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BGU Commits to Greater Public Engagement
To demonstrate its commitment to engaging with the wider community, Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln has joined the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCPPE) and signed up to its manifesto. The move is part of BGU’s wider stakeholder engagement work which forms an important part of the university’s five-year strategy. The term ‘public engagement’ describes the many ways in which higher education, learning experiences and research can be shared with the general public. The NCPPE says public engagement “is by definition a two-way process, involving interaction and listening, with the goal of generating mutual benefit.” The Reverend Canon Prof Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of BGU, commented: “I am very pleased that Bishop Grosseteste University has now signed up to the NCCPE’s Manifesto for Public Engagement. “This is a reflection of our long-term public engagement strategy and of our continuing dedication to our various communities. I am looking forward to encouraging further public engagement efforts by the university and all its members.” BGU has been increasing its investment in staff volunteering, which builds on the successes of its existing student volunteering scheme. High levels of student volunteering have helped BGU to establish itself amongst the top three universities for employability in the whole of UK, as seen from the latest Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) survey published by HESA, the Higher Education Statistics Agency. BGU also offers public lectures on campus and innovative skills development courses ranging from journalism to paediatric first aid and from writing skills courses to Makaton. The university’s enterprise incubation centre, BG Futures, plays an important role in engaging with the business community and the campus hosts regular national and international conferences. -
Big Issue Founder to Speak at Lincoln Conference
Lord John Bird, founder of The Big Issue, will be the keynote speaker at a conference in Lincoln next month which will help school leaders to improve the emotional wellbeing of young people. Think2Speak LIVE at Bishop Grosseteste University on Thursday 13th October is the first conference of its kind to be organised by Think2Speak, a community interest company based at BG Futures at BGU. The company and the conference aim to show those who work with young people how they can support their emotional wellbeing and understand the impact and value of doing so. Think2Speak, set up by Lizzie Jordan and Naomi Watkins, provides workshops, advice and consultancy to support schools where young people are affected by issues surrounding matters such as self-harm, suicide, HIV, domestic abuse, puberty, LGBT and mental health. John Bird, who was brought up in an orphanage, served time in a young offenders’ institution and often slept rough in London as a young man, will share his story and describe how his childhood and those he met influenced his life. “Staff in many schools have difficult conversations with young people that could be handled much better,” said Lizzie. “When schools ask for help we go in to support the senior management team, the teachers and the pupils with a range of services, including training, workshops, counselling and advocacy. “Our inaugural one-day conference is all about discussing the difficulties schools are facing, the benefits to the whole school for investing in emotional wellbeing, and signposting staff to the support that’s available.” In the morning there will be a series of short, focused TED-style talks covering the personal impact, the academic perspective and the school experience of the value of investing in emotional wellbeing of students, young people and the wider community. In the afternoon delegates will go back to the classroom to participate in a series of bookable workshops on topics including domestic abuse, puberty, HIV, suicide and self-harm. The sessions will make use of combinations of teacher training and demonstrations of the student workshops available to both primary and secondary schools. Simon Blake, Chief Executive of the National Union of Students, will also give a presentation on the day. Think2Speak LIVE is free of charge for senior leaders working in education. This includes head teachers, assistant heads, principals, deputies, business managers, heads of department of schools, colleges and universities, and heads of local authority education departments, national curriculum and government-funded education organisations. Limited paid for tickets are available – details are available at https://www.think2speak.com/think2speak-live/ -
Royal Visit to Mark Opening of Landmark Building at BGU
HRH the Duke of Gloucester will visit Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln next week to officially open the university’s latest new building. The £2.2 million extension to Constance Stewart Hall, which has created a new landmark building at the junction of Newport and Longdales Road, will be opened on Thursday 6thJuly. The works have doubled the size of the teaching block and involved building a steel-framed structure on top of part of the original building to give the university an additional seven teaching spaces set over two floors. This approach of building over an existing structure means that BGU will significantly increase its teaching space capacity without increasing the building’s overall footprint, which helps to maintain the green and open feel of the campus. During his visit to Lincoln on 6th July the Duke of Gloucester will also officially open the Battles and Dynasties Exhibition at The Collection. At BGU he will be introduced to dignitaries including the Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Christopher Lowson; the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Chris Burke; Lincoln’s MP Karen Lee; the Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil; and the university’s Chancellor, Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas. On a tour of the campus the Duke will visit the university’s business centre BG Futures, the Victorian chapel and the new Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching which opened in March. He will then officially open the new extension at Constance Stewart Hall by unveiling a plaque at approximately 2.45pm. A bold statement “This iconic addition to our estate really makes a bold statement in uphill Lincoln that BGU is an outward-facing institution,” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “It’s further evidence of our ongoing commitment to invest in our teaching resources to ensure our students continue to have an outstanding experience.” Steve Deville, Director of Resources at BGU, said: “This fantastic new building reinforces BGU’s commitment to invest in our students and their learning experience. “This building is to be opened just a few months after our new Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching facility and will provide students with flexible teaching spaces and state-of-the-art facilities to aid their learning.” The new teaching spaces will incorporate moveable partition walls, increasing their flexibility, meaning that they can be used not only for teaching but also for a variety of functions and events. Delivered by Lincoln-based architects LK2 and local construction company Robert Woodhead Ltd, the project was carried out in two phases and saw a 7,770 square foot extension added to the Constance Stewart Hall to accommodate new teaching space. The extension is supported by an impressive steel framework made from locally sourced steel and erected by Robert Woodhead Ltd. Throughout the project, contractors pledged to use local resources wherever possible. The project was procured through the empa framework which is managed by Scape Group. The development of the new building on campus was an opportunity to enhance the graduate attributes of BGU students, who were able to gain valuable work experience on the project with Robert Woodhead Ltd. -
BGU student organises activity day for young carers
A BGU Drama in the Community student recently organised an activity day with forty young carers from across Lincolnshire. Every year Drama in the Community students at BGU complete a community project in their final year working with a community group for approximately three months. The communities vary from work with the elderly, projects with people with mental health issues, special needs, schools, youth groups and many more. Chloe Stewart, a third year Drama in the Community student, decided to work with young carers for her project. Her project culminated in an activity day at the BGU campus giving young carers the opportunity to relax, socialise and try out a range of activities. The young people took part in drama, dance, samba band, sports and craft workshops. Chloe said “after speaking to some of the young carers, it was apparent that the day had had an effect on them. “Some expressed that the day had given them the opportunity to get away from their responsibilities, others said how thrilled they were to have tried the different activities that were available for them, and some just stated how nice it was to meet individuals of a similar age to them in a similar situation. “I felt immense pride in watching the two communities come together to give the young carers the opportunity to have some time away from their home life and responsibilities.” To make the day a success Chloe liaised with a number of outside organisations, companies and Lincolnshire County Council. Freshtime Futures Trust, a charity from Boston that give young individuals funding to achieve their goals, invested just under £1000 to enable the day to go ahead. The connections made at the event will be long lasting and there is hope that the event will be held again in the future. The community project is just one of many opportunities that Drama in the Community students at BGU get involved with. Chloe said “the course gives students incredible opportunities. I am thrilled we are given the chance to go out into the world and use our knowledge and skills to benefit a community. “It is incredible to be able to see your hard work come to life and what real effect you can have on other individuals.” Find out more about studying Drama at BGU. -
Celebrating a Year of Improving Access to Higher Education
A scheme which aims to double the proportion of disadvantaged young people going to university will celebrate its achievements so far at an event in Woodhall Spa this week. LiNCHigher is led in Lincolnshire by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and is part of a wider national initiative (NCOP) funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) to raise aspirations amongst young people. The overall aim is to meet government targets to improve access to higher education and the scheme will run for two years until December 2018, and possibly beyond. Around 50 guests are expected to attend the celebration at Woodhall Spa Manor on Wednesday 1st November, including the Mayor of Lincoln, Councillor Chris Burke and Professor Jayne Mitchell, Deputy Vice Chancellor of BGU. Since its formation in January 2017 the project team, consortium partners and delivery partners have worked to change attitudes towards higher education, improve knowledge of the options available to young people and raise aspirations within communities. “LiNCHigher is committed to offering information, advice and guidance for the young people of Lincolnshire and promoting local opportunities for their futures,” said Project Officer Natalie Poole. “We hope to inspire a new generation of students to grow and realise their aspirations while studying in or outside of Lincolnshire. “Our celebration event will bring together key stakeholders to encourage discussions around skills needs, higher education and Lincolnshire’s business community.” BGU's Professor Jayne Mitchell added: “The LiNCHigher project has made significant progress in engaging with young people, parents and teachers across Lincolnshire. As the success of the project gathers speed, support from partners and the wider community will prove ever more critical. “This celebration event will showcase our successes so far, introduce new stakeholders to the project and discuss plans for the future. It should be a fabulous event and I’m looking forward to welcoming our guests as Chair of the LiNCHigher Governance Board.” -
BGU social enterprise founder meets Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
The founder of a social enterprise based at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln met the newly engaged Royal couple in Nottingham this month. Lizzie Jordan, founder of BG Futures-based social enterprise Think2Speak, was invited to meet Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle at the Royal couple’s first public engagement together. The visit to Nottingham on World AIDS Day (1 December) honoured lives lost to HIV. It also marked the medical progress made in the fight against the virus and acknowledged individuals and organisations working in the sector. Lizzie Jordan, who became a mother, a widow and discovered she was HIV positive all within 18 months more than a decade ago, was amongst the invited guests. She was one of the first to meet the couple to share the work Think2Speak does with young people. Lizzie’s son Jay and fellow Think2Speak directors Alan Searle and Matthew Stringer also attended the event. Speaking after the event Lizze said, “It’s testament to Harry that he’s really following in his mother’s footsteps and flying the flag for things that many others would rather shy away from. “It’s just a shame that 30 years on we’re still having to bang the drum and talk about this issue. I go into schools across the country every week and the young people I meet don’t have the awareness of the Diana era. “We have got a generation where HIV isn’t on their radar and Think2Speak are working hard to change that!” The Royal couple are understood to have wanted to make the Terrence Higgins Trust World Aids Day charity fair the key moment for their first outing, after Prince Harry previously attempted to help break the stigma by taking an HIV test in public. Lizzie’s son Jay said, “It was funny because Meghan recognised my Mum and knew our family’s story from the BBC One documentary The Truth About HIV, that Prince Harry was also in. “Harry asked me what I knew about HIV and if I was proud of my Mum. I was so proud to be able to talk to them both about the work that she does.” Becky Goodman, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures said, “We are extremely proud of what Lizzie is achieving with Think2Speak, and this is testament to her dedication and drive.” Learn more about Think2Speak. -
WATCH: BGU lecturers' TEDx talks
Lecturers from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln spoke at a new TEDx event in October. Lincoln hosted its first ever TEDx event, TEDx Brayford Pool, on 28 October 2017. The theme of TEDx Brayford Pool was 'Past. Present. Future' and the event highlighted the best and most current ideas generated in Lincoln and Lincolnshire. Lyndsay Muir, Senior Lecturer in Drama Education at BGU, discussed self-identified trans people creatively orchestrating conversations with the wider population. Dr Jack Cunningham, BGU’s programme leader for Theology and Reader in Ecclesiastical History, presented a keynote talk about Robert Grosseteste. Dr Elinor Vettraino, programme leader for Business and Enterprise at BGU, explored self directed learning in a university setting. Andrew Whitehall, who delivers short courses at BGU, explored what neurodiversity can teach us about the way we learn. Lizzie Jordan, founder of BG Futures-based social enterprise Think2Speak, delivered her talk 'Let's Talk About Sex, Baby'. Lewis Smith, BGU graduate in Education Studies with Special Educational Needs & Inclusion, reflected on whether it's schooling or education that makes you who you are. Click here to read more about the event. -
BGU Welcomes International Delegates
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) welcomed government officials and industry leaders from the Chinese province of Hunan as they visited campus for a tour of facilities. Exploring the BGU campus as a part of their wider visit to Lincoln on 18 April, the delegates were particularly interested in the work of BG Futures, who are dedicated to supporting small and start-up businesses, as well as the exciting projects and hard work being undertaken by BGU’s Business Team Entrepreneurship students. With many of the delegates coming from the Province’s food industry the entrepreneurial efforts of BGU students setting up their own food based companies were something of a show-stopper. Hunan is largely agricultural, making Lincolnshire an ideal location for business partnerships, and has a population of around 70 million, bigger than the entire UK. Recent focus within the Province has been on developing its machinery, steel, tobacco, food processing and electronics sectors in addition to its traditional rice and cotton growing and now industry leaders are looking to expand their international connections. Wayne Dyble, International Manager at BGU, highlighted the importance of the visit to a number of BGU’s ongoing projects around the world: “The International Team at BGU have been working incredibly hard to bring the University to the wider world. We are already engaged in projects throughout Hunan Province with Hengyang Normal University (www.hynu.edu.cn) and Hunan First Normal University and it’s fantastic to see our endeavours continue to grow with today’s visit.” You can find more information on BGU’s international projects on their website. -
LiNCHigher inspires local young people to enter higher education with week of events
This week LiNCHigher is participating in events to help around 800 local young people and their influencers understand higher education options as part of a nationwide week of action. In Lincolnshire, young people are less likely to go into higher education than in other areas of the country despite similar GCSE results. LiNCHigher works across Lincolnshire as part of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP), funded by the Office for Students (OfS), to change this. It brings together Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and the University of Lincoln with 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. This week’s events will give these young people an opportunity visit a university campus, participate in motivation workshops, learn new revision techniques and try online tools to help them make decisions about future courses and jobs. Naomi Prendergast, LiNCHigher Project Manager, said, “It’s really important for the local area and our young people that they are supported to achieve their full potential. There are some excellent further and higher education institutions in Lincolnshire where young people can gain the skills, experience and qualifications to succeed in the work place. Our Project Team work in schools and in the community throughout the year to raise aspirations and give young people the tools they need to progress onto higher education. We understand the importance of teachers, parents and carers in this journey and are committed to supporting them too.” The NCOP week of action (4 – 8 June) shines a spotlight on the national network of partners and will be accompanied by social media activity as well as events across the country. For further information, please contact Helen Lee on 01522 585623 or email helen.lee@bishopg.ac.uk Planned Activities Monday 4 June Goal Mapping – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 9 (Positively Mad) University of Nottingham visit – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 10 Motivation workshop - Barnes Wallis Academy: year 10 (Luke Staton) Goal Mapping – The Priory Witham Academy: year 8 (Positively Mad) Motivation workshop - Giles Academy: year 10 (Luke Staton) Tuesday 5 June UCAS Workshop – Walton Girls High School: year 12, 13 (Nottingham Trent University) Career Investigator – Giles Academy: year 9 Progress and pathways evening - The Priory Witham Academy: year 12 Summer school meeting – Bishop Burton College Wednesday 6 June Improving attitudes – Haven High Academy: year 9-10 (First Story) Progression evening – Walton Girls High School: year 12 Exam preparation and motivation workshop – Sir Robert Pattinson Academy: year 12 Road Hog Bus – Tunnard Street, Boston Meeting with Justin Brown, Lincolnshire County Council Thursday 7 June Motivation Workshop - Skegness Grammar School Student Voice - Walton Girls High School: year 9-12 Medical Mentee Induction – Kestevan and Grantham Girls School Futures Club – Giles Academy Parents Evening – Peele Community College: year 10 UCAS evening – The Priory City of Lincoln Academy: year 12 Friday 8 June Inspirational Speaker morning - Kamal Hyman – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 9 Heads of year meeting – University Academy Holbeach 2Engage Performance at Manchester Met University Student voice – Lincoln Christ Hospital School: year 9-13 EMWPREP Steering Group and Meeting – Loughborough University -
BGU Courses celebrate graduation of their first cohorts
Graduation is always a special time at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), offering an opportunity to celebrate the hard-earned achievements of students and staff.
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