire entrepreneurs rewarded in county Young Enterprise Final
The county’s future entrepreneurs were rewarded for their hard work as part of the Young Enterprise Lincolnshire County Final at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). The final, which took place in the University’s Robert Hardy Building, saw six teams of Sixth Form students from four schools across Lincolnshire pitch and show off the businesses they set up at the start of the academic year. Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School’s Revival team were the big winners on the evening, scooping the Lincolnshire Best Company 2019 award as well as the Best Financial Management award. Other winners included Signa Printing of Caistor Grammar School, who were awarded Best Presentation, and Lincoln Minster School’s Retro Clothing who picked up the Best Marketing award. In addition, Tidy Tools from The Priory Academy LSST were announced the Best Company 2019 Runners-Up. Young Enterprise is a national charity that aims to give students key employability skills outside the classroom. Throughout the academic year, students come up with a business and then sell its products at events. They have to manage their businesses finances, marketing and social media. Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures, explained why the project was held in high regard by BGU: “It was great to host the Young Enterprise Lincolnshire County Final here at BGU. As a university we are passionate about enterprise and developing enterprising skills, competencies and mind-sets. “Being enterprising is something that individuals can apply to all aspects of their life and work and it is great to see the YE teams exhibiting these great qualities so early on in their careers.” Jack Green, of Dunholme Chillies and Viper Printing, was one of the guest speakers at the final and praised the impact of the Young Enterprise initiative: “The Young Enterprise initiative is a great opportunity for teenagers to have the opportunity taste what life is like in business. There is a huge amount that isn't taught in mainstream education, but having the hands-on experience allows these students to learn more about different areas of business and how to engage with people in different areas. “I'm sure each student has learnt something new and I would encourage any student with an interest in business to take part in Young Enterprise.” If you’re interested in a future in business or in starting your own company, our business courses are the perfect path to take. You can find more information on them on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. Any businesses who would like to work with our learners to share their knowledge and expertise can contact BG Futures, BGU’s Careers, Employability and Enterprise team, by emailing bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk List of Winners: Best Presentation – Signa Printing (Caistor Grammar School) Customer Service - Hey Happy(Caistor Grammar School) Best Financial Management – Revival (Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School) Best Marketing – Retro Clothing (Lincoln Minster School) Best Team Work – Integration (Lincoln Minster School) Best Company 2019 Runners-Up – Tidy Tools (The Priory Academy LSST) Lincolnshire Best Company 2019 – Revival (Kesteven and Grantham Girls’ School) -
Psychology Lecturer Accepted onto Prestigious ISSID Board
Psychology Lecturer Accepted onto Prestigious ISSID Board Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) are delighted to announce that Dr Alyson Blanchard, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, has been accepted onto the board of the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences (ISSID). Founded in 1983, ISSID fosters research on individual differences in temperament, intelligence, attitudes, and abilities. The aim of the society is to investigate the major dimensions of individual differences in the context of experimental, physiological, pharmacological, clinical, medical, genetical, statistical and social psychology. It further aims to seek the determinants, causes, and concomitants of individual differences, using concepts derived from these disciplines. Having been published several times in the Society’s official journal, Personality and Individual Differences, Dr Blanchard was invited to begin reviewing potential articles submitted to ISSID. Following the success of this increased involvement Dr Blanchard was asked to stand for a place on the Society’s board. Following the announcement of her acceptance Dr Blanchard discussed the exciting prospects it could offer: “I was really pleased just to be asked to stand for a place, so to be accepted onto the board is incredible and real accolade at this stage of my career, especially given the Society’s reputation and history. Studying personality traits from an evolutionary perspective is my main area of research meaning the prospect of increasing my engagement with ISSID is very exciting” Many of our academics hold positions in international societies and are regularly invited to present at conferences and events around the world, you can follow all their travels on our news page and find out how you can start your own adventures on our course pages. -
Applications open for Psychology Summer Research Internship Scheme 2019
The Psychology team at Bishop Grosseteste University invite students and staff at BGU to apply for the 2019 round of the Psychology Summer Research Internships scheme. The internships offer the opportunity to collaborate with an experienced staff researcher on one of their existing or developing research projects over the Summer. In the process interns can gain experience of real research, develop specific research skills and expertise in an area of interest, and can contribute to BGU’s research culture. Internships are available in the broad field of Psychology, to all students and staff (no specific disciplinary background is required, although some projects may require specific skills and experience, such as statistical analysis.) Some projects offer flexible arrangements for you to contribute from home. Others would require full or partial presence on site. Projects offered in 2019 are outlined below. Please read carefully for more information. Application instructions: If you would like to apply for a specific project, please email the project lead and copy in caroline.horton@bishopg.ac.uk, by the deadline of 1pm Friday 17th May 2019, with “Psychology internships” as the subject. You will need to attach a statement of interest. The statement should include a rationale for applying for your chosen project(s), outlining why you would make a strong intern. Ideally please apply for just one specific project, or list one alternative, if you can’t decide. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted on Monday 20th May, and invited for an informal interview with the project lead on Wednesday 22nd May. Please note that this is a tight turnaround to facilitate appointment before students leave campus for Summer. Feel free to contact project leads with specific queries about projects, or Dr. Caroline Horton, scheme coordinator, if you have more general enquiries (caroline.horton@bishopg.ac.uk). We look forward to researching with you! Dr. Sue Becker Susan.becker@bishopg.ac.uk Two projects are available: Project title: Developing Experiential Writing Strategies Using Online Synchronous Collaborative Techniques Brief overview of project: The project used and evaluated online synchronous collaborative writing techniques with levels 4, 6 & 7 Psychology students. Brief overview of internship requirements: The internship will focus on drawing together existing analytic work and updating literature review to co-author journal article Expectations of applicant: Basic knowledge of mixed methods research Opportunities for the intern: opportunity to co-author research paper and experience submission and review processes Any other information: Although the internship will end in September it is expected that the intern will maintain contact with the supervisor through the submission and review processes. Project title: Resisting Epilepsy through humour Brief overview of project: The project is focused on the analysis of humour and laughter in interaction as it appears in 47 interviews with people diagnosed with Epilepsy in adulthood. Brief overview of internship requirements: The internship will focus on drawing together existing analytic work and updating literature review to co-author journal article Expectations of applicant: Familiarity with qualitative analysis, experience of literature searching Opportunities for the intern: opportunity to co-author research paper and experience submission and review processes Any other information: Although the internship will end in September it is expected that the intern will maintain contact with the supervisor through the submission and review processes. Mirena Dimolareva mirena.dimolareva@bishopg.ac.uk Three projects are available: Project title: Assessing the effectiveness of the 2-year review Brief overview of project: Investigating whether the 2-year-review is offered to all parents as intended by the government as well as whether it is effective in finding children who are showing a language delay. Furthermore, parent views of the 2-year-review are also investigated. Brief overview of internship requirements: This project is well under way and much of the data is collected. There is still some data to collect through questionnaires (online) and playing games with children in person (one-to-one assessment). The internship is flexible and students can choose whether they would like to take part in the online questionnaire collection and/ or in-person testing. Once data is collected, there will be an opportunity for data analysis. Training is provided for all tasks involved in this project. Expectations of applicant: Online questionnaires: ability to recruit online, using social media and other channels In person testing: Ability and confidence to work with children. Willingness to learn how to use a standardised test, ability to recruit parents in person. Opportunities for the intern: Training to use the pre-school language scale (if doing in-person testing), training on data collection and recruitment. Dates project commences and ends: on or after 27th May- latest until 22nd sept. This is flexible and depends on recruitment success Any other information: The online part of the project can be completed from home. You will need to have the training before commencing. Project title: Investigating the relationship between pet attachment and anxiety Brief overview of project: This questionnaire based project will be set up online and investigate the relationship between people’s attachment to their pets and the levels of their anxiety. Brief overview of internship requirements: The internship will involve setting up the online questionnaires, online recruitment and inputting data. Training will be provided for all stages of the project. Depending on the success of data collection, opportunities for data analysis will also be available. Expectations of applicant: Ability to do online recruitment. Opportunities for the intern: In this project you will be trained on how to run an online research project as well as the rules and guidelines of data inputting. Dates project commences and ends: 27th May- 22nd sept. Any other information: This project can be completed from home or BGU. You will need to have the training before commencing. Project title: Establishing the gaps for the rural autistic community Brief overview of project: Living in rural Lincolnshire often presents challenges for people with special needs due to a shortage of services. The project will aim to ask the Autistic community what they need in an attempt to explore options available for further services. This will likely be in collaboration with the Autism Research Innovation Centre at University of Lincoln. Brief overview of internship requirements: Online recruitment of autistic people and their families. Potential in person questionnaire completions. Attending Autism events organised locally. Expectations of applicant: The willingness to speak to, recruit and work with autistic people and their families. Opportunities for the intern: There is a possibility of an Autism event being organised at LORIC which you will be encouraged to attend. This will enable you to make connections with other local people involved within the Autistic community. Dates project commences and ends: 27th May- 22nd sept. Any other information: This project can be completed from home or BGU. You will need to have the training before commencing. Dr. Maria Efstratopoulou Maria.efstratopoulou@bishopg.ac.uk Project title: MBC checklist for children Brief overview of project: Entering data already collected (during a previous phase of the MBC Project) on children’s behaviour from: Local Schools in UK ( Primary mainstream schools/ teachers from Lincolnshire, London) Expectations of applicant: Preferably SENI or / and Psychology student year 2 (during the academic year 2018-19) with an ability to use SPSS, entering data (training will be provided). An ability to contact with local Primary schools for cooperation will be an asset. Opportunities for the intern: Training on simple Statistical analysis of data, possible cooperation in publications and Conferences. The intern will gain the knowledge and experience to write his/ her Thesis (during the next academic year) in a similar subject (ADHD, ASD, Mental health issues, Assessment of emotional and behavioural problems in children, effectiveness of interventions for challenging behaviours etc.). Help and support will be constantly available. Dates project commences and ends: Data entering and Statistical analysis May 2019 –end August 2019 Any other information: Students can work flexible hours in their own environment without having the obligation to be on Campus. Jenny Hamilton, Helen Elliott and Elizabeth Hicks jennifer.hamilton@bishopg.ac.uk Project title: Self-care among helping professionals: Looking after those who look after Brief overview of project: This project is in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council Social Services and aims to explore whether training/workshop interventions on self-care can raise awareness of the importance of self-care and improve upon workplace wellbeing and resilience among social services helping professionals. There is a disproportionately high rate of staff burnout among helping professions, and in particular among social services, and this project aims to explore how this can be tackled. Brief overview of internship requirements: The intern will have the opportunity to be involved in various research activities that the project requires. These may include transcribing audio recordings, conducting literature reviews and synthesising and critically evaluating research. Expectations of applicant: The applicant should be able to accurately transcribe verbal audio recordings verbatim; have a good level of ability using Microsoft Office programmes (including excel); ability to conduct a systematised and comprehensive literature review and to critically evaluate research; handle information sensitively and abide by confidentiality codes of conduct. Opportunities for the intern: Working within a supportive research team, gaining experience of conducting real world counselling research; opportunity to consolidate skills developed at university including literature reviews and academic writing. Dates project commences and ends: 3rd June – 6th September 2019 Dr. Caroline Horton Caroline.horton@bishopg.ac.uk Up to two projects are available over the Summer, in the DrEAMSLab (www.dreamslab.co.uk ; @sleepandmemory) Project title: Sleep hygiene adherence – what are people’s experiences of undertaking a sleep hygiene programme? Brief overview of project: Participants were asked to complete a two week sleep hygiene programme. They then engaged with focus group discussions about their experiences. The project aim to explore, for the first time, what challenges people experienced with a sleep hygiene intervention. Analyses aim to identify these challenges, which will inform the development of a wider sleep-hygiene intervention, across the campus. Brief overview of internship requirements: Interns will be asked to transcribe focus groups (June) and conduct content and thematic analyses on the data (July). Data will then be written up for publication (August). Expectations of applicant: All training will be given, however an interest in sleep hygiene would be very beneficial. The intern will be required to work independently. Opportunities for the intern: Interns will develop qualitative data analysis experience, and will contribute to the authorship of a peer-reviewed publication. Dates project commences and ends: Approximately 1st June – 31st August 2019. Any other information: This initial project will form part of a wider programme of impact activities, exploring sleep hygiene and its effects on emotion regulation, dreaming behaviours, academic outputs and memory. Project title: Hyperassociativity in sleep and dreams Brief overview of project: Hyperassociativity has been described in the sleep and dreaming literature as the process by which memories are only distantly related to one another, but with little evidence to explain it. The current project involves collecting data from systematically sampled dream reports, and scoring the presence of different forms of hyperassociativity. The data will be analysed and presented in a peer-reviewed paper, supporting the development of a larger research grant bid. Brief overview of internship requirements: The successful intern would be the main contact for data collection, involving meeting with participants, explaining about the sleep and dream measures, asking participants to code their own reports, and entering data for subsequent analysis. Expectations of applicant: Interns would need to be present over the Summer to engage with data collection, and would need to be organised with their time and with data. Full training would be given. Interns would have the opportunity to read through and analyse hyperassociativity from dream reports, so an interest in sleep and dreaming would be beneficial. This is a quantitative project, employing objective measures of sleep quantity, as well as involving dream diaries (analysed statistically). Opportunities for the intern: The intern would receive training in the measures, equipment and approaches employed in this study. They would engage with data collection, and therefore find out about the practicalities of psychological sleep research. Dates project commences and ends: Approx. 1st June to Sept 20th 2019. Any other information: Up to two interns could work on this project. Thomasin Nicholds Thomasin.nicholds@bishopg.ac.uk Project title: Women who Influence; exploring opportunities and barriers in organisations. Brief overview of project: Working with an external funder and community based partners we are exploring an emerging project to consider the opportunities, barriers and achievements of women in organisations. The project is in the initial stages of development with the aim of enabling and highlighting potential; whist challenging limiting factors. The project will be drawing on psychological theories and relating them to the workplace, with the potential to consider elements such as motivation, leadership, power and inclusion. The role of the intern will be to support the lead in project planning and literature review, to enable the development of a clear rationale which can be taken forward in partnership with other organisations. Brief overview of internship requirements: The role will involve supporting a literature review to contribute to project development in addition to opportunities to assist in meetings with cross-sector partners to define activities, investment requirements and roles. Expectations of applicant: The ability to undertake literature searches and synthesize resources. Strong communication skills with a clear understanding of appropriate professional conduct when working in partnership. Opportunities for the intern: This opportunity will give the intern the experience of project planning from an initial idea to shaping partnerships and identifying resource needs. These skills will be transferable to a variety of academic and professional environments, providing an experience that develops writing skills and professional practice. Any other information: Lincolnshire based, mainly BGU campus with the potential for some local travel. Dr. Gianina Postavaru Gianina.postavaru@bishpopg.ac.uk Two projects are available: Project title: Cancer carers’ nutrition and diet needs: a literature review Brief overview of project: This project will equip students with skills required to perform a systematic literature review (design of study protocol, Boolean search keywords, screening and data collection, quality assessment and academic write up). It is a collaborative project with Laura Miller, the Macmillan project lead dietitian at Nottingham University Hospitals. Brief overview of internship requirements: The intern will need to be available for the entire period of the internship and opportunity for development may be provided beyond its duration. Expectations of applicant: Interest in health or clinical psychology, with a focus on psychological aspects of eating behaviours following a diagnosis of and treatment for cancer. No statistical analysis is required. However, the student will need to possess great time management skills, be an organised individual, be able to work in a team and meet agreed deadlines. Opportunities for the intern: Training and supervision will be provided through regular meetings and teleconference with the project collaborator at Nottingham City Hospital. There is opportunity for joint publication and/or participation in a conference organised at the City Hospital in Nottingham in 2020 as part of this collaboration. There is also opportunity for mentorship to enhance employability skills beyond the lifetime of this project. Dates project commences and ends: July-September 2019. Any other information: The student will need to possess their own laptop and be able to use OneDrive. Project title: Self-managing chemotherapy side-effects and eating behaviours Brief overview of project: This project will equip students with skills required to transcribe sensitive data and potentially conduct face to face interviews with people living with and beyond cancer. The opportunity is part of an ongoing project in collaboration with support groups in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Brief overview of internship requirements: Training and supervision will be provided through regular meetings. The intern will get familiar with the ethical implications of conducting and transcribing interviews. Familiarity with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, 2018) and Data Protection Act (1998) is at the core of this work. Expectations of applicant: Great interest in health psychology, with a particular focus on psychological aspects of eating behaviours following a diagnosis of and treatment for cancer. No statistical analysis is required. However, the student will need to possess a professional and ethical conduct, great time management skills, be an organised individual, be able to work in a team and meet agreed deadlines. Opportunities for the intern: There is opportunity for developing clinical and employability skills. As part of this role, the intern may benefit from mentorship to develop these skills beyond the lifetime of this collaboration. Dates project commences and ends: July-September 2019. Any other information: The student will need to possess their own laptop and be able to use OneDrive. -
International Symposium to Continue Bishop Grosseteste's Exploration of Spatial Relationships
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) will be welcoming the Ordered Universe Project (OUP) to campus for a four day symposium on 13th-16th May. -
Nominations Announced in Student Led Teaching Awards
The student Lead Teaching Awards are a chance for students to give back! These Awards are a way for students to acknowledge the fantastic examples of learning, teaching, tutors, supervisors and assignments they have. We’ve had 44 nominations in, and so many different members of staff have been recognised for their hard work and dedication to their students and their course. -
How LORIC is changing the way Lincolnshire businesses use data
Having only launched in September 2018, the Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation Centre (LORIC) has already transformed the way several organisations across the county do business. From designing insight-led business strategies to using data and research to empower companies, in less than a year LORIC has guided multiple socially-conscious organisations across Lincolnshire to investment and innovation.
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