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Survey Week success!
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) recently concluded its Survey Week, which ran from 30th January to 3rd February. During the week, students were encourage to take part in two surveys: the BGU Student Satisfaction Survey (BGUSSS) and the National Student Survey (NSS). The BGUSSS provides students with the opportunity to reflect on various aspects of their learning experience, including teaching, assessment, support, and resources. The NSS is a national survey that encourages final-year students to share their views on their overall experience at the University. Both surveys provide vital data that helps the University understand what is working well and where improvements need to be made. As part of the activities, students had the opportunity to meet some friendly dogs, enjoy delicious treats, free pizza, and engage with the Students’ Union clubs and societies. Those who participated in the BGUSSS were entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £50 One4all voucher and a £5 catering voucher for use in The Union Bar, Curiositea, or the Refectory (to be collected in person). NSS entries had the chance to win up to £150 reimbursement towards graduation costs.* Two winning students receiving their prizes In addition to the two surveys, What Uni also visited the campus, so students could write a review about BGU for the WhatUni? Student Choice Awards. Those who participated in this were entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a £2,000 voucher.* BGU saw an excellent turn out for Survey Week, with response rates for both surveys up on the same time last year. The University values and considers all feedback given by its students and this is an opportunity for students to make their voices heard and be part of shaping the learning community at BGU. The information provided by these surveys is considered at University level and used to inform the University's strategic planning processes. This ensures that the University is continually working to improve the quality of the student experience, in line with student feedback. Each autumn, BGU produces a summary document reviewing the findings of both surveys and outlining key information, as well as detailing how the University plans to improve in key areas. * Winners are being contacted directly. -
Brewing Innovation: Roadshow Aims to Drive Business Success in Lincolnshire
In a bid to support innovation throughout Lincolnshire, businesses across the region can find out how to secure a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), funded by Innovate UK, during a three-day roadshow serving up free barista-style coffee and business advice. The roadshow is a collaboration between Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and the University of Lincoln, UK, and will see ‘The Very Cool Coffee Bus’ visit several locations across Lincolnshire this March. Visitors will be able to chat with professional teams from both universities, find out more about the benefits of a KTP and how to apply for one. KTPs aim to help businesses improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills within the UK knowledge base. They offer an opportunity to collaborate with an expert academic team from either university which will support the delivery of a particular business initiative. Contributions are determined by the size of the business and the sector it belongs to. Bishop Grosseteste University’s KTP lead Linette Wallace said: “Innovation is the lifeblood of any organisation. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships offer robust support and can help to embed the expertise needed to make this happen. “We’d love to hear from any business if they have an idea to grow or make transformational changes within their business but don’t have all the in-house expertise needed to develop it, as a KTP may be the perfect solution.” BGU recently secured its first Knowledge Transfer Partnership with Lincolnshire Community & Voluntary Service (LCVS). The partnership will be worth £162,063 over a two-year period, with UKRI Innovate contributing two thirds of the funding. Lincolnshire CVS is a local charity that is dedicated to empowering the voluntary sector and promote the health and wellbeing of the wider community. The collaboration aims to enable the organisation to develop new and existing services, promote new business opportunities and effectively communicate the charity’s impact to its wider audience. David Fannin, CEO at Lincolnshire CVS, said: “This collaboration with BGU will support our core business development and our ability to communicate impact and the value of empowered communities. “Better still, it will help LCVS to do what we do best: strengthening the conditions that enable stronger, inclusive communities and empowered people. This is helping to foster the conditions for dynamic local economies that are key to unlocking prosperity, where people can reach their full potential.” The roadshow will take place over the following days: Tuesday 7 March Lincoln Science and Innovation Park 9.30am - 11.30am Sparkhouse, Lincoln 11.45am - 12.45pm Bishop Grosseteste University 1pm - 2pm Freedom Fire Security and Maintenance Ltd car park, Great Northern Terrace 2.30pm - 3.30pm Wednesday 8 March Aura Skegness Business Centre 9.30am - 11.30am Boston Enterprise Centre 1.30pm - 3.30pm Thursday 8 March Europarc Innovation Centre, Grimsby 9.30am - 10.30am. Visitors will also be given the chance to win a ‘One4All’ voucher by entering a raffle. -
Sports students host nearly 300 local children for rugby megafest
Over 290 primary school children from 18 different schools across Lincolnshire took part in the annual Tag Rugby Megafest at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). This event, now in its seventh year, sees Sport undergraduates provide children with a fun-filled day of learning and playing rugby. The festival is an opportunity for first and second-year BGU students studying sport to put theory into practice. During the morning, the children were taught basic rugby skills such as teamwork, social skills, catching and throwing, and the rules of the game. In the afternoon, the children had a chance to join with other schools and put their newly acquired rugby skills into practice during a game. The match was led by BGU students and the children were awarded stickers for different skills they achieved during the day. The festival provided a platform for the students to develop their teaching skills and offered an opportunity to support each other and learn from one another. Hollie Tawn, who is in her first year of studying Psychology and Sport said: "We really benefitted from having the support of the second-years who have done this before and were able to guide us during the day. It was really nice to have the opportunity to work with the children and express myself through sport activity." Second-year Sport, Coaching & Physical Education student Jon Smith said it was quite eye-opening to return to the event a year later. He said: "It's a fun-filled day for the children, but it's also a really interesting experience for us as undergraduates. It was clear how much I've developed since this time last year and it just shows that all the practice and hard work pays off!" What makes this year's festival unique is the return of three BGU alumni (below) who previously studied Sport and Education at the university and now work as teachers in three of the participating schools. Their return to campus serves as a reminder to current students of the exciting career opportunities that could be in store for them in the field of sports education. (L-R) BGU alumni Joe Albans from Saxilby CofE Primary School, Danny Finn from St Giles Academy, and Luke Forbes from Waddington All Saints Academy all returned to campus in their roles as teachers BGU Sport Programme Leader Rafe Elliott said: "Our annual Tag Rugby Megafest provides an excellent opportunity for our students to develop their teaching and coaching skills and put theory into practice. It's also a great chance for the visiting children to learn new skills, have fun, and be active. "For our first and second-year students, the festival represents a chance to put their academic knowledge into practical use and benefit from peer learning. For the participating children, the festival offers a fun-filled day of skill-building, social development and encouragement to get moving!" After seven successful years, the event has become a highly anticipated fixture on the academic calendar for the participating children and BGU students alike, offering a unique opportunity to develop essential skills and knowledge in a fun, supportive environment. Schools in attendance: Leslie Manser Primary SchoolFosse Way AcademySt Giles AcademySaint Lawrence CofE Primary SchoolWaddington All Saints AcademyBirchwood Junior School North Scarle Primary SchoolGainsborough Parish Church Primary SchoolBenjamin Adlard Primary SchoolWestgate AcademyErmine AcademyIngham Primary SchoolPotterhanworth CofE Primary SchoolSaxilby CofE Primary SchoolSt Peter's CofE Primary AcademyScotter Primary SchoolCharles Baines Community Primary SchoolFrances Olive Anderson CofE Primary School -
New exhibition sheds light on Lincoln life
A new exhibition will see downhill Lincoln's history brought to life at the city’s historical Guildhall building. The project was created by second-year Archaeology and History students from local Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). The temporary exhibition offers free admission and will be hosted at the Guildhall and Stonebow from Wednesday 29th March to Monday 17th April 2023. Visitors will be taken on a journey through the history of Downhill Lincoln from Prehistory to Present Day. According to one BGU student, it was refreshing to research an aspect of Lincoln’s history that is often overlooked. Milly Jennett said: "A lot of conversations about the history of Lincoln revolve around the cathedral quarter, so it's been fun getting to explore downhill and shedding some light on an area that isn't always talked about." A variety of archival documentary sources, archaeological sites, and artifacts form the basis of the exhibition’s research. The installation showcases the students’ findings, allowing visitors to learn more about Lincoln's fascinating past while visiting one of the city's most interesting historical buildings. Dr Derwin Gregory, Programme Leader for Archaeology and Heritage at BGU said: "The creation of the exhibition has been an exciting opportunity for our students to not only undertake research into downhill Lincoln, but to design and create their own exhibition." Student Shannon O'Neill also found the experience enlightening. She said: “Each student has covered a different period in Lincoln’s history, and it's been interesting coming together and seeing how all the different time periods slot together to form this bigger timeline of events that we're showcasing in the exhibition.” Visitors can find opening times and more information at VisitLincoln. -
AI in education addressed at BGU's annual Learning and Teaching Conference
The recently concluded annual Learning & Teaching Conference at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) brought together educators, researchers, and academics to delve into the future of learning, teaching, and assessments. Titled "B3, AI and Educational Gains", the two-day conference held on campus offered a variety of discussion points, including the evolving role of technology in education. During day one of the conference, talks included an exploration into the world of the Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England, as well as initiatives being undertaken at BGU. Attendees enjoyed a video lecture by Professor David Smith from Sheffield Hallam University titled "How AI has answered the UnGoogleable question and what happens next." Professor Smith discussed the ways in which artificial intelligence has overcome the limitations of traditional search engines, leading to new possibilities for knowledge acquisition and exploration. Another keynote speaker, Dr Phil Anthony from University of Kent, highlighted the importance of adapting to the rapid advancements in technology while maintaining academic integrity, and explored how AI is transforming the educational landscape. The discussions revolved around leveraging AI-powered systems to detect plagiarism and promote originality in student work. Participants also received an update on the progress of Blackboard Ultra's roll-out, BGU'S new advanced learning management system that aims to streamline educational processes, facilitate student engagement, and enhance the teaching and learning experience for BGU staff and students. The event concluded with talks around educational gain and retention strategies. Speakers shared insights on effective teaching methods and innovative approaches to fostering student success. -
BGU celebrates graduates at Lincoln Cathedral
Students, friends, family, and faculty gathered in Lincoln Cathedral to witness the graduation ceremonies of 667 students from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). Celebrations took place on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th July over four ceremonies. Graduates from different levels of academic disciplines including undergraduate, master's, postgraduate, and PhD programmes donned their robes to cross the stage at Lincoln Cathedral. The University also presented Honorary Awards to individuals recognised for their exceptional contributions to academia and society. Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees were the owners of Doddington Hall, husband and wife Claire and James Birch; best-selling historian Alison Weir; philanthropist and leader in higher education Charles Cormack; and BGU’s previous Chancellor Dame Judith Mayhew-Jonas DBE. Receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship was Managing Director of LAGAT College and Trustee and Vice Chair of LEAP Hannah Spencer; and Lincoln BIG member John O’Donoghue. The event marked the last graduation presided over by The Rev’d Canon Professor Peter Neil, following his retirement announcement in March. Professor Neil said: “Graduation is the high point for all our final year students, and we are so fortunate in Lincoln for that celebration to take place in one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. “This is a truly special occasion and I know that our students and their friends and families will have had a memorable day in the city.” -
International scholars address challenges facing religious values in a world of pandemics
The 23rd International Seminar on Religious Education and Values (ISREV) conference was held at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln. The biennial event, which took place from Sunday 30th July to Friday 4th August, brought together over 80 religious education scholars and specialists from 17 countries to explore the intersection of religion, values, and education amidst the challenges posed by plagues and pandemics. The conference theme, "Plagues and Pandemics of our Time: Challenges for Religious, Values, and Worldview Education," saw 84 scholars present their papers during the week-long gathering. Attendees participated in plenary meetings and smaller collegial groups, with some members joining online. The event marked only the third time since its inception that ISREV has convened in England. The choice of Bishop Grosseteste University as the venue for this year's conference was significant, given the university's strong focus on religious education research. Under the leadership of Professor Leslie J Francis and Professor Julian Stern, both key figures within ISREV and the World Religions and Education Research Unit (WRERU) based at BGU, the institution has become a hub for scholars working in the field of religious education. Professor Francis, Vice-President of ISREV and Professor of Religions, Education, and Psychology at BGU was one of the 35 scholars present at the first meeting of ISREV in 1978. He said: “With a combined faculty of 47 scholars working in the fields of religious education, WRERU at BGU now has the strongest group of active researchers in religious education within the UK.” At this year’s conference, Professor Francis delivered a memorial lecture for John Hull, one of ISREV's founding members. He said: “My lecture drew attention to John’s challenge to the churches to step up to the task of providing quality and credible Christian nurture within local congregations. “After the pandemic, John’s vision for the role of local churches may no longer be sustainable, and the shift of emphasis must now move to the role of family within the home. “I believe that to sustain a future for the transmission of faith to the next generation, churches now need to concentrate resources on equipping churchgoing parents to step up to the task, collaborating with local churches and church schools." ISREV is not a faith-based or an inter-faith association. With a diverse membership representing various religious traditions and secular specialists, the organisation seeks to promote high-quality research. The meetings provide an opportunity for scholars from all backgrounds to come together and engage in critical discussions on religious values and education research. Professor Julian Stern, General Secretary of ISREV and Professor of Education and Religion at BGU said: "Religion, other worldviews, and education cross paths every day, whether in schools or universities, churches, temples, synagogues, or mosques, or homes and local communities. “There is a body of scholars, now brought together here at BGU, who explore the relationship between a whole range of religious and non-religious worldviews and education. It is only the third time since 1978 that ISREV has met in England, and we are proud to host it BGU.” -
BGSU celebrates Lincoln Pride
Bishop Grosseteste University Students' Union made their presence known at Lincoln Pride with a colourful stand of freebies and useful information. This year's Pride took place across Lincoln City Centre, with the main event held at Tentercroft Street car park and BGSU's stall pitched at the marketplace. Representing the Union and the University were BGSU President Connor Short, Vice President: Education Emily Allden, Accessability Officer Tristan Campbell-Owen and BGU Governance Officer Craig Ferguson. Connor said:" We had a brilliant day, meeting new people, giving out freebies, and enjoying the buzzing atmosphere. "Many of us found ourselves talking with young people who are currently looking at going to university and we were able to use this opportunity to talk about all the fantastic work done by both BG and BGSU to support the community. Lots of students commented on how friendly and approachable we were, which is always welcome feedback! "The importance of this annual event can not be understated, it provides the people of Lincoln not only a safe space to express themselves but also an opportunity for local institutions and organisations to show their support as allies of the LGBTQ+ community." -
Lead and Change NUS 2023
BGSU President Connor Short recently attended the 2023 Lead and Change Conference at Roehampton University in London. From August 1st to 3rd, representatives from Students' Union's across the country enjoyed a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and prepare for the challenges of the upcoming academic year. Officer Teams were able to engage with counterparts from various universities and delve into the pressing issues affecting their respective student populations, gaining valuable insights and sharing ideas. Connor attended NUS-led seminars exploring issues of welfare, cost of living, gender equality and representation. He said: "Lead and Change provides student leaders like myself with the opportunity to meet delegates from all over the UK, to learn, develop, and grow our provision for supporting students. "While there, I had the chance to grow a network of like-minded student leaders, each eager to develop their institution and influence legislation to the betterment of students. This annual event was a perfect opportunity to put BGU and its students on the national stage, advocating for what we believe in." -
Lincoln Film Society returns to The Venue
We were excited to recently welcome Lincoln Film Society (LFS) back to The Venue for its first showing since the pandemic. Three and a half years after global lockdowns interrupted 67 consecutive seasons of bringing the best of world and independent cinema to Lincoln, LFS has returned to its home at The Venue cinema at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). The Venue - BGU's 230-seat on-site cinema and performance space - recently hosted the launch of the society's 70th season with a showing of The Blue Caftan, with 200 members in attendance. On 29th September, 174 members enjoyed a screening of Chilean-Argentine drama film 1976. The society was started in 1953 by a group of film enthusiasts who wanted to show films that never appeared in cinemas. Each film season runs from autumn to the following spring each year, with 275 active members welcome to attend any screening. Lincoln Film Society's Chair, Richard Hall said: "After so long away, we feared we might never return, but thanks to the excellent relationship we have with Bishop Grosseteste University, we are back in the place we call home." The re-opening of The Venue was made possible thanks to a collaborative effort of BGU staff members. Over the last year, BGU Enterprise Development Manager Sarah Moseley took on the challenge of reinvigorating The Venue as part of a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. The plans became a reality after vital contributions from the University's IT department, Conferencing and Events team and Students' Union. Looking to the future, the group will visit The Venue for fortnightly screenings. Click here to explore more of BGU's upcoming events. Stay up to date with The Venue here.
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