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Health Problems Can’t Stop Emily Achieving Her Degree
A trainee teacher who overcame a string of health problems during her studies will graduate with a degree from Bishop Grosseteste University at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday. Emily Marrows (21) from Louth in Lincolnshire began her course on crutches three years ago and was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after her first year. She then had surgery on her knee and had to cope with her grandmother being diagnosed with cancer, but she was determined to achieve her dream of qualifying as a teacher. After graduation she will return to BGU to take her postgraduate PGCE teaching qualification to enable her to teach primary school children aged from three to seven. “I had a really tough first year,” Emily explained. “I’d had my legs realigned two years earlier and I started BGU on crutches after having metalwork removed from my legs. As a result I couldn’t go out and party like my flatmates and I felt a little lonely. “Halfway through the year I had to move out of my flat into a new one and make new friends all over again. But it made me a stronger and more confident person; I joined and started new clubs and began volunteering with children in care. I had a challenging year, but it taught me a lot!” In the summer following her first year, however, Emily was hit by a double blow: she was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and told that she needed more surgery on her knee. “My second year didn’t start off the best: I had surgery at Christmas and struggled with my work, but despite all the setbacks I managed to keep going and stay strong. I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from fulfilling my dream of being a teacher!” The following summer Emily’s grandmother was diagnosed with brain cancer, but Emily was determined to see her degree course through. “Nothing was going to stop me getting my degree,” she said. “In my third year I got my head down and worked incredibly hard. I was faced with brick walls along the way, but I still didn’t give up! I’ve now got a place at BGU to study for my PGCE which has made my dreams come true! “My university experience has not been the easiest, but I am incredibly proud of where I am today and the things I have achieved along the way. I have done things I never expected to do and it has made me a more independent, confident and understanding person.” -
BGU Supports Campaign to Tackle RE Teacher Shortage
Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln is giving its backing to a national campaign to address a shortage of specialist RE teachers. The university is supporting a campaign by the Religious Education Council of England and Wales (REC) to encourage graduates and career changers to train as RE teachers. The ‘Beyond the Ordinary’ campaign, supported by universities and colleges that offer specialist RE PGCE courses, highlights the benefits of a career in RE teaching and raises awareness of the availability of bursaries to cover training costs. RE specialists do not need to have a theology degree – the PGCE course is open to graduates from a variety of academic disciplines and from diverse backgrounds. Despite two years of campaigning by the REC, which created a surge in RE PGCE applications, there is still a shortage of qualified teachers to teach RE in our schools. Meanwhile demand for RE from pupils continues to rise: in 2016, the number of pupils in England and Wales taking the GCSE Religious Studies full course was at its highest since 2002. Mark Plater, Subject Co-ordinator for PGCE Secondary Religious Education at BGU, said: “Last year the offers we made for places on the secondary PGCE in RE at BGU were up by a quarter on the previous year. This year applications have been steady and some of those applying are exceptionally strong candidates. Today I interviewed someone who was as good as any I have interviewed over the past 12 years. “One of my recent interviewees said he was attracted to RE because it seems such a dynamic and changing subject: always in the news, and forever shifting in response to the landscape of our modern world. It’s fascinating!” Roxanne Fearns, Head of Religious Studies at Lincoln Christ’s Hospital School, qualified as a teacher at BGU – as did her entire RE department of four teachers! “I love my job – what other subject allows you to enable young people to think and reflect about the world around them and develop their appreciation of different beliefs, religions and practices and the part they play in the today’s diverse world?” she said. “At a time when religion is often misunderstood it’s important for young people to be able to study RE to increase awareness of different beliefs. Because the media sometimes portrays negative images of religion we need teachers who can present a different view. “The PGCE at BGU equips you to be able to engage and enthuse young people into the study of religion and philosophy and to develop their critical thinking skills. “The university has really good links with schools, so trainee teachers can spend more time in school. Some training establishments just ask schools if they will take a student, but BGU specifically picks schools based on how highly they rate the department.” To find out more about BGU’s Theology courses or the Secondary PGCE Religious Education qualification visit www.bgu.ac.uk/courses. -
Graduation Beckons for Mum Who Went Back to School
A mature student who left school with very few qualifications and chose to put her family first will graduate with a degree from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) at Lincoln Cathedral on Wednesday 19th July. Clare Swiffen (38), from Helpringham near Sleaford, began her course in Education Studies and Special Educational Needs & Inclusion as a mature student, after commitments to family life prevented her from pursuing her career. She attended Grantham College to study an Access to Nursing course before starting a BSc in Midwifery at the University of Nottingham in September 2012 – but things did not go as she had hoped. “I was really excited to start my midwifery course in Nottingham, but unfortunately I had to leave in April 2013 as my daughter who had started school in the same September was really struggling both academically and socially,” said Clare. Choosing to put her family first, Clare took a year out in the hope of returning to university the following April, but she continued to face more hurdles. “The university wanted to base me at Mansfield and as a single parent at the time it just wasn’t feasible. “I applied for 70 to 80 jobs but I only got one interview, and they wanted me to be able to work from 8am to 8pm which I couldn’t do because of childcare issues. All the other jobs I applied for I either didn’t hear from or I was told I was underqualified or over qualified. So, my only option was to undertake further study to open other job opportunities.” After much debating Clare finally took the plunge to return to university and began the Education Studies and Special Educational Needs & Inclusion course at BGU in September 2014. “The course has not only helped me as a parent with a child with special needs, but it’s also allowed me to gain a better understanding of the needs of disabled children,” she said. “For me the biggest worry was the age difference to other students, but it’s never been an issue. I was dreading it but the whole experience exceeded my expectations and the support I’ve had from both the tutors and students has been amazing. “My advice to anyone who is a bit older and is contemplating going to university is to just go for it! It was quite daunting taking that first step, but I’m glad I did because it’s opened up so many opportunities for me that I wouldn’t have had if I didn’t go through with it.” After graduation, Clare will return to BGU to take her postgraduate PGCE teaching qualification as she hopes to become a special needs education co-ordinator. Clare Swiffen will graduate at Lincoln Cathedral with a BA (Hons) degree in Education Studies and Special Educational Needs & Inclusion at 10.15am on Wednesday 19th July 2017. -
BGU lecturers pen new book for trainee primary teachers
A book written by teacher development lecturers at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln was officially launched today. 'Building Skills for Effective Primary Teaching' by BGU’s Rachael Paige, Sue Lambert and Rebecca Geeson is a new book for trainee teachers and their mentors. The book includes discussion around different aspects of primary teaching and aims to also support the mentoring and coaching conversations that happen throughout initial training. The three editors lead the successful primary initial teacher education programmes at BGU. They have drawn upon contributions from colleagues teaching on the primary programmes in specialist areas to create the book. As part of the launch of this book, new trainee teachers on the PGCE course were provided with a copy of the book during an induction lecture. Find out about training to teach at BGU by clicking here. Building Skills for Effective Primary Teaching is available to buy on Amazon now. -
Tree-mendous Event Will Plant Seeds of Knowledge for Future
Two trees will be planted at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln and school children will learn about the importance of trees and forests at an event marking the 800th anniversary of the Charter of the Forest. On the same day The Woodland Trust, a national charity based in Grantham, will launch its new Charter for Trees, Woods and People at Lincoln Castle – home to one of the two remaining 1217 Charters of the Forest. BGU has invited school pupils onto its campus in Lincoln on Monday 6th November as part of a major campaign, sponsored by the Woodland Trust, to work on Britain’s environment for future generations. The schools involved are Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Horncastle, Ravensthorpe Primary School in Peterborough, Morton Trentside Primary School near Gainsborough and Brockley Primary School near Chesterfield. They will take part in educational activities relating to the Charter of the Forest and the Charter for Trees, Woods and People. The primary school pupils will make lanterns with handles made of sustainable, locally coppiced hazel, and they will be invited to attend a lantern parade being held as part of the TreeCharter launch that evening at Lincoln Castle. They will also be invited to think about why woods and trees are important to them and to add their thoughts to the lanterns. PGCE secondary Art and Design students will work with the primary school pupils on art activities using natural forms, with a special emphasis on materials derived from trees to create artworks that can be displayed in natural environments. The grammar school students will learn more about the 1217 Charter of the Forest and how it became part of the ‘Ancient Constitution’ of the kingdom, a notion of vital importance for the political and constitutional history of the British Isles, and eventually its American colonies. The event, from 10.45am until 2.30pm on Monday 6th November, will end with the ceremonial planting of a hornbeam tree and a wild cherry tree on campus at BGU. Robert von Friedeburg, a Reader in History at BGU who is organising the event, said: “England has lost a lot of historic woodland over the centuries and the Government’s reforestation plans are behind schedule, so civil society needs to jump in and engage for the good of us all. “This Woodland Trust campaign is almost too good to be true, and we’re pleased to be taking part in it. At BGU we teach good people to become good teachers, and good teachers are essential to teaching our children well. “For the younger pupils the event will help them to understand that nature is important, that we can do stuff with nature, but that we need to preserve it for future generations. The world does not only consist of electronically made illusions on smartphones!” The Charter of the Forest was sealed by King Henry III in 1217 and re-established for free men rights of access to the royal forest that had been eroded by William the Conqueror and his heirs. It was in many ways a companion document to the Magna Carta signed by King John two years earlier. More than 70 organisations and 300 local community groups have helped The Woodland Trust to collect over 60,000 tree stories from across the UK, demonstrating the important role that trees play in their lives. These stories helped to define the 10 Principles of the Tree Charter, ensuring that it stands for every tree and every person in the UK. Find out more about History at BGU. -
Darcey Bussell brings DDMIX programme for schools to BGU
Ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell visited Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln today to speak to trainee teachers about DDMIX for Schools. Darcey and her DDMIX team worked with over a hundred trainee teachers from Primary and Secondary programmes from the School of Teacher Development at BGU. DDMIX is a full-body aerobic workout for children created by Darcey Bussell and based on 26 different dance genres, from Arabic and Japanese to the Charleston and the Flamenco. The day opened with a special lecture for all year groups where Darcey introduced the programme. Students then split off into smaller groups to participate in sessions with the DDMIX team. Speaking about DDMIX Darcey said, “Movement to music makes children come alive and changes the way they feel. With the DDMIX programme, children get an exciting and diverse learning experience that is physical, aerobic and high time on task. These benefits should be enjoyed by every child. “Dance fitness can stimulate the child’s interest in sport, in the arts and give them the confidence to explore their own creativity in other fields." An Amazing Experience DDMIX came to BGU through the work of Helen Thornalley, Subject Leader for PE and Dance for the PGCE Secondary course at BGU, who arrived at the University in January. Helen has worked with Darcey and DDMIX for the past three years on training teachers and reflecting on how this work is implemented within schools. Feedback from the trainee teachers is vital for DDMIX to find out what works for children in schools. Helen said: "The opportunity for trainee teachers to work with these professionals who are at the top of their game, and the sharing of their materials with prospective teachers for schools is amazing. “(It was) unique, rich and cathartic for all involved, a very exciting project that I have seen teachers embrace and make it their own." Members of the DDMIX team introduced BGU students to a range of different dances and activities that can be utilised when students go into schools on placements. Jessica Castro, first year BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS student, was full of praise: “The session was really good. I thought it was great how they split everything up into sections, which will help us with how to teach the children. “They haven’t just thrown us into the deep end, they’ve shown us how to work with the children and taught us the dances as well so I thought that was really clever. “I’d love to use (DDMIX) in schools. When we go into placements and we have to use PE I’d definitely use something like this rather than what you’d expect PE to be.” Find out more about Training to Teach at BGU. -
Celebrating Frankenstein’s anniversary at The Venue
The Venue and Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln are working in partnership to celebrate the bicentenary of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The Venue, BGU’s on-campus cinema, will be hosting two special events in 2018 to mark 200 years since the novel was first published in January 1818. The first event, ‘Frankenstein for Adults’, takes place on Wednesday 31 January and features a back-to-back screening of two classic movies with a panel discussion. John Whale’s 1931 feature film Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff will be shown in The Venue before Kenneth Branagh’s 1994 adaptation Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The panel discussion to conclude the evening will feature Sibylle Erle, Reader in English Literature at BGU, Marc Hanheide, Reader in Computer Science at the University of Lincoln and John Rimmer, Senior Lecturer in PGCE Secondary, Art and Design at BGU. The discussion will explore the differences between the films and the text and attempt to understand how the representation of ‘the Monstrous’ has changed over time. Frankenstein wanted to create a new species but could never imagine the consequences. The panel will also explore how science and technology have improved our lives. The second event, ‘Frankenstein for Children’, takes place on Saturday 3 February 2018. This event combines a showing of Tim Burton’s Frankenweenie with a craft workshop. The workshop will invite children to explore the humorous side of Frankenstein while having fun making monsters. The workshop will be run by Andrew Dickenson, Senior Lecturer, Leader of New Technologies and Computing, horror fan and genre researcher at BGU, and Sibylle Erle, Reader in English Literature at BGU. Booking is now open for both events on The Venue’s website. -
Royal Geographical Society Teaching Scholarships Open To New Applicants
Are you an aspiring geography teacher looking to bring your subject to life for the next generation of students? To help them to travel and learn about the world around them, all without leaving the classroom? If so, be sure to get your application in for the prestigious Royal Geographical Society Geography Teacher Training Scholarships. In addition to £28,000 tax-free funding the scholarships offer successful candidates: Free training events on key subjects and residential fieldwork Access to the Royal Geographical Society Library and teaching resources Networking opportunities and other support to complement your teacher training course Fellowship of the Royal Geographical Society. Two current Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) PGCE students, Harriet Lee and Joel Stockton, were successfully awarded scholarships last year and said they would recommend them to anyone considering applying: “The application and interview process is intense, but the training and resources available to you once you pass make it completely worthwhile”. To be eligible you must have secured an ITT training place allocated by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL), which leads to qualified teacher status (QTS) by September 2019 and they must have a 2:1 (or predicted) degree. Candidates with a 2:2 (or predicted) may be considered if they can demonstrate significant subject knowledge. If you are still considering your PGCE options, look no further than BGU. With over 150 years of teaching training experience and high quality courses, there are few institutions better suited to prepare you for a career in teaching. You can find out more about our PGCE courses here. Once you have your PGCE place confirmed you can submit your scholarship application through the Royal Geographical Society. The deadline for completed applications is 1 July 2018. For any questions on the scholarships or our PGCE courses contact Steve Puttick (Head of Programmes: Secondary, FE, and Research Education at BGU). -
Why becoming a teacher could be the best decision you ever make
Teaching is one of the most rewarding careers available. For many people following the path of teaching can seem a daunting prospect, but few who take it ever regret it. 1. Every day brings a new challenge When it comes to teaching, there is no such thing as an ordinary day; every student you meet, every lesson you teach, none are ever the same. Everytime you walk through the door you'll be dealing with new and interesting challenges. If you’re the type of person who loves variety and pushing themselves, teaching is definitely the option for you. 2. Your students won't be the only ones learning Being a teacher means that, more often than not, you'll learn alongside your students. You'll get to build on your existing knowledge as well as getting the opportunity to explore whole new worlds you've never experienced before. While you teach your students, you'll find they're also teaching you. Their perspectives and discussion will offer you the chance to see topics in a completely new way, and together you'll spark innovative thoughts that will help both of you to reach your goals. 3. Teachers have the chance to change lives Ask any teacher and they'll tell you that the moment a student suddenly understands something you've taught them is one of their greatest memories. Perhaps that's because that moment doesn't just change the student's life, it will change yours as well. Once you've had that experience you'll be completely hooked and will want nothing more than to help every student you teach have that same moment of success. 4. As a teacher you can work anywhere in the world via GIPHY There are few careers better placed than teaching to help you explore the world. Teaching is a highly transferable skill and with international schools all over the world there aren't many places you won't be able to work. Better still is that many international schools look favourably upon teachers who have trained and qualified in the UK. 5. Teaching offers plenty of perks As well as boasting a competitive salary (beginning at £22,917) and flexible working patterns, teaching also offers financial support while you train. This includes a number of grants and bursary options and, if you focus on a particular subject, you may even be eligible for a fully funded scholarship! And let's not forget the holidays... 6. Speaking of holidays... Do you remember that feeling as a child; the knowledge that no matter how tough school had become, a blissful six week break was just around the corner? Not only does teaching offer you that feeling again, your six week break is just one of a series of regular holidays you get throughout the year. While this may not be the number one reason to become a teacher, it's definitely an added bonus. 7. You’ll be in high demand While the demand for some careers comes and goes, teachers will always be essential and there is an incredibly high demand for qualified teachers across the UK (and the wider world). Teaching also offers a high degree of mobility both in and outside of schools, meaning you'll always have opportunities to develop and improve. 8. You'll never work alone via GIPHY When times are good you'll have people to share in the success, and when exam season is looming you'll have colleagues by your side that you can rely on. In addition to your fellow teachers, you'll also enjoy support and interaction from teaching assistants, students and parents every day. 9. Your lessons, your way You are in charge of your own classroom. You plan out your lessons, you deliver them and you make the decisions regarding what is best for your students. Obviously you’ll need to follow certain standards in your curriculum but even then you have the opportunity to inject your own personality into the job. 10. Teaching is much more than "just a job" Teaching is an immensely satisfying career, where you truly know that you’ve made a difference. Best of all, that satisfaction won't end when the school day does. Getting to see students who you've taught ‘make it’ after they leave school is a sensational feeling. The knowledge that you played even a small part in someone achieving their dreams is the ultimate in job satisfaction. Which is the best route into teaching? Hopefully you're now convinced that teaching is your calling in life. So why not apply to a leading University for Initial Teaching Training? We offer multiple routes into teaching, including our BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS, PGCE Primary Education, PGCE Secondary Education and School Direct. When it comes to preparing teachers for education we're hard to beat so make sure when you have the chance you learn from the best. -
#12DaysofBGU Day 8: Darcey Bussell
Ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge Darcey Bussell visited Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in Lincoln in October to speak to trainee teachers about DDMIX for Schools. Darcey and her DDMIX team worked with over a hundred trainee teachers from Primary and Secondary programmes from the School of Teacher Development at BGU. DDMIX is a full-body aerobic workout for children created by Darcey Bussell and based on 26 different dance genres, from Arabic and Japanese to the Charleston and the Flamenco. The day opened with a special lecture for all year groups where Darcey introduced the programme. Students then split off into smaller groups to participate in sessions with the DDMIX team. Speaking about DDMIX Darcey said, “Movement to music makes children come alive and changes the way they feel. With the DDMIX programme, children get an exciting and diverse learning experience that is physical, aerobic and high time on task. These benefits should be enjoyed by every child. “Dance fitness can stimulate the child’s interest in sport, in the arts and give them the confidence to explore their own creativity in other fields." DDMIX came to BGU through the work of Helen Thornalley, Subject Leader for PE and Dance for the PGCE Secondary course at BGU, who arrived at the University in January. Helen has worked with Darcey and DDMIX for the past three years on training teachers and reflecting on how this work is implemented within schools. Feedback from the trainee teachers is vital for DDMIX to find out what works for children in schools. Helen said, "The opportunity for trainee teachers to work with these professionals who are at the top of their game, and the sharing of their materials with prospective teachers for schools is amazing. “(It was) unique, rich and cathartic for all involved, a very exciting project that I have seen teachers embrace and make it their own." Members of the DDMIX team introduced BGU students to a range of different dances and activities that can be utilised when students go into schools on placements. Jessica Castro, first year BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS student, said, “The session was really good. I thought it was great how they split everything up into sections, which will help us with how to teach the children. “They haven’t just thrown us into the deep end, they’ve shown us how to work with the children and taught us the dances as well so I thought that was really clever. “I’d love to use (DDMIX) in schools. When we go into placements and we have to use PE I’d definitely use something like this rather than what you’d expect PE to be.” Find out more about Training to Teach at BGU.
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