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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. -
Diverse Academies Trust - BGU partnership
The Diverse Association for Professional Learning is part of Diverse Academies Trust and is working in partnership with Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) to deliver their ITE programme. They offer places for Primary, Secondary and special education in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, and their well-established programme of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provides trainees the opportunity to gain a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status - as well as masters credits in Primary, Secondary and special teaching. The Diverse Association for Professional Learning provide a comprehensive support and guidance package along with tailored training to prepare individuals for their career. They have the flexibility to choose the school where they train and opportunity to select the school where they undergo their training, which is a unique feature of the programme. -
Student's passion 'reignited' through placement
Work-based learning experiences are an integral component of the BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care here at Bishop Grosseteste University. We have developed a range of partnerships within the sector including Lincolnshire County Council Children’s Health, Children’s Social Care, Charity Organisations Every-one, Black Barn Farm and LINKAGE, all of whom provide valuable placements as well as connect with students during classroom-based sessions. Every undergraduate student undertakes three compulsory annual placements over the course of their three years giving them a minimum of 180 hours of learning in practice. Students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences whilst in placement and form a fundamental part of their learning when back in the classroom and through assignments. Reflection and discussion supports students to expound their knowledge, consider their and others values, and develop their practice skills in their journey to becoming healthcare practitioners. Our latest collaboration is with the Lincolnshire’s Neighbourhood Team: ‘Neighbourhood working’ provides a collaborative approach to the delivery of local services. This includes involvement from health, social care, voluntary organisations, and charities. Their ethos is centred around working together to find solutions to health and wellbeing challenges. Our role is to put patients on the right radars or coordinate when multiple services are involved and not working together. As this was a new work-based learning opportunity we asked Health & Social Care BGU student Amy to share her thoughts around this opportunity: “I was initially anxious about going to placement, I have not worked in this area for some time and knew there would be a considerable amount of learning. I can honestly say it was the best experience, I started the placement with an open mind and committed myself to get involved with any aspects of work suggested to me I quickly realised how vital the neighbourhood team are in improving the lives of service users within the social care sector, I was able to shadow, ask questions, understand their responsibilities, and appreciate how far reaching their services can be. I was treated with respect, honesty and welcomed, I was put in situations that allowed me to explore my own views and absorb new concepts. Most importantly this placement has reignited my passion for undertaking this degree; manging time, assignments and lectures can at times become the only focus, where my original goal was to undertake a degree that enabled me to work within the health and social sector supporting service users and this experience has placed this back in the forefront of my drive and determination to continue and succeed.” Amy Annis, 2nd Year BSc (Hons) Health & Social Care Student. When asked about the benefits of having a student, the Neighbourhood team representative Nicola Stimson replied: “It has been a pleasure to be able to have students out with us as a team. To be able to show the diversity of our role and to be able to show the student all the different opportunities of community roles and what jobs are about / services they could work in. We also enjoy being able to show what Neighbourhood Teams is about and how working collaboratively, we can put that patient at the centre of what matters to them." -
Unique art exhibition comes to BGU
If you visit the Robert Hardy Building on campus, you will discover a selection of artworks each created by prisoners at HMP Morton Hall as part of their 12-week art programme. Last week the exhibition launched and had an auction for specific pieces during opening night. The University collaborated with PeoplePlus UK to make this happen and from a social purpose and perspective, working closely with HMP Morton Hall helps support individuals to realise their ambitions and create positive change in their communities and beyond. While open to all, the art studio supports prisoners with mental health issues and those struggling to participate in the prison’s mainstream education and training programmes. As part of rehabilitation, offenders undertake art sessions providing space to be creative and work with others in a safe environment. This exhibition provided the opportunity to showcase their innovative creations and reinforces the message that something positive can come out of prison life. "When I draw or paint, it takes away the negative thoughts. I feel like I’ve found a new talent within myself that’s helping me grow out of my issues and keeps me away from insecurities I had before the course." Allison Webb, Director of Business & Community Engagement, said "it is a special exhibition that gives the prisoners a voice" and Gillian Johnston (Programme Lead for Sociology and Criminology) stated at the opening night: "Criminology is a new and exciting discipline for us at BGU, so when this initiative was first mooted a few months ago I jumped at the chance for us, as an institution and at a programme level, to be involved. It cannot be underestimated just how important these initiatives are in fostering relationships between organisations. Being able to collaborate with HMP Morton Hall on this important project is a delight for me and I hope this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship between us." Samantha Boothman the Head of Education, Skills and Work at HMP Morton Hall said "we are delighted to be working with BGU on this unique event and very much looking forward to further collaboration." Overall the auction raised £560 and these funds will go to Victim Support, Ambers Army (The PeoplePlus recognised charity for 2024), the prisoner who created the artwork, and for a new art studio kiln. The majority of the remaining artwork is for sale and the viewing public can buy item(s) through the silent auction process. Information on how to do this can be found in the foyer of the Robert Hardy Building. "The art course is purposefully unaccredited; this enables men to learn not just about art and new techniques, but also to develop wider skills without being pressured to pass an exam. Everyone is able to work at their own pace and is guided to follow their own creative pathway. The art room is a space where the men can spend time out of their cell and share thoughts, worries and ideas whilst also developing their creativity. For many it is the first time they have experienced a classroom and using a pencil or paint brush. They are encouraged to help each other to be their best selves. I witness time and again how creativity and kindness to one another can totally change people for the better and improve their mental wellbeing." Karen Sharples – Art Lecturer at HMP Morton Hall. PeoplePlus UK deliver the educational provision at the prison and you can watch their short video Bringing the Inside, Out which explains their purpose further. The exhibition runs from the 30th of May until 13th of June 2024 in the Robert Hardy Building, BGU. -
BGU graduates some of the most employable in the country
The results from the Graduate Outcome Survey are in... -
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust - BGU partnership
The Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Multi-Academy Trust acts as a Lead Partner with Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). "Our aim is to provide the very best Catholic education for all in our community and so improve life chances through spiritual, academic and social development." The Trust works in partnership with BGU to deliver our Initial Teacher Education ITE programme. BGU provides teacher training opportunities in Primary, Secondary and Special Education in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. Our well-established programme of ITE provides trainees the opportunity to gain a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - as well as masters credits in Primary, Secondary and special teaching.Applicants who apply to Our Lady of Lourdes will be able to choose the school that they train at in their Trust. Please visit here for a list of their schools. This partnership is founded on the principle of collaboration and an absolute belief that by working together we can improve outcomes for all students in these schools.Our Lady of Lourdes has a long record of partnership with BGU in helping to train teachers. If you choose to train with them you can expect: • Successful trainees will obtain a PGCE and QTS by the end of the programme• A programme that gives you four days a week in school and one day a week at University• The chance to observe and work with outstanding teachers• Outstanding mentoring from an experienced and trained mentor• A programme of support sessions• A comprehensive induction programme• A second school placement in a contrasting school All their primary and secondary courses are available here. If you would like support in applying or further information, please contact: Vanessa Scott learninganddevelopment@ololcatholicmat.co.uk -
Our social purpose
Empowering students and communities through education and partnerships -
Students graduate in exciting Early Childhood degree pathway
In September 2021, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) introduced students to the opportunity to work towards sector endorsed graduate practitioner competencies alongside the BGU BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies programme. The ECGPC (Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies) pathway seeks to strengthen the link between placement and theory, developing a graduate led workforce across the ECEC sector. It includes 80 days of placement in a variety of settings, an additional portfolio, and a very special end point assessment where they showcase all they have learned. This is therefore the first year of completion. This route, along with our traditional BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies, is full and relevant, meaning they are ready and qualified to work within the Early Childhood sector. BGU students Marina Quaresma and Katy Evans graduated from the University on Thursday 24th July 2024 with a qualification in BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner). Prior to graduation they both completed their End Point Assessment for their chosen routes, demonstrating the skills they have learned across their extensive placement. Both of them are BGU's very first students to graduate with the ECGPC! The GPC route really benefits practical skills such as planning activities and observing children. Placement offers the opportunity to see the theory in practice and allows you to build relationships with local settings. The E-diary also benefits your reflective skills and allows you to look back on what you have learnt. My favourite part was watching the children flourish under my care and the relationships I made along the way. Katy Evans The Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies aim to: 1. Remove the confusion in the sector about how ECS Degrees are aligned to practice requirements in the four nations of the UK. 2. Address the inherent challenges of different types of Early Childhood degrees and study pathways, enabling the wider workforce to be clear about individual early career graduates’ expected level of knowledge, skills and actual experience in practice. 3. Acknowledge the different pathways that lead learners to undertake the degrees, enhance their practice experience and enhance employability skills. 4. Ensure that Higher Education academic routes are responsive to the changing needs and training routes in early years practice, education and the wider Children’s Services workforce. 5. Make a significant contribution to strengthening a graduate-led Early Childhood workforce that is responsive to workforce needs and improves outcomes for children. 6. Afford students with placement opportunities to critically apply theory to practice in a range of Early Childhood settings and/or schools, social care and health settings. This will enable students to develop graduate skills in the application of the inter-disciplinary Early Childhood knowledge base to reflective practice. 7. Provide new opportunities for graduates who want to strengthen their practice in Early Childhood and/or progress to post-graduate academic programmes or professional training, including Early Years Teacher (0-5), Teacher (3-11), Social Work and health professions. ECSDN. (2020). Early Childhood Graduate Practitioner Competencies -
Dr Duncan Mercieca
Dr Duncan Mercieca lectures in Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion at BGU. His research draws upon post-structural philosophers to think through educational issues, in particular, those related to diversity and otherness; inclusion and disability; and critiquing education research and its methods. Duncan also works in a special school in Scotland. -
Students with Caring Responsibilities Information
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage without this help because of frailty, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability. If you are caring for someone whilst studying, we recognise that juggling all of this can be very difficult. Your role as a carer will depend on the person you care for but could include: Practical household tasks (cooking, cleaning, washing up, ironing, dealing with correspondence and financial management) Personal care (bathing, dressing, lifting, administering medication, collecting prescriptions, support to attend medical appointments) Emotional Support (listening, offering advice and friendship, keeping an eye on the person you care for to ensure their personal safety) Disclosure of Carer Status The University actively encourages students to disclose their Carer Status using the opportunity on the UCAS application form or during the enrolment process. Support Package Due to the unpredictable nature and demands of caring roles, students may be provided with a Carers Support Plan that provides leeway in relation to assignment deadlines, tutor contact and attendance but not exams. The plan may consider or suggest adjustments but will not make recommendations around placement support, international visits, field trips or residential requirements as we recognise that these may be difficult to put in place. You may require a Parking Permit in order to ensure you can meet your caring responsibilities. If so please contact Student Advice & Wellbeing for more information.
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