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Dr Steve McNichol
Steve joined Bishop Grosseteste University after eleven years teaching in primary schools. During his teaching career, Steve taught throughout the primary age range and developed specialisms in behaviour management and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Having completed the National Programme for Specialist Leaders of Behaviour, Steve undertook the role of lead behaviour teacher in three schools and has also led provision for pupils with SEND as a Special Educational NeedsCo-ordinator (SENCO). Steve holds a Master's Degree in Education from the Open University, a Doctorate in Education from the University of Nottingham and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). Teaching Steve holds the role of Associate Dean for Teaching and learning, promoting high quality curriculum, pedagogy and practice across the university. He is also is the Programme Leader for the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-ordination (NA-SENCO), a nationally recognised master's-level qualification for current and aspiring Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators in schools. Steve also leads the teaching of behaviour management skills for students on undergraduate and postgraduate routes into teaching. He also makes a significant contribution to the teaching of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) on courses that lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). -
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Bishop Grosseteste University celebrates excellent National Student Survey results
For three subjects in particular BGU placed in the top ten in the UK, with Literature and English finishing in first place with a satisfaction score of 100%, Sport Science ranking second with 96%, and Health Studies rising to 10th nationally with a 90% satisfaction score. The NSS is an annual survey for undergraduate students that invites them to share feedback on their university experience. Around half a million students are asked to give their opinions relating to various aspects of their course, including teaching quality, assessment and feedback, and learning community. The results help prospective students make informed choices about their education and provide important data for universities and colleges to improve their student experience. The latest survey results show BGU has made substantial improvements in ranking across all NSS core question categories. In the 2022 survey, BGU is ranked in the top 30 for eight out of nine categories – including first for timely feedback, third for student assessment and feedback, and sixth for learning resources. Satisfaction with access to learning resources has also improved, with satisfaction with library resources climbing to 4th, and access to course specific resources rising to 14th. Other highlights also include Education and Teaching Training course areas, placed in the top 25 which is their highest ever ranking to date, and Childhood and Youth Studies reporting above sector satisfaction rates. Rob Boast, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Students) at BGU, said: “The community at BGU prides itself on ensuring that students are a name not a number, and we’re pleased that so many of our final year undergraduates, who experienced all the turbulence of learning throughout the pandemic, have shared such positive feedback about their time with us. “As a small university we are perfectly positioned to offer our students a personal and tailored experience, so it is encouraging that areas such as academic support, assessment and feedback, learning community and student voice have reported high satisfaction rates. “The sharp rise in our ranking across several categories reflects a lot of hard work from our staff across all departments, working collaboratively to provide a student-focussed learning experience, and we will continue with our ambitious plans to expand on our outstanding record for student progression, achievement and employability on a national level.” -
Partnership Information
23/24 Primary Settings Booklet -
BGU graduate given Prue Goodwin Award!
This year's Prue Goodwin award has been presented to Bishop Grosseteste University Children’s Literature and Literacies MA student (now 2024 graduate) Emma Edwards, in recognition of her Master's dissertation which explored representations of disability in children's literature. Her research around this topic was incredibly in-depth and she was "very interested in the types of characters represented in literature, as well as how the children interpreted and understood them." Dr Prue Goodwin, who received an honorary doctorate from BGU in 2021, has been an inspiration to many colleagues and their teaching. Prue Goodwin trained as a teacher at BGU (1965-1965) and is now a world authority on Primary Education. She is a longstanding member of the UK Literacy Association (UKLA) and a prolific writer, having written and edited more than 18 books and guides. Emma commented: "I am really grateful that my master’s dissertation has been recognised through the Prue Goodwin award. I referred to her work during the research element of the study. The final dissertation was a result of a lot of hard work and was particularly challenging as I was balancing a Primary School teaching role, a new Senior Lecturer role and a young family.My dissertation stemmed from two key pieces of academic writing. Bishop (1990) identified that books were, ‘Mirrors, Windows and Sliding Glass Doors.’ Blaska (2004) built on this work and went on to identify that ‘Perhaps no group has been as overlooked and inaccurately presented in children’s books as individuals with disabilities.’ My final work focused on representations of disability within children’s literature, particularly focusing on visible disabilities. I’m really proud of the work through this piece of research and I hope that I will have the opportunity to share my findings and build further on my understanding of representations within children’s literature in the future." Her award was presented by award-winning children's author Hannah Gold on Thursday 24th of July just after the BGU Graduation ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral. Hannah was attending the ceremony to receive her Honorary Doctorate from BGU. Congratulations Emma! -
End of an Era as Muriel Robinson Steps Down at BGU
The first Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln retires from her post today. Professor Muriel Robinson has been at the helm of the institution for almost ten years and has overseen a decade of growth, modernisation and diversification at the university. Having joined in 2003 as Principal of Bishop Grosseteste College, she was installed in January as the first Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. During her time as the head of the institution the number of students at BGU and the range of degree courses offered has expanded significantly. BGU gained the authority to award its own degrees in 2006 and achieved university title in 2012. She will be succeeded by the Rev Professor Peter Neil, who takes up the post of Vice Chancellor on 1st May 2013. “So far I have been at school, at college, a teacher, a lecturer and finally a vice chancellor. At last the bell for playtime is ringing!” said Professor Robinson, “I’m very much looking forward to the next phase of my life and I have so much more I want to do, from the trivial daily satisfaction of sending people birthday cards on time to the bigger plans around finding some enriching voluntary roles and finally having time to get to know this great county of Lincolnshire properly. “Of course I shall miss so many of the people I have worked with, and in particular the stimulation of our student body, but I know that both for me and for BGU this is the right time to step down. “We are on the brink of the next phase of our life as a university and it is appropriate for someone with new energies and new ideas to take BGU on that journey. “I wish BGU every success in the years ahead and I’m really proud to have been associated with it. Being first Principal and then Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University has been the best last job anyone could want!” Notes to editors Professor Muriel Robinson studied English and Education to doctoral level at the University of London and worked as a primary school teacher before becoming an education academic at Brighton Polytechnic (later the University of Brighton). She was Deputy Head of the School of Education at the University of Brighton and Vice Principal of Newman College of Higher Education before becoming Principal of BG in 2003. Bishop Grosseteste University College Lincoln was established in 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. It is an independent higher education institution based in Lincoln and awarding its own degrees at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level. It changed its name from Bishop Grosseteste University College to Bishop Grosseteste University in November 2012. -
BGU Lays Foundations for Work-Based Degree
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln welcomed a new intake of Foundation Degree students in February to cope with high demand for places. 23 students enrolled on the two-year course at the beginning of February in addition to the 120 students who started in September. "The increased popularity of the foundation degree sparked our decision to introduce a second intake of students that commenced in February," said Sacha Mason, Academic Co-ordinator for the Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU. "This year we have enrolled a record number of students to the course, and further interest is still being shown for the forthcoming academic year." A former children's entertainer from Durham, Matthew St Julien, has set his sights on developing his knowledge and increasing his range of skills after enrolling onto the course. He has six years' experience dealing with young people after working as a Redcoat at two Butlins resorts and overseas in America for the kids club on the Disney Cruise Line. "I've always enjoyed working with children from an entertainment aspect but decided to broaden my horizons," said Matthew. "The foundation course BGU offers was my best option. The combination of applying my years of experience to theory is simply the best of both worlds." In addition to studying at BGU Matthew is also volunteering as a teaching assistant twice a week at The Meadows Primary School in Lincoln. "As a teaching assistant I am responsible for small group learning, which gives me the opportunity to practise what I am taught on the course with the children in a more controlled setting. The information I'm receiving from the course is an eye-opener and I am considering furthering my education at BGU to increase my career prospects." Mother-of-three from Caistor Rachael Goeminne made the decision to utilise her free time and her child raising experience by enrolling on the course last month. She currently volunteers at Caistor Church of England and Methodist Primary School twice a week while learning in her spare time. "I left education 26 years ago which made me particularly nervous when I first started the course," said Rachael. "However the tutors and advisors have been very welcoming which is encouraging. The course has exposed me to many possibilities that I will consider for my future career within teaching or social care. Juggling studying, volunteering and family responsibilities can be quite intense at times, but I'm enjoying it nevertheless and hope to continue on to do a BA Honours degree at BGU." The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies is a work-based course appropriate for people who want to gain industry experience alongside studying for a degree. Students require a minimum of one year's experience working or volunteering with children, and continue to do so over the duration of their study. Foundation degrees are the equivalent of two-thirds of a full honours degree (BA Hons). The courses are designed to provide students with both a qualification and relevant skills which will appeal to employers. "A large number of foundation degree students advance to do a third year at BGU to gain a full BA (Hons) degree as they understand its importance for career progression," said Sacha. The Foundation Degree in Applied Studies at BGU offers three pathways: Early Childhood, Children and Youth Work and Learning Support. To find out how to apply for a place, visit our course pages or call 01522 527347. -
New Head Transforms Failing School in Just Two Terms
An inspiring head teacher has transformed his school just six months after taking up his first headship. Buckminster Primary School between Grantham and Melton Mowbray was placed in special measures by Ofsted in April last year, and Bishop Grosseteste University graduate Jon Brown (36) was appointed as its new head over the summer. Today staff, children and parents at the school are celebrating after Ofsted took the school out of special measures and rated it as good with outstanding features. "For a school to come out of special measures so quickly is incredible - almost unprecedented," said Mr Brown, who trained as a teacher and studied for his MA at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln. "Together we've turned the school round in just two terms, which is very rare. The biggest issue I faced when I arrived was that there were key areas that needed radical change. The school had limited leadership in place and the progress of children had eroded.I put firm plans in place and made new appointments, and in September we hit the ground running. The staff have had constant training about all elements of good to outstanding teaching and learning, and they've all pulled together. "We now have very robust systems in place to identify and track children's progress to make sure they achieve their full potential." Buckminster Primary School had its first monitoring visit by inspectors on 12th September 2013 and inspectors converted a further visit earlier this month into a full inspection. The school was taken out of special measures on Wednesday 5th February."The staff and I have worked really hard to refocus the children's attitude to learning, and the teamwork and community feel of the school is now very strong," said Mr Brown. He paid tribute to other local schools, CfBT Education Trust, Leicestershire County Council and staff at Bishop Grosseteste University, whom he described as "absolutely instrumental in providing continuous professional development. It's fantastic to have an institution at the cutting edge of education innovation and research right on our doorstep," he said. "So many of the skills I've had to employ at Buckminster were certainly born at BGU." "One of my very first lectures on outstanding teaching was about taking risk - I took a risk here and through hard work and dedication we have achieved our goals." Mr Brown is a member of the University Court at BGU and was made a fellow of Bishop Grosseteste University in 2007. He completed his MA in 2011 and graduated with his identical twin brother Nick, who is now Assistant Head of The Priory Academy LSST in Lincoln. "The children, staff and governors have all played an integral part in the transformational changes that have now taken place," he added. "The goal now is to get this school to outstanding across the board, where it deserves to be. I want the school to build its own vision and its own future involving children, parents and all the staff, and that's something that will set it on its journey to being outstanding." Bishop Grosseteste University was established in uphill Lincoln in January 1862 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2012. It is an independent higher education institution which awards its own degrees at foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate level. It changed its name from Bishop Grosseteste University College to Bishop Grosseteste University in November 2012. Buckminster Primary School is a small, rural school for children aged four to 11. The school is housed in a Victorian building on the private Buckminster Estate between the villages of Buckminster and Sewstern on the Lincolnshire / Leicestershire border. The Ofsted report published today rates Buckminster Primary School as good with outstanding features. The quality of teaching is rated as good, the achievement of pupils is good, the behaviour and safety of children is outstanding and leadership and management of the school is outstanding. To view the report visit the school's website at https://www.buckminster.leics.s... or download the PDF from the Cision newsroom, at https://mb.cision.com/Public/235/9541734/85939b1d4da1533a.pdf. News release 24th February 2014 -
New Book Promotes Values and Vision for Education
A book has been published by academics at Bishop Grosseteste University which encourages students and teachers to develop a vision for the role and purpose of primary education. Values and Vision in Primary Education has been edited by Kathleen Taylor, a visiting tutor at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, and Dr Richard Woolley, Head of the Centre for Education and Inclusion at the University of Worcester. The book is published by the Open University Press priced £22.99 and was launched at Bishop Grosseteste University on Tuesday 9th July. “Against a backdrop of government initiatives and strategies it is essential that teachers have a vision for the roles and purposes of education,” said the editors. “This book provides teachers and student teachers with the scaffolding to develop reflective practice as they journey towards an evolving philosophy of education. “It offers a unique perspective on the applied philosophy of education that is not found in any other text.” Values and Vision in Primary Education features contributions from a number of educators who have worked in primary initial teacher education at Bishop Grosseteste University on subjects including creativity, play, problem solving, technology and belief. 12th July 2013 -
Shortage of RE Teachers Becoming Acute, Says BGU Expert
Easter is approaching but children's religious education is being damaged by an acute shortage of qualified RE teachers, according to a leading figure in Lincolnshire education. An increasing numbers of British children do not recognise stories such as the Nativity, the Crucifixion and Adam and Eve as coming from the Bible. Nigel Appleton, Dean of Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, says RE is an important subject which is being neglected because of a lack of teachers training in the subject. More than half of RE lessons in Lincolnshire's secondary schools are taught by non-specialists while over half of primary teachers don't feel confident teaching RE. "RE is a subject which is central to the school curriculum but it sometimes doesn't get the attention it deserves," he said. "Bishop Grosseteste University has been granted some additional PGCE secondary RE training places for 2014-15 in recognition of our track record of supporting RE in schools, and a few of these additional places are still available." "We also ensure our primary trainees are prepared to teach RE and have an opportunity to train to lead the subject in their primary schools. Recruitment is also still open for the primary PGCE." The growing crisis in RE teaching has coincided with new research which shows that UK children are unfamiliar with stories from the Bible. A survey for the Bible Society published in February found almost three in 10 young people were unaware that the story of the birth of Jesus came from the Bible. A similar number of children had never read or heard about tales of the Crucifixion or Adam and Eve. The report was based on a poll of 800 children aged eight to 15. Gillian Georgiou, Diocesan RE Adviser at the Diocese of Lincoln, said the problem is becoming acute for all schools. "It's certainly difficult for schools to find specialists with an RE degree," she said. "More than half of RE teaching in the UK is done by teachers who are not RE specialists, so we can assume that the situation in Lincolnshire is similar." "A quarter of primary teachers receive no training in RE at all and almost half receive less than three hours in their entire training programme. Most of the primary teachers I talk to are not confident about teaching the subject." A recent report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Religious Education, entitled RE: The Truth Unmasked, found: in over half of the 300 participating primary schools some or all pupils were taught RE by someone other than their class teacher in a quarter of these schools RE was taught by teaching assistants - a finding the report found "unacceptable" about half of primary teachers and trainee teachers lack confidence in teaching RE there is a wide variation in the extent of initial teacher training in RE and too many trainee teachers have little effective preparation for teaching the subject over half of RE teachers in secondary schools have no qualification or appropriate expertise in the subject - a finding which the report again found "unacceptable" Gillian Georgiou added that RE should be more highly valued by people thinking of training for a teaching career. "It's a subject that touches on the majority of different areas of human experience. It's highly valued by parents, universities and head teachers and it's essential in helping children to engage with the community locally, nationally and globally," she said. To find out more about primary and secondary PGCE RE training at Bishop Grosseteste University call 01522 527347 or visit our PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary pages.
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