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Dr Adam Foxon
Dr. Adam Foxon is a senior lecturer at BGU on our Foundation Year programme. He also lectures on Theology, Philosophy and Ethics. He completed his PhD in 2022 entitled, Quod Homo sit Minor Mundus: Robert Grosseteste and the Potentiality of the Material World: Microcosmism and Deification in the Development of a Didactic Weltanschauung. Dr. Foxon has worked in schools and colleges around his work at BGU and actively encourages public exposure to the academic world. He is open to conversations surrounding academic outreach, particularly in areas concerning history, philosophy, and religion. His academic work and interests are incredibly varied. He is a medievalist at heart (12th-13th centuries), but he also delves into other areas, from: historic and modern perspectives on the paradigm between science and religion; arguments for the existence of God; the Christian notion of microcosmism (and its effect on deificatory convictions); and process theology, to: exotheology (theological thought related to extra-terrestials) and the relationship between religion and football. -
BRIDgE Blogs
Take a look at the BRIDgE Blogs below - they range from interviews, event retrospects, and exciting award announcements! -
Petition to reinstate Kate Greenaway's name on award gathers pace
A petition to reinstate Kate Greenaway's name in the literary award which bore her name for decades is gathering pace. Created by BGU Librarian and History Lecturer Rose Roberto and illustrator and bookseller Tamsin Rosewell, it has received backing from a range of illustrators and writers including Patrick Ness, Candy Gourlay, Philip Pullman, and Frank Cottrell-Boyce. According to the organisers: "The Kate Greenaway Medal is the oldest British literary award focused on illustration. It remains one of very few that highlights the contribution of illustrators and actively promotes the importance of their work. Kate Greenaway’s own work is a hugely important part of the heritage of the British Book Industry; she remains an influence on illustrators today and should also be recognised as one of Britain’s great female artists. In an age when illustrators' names are still very often left off promotion and reviews for books, we feel it is vital to retain her name in association with this award." In 2023, the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) which runs the awards renamed The Greenaway Medal as The Yoto Carnegie Medal for Illustration. The organisers describe this as "branding expediency" and argue that "The name of an accomplished woman, whose work is directly relevant to the award, has been removed and replaced with that of a male industrialist and a sponsoring corporation. This feels hugely insensitive, and ironically inappropriate when it awards a profession that still battles to be recognised." The petition calls on CILIP to reinstate Kate Greenaway’s name on the award before the 2024 nominations are made. The petition has now garnered more than 2700 signatures. Click here to add your signature to this cause. Below, Rose Roberto shares more about the petition... 'The Kate Greenaway Medal rebrand is misguided, and thousands are calling for her name to be restored. After signing our petition, award-winning author Patrick Ness, tweeted: "I know the librarians who run the medals do their absolute damnedest to make them the best awards in the world (which they are), but I too would love to see the Kate Greenaway name return. It’s such a specific honour on its own and honours a foundational female illustrator." A Monster Calls, written by Ness, was illustrated by Jim Kay. Jim Kay won the 2011 Kate Greenaway medal for illustrating A Monster Calls. Named awards have meaning. Individuals who have awards named after them should embody the values of the organisation they represent and/or the spirit for which an award was given. Many illustrators not only relate to Kate Greenaway's work and feel inspired by it — she, as a person, represents real struggles with whom illustrators today can relate. As a woman living a century ago, she lacked many opportunities, especially educational ones, that men were given more readily. This petition reflects the fact that writers and illustrators of all genders want this award to be named after a woman. It also shows that they want it to be named after a fellow illustrator. The Kate Greenaway Medal has always been a privilege for librarians to give to illustrators, recognising their talent and their specific work in a particular year. CILIP’s argument that librarians now somehow need to make literature awards about libraries is self-aggrandising and utterly bizarre. Greenaway’s name has been a constant and consistent example for many aspiring illustrators and writers in the English speaking world. Canadian Duncan Weller writes: "I have heard of the Kate Greenaway Medal, probably as early as my teenage years when I first thought of becoming a writer and illustrator of children’s picture[s]. It is a great mistake to change this name. Female illustrators need more recognition and especially those as qualified as Kate Greenaway." Oxford-based Helen Cooper posts: "I write and illustrate. They are entirely different. And for some reason one is often seen as more important than the other. I wonder if giving both the awards the same name was a misguided attempt to adjust that? I think it will have the opposite effect so am signing the petition. The Kate Greenaway award is so important for illustrators as a standalone award. We don’t want it to be the lesser of the Carnegie’s — which it almost certainly will become." London-based Phil Bradley wrote: "This is an absolute disgrace and very disappointing the CILIP has made this decision. It is wholly inappropriate and completely out of step with how members and wider society feel." It is troubling is that the CILIP’s rebranding campaign was launched in September 2022, with little fanfare, and little consultation. There were many surprised librarians who contacted both Rosewell and I personally complaining of a lack of transparency in this decision. Had any sort of proper research been conducted before the name change (ironically, the kind of research that librarians excel at), launching a campaign to remove the Greenaway name would not have occurred. This year, I ran a CILIP Shadowing Awards scheme at the Bishop Grosseteste University Library (BGU). BGU houses one of the largest children’s literature collections in a UK university and has been collecting two copies of Greenaway and Carnegie Medal winning books since the 1950s. During the shadowing scheme process, I first became aware that Kate Greenaway’s name had been removed from the medal. When I sent CILIP an email querying this decision, requesting that the decision be reversed back to the 2022 award name which was "Yoto Kate Greenaway", I heard nothing back from CILIP for weeks. While waiting for a response, Rosewell and I decided to launch our petition. We were honoured that the first signatory was Jackie Morris, who won the Kate Greenaway Medal in 2019. James Mayhew eloquently explains why we undertook this campaign and why so many have signed the petition. "Kate Greenaway was a pioneering woman," he said. "It is right and proper that she is remembered, celebrated, and has her name attached to this important prize. Losing this link with an actual illustrator greatly lessens the significance of such an award." If you sign, you’ll be joining others such as Philip Pullman, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Jackie Morris, Dapo Adeola, Rob Biddulph, Lydia Monks, Thomas Taylor, Candy Gorlay and Patrick Ness.' This story was first published by The Bookseller. Hear Rose and Tamsin speak on The Illustration Department podcast here. -
Archaeology Field School 2024
BGU’s Archaeology Field School is a fully accredited 4-week course that will deliver training in field archaeology and excavation skills, post-excavation finds processing, and recording data. -
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. -
Sandford Awards recognise 43 educational heritage sites
43 heritage sites have been recognised for their outstanding educational provision at this year's Sandford Awards. The presentation ceremony took place on Monday 6th November at Hampton Court Palace, one of this year’s recipients. Among the winners were the Museum of Lincolnshire Life, Ulster Folk Museum, Newcastle University Library, International Bomber Command Centre, and National Civil War Centre in Newark. A full list of awardees can be found here. The awards were presented by Dr Tracy Borman, Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. Dr Tracy Borman said: "It is a huge pleasure and privilege to be presenting this year's Sandford Awards. Yet again, the winners represent a diverse range of historic sites across the British Isles and some really innovative learning programmes. "It is an extra treat to be staging our first in-person ceremony since the pandemic and in such magnificent surroundings as Hampton Court Palace." The Sandford Awards focus on formal, curriculum-aligned, heritage learning programmes that take place in the historic setting or natural environment and use the history and collections or natural resources to engage, inform and inspire visitors. Recognition is also given to informal learning such as family programmes and self-guided provision. Over 500 heritage sites and services across the British Isles have received the Sandford Award since the first awards were made in 1978. Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) manages the Sandford Award in partnership with Heritage Education Trust. BGU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Fleming said: "We at BGU are delighted to continue our support for the Sandford Award and heritage education across Britain. Once again, the recipients of the awards are outstanding sector-leaders and we offer huge congratulations to them all.” Entries for the 2024 Sandford Awards open on Monday 4 December. To register your interest in applying, please contact at sandford@bishopg.ac.uk -
Routes into Teaching
We have over 160 years' experience in education and offer a variety of routes into teaching, allowing you to train in a way that best suits you. -
Dr Darren Poole
Dr Darren Poole is a lecturer in Military History at Bishop Grosseteste University. He holds a Ph.D. in Military History from the University of Chester. In addition to his History qualifications, he also has degrees in Geography, Education and Management. Before joining BGU, Darren taught History at both the University of Chester and University Centre, Shrewsbury. At Chester and Shrewsbury, he taught all aspects of Military History and also supported learners who were new to Higher Education, including international students joining English universities for the first time. Prior to becoming a lecturer, Darren was a Head of History and Geography in secondary schools across England. He still retains links to schools and education. His research interests include aerial warfare, counterinsurgency and the voices of the oppressed and ignored in conflict. He is particularly committed to promoting the ‘unheard’ voices of war i.e. those civilians neglected by conventional military accounts of combat. Darren is a published author and is currently working on a book examining the underreported violence that terrorists often inflict upon their own people. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. -
Six Professorial Titles Awarded to BGU Academics
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has announced six new professorial titles to be conferred upon members of its academic staff. Among these titles are two Associate Professors and four Professors spanning various disciplines. Professorial titles are awarded to recognise individuals who have demonstrated outstanding expertise, acknowledging the recipient's impact on research, teaching, and the broader academic community. The recipients and their respective titles are as follows: Dr Clare Lawrence – Formerly holding the position of Senior Lecturer - Secondary, Dr Lawrence's title is now Associate Professor of Participatory Autism Research/Senior Lecturer - Secondary. Dr Derwin Gregory – Previously Programme Leader - Archaeology and Heritage, Dr Gregory now assumes the role of Associate Professor of Conflict Archaeology/Programme Leader - Archaeology and Heritage. Dr Andrew Jackson – Formerly recognised as Head of Research/Associate Professor in Local, Regional and Public History, Dr Jackson now holds the title of Professor - Local, Regional, and Landscape History/Head of Research. Dr Claudia Capancioni– Previously Reader - English Literature/Programme Leader - English, Dr Capancioni is now Professor of English Literature/ Programme Leader - English. Dr Caroline Horton – Formerly Reader - Psychology, Dr Horton's title is now Professor of Sleep and Cognition. Dr Jack Cunningham – Previously titled Associate Professor in Ecclesiastical History/Programme Leader Theology, Dr Cunningham now assumes the role of Professor of Ecclesiastical History/Programme Leader Theology. Reflecting, Professor Jack Cunningham said: "This Professorship in Ecclesiastical History is a great honour and the pinnacle of my academic career that has stretched over twenty years. It was earned through days of study in cold cathedral libraries in the winter, suffocating Vatican archives in the summer, and long nights in book collections all over the world. "BGU's fantastic support and encouragement along the way has made that journey not only possible but highly enjoyable." This milestone signifies the establishment of a professoriate at BGU for the first time, aimed at enhancing the research culture and environment, fostering academic leadership, and providing a supportive structure for career development within the university community. The creation of the professoriate aligns with BGU's overarching goals of promoting interdisciplinary research, and elevating research priorities within the institution. Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: "We are thrilled to announce these well-deserved professorial titles, which mark a significant achievement for our university and the academic community. This recognition not only highlights the exceptional expertise and dedication of our staff but also underscores our commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture at BGU. "These appointments will undoubtedly enhance our research environment and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields." -
Dr. Tim Galsworthy: Mississippi State University research fellowship
In November 2023, Dr. Tim Galsworthy (Lecturer in History & Military History) undertook a week-long research fellowship at Mississippi State University. Dr. Galsworthy was the inaugural recipient of the G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Research Fellowship from the Mississippi Political Collections. As well as undertaking archival research, which will be part of his forthcoming book, Tim also gave a lecture based on his previous research into the 1960s Mississippi Republican Party. This lecture was attended by Mississippi State faculty and students, members of the public, and Congressman Michael Guest – Republican Congressman for Mississippi's 3rd Congressional District. Tim's research fellowship reflects the international scope and impact of BGU researchers. Find out more on Tim's work and role at Bishop Grosseteste University here. (BA Hons) History course at BGU (BA Hons) Military History course at BGU Photo credit: Mississippi State University
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