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TEDx hosts BGU lecturer
‘Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) Lecturer Steph Blanco will be discussing neuropsychology at an upcoming TEDx Talk. TEDxBrayford Pool’s sixth flagship event is back to explore spectrums of ideas in our communities and runs for the whole weekend of 14 and 15 October. The event will host 20 speakers and offer attendees the opportunity to engage in 18 different workshops across the weekend. Professional thinkers and speakers will be presenting on a range of topics at this flagship event including activism, the arts and social change. Vice-Chair and lead of the medical advisory board for the national charity FND Dimensions and BGU Lecturer in Psychology Steph Blanco will be presenting her talk on Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This talk explores the role of neuropsychology in an area which is under-researched and has long been misunderstood. As the first TEDx talk on this topic, this event will bring discussions of FND to a global stage. Steph is a neuropsychologist, an established researcher, and an emerging leading expert in FND; translating the lessons she learns though research to practical applications and practice in the third sector. Steph’s talk titled “The Flat Brain: Functional Neurological Disorder” will be hosted at Session Two: Showing Up on Saturday 14 October at 5:45pm in the Engine Shed (Lincoln city centre). She will also be hosting two fireside chats one on Saturday which explores the impacts of hidden conditions and ableism and one on Sunday titled “We need more data” exploring data constraints in health and illness related research. Bishop Grosseteste University's relationship with TEDx is long established, with many academic staff having previously participated in this community focused and innovative event. Two of the TEDx curators have connections to BGU – graduate Owen Tonks-Lewis and former lecturer Andy Farenden. Owen Tonks-Lewis said: “We’re really excited to build on last year’s programme and activities that showcases what a remarkable place we live in with our fantastic speaker programme. If you’re not sure what to expect; think part festival, part conference and part exhibition with hands-on workshops and activities mixed together with live speakers and performers to create a community event like no other!” ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Full weekend tickets are on sale at £35, concessions £12, and individual session tickets £15. BGU students can get a discount on the weekend concession tickets using the code BGUS2023 to get in for £5 (valid with student ID when collecting tickets). For more ticketing information and the full programme visit www.tedxbrayfordpool.com/flagship Click here to book tickets directly. -
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. -
A year of being a KTP Associate
From the perspective of Iwona Fodrowska -
Scott Fleming
Emeritus Professor of Sport and Leisure Studies Scott Fleming has a long-standing interest in ‘race relations’ and youth studies which form part of a wider portfolio of research linked to equality and diversity. His work embraces the social sciences and humanities, and some recent projects have been concerned with organisational cultures and aspects of sport development linked to public health. Throughout his career, he has maintained an interest in research methods and research ethics. A former Chair of the Leisure Studies Association (2004-2009), Scott was a Managing Editor of Leisure Studies (2010-2016) and is a member of the Editorial Board of The Sport Psychologist. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, of the Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, and of the Higher Education Academy. From January 2019 to December 2023 Scott was the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Affairs) at Bishop Grosseteste University. Prior to that he had held posts at Cardiff Metropolitan University (1994-1999 and 2005-2018), University of Gloucestershire (1999-2005) and University of Brighton (1989-1994). Scott was also a member of the Research Excellence Framework 2021 Equality and Diversity Advisory Panel and of the Athena Swan Governance Committee. He is a current Chair for Athena Swan and Race Equality Charter panels. -
EDI Week 2024
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Week at BGU is an annual event aimed at raising awareness and promoting understanding of the importance of equal rights and opportunities in education. -
Recent Graduate Nominated for British Education Award
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is delighted to announce that recent graduate Katie Downes, who graduated with first class honours in BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care, has been shortlisted as a Finalist at the esteemed British Education Awards (BEA 2024). Katie and her family have been extended a special invitation to attend the Ceremony on Friday, 9th February to be held in Manchester. The BEA is renowned for bringing together a diverse array of individuals, including young achievers, their families, educators, policymakers, and notable figures from across the UK, to celebrate outstanding educational achievements. The British Education Awards feature categories for each of the four nations, recognising achievements in various educational levels. Additionally, BEA presents special recognition awards, further highlighting outstanding contributions within the educational landscape. In recognition of her exceptional academic performance and extracurricular accomplishments within the Health and Social Care programme, Programme Leader Dr Nicki Walsh said: "We are all very proud of Katie. Recognition of hard work and dedication to health and social care is the core philosophy within our program. "Katie's achievement reflects our mantra of 'making a difference to many lives through action' in every session, placement, and assessment." Katie Downes acknowledged the support she received from BGU, particularly highlighting the encouragement from Nicki Walsh and Dissertation Supervisor Leanne Leverton. Katie also expressed her appreciation for Jamie from CELT, acknowledging the valuable academic guidance received during her studies. Katie said: "Throughout my degree, quotes I heard quite a lot were 'She Believed She Could, So She Did' and 'Never Give Up On Your Dreams.' Such words of encouragement from my family and BGU staff are what kept me going strong." As one of the three finalists selected for the UK degree category, Katie recognised the significance of the nomination among the millions of graduates across the UK. "With regards to the nomination for a British Education Award, I am in awe and disbelief. I feel so honoured to be a finalist, and I am looking forward to the awards ceremony; it is a unique opportunity for me. "I thrive on supporting other students, and people in everyday life and at work, so this has been a dream come true, and I am now excited to see what the future holds for me."BGU extends its heartfelt congratulations to Katie Downes on this remarkable achievement and wishes her the best of luck at the upcoming British Education Awards Ceremony. -
Teacher Education celebrates Good rating
Following a rigorous full inspection in April 2024, the entire range of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provision at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) was judged to be ‘Good’ by Ofsted. The University, which boasts over 160 years of heritage in teacher education was visited by 11 Ofsted Inspectors, who scrutinised the wide range of programmes designed to develop primary, secondary and further education teachers to be successful in their future careers. Inspectors commended the ambitious training curricula, noting the clear intent to develop high quality, insightful teachers who work to address social inequality and ‘change pupil’s lives’. Dr Matt Dunn, Head of Initial Teacher Education Programmes at BGU, said: ‘We are delighted with the outcome of this inspection, which mirrors our own self-evaluation. Our highly-qualified and committed team of teacher educators are passionate about the transformational power of education. We nurture excellent teachers, challenging them to be the best that they can be, empowering them to play their part in transforming the communities within which they work. ‘We are especially pleased that inspectors recognised our supportive and caring ethos as a particular strength, noting that trainees consistently reported a ‘family feel’ to their experience in their meetings with inspectors. We are committed to ensuring that our future teachers know how to maintain good mental health and wellbeing, both for themselves and the pupils they teach.’ BGU works with over 740 partner schools and colleges across the region to deliver high quality ITT, and inspectors recognised their vital input, supporting the university in constructing and delivering ambitious and relevant training programmes which meet the needs of employers and communities. With 550 trainee teachers in 2023/24 academic year, BGU makes a significant contribution to the teacher workforce. Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of BGU said: ‘I am delighted the University’s dedication to excellence has been affirmed by this inspection. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire community towards fostering a dynamic learning environment where students thrive, and aspirations are nurtured. I extend my thanks not only to our exceptional staff but also to our valued partners whose collaboration and support have significantly contributed to the University’s success. Together we celebrate this achievement, proud of the meaningful impact we continue to have in shaping futures and enabling individuals to succeed.’ Inspectors met with several trainee teachers and were impressed with the extent to which they felt supported and prepared to teach in their future careers. One trainee reflected on this after the inspection: ‘Bishop Grosseteste University has provided me with unique experiences, knowledge, and most importantly, the support I needed to undertake my teacher training. With the staff's accessibility, flexibility and patience, I could not ask for a better support system…BGU has modelled a fantastic level of motivation that I intend to replicate in my teaching career. With the team's brilliant understanding and confidence, I developed into the trainee teacher I am today’. Marshall, Primary Trainee. You can read the full Ofsted report here. Find out more about Routes into Teaching with BGU here. BGU staff and partners in Refectory -
Guernsey placement success for pGDE trainees
Bishop Grosseteste University students on pGDE courses (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) in Sport, Performing Arts, Plumbing, Health and Social Care, Childcare, English and Engineering undertook a placement for a week at the Guernsey College of Further Education. All trainees on the programme have one main placement and the Guernsey visit was to enable them to see another setting beyond their own and also to show them different education system to BGU's. Guernsey was an experience that we would not of missed - it gave us an insight into the lifestyle of another teaching environment. We were made very welcome and as such were able to enjoy the culture and social experience. As a group it gave us the opportunity to bond and engage with fellow teacher trainers. Roger, pGDE student Guernsey College staff will be coming to the UK in the future for a reciprocal visit, where staff have arranged for them to spend some time in Further Education colleges where our trainees are based and a day at BGU. Input was provided to the colleges Continuing Professional Development (CPD) during the time trainees were with them on placement. This gave Guernsey an opportunity to develop relationships with trainees to fill any potential vacancies they have. This opportunity has allowed me to develop my skills as a facilitator. Working with the performing arts department in an environment that's so different from my current placement gave me great inspiration for carrying on my teaching practice. Keira, pGDE student What an amazing opportunity! Spending time with the staff at Guernsey Institute and gaining valuable insight into creativity within the English classroom was a treasurable experience. Thank you so much. Shelley, pGDE student Programme Leader Stefan Fusenich would like to give a shout out to the Guernsey colleagues... Jennette Heart Deputy Principal who supported me with the inception of the ideas, Lucy Mallet who co-ordinated the visit, and Venessa Mee, who arranged for me to deliver and trainees to attend the college's CPD day. -
BGU’s 2024 Honorary Awardees Announced
A BBC television presenter, a children’s book author, and an Armed Forces Champion are among those set to receive honorary awards at Lincoln Cathedral this summer. Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has announced the recipients of its Honorary Awards, which will be presented at upcoming graduation ceremonies in late July 2024. Two awardees are set to receive Honorary Doctorates for their outstanding contributions to academic achievement, social, economic, or cultural life. Three Distinguished Honorary Fellowships and one Honorary Fellowship will be awarded at the ceremonies. Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the University and public life, while Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the University extending beyond normal responsibilities. Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees is BBC presenter Peter Levy, whose career in broadcasting spans 49 years. He has presented BBC Look North for Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire since 2002 and received the Lord Mayor of Hull’s Civic Crown Award for his charity work. Hannah Gold, another recipient of an Honorary Doctorate, is celebrated for her contributions to children’s literature. The award-winning author is known for her Sunday Time’s best-seller The Last Bear, as well as The Lost Whale, Finding Bear, and her new book, Turtle Moon. Hannah's books have sold over 230,000 copies in the UK alone and have been translated into 27 languages. Receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Alex Baxter, whose service in the Royal Navy inspired his current roles as Chairman for the Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee for Yorkshire and the Humber, and Armed Forces Champion for North East Lincolnshire Council among others. He is Managing Director of Joint Services Major Events Team delivering all aspects of civil/military engagement and the Armed Forces Community Covenant on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council. As Chair of Franklin Sixth Form College, he volunteers much of his time to the post-16 education sector and to raising the aspirations of students and their onward progression at universities including BGU. Educationalist, historian, and academic Judith Jones will also receive a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the University and public life. With a passionate interest in the history of Lincolnshire, the city of Lincoln, and its Cathedral; Judith has inspired students as a history teacher at various schools in Lincolnshire. Judith’s previous student - historian and BGU Chancellor Tracy Borman said: “It is no exaggeration to say that I owe my career to her. She brought history to life in a way that I have never experienced before or since.” For over ten years Judith acted as a voluntary judge for the Sandford Award, which is administered jointly by Bishop Grosseteste University and the Heritage Education Trust. Also receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Paul Deane, Principal and Chief Executive of Grantham College, and a founding director of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology. The Lincolnshire Institute of Technology is an example of successful collaboration between the FE and HE sectors, and Paul’s work has fostered excellent collaborations with both Bishop Grosseteste University and the University of Lincoln as well as other Further Education providers in supporting the needs of people and the economy in the region. Richard Hallsworth is set to receive an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his dedicated service to the University, as a trustee and member of Council for BGU over eight years. Now the Managing Partner of Lincoln based accountants Nicholsons, he previously worked as part of the Business Improvement Group in Market Rasen to deliver high street regeneration through the government backed Portas Pilot Scheme. Bishop Grosseteste University Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: "As we approach this year's graduation ceremonies, I am delighted to announce the recipients of this year's Honorary Doctorates and Honorary Fellowships. We recognise these individuals for their enrichment of academic, social, economic, or cultural spheres, embodying the spirit of our institution. “Their contributions inspire us and serve as beacons of achievement for our entire community, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and welcoming them into the esteemed ranks of our honorary awardees." The awards will be presented during graduation celebrations on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th July at Lincoln’s Cathedral. Awardees were nominated by current BGU students, staff, and University Council members. More information about each recipient can be found here.
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