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Chance to Train as an Early Years Teacher
Teachers who want to become outstanding specialists working with the youngest children can now undertake professional training at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. In September last year, 13 trainees were the first to begin the new PGCE Early Years with EYTS (Early Years Teacher Status) programme at BGU – and the university will recruit another cohort this autumn. The course has been tailored to suit both those working in early years settings who can be released for study and those who are studying full time. It enables trainees to gain the recommendation for Early Years Teacher Status which is equivalent to QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) through 120 days teaching young children from nought to five and 10 days looking at the progression children make into Key Stage 1. “The new Early Years Teacher Status introduced by the Government is an important development because there is clear evidence that high-quality early education and childcare can have a powerful impact on young children and can fully prepare them for school and later life,” said Amy Stancer, Academic Co-ordinator for the Early Years Programme at BGU. “The new programme is a good fit with our other courses which include QTS (working with ages three to 19 years) and teaching in the lifelong learning sector. Early Years Teacher Status broadens the scope of our training so that we’re now teaching people to teach all age ranges, from babies to pensioners.” Places are still available on the EYTS programme for this September – and two students currently on the course can thoroughly recommend it. Ryan Gilbert (30) from Halifax graduated with a degree in primary education from Leeds Metropolitan University (now Leeds Beckett University) and was working as a supply teacher in West Yorkshire when he decided to enrol on the EYTS programme at BGU. “During my time with the supply agency and in settings when I was studying for my degree I found a fondness for early years more than Key Stages 1 and 2,” said Ryan. “Add to that the comments I had from schools about how positive it is to have a male teaching in early years, and I firmly decided that I wanted to become qualified to teach within the age range. When I wanted to progress more into early years Bishop Grosseteste University was the only university which responded promptly and guided me through its application process. I have enjoyed the course immensely, from the dedicated team of lecturers at BGU to outside professionals who have come to speak to us and the passionate members of my course who really do want the very best for young children. Being surrounded by all these makes me want to continually improve my own skills, passion and knowledge relating to early years.” Ryan continued: “I have learned far more than I realised I would, and I’m still only halfway through the course! I am truly shocked at just how little I knew about early years and how the course content from my degree did not even begin to scratch the surface of what I now know.” Jenna Farrow (22) from near Sleaford volunteered at a nursery between lectures and coursework while studying for a degree in Visual Communication at Birmingham City University as she had always taken a keen interest in how young children learn. “After I’d worked there for a year the manager signposted me towards a new postgraduate opportunity that specialised in the early years,” said Jenna. The course so far has been an enormous learning curve, enabling me to build on all areas of my professional development. The opportunity to work with all ages from birth to seven in a range of placements has given me a clear insight into how the process of the early years practice supports foundations in school. “I would highly recommend this course to others interested in working with young children as it has broadened my knowledge and understanding of the wider social context around early years practice and how early learning must be understood and fostered as a vital component to support our next generations.” To find out more about the PGCE Early Years with EYTS programme at BGU contact Amy Stancer on 01522 527347 or email enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Trainee Teacher Navigates Path to the Classroom
She’s flown sorties in a Tornado jet over Iraq and Afghanistan, but after ten years in the RAF trainee teacher Jenny Shackley is now taking on a very different kind of challenge. Jenny (31) from Woodhall has just started a one-year postgraduate course at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln and hopes to be teaching maths in a Lincolnshire secondary school this time next year. It’s a far cry from her role as a Tornado navigator, but the mathematics she used in the RAF helped her decide to train as a maths teacher. Now she wants to put down roots and work with young people, and she’s won a £25,000 scholarship from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications (IMA) to help her achieve her goal. “I was in the RAF for ten years from 2003 to 2013 and did three tours of Afghanistan and two tours of Iraq,” says Jenny, whose partner is also a Tornado navigator currently based at RAF Coningsby. “I spent lots of time away and now I want to settle down and work with people so I decided to go into teaching. I wanted to be a teacher first and foremost; maths is a subject I enjoyed at school but I didn’t have a lot of self-belief. However I used it a lot in the RAF, and that’s given me more confidence with the subject.” With a mortgage and bills to pay Jenny looked round for bursaries, but then found out she was eligible for the IMA’s scholarship which exists to promote good mathematics teaching in schools. She passed the rigorous three-stage application process with flying colours and now benefits from membership of various mathematical bodies as well as access to events and a network of scholars with whom she can share ideas. “I definitely wouldn’t be doing this course if I hadn’t got the scholarship,” said Jenny. “I needed some sort of income so I was delighted when I found out that my application was successful.” With an open degree from the Open University Jenny began looking for teacher training courses in Lincolnshire, and she soon decided that a place at BGU was for her. “I’m very happy that I came to BGU,” she said. “I get a sense that this university is a very positive place and I definitely got a good feeling as soon as I walked onto campus. From day one I’ve been given all the information I need and it feels like a place I can work in and feel I’m being treated well. Our tutors have given us a strong sense of ownership of the course. I think it’s a really good environment.” If you would like to find out more about BGU’s teaching courses, including the PGCE (Secondary) qualification, call Admissions on 01522 527347 or email enquiries@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Graduate Success as Outstanding Student Achieves Dream
A career in teaching awaits a graduate from Bishop Grosseteste University who enrolled at university on a foundation degree and is now leaving with a postgraduate qualification. Ashlea Reid (24) from Grimsby was working in a nursery when she realised that her ambition was to become a teacher. But with a job to hold down she didn’t have the time to access a full-time course to help her fulfil her dreams. Fortunately for Ashlea, Bishop Grosseteste University delivers a Foundation Degree in Applied Studies (Early Childhood); a work-based course for people who are already working or volunteering with children and want to study for a degree. “I wanted to study at BGU because of its reputation for teacher training, and a career in teaching was my long-term goal,” said Ashlea. “I found out that they offered the Applied Studies foundation degree course, which I could access once a week to fit in with working at the nursery.” Following the two-year course Ashlea graduated in 2013 with a merit and then went on to study a BA (Hons) in Applied Studies (Early Childhood), which she completed in 2014, gaining a 2:1. Thanks to her training and experience Ashlea was able to develop professionally and in 2014 began working as a teaching assistant at New Waltham Academy in Grimsby alongside her studies. Last year Ashlea began the final phase of her training by undertaking a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). She will celebrate completing the course on Wednesday 15th July at 2pm during a ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral. “I would urge others, thinking about a career in teaching but working full-time, to consider the Applied Studies route,” said Ashlea. “Being able to train at the same time as gaining valuable real-life experience has definitely made a difference to my professional development. “I’m really looking forward to beginning my career as a Year 1 teacher at Signhills Academy in Cleethorpes this September.” BGU’s Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-related programme that enables working 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. -
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.” -
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?” -
Eye-opening trip to India for BGU’s Theology Students
Fourteen Theology students from Bishop Grosseteste University and three members of staff have just returned from the university’s latest visit to India. The aim of the 2016 Theology Trip was to experience Indian religion and culture at first hand, supporting modules on the degree course which reference Asian beliefs and culture. Because many of the students plan to be teachers the group also visited schools and universities, including those linked to BGU in a formal partnership. The students also spent some time working with students from three colleges in the Tirunelveli area with which BGU has formal links: St John’s College, St John’s College of Education and Sarah Tucker College. “ These visits to India provide our students with a direct experience of Indian religion and culture, which they have studied in lectures and texts at BGU but which they need to actually experience in order to fully understand,” said Mark Plater, Lecturer and Subject Co-ordinator for PGCE Secondary Religious Education at BGU. “ Our visits include first-hand experiences of religion in the community and culture and visits to a range of educational contexts, including local and international schools, centres for special needs and higher education institutions. “ Apart from the more obvious educational benefits, these experiences also confront students with the challenges of developing countries, encouraging them to consider bigger questions about what is most significant in life and the limits of our own habits and assumptions.” The annual visit took place from 23rd February until 3rd March 2016. Highlights included being blessed by an elephant at Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, visiting the children at SDETland, and spending time with Indian students in Tirunelveli. -
BGU Backs Campaign to Attract New RE Teachers
There’s a national shortage of specialist RE teachers in the UK, but Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is bucking the trend. So far this year offers made for places on the secondary PGCE in RE at BGU are up by a quarter compared to the same time last year. Nevertheless, the university is still backing a campaign to encourage graduates and career changers to train as RE teachers. The ‘Beyond the Ordinary’ campaign is being led by the Religious Education Council of England and Wales (REC). Supported by universities and colleges that offer specialist RE PGCE courses, it highlights the benefits of a career in RE teaching and raises awareness of the availability of bursaries to cover training costs. RE specialists do not need to have a theology degree – the PGCE course is open to graduates from a variety of academic disciplines and from diverse backgrounds. Becky Geeson, Admissions Tutor for RE teaching courses at BGU, said: “We have increased the number of RE places available on our secondary PCCE programme this year, and this continues to be a very popular course. “So far we have offered RE places to over 25% more people than at the end of last year, and we still have places available and welcome further applications. “RE covers issues that dominate the news agenda every day, making it very exciting to teach. It takes teachers and students beyond the ordinary as together they unpick the facts from the fiction. “RE lessons always spark a reaction, and debates will go on among the students well beyond the timetabled lesson, into the school corridors and playground.” Roxanne Fearns, Head of Religious Studies at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, qualified as a teacher at BGU – as did her entire RE department of four teachers! ““I love my job – what other subject allows you to enable young people to think and reflect about the world around them and develop their appreciation of different beliefs, religions and practices and the part they play in the today’s diverse world?” she said. “At a time when religion is often misunderstood it’s important for young people to be able to study RE in order to increase awareness of different beliefs. Because the media sometimes portrays negative images of religion we need teachers who can present a different view. “The PGCE at BGU equips you to be able to engage and enthuse young people into the study of religion and philosophy and to develop their critical thinking skills. “The university has really good links with schools, so trainee teachers can spend more time in school. Some training establishments just ask schools if they will take a student, but BGU specifically picks schools based on how highly they rate the department.” School statistics show that demand for Religious Education continues to rise: RE A-level entries have more than doubled since 2003, while at GCSE stage full course entries increased by 19% between 2012 and 2014. -
Student Overcomes Illness to Achieve Degree
Charlotte Pottage always knew she wanted to be a secondary school English teacher, and she refused to let illness and looking after her family get in the way of graduating from Bishop Grosseteste University on Thursday 21 July. Charlotte, 22, was diagnosed with ME (chronic fatigue syndrome) just five months before she was due to start her Secondary English PGCE course at BGU in September 2015. The decision to attend university surprised many of Charlotte’s peers. “When I told my occupational therapist my plans she simply raised her eyebrows,” Charlotte said. In 2013 Charlotte’s mother Toni was left with health issues following a brain haemorrhage. This prompted Charlotte to make the difficult decision to move home to Scunthorpe after three years of living independently while she did her undergraduate degree in English at Leeds Trinity University. Charlotte continued to care for her mother and two younger siblings throughout the duration of the course. “My day consisted of making sure my sister got to school with a clean uniform and her hair tied up before taking care of myself,” said Charlotte. “After the day at school I would come home, prepare dinner and clean the house, then I would visit my mum in hospital every single day.” Despite the huge responsibility of juggling caring for a family and a degree, Charlotte would use her evenings to study and ensure every assignment was handed in on time. She is now working at Outwood Academy in Brumby, Scunthorpe as a full-time English teacher, and achieved outstanding results across all of her standards. Charlotte added: “I have had to work harder than I ever imagined to get to the place where I am now, but I am so proud to have achieved what I have.” -
Health Problems Can’t Stop Emily Achieving Her Degree
A trainee teacher who overcame a string of health problems during her studies will graduate with a degree from Bishop Grosseteste University at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday. Emily Marrows (21) from Louth in Lincolnshire began her course on crutches three years ago and was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after her first year. She then had surgery on her knee and had to cope with her grandmother being diagnosed with cancer, but she was determined to achieve her dream of qualifying as a teacher. After graduation she will return to BGU to take her postgraduate PGCE teaching qualification to enable her to teach primary school children aged from three to seven. “I had a really tough first year,” Emily explained. “I’d had my legs realigned two years earlier and I started BGU on crutches after having metalwork removed from my legs. As a result I couldn’t go out and party like my flatmates and I felt a little lonely. “Halfway through the year I had to move out of my flat into a new one and make new friends all over again. But it made me a stronger and more confident person; I joined and started new clubs and began volunteering with children in care. I had a challenging year, but it taught me a lot!” In the summer following her first year, however, Emily was hit by a double blow: she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and told that she needed more surgery on her knee. “My second year didn’t start off the best: I had surgery at Christmas and struggled with my work, but despite all the setbacks I managed to keep going and stay strong. I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from fulfilling my dream of being a teacher!” The following summer Emily’s grandmother was diagnosed with brain cancer, but Emily was determined to see her degree course through. “Nothing was going to stop me getting my degree,” she said. “In my third year I got my head down and worked incredibly hard. I was faced with brick walls along the way, but I still didn’t give up! I’ve now got a place at BGU to study for my PGCE which has made my dreams come true! “My university experience has not been the easiest, but I am incredibly proud of where I am today and the things I have achieved along the way. I have done things I never expected to do and it has made me a more independent, confident and understanding person.” -
BGU Supports Campaign to Tackle RE Teacher Shortage
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is giving its backing to a national campaign to address a shortage of specialist RE teachers. The university is supporting a campaign by the Religious Education Council of England and Wales (REC) to encourage graduates and career changers to train as RE teachers. The ‘Beyond the Ordinary’ campaign, supported by universities and colleges that offer specialist RE PGCE courses, highlights the benefits of a career in RE teaching and raises awareness of the availability of bursaries to cover training costs. RE specialists do not need to have a theology degree – the PGCE course is open to graduates from a variety of academic disciplines and from diverse backgrounds. Despite two years of campaigning by the REC, which created a surge in RE PGCE applications, there is still a shortage of qualified teachers to teach RE in our schools. Meanwhile demand for RE from pupils continues to rise: in 2016, the number of pupils in England and Wales taking the GCSE Religious Studies full course was at its highest since 2002. Mark Plater, Subject Co-ordinator for PGCE Secondary Religious Education at BGU, said: “Last year the offers we made for places on the secondary PGCE in RE at BGU were up by a quarter on the previous year. This year applications have been steady and some of those applying are exceptionally strong candidates. Today I interviewed someone who was as good as any I have interviewed over the past 12 years. “One of my recent interviewees said he was attracted to RE because it seems such a dynamic and changing subject: always in the news, and forever shifting in response to the landscape of our modern world. It’s fascinating!” Roxanne Fearns, Head of Religious Studies at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, qualified as a teacher at BGU – as did her entire RE department of four teachers! “I love my job – what other subject allows you to enable young people to think and reflect about the world around them and develop their appreciation of different beliefs, religions and practices and the part they play in the today’s diverse world?” she said. “At a time when religion is often misunderstood it’s important for young people to be able to study RE to increase awareness of different beliefs. Because the media sometimes portrays negative images of religion we need teachers who can present a different view. “The PGCE at BGU equips you to be able to engage and enthuse young people into the study of religion and philosophy and to develop their critical thinking skills. “The university has really good links with schools, so trainee teachers can spend more time in school. Some training establishments just ask schools if they will take a student, but BGU specifically picks schools based on how highly they rate the department.” To find out more about BGU’s Theology courses or the Secondary PGCE Religious Education qualification visit www.bgu.ac.uk/courses.
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