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Heritage sites and museums across the East Midlands recognised for their informal learning at awards event
Over 30 museums, historic houses, cathedrals and country parks from the East Midlands that took part in the Sandford Award for Informal Learning (SAIL) were recognised at a major award ceremony this week. SAIL, a National Lottery Heritage Fund joint initiative of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and the Heritage Education Trust, supports museums and heritage sites to create memorable learning experiences for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. From family discovery trails and toddler ‘mini museum’ play sessions to reminiscence sessions for visitors with dementia and autism-friendly visits, visitors to these award-winning sites can enjoy new opportunities to touch objects, share stories and see previously hidden treasures. Dr Tracy Borman, Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust, who presented the awards at the ceremony which took place at the National Civil War Centre, Newark said: “I am delighted to be presenting the SAIL awards, which recognise and celebrate informal learning at heritage sites. When we hear the term ‘heritage education’, we tend to think of school visits, but learners come from all backgrounds - from families and young adults to aspiring historians and those with special needs, or visitors simply looking for an enjoyable day out. Our award winners have shown just what a difference high quality programmes can make to visitors of all ages and abilities.” Professor Scott Fleming, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of BGU said: “The awards event was a wonderful celebration of inspiring work from across the East Midlands. So much of what’s been achieved is exactly what BGU is all about – inclusive education, outstanding learning, sharing heritage and changing lives. We’re delighted to have been involved.” Anne Jenkins, Director Midlands & East at the National Lottery Heritage Fund explained how the project was a perfect candidate for its support. “The National Lottery Heritage Fund has supported nearly 12,000 projects with over £1.6 billion National Lottery funding in the Midlands and East region, including the National Civil War Centre. Learning is central to most of our projects. Delivering best practice in learning has certainly been at the heart of this project led by Bishop Grosseteste University. The programme has played an invaluable role in building the confidence and skills of the heritage sector in this part of the world.” For more information please contact Lorraine Heyes, Sandford Cascade Learning Officer on 07808 018924 or via lorraine.heyes@bishopg.ac.uk Full list of award recipients: Banks Newton Heritage Beaumanor Hall Belton House National Trust Boughton House and the Montagu Monuments Bradgate Park Canalside Heritage Centre Chainbridge Forge Corby Heritage Centre Cotesbach Educational Trust Creswell Crags Museum and Heritage Centre Cromford Mills Derby Museums Trust: Derby Museum and Art Gallery Pickford’s House Doddington Hall Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association Erewash Museum The Flintham Museum The Hero Project Hinckley & District Museum Kedleston Hall National Trust Leicester Cathedral Lincoln Cathedral Lincolnshire County Council The Collection Lincoln Castle Gainsborough Old Hall Museum of Lincolnshire Life Lincolnshire Road Transport Museum National Civil War Centre Nottinghamshire County Council Bestwood Country Park Sherwood Forest Rufford Abbey Perlethorpe Outdoor Education Cotgrave Country Park The Mill at Kingsmill St Michael’s Centre Normanby Hall North Lincolnshire Museum Nottingham Industrial Museum Nottingham News Centre RAF Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre Sir John Moore Foundation Southwell Minster Spalding Gentlemen’s Society Sulgrave Manor Thoresby Park We’ll Meet Again WWII Museum -
BGU research supports trainee teachers in Pakistan
Dr Abigail Parrish, Senior Lecturer in the School of Teacher Development, recently delivered an online seminar for participants at a research workshop organised by the Institute of English Language and Literature at the University of Sindh in Pakistan. Abigail’s session looked at Self-Determination Theory and motivation to learn English, drawing on her research interests, and giving participants chance to think about how they could apply what they learned in their own classrooms. It was attended by 35 participants, the head of the English department and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sindh. One participant noted that the workshop was: "Rich in content and valuable in creating better understanding of the topics that were discussed, there should be more such events as it was a great learning opportunity" This feedback was also shared by the organiser, Dr Ghazal Kazim Syed, who reported that both the head of department and vice chancellor had been very impressed particularly with Abigail's commitment, professionalism and positive attitude to learning. Abigail has been invited to deliver another seminar for undergraduate and postgraduate students at a later date. James Duke, Digital Learning Developer at BGU, facilitated the online delivery of the session, providing invaluable support and advice to ensure it ran smoothly. You can read more about Abigail’s research into student motivation here: Abigail Parrish & Ursula Lanvers (2019). Student motivation, school policy choices and modern language study in England. The Language Learning Journal, 47:3, 281-298. DOI: 10.1080/09571736.2018.1508305 BGU have a global outlook on education, and our courses offer unprecedented opportunities to travel and teach. Our professionally focused educational courses are perfect for learners both within and looking to join the teaching profession. To find out how they can benefit you visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team for more information. -
Special Event Kicks Off Life at BGU for New Mature Students
On Thursday 12th September, the team from the Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) held ‘Over 21s Only!’ a welcome event for incoming mature undergraduate students. Mature undergraduate students can sometimes find settling at university difficult due to the age and experiences differences with their peers. ‘Over 21s Only!’ is designed as a way for these students to ‘kick-start’ their studies at BGU by meeting others in their position, learning about available support, and chatting with existing mature students. Over 40 new students attended the event, representing a range of subject areas and disciplines. They were joined by current BGU students Chris, Stef, Claire, Mick, Judith, and Melanie, who shared their own experiences as mature students at BGU, assisted in workshop sessions, and delivered a campus tour. Students’ Union (SU) President Alan Foster and Vice President: Education Jordan Fane also dropped in to meet the new students and introduce them to the services offered by the SU. The day began with an inspirational talk by Dr Sacha Mason, the Programme Lead for Professional Studies, who emphasised the importance of independent learning and excellent time management for students who may have additional commitments. Other workshop sessions were delivered by Learning Development Tutor Dr Hannah Grenham on developing a growth mindset, problem-solving potential issues while studying, and critical thinking. The day was organised by the CELT team and facilitated by Student Engagement Facilitator Helen Waters-Marsh. The day was warmly received by all who attended, with feedback indicating that 91% felt more confident about beginning their studies as a result of the event. One attendee noted that the event made them feel ‘so excited and much less anxious’, while another expressed relief at ‘Knowing I am not alone on this journey’. This is the third time this important event has been run and it continues to evolve every year. If you are a mature student and would like to be involved in next year’s event, please contact studentchange@bishopg.ac.uk to register your interest. -
Academics' Wellbeing Research Expands to New European Audience
Having enthralled attendees at the British Education Research Association (BERA) special interest group, last month, Teacher trainee wellbeing research led by academics at BGU has reached a European audience at the European Conference on Education Research, organised by the European Education Research Association (EERA). Dr. Emma Clarke, Aimee Quickfall and Shaun Thompson presented the well-being research at the conference in Hamburg to an international audience of education researchers. The trio presented on behalf of the wider team at BGU, which also includes Sue Lambert, Hannah Wells and Dr. Claire Thomson. The pilot study, conducted in 2018/19, tracked the journey of PGCE Primary students in terms of their well-being and used photo-elicitation; participants took two photographs a week that summed up their experience, as well as drawing timelines and recording their challenges and resources for well-being. The project also looked at the teacher training experiences of students in Finland, Denmark and The Netherlands, where the team investigated how different programme structures supported well-being. Aimee commented on the opportunities the conference presented: "We were delighted with the response to our presentation. Colleagues from Australia, Europe and the UK are interested in learning from our pilot findings and getting involved in further research with us. We will be building on these connections to further improve trainee well-being at BGU, and the well-being of trainees in universities across the world." The pilot findings are now being shared with the new PGCE Primary cohort to support their well-being journey to Qualified Teacher Status and beyond, and a main study is being launched to roll out in the UK, Finland and Denmark in 2019/20. Emma explained the motivation for this follow on work: "We really want to use our research to support our teacher trainees, which is why our pilot findings are already being used to make modifications to programmes and shared with trainees." If you’re interested in a future in education, our BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (3 year undergraduate degree), BA (Hons) Primary Teaching Studies with QTS (15 month top up degree), and PGCE courses are the perfect ways to begin or continue your adventure on the path to becoming a fantastic teacher! If you have any questions, our Enquiries Team are ready to help. Contact them today or visit our website to find out how to take your next steps. -
Travellers Initiative Praised for Supporting Young People in Lincolnshire
LiNCHigher, a collaborative outreach programme led by educational providers across Lincolnshire, has been praised in a professional evaluation by the research and insight body Cosmos for its positive, dramatic and meaningful impact on young people in the county. LiNCHigher brings together Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), the University of Lincoln and 45 schools, colleges and other local organisations to understand how to best create tailored activities and events that give inspiration, increase aspiration and support young people in years 9-13 to plan their future education. The evaluation focussed on 10 key projects run by LiNCHigher, including the Lincolnshire Traveller Initiative and the Lincolnshire World of Work Festival. Key findings from the evaluation highlighted that LiNCHigher has had a positive impact on students’ confidence, through their development of an array of new skills after completion of projects. This includes new study skills, techniques and ways of revising, which ensures students can retain information and be more successful in exams. Students also felt more confident in planning ahead – from finances to studying and revision. This included the ability to make decisions about their future, with students feeling as though they were now better informed to make a decision about their educational future. Of the 10 projects covered in the review Cosmos highlighted the Lincolnshire Travellers Initiative, funded by LiNCHigher, for having an especially dramatic and meaningful impact on the community. Case-studies illustrate its efficacy; the programme changed the students’ and parents’ perceptions towards education, gave the learners the opportunity to gain qualifications, increased employability skills, improved students’ confidence, raised the community’s knowledge on health issues, and revealed options and possibilities that were previously perceived as unviable. Given the prevalence of word of mouth recommendations in this culture, the intervention is predicted to have a lasting effect on the community as a whole. Speaking on behalf of LiNCHigher, Senior Project Officer Jessica Darnell, praised the efforts of the county’s educational providers to help the project succeed: “Higher Education should be open to anyone and it is exciting to be working alongside engaged, and enthusiastic providers to help those who would normally face barriers in participating in education. Thanks to the evaluation by the team at Cosmos we have been able to review the focus of the project and can now work with our partners to ensure its positive impact continues as it enters its next phase.” The next phase of the LiNCHigher will see the programme run until at least July 2021. If you are a Lincolnshire student or learning provider and would like to get involved in the LiNCHigher project please email linchigher@bishopg.ac.uk for further information. About Cosmos: Cosmos was selected for their expertise and experience in delivering complex research and evaluation projects within the education sector. They also deliver targeted outreach activities through their flagship Marginal Gains programme. Cosmos worked in close collaboration with LiNCHigher when carrying out the evaluation, which was key in successfully accessing ‘hard to reach’ groups and students. -
Castles, Palaces and a Zoo Among 2019 Sandford Award Winners
Historic houses, palaces, castles, museums, archives, gardens, parks and a zoo are among over 40 heritage attractions to win a Sandford Award for their high quality heritage education provision. Mr Tom O’Leary, Director of Public Engagement, Historic Royal Palaces will present the awards to a broad range of heritage attractions on Monday 18th November at the V&A Museum of Childhood in London (one of this year’s recipients) and Caroline Marcus, Chair- Group for Education in Museums will be guest speaker at the event. Looking ahead to the ceremony, John Hamer, Chairman of the Heritage Education Trust, commented: “It is a great pleasure to be able to welcome this year’s Sandford Award winners to such a delightful venue as the V&A Museum of Childhood. The winners, coming from all parts of the United Kingdom, represent some of the best work currently being achieved in heritage education.” The Sandford Award is managed by Bishop Grosseteste University in partnership with the Heritage Education Trust and recognises and promotes quality and best practice in heritage education provided by sites across the British Isles. The Award is independently judged and offers a quality assured assessment of a site’s formal education programme. More than 500 sites including country houses, museums and galleries, archives, places of worship, wildlife parks, gardens, landscapes and different collections have received the prestigious quality mark since the scheme began in 1978. Speaking on behalf of BGU the University’s Vice-Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, explained why BGU continues to actively support the awards: “Heritage sits at the heart of Bishop Grosseteste and the Sandford Award is a scheme of which we are immensely proud. It is great to see the educational work of so many of the country’s great historic buildings and institutions being rewarded for their inspirational projects designed to make heritage accessible to the public and bringing the past to life in so many creative ways.” For more information about the Sandford Awards, please contact: Jayne Ellis Sandford Award Administrator 01522 583695 Jayne.ellis@bishopg.ac.uk Photo credit: 'Learning at the Palace of Holyroodhouse' - Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2019. Photographer: Jane Massey 2019 Sandford Award winners Beaumanor Hall & Park, Leicestershire Benjamin Franklin House, London Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire Bowhill House & Grounds, Scotland Bradgate Park, Leicestershire Bramall Hall, Greater Manchester Buckingham Palace, London Cannon Hall, South Yorkshire The Charterhouse, London Chester Zoo, Cheshire Chiltern Open Air Museum, Buckinghamshire Cranwell Aviation Heritage Museum, Lincolnshire Dunster Castle & Gardens, Somerset Elsecar Heritage Centre, South Yorkshire Fishbourne Roman Palace, West Sussex Fort Nelson, Hampshire Fulham Palace, London Herschel Museum of Astronomy, Somerset Hill of The O’Neill & Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Northern Ireland Kelmarsh Hall & Gardens, Northamptonshire Kirkleatham Museum, North Yorkshire London Metropolitan Archives Lotherton, West Yorkshire M&S Company Archive, West Yorkshire Milestones Museum, Hampshire The National Archives, London National Army Museum, London National Museum of Ireland- Country Life, Ireland New Walk Museum & Art Gallery, Leicestershire No.1 Royal Crescent, Somerset Oakham Castle, Rutlandshire Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxfordshire Palace of Holyroodhouse, Scotland Roman Baths, Somerset Royal Museums Greenwich, London Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, Dorset Time & Tide Museum, Norfolk Ufton Court Educational Trust, Berkshire V&A Museum of Childhood, London V&A Museum, London Welsh Mining Experience: Rhondda Heritage Park, Wales Wicksteed Park, Northamptonshire Windsor Castle, Berkshire -
New Book Aims to Help Support Autistic Children by Exploring the ‘Two Sides to Every Story’
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) was proud to host the launch of ‘Exploring Theory of Mind with Children & Young People on the Autism Spectrum’ the latest book by Dr Clare Lawrence, Senior Lecturer in Secondary Education at BGU. Subtitled ‘Two Sides to Every Story’, the book explores how theory of mind differences, and the difficulties created by different viewpoints, can lead to frustration and confusion for children with autism. This exploration is lead by carefully structured stories featuring Bryn, who is autistic, his mother and their ‘Wise Dog’. All involve frustrating or confusing social events that befall Bryn leading to meltdowns with each story then told again from another viewpoint. Each night, Wise Dog talks to Bryn and helps him understand what has happened. Alongside the stories of Bryn, his mother and Wise Dog are a wide selection of activities which are based around the stories and are designed to further the reader’s understanding of the challenges faced by children with Autism. These activities include story board and role-playing exercises which are perfect for parents and children to work through together or for teachers to use in classroom situations. Speaking at the launch Clare discussed the positive impact she hoped the book would have: “I’ve been working on this book for a long time and I’m delighted to now see it finished and available for people to enjoy and learn from. The ability to interpret different viewpoints can be a real struggle for children with autism who, due to theory of mind differences, see their version as the truth. My hope now is that this book can educate those who come into contact with children on the spectrum on how to interact with and support children with viewpoint so different to their own”. Clare was supported in the creation of the book by her BGU colleague Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes Primary & Early Years ITE, who provided illustrations. ‘Exploring Theory of Mind with Children & Young People on the Autism Spectrum’ is available now. If you would like to explore a future supporting children and young people, visit our website to book your place on one of our upcoming Open Days where you’ll find out how our wide variety of exciting courses can help you reach your goals. -
Students and Staff Continue International Collaboration with BG Global India
Earlier this year students and staff from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) journeyed to Tirunelveli in Southern India to continue the University’s collaborative partnership in the country. -
Students help local children to discover the exciting possibilities of maths
Students involved in education and mathematics at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) welcomed local school children onto campus to help them explore the fun and entertaining possibilities of maths as part of the first Maths Week England. Maths Week England is designed to raise the profile of maths and promote different ways to engage with the subject in a positive way. At BGU students from a range of courses including BA Primary Education with QTS, Education Studies and Mathematics and Education Studies and Mathematics with a Foundation Year ran activities based around reasoning, problem solving and exploration designed to encourage collaboration between pupils and their teachers. Dr Ashley Compton, Senior Lecturer in Primary at BGU, was one of the event’s organisers and discussed what it, and the wider national initiative, could offer to learners and educators: “Maths Week England is designed to challenge the stereotypes around the subject, take away the anxiety that both children and educators feel towards maths and turn engaging with it into a positive experience. It is an especially key experience for our students as they can now take these lessons into their future classrooms.” And Dr Elizabeth Kimber, Programme Leader for Mathematics at BGU, who organised the event alongside Ashley, explained how the being involved in the activities could also offer academic and social benefits to the BGU students: “By bringing together learners from a range of courses these events allow our students to find a community of fellow mathematicians on campus.” For Sophie Evans, Education Studies and Mathematics student at BGU, who is seeking to move into teaching after her studies the highlight of the event was the opportunity to share the positive side of maths: “Today has been amazing practice for my future. Seeing how different pupils interact with maths and whether they enjoy it or struggle with it. Engaging with mathematics is so often seen as a negative experience but there are real opportunities for fun within it and these pupils will now be able to take those activities and memories back with them.” Eloise Biggin, Education Studies and Maths with a Foundation Year student, echoed Sophie’s feedback: “It’s great that I’m being given the opportunity to experience teaching maths so early into the course. I’m keen to go into teaching when I graduate so being immersed in these activities already is fantastic.” To find out more about BGU’s undergraduate and postgraduate mathematics courses visit our website, speak to a member of our Enquiries Team or join us on one of our Open Days. -
Applications for the 2020 Sandford Awards are Officially Open
Applications are now open for the 2020 Sandford Awards which recognise and promote quality and best practice in educational provision by sites across the British Isles. More than 500 sites including country houses, museums and galleries, places of worship, wildlife parks, historic gardens and landscapes and different collections have received the prestigious quality mark since the scheme began in 1978. They include, Boughton House, Museum of Cannock Chase, St Albans Cathedral, the Tower of the London, and Fota Wildlife Park. The Award is independently judged and offers a quality assured assessment of a site’s formal education programme. The Sandford Award is managed by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in partnership with the Heritage Education Trust. The Award focuses on formal, curriculum-linked education opportunities offered to schools by heritage sites, although recognition is also made of informal learning such as family programmes. The Awards are non-competitive. Applications are welcomed from sites small and large, and run by national institutions, volunteers, local authorities, independent trusts, private owners. What are the benefits for you and your museum or heritage site? A ‘kite mark’ for high quality educational provision The opportunity to use your award to attract school visits and new audiences A detailed consultancy report as part of the expert judging process, which you can use to effect positive change in your organisation The opportunity to attend an award ceremony National recognition among the heritage sector of the personal contribution of you and your staff, which will help to motivate the whole site to develop its good practice further What our award winners have to say “The judge’s report will allow us to receive greater recognition within the framework of our organisation and highlight the significance of the work we do.” Navan Centre & Fort “It’s really useful, not just to have an outside voice to evaluate and respond to what you do, but to have a physical report that can be shared around the museum to really advocate for and showcase the work that is done.” The Geffrye Museum How do I find out more? Our website provides all of the information you need to apply, including details of our criteria and the judging process. A series of films presented by Sandford Award judges and education officers at Award winning sites give tips and examples of good practice in heritage learning. https://www.heritageeducationtrust.org/ How do I apply? To enter your site for a Sandford Award, all you need to do is complete an application form which is available to download from our website and submit it by email or post. What does it cost to apply? The application fee is £350 per site. If your organisation manages more than one site, you should submit a separate application for each. Deadline for entries: 14 February 2020 For more information about the Sandford Awards, please contact: Jayne Ellis Sandford Award Administrator 01522 583695 Jayne.ellis@bishopg.ac.uk
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