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PGCE Primary (Part-Time)
This PGCE course prepares you to teach children in either the 3 to 7 age range or 5-11 age phase. This 2-year, part-time blended route provides you with the skills to teach your chosen age range, integrating theory and practice and combining study at either postgraduate or professional level alongside practical training to enable you to meet the Teachers’ Standards by the end of the course. This course will be delivered via blended learning with training usually taking place on a Friday. Students will attend campus for sessions (usually 6 sessions in each academic year delivered on campus), and the remainder of the taught content will be delivered through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous sessions as well as independent study, to allow flexibility for students choosing this route. Our ITE Curriculum is underpinned by the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework to ensure you are well prepared to teach during your placements and to prepare you for your future career in the classroom. -
Bishop Grosseteste University shortlisted in three categories for Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is delighted to announce the University has been shortlisted for the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023 in three different categories. These include student support, halls and accommodation, and career prospects. The Whatuni Student Choice Awards is an annual event that recognises and celebrates excellence in higher education. The awards are based on feedback from thousands of students across the United Kingdom, who rate their universities on various aspects such as quality of teaching, campus facilities, student support, and accommodation. Collected on campuses across the country and on the Whatuni website, these reviews bring valuable insight into the institutions and make the WUSCAs the largest exclusively student-voted awards in the UK. The university has been shortlisted in the student support category, which recognises institutions that go above and beyond to support their students during their time at university. The halls and accommodation category acknowledges universities that provide high-quality accommodation options for their students. Finally, BGU has also been shortlisted in the career prospects category, which recognises universities that help their graduates to secure employment after graduation. Bishop Grosseteste University Pro Vice-Chancellor Rob Boast said: “We are thrilled to have been shortlisted for three categories at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023. As an institution that puts students at the heart of everything we do, it is incredibly rewarding to be recognised for our commitment to providing an exceptional standard of student support, accommodation, and delivering excellent career prospects. “These nominations are a testament to the collaborative hard work of all our staff and we take great pride in knowing that our students have a positive and fulfilling experience at Bishop Grosseteste University.” The winners of the Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023 will be announced at a ceremony in London in April 2023. BGU will be hoping to add to its previous success in the awards, having placed second for Student Support in 2022. -
Love Letter to BGU
Bishop Grosseteste University recently held a creative writing competition, asking members of the BGU community to write a love letter to the University. The competition marked the end of a year of celebrations for the University's 160th birthday. Some of the entries received offered words of affection directly to the university in the form of a traditional poem, some mapped the poet's journey through their BGU experience, and some took a more comical, freeform approach. But all were insightful, personal accounts of their relationship with the university. But there could only be one winner, and that was Lucetta Crosskill, whose work was commended for its nostalgic recollection of the poet's experience at BGU. The poem captures the emotions and challenges of starting a new chapter in life, and the sense of belonging that comes from finding a welcoming community. It was found to be a heartwarming reflection on the transformative power of education and the impact of a supportive community. The winner received a special valentines day gift as a prize. A book containing all the submissions has been created and placed in the University archives and a copy has been sent to those who entered. Read Lucetta's poem below. Dear BGU, The letter read ‘you are invited to an interview’ Excited, nervous, apprehensive…my feelings – just a few. On entering the Maths department, the welcome, and the smiles. Out of the Uni’s, I had visited, this was the best by miles. ‘I did it!’ When I received the letter, I had got a place. Surprise, amazement and ‘oh my goodness’ overcame my face. It was a Sunday, in September, back in 1999, I arrived at BG with my bags, looking for my room sign. Unpacking my bags, in my lonely, bare room, I thought what have I done? Living with a load of strangers, would it be awful or fun? As I got used to my surroundings and found my way around, The historic BG buildings, and new friends, I excitedly found. The hard work very quickly started, but I knew it was for me, The library, the learning, the lectures… I loved everything at BG. Early morning teaching practice very soon started. Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Mansfield, Lincoln… 6.45am we departed. In my time within these schools, so much that I did learn, My very own class, my end goal…was what I did yearn. My mentors - they were the very best…Mrs Morley and Miss Emery too. Lifelong friends I have gained and into the role of the teacher I grew. Lincoln became my second home, in halls and houses I resided. But often jumping on the train to visit home, I decided. A new tradition in my life, the Market each December, And now I take my children there and share things I remember. As I wore my gown and mortarboard in 2003, I knew that in my heart one day, back at BG I’d be. It wasn’t long before I decided to do another degree. There was only one place, to do my MA…back at BG. Whilst teaching full-time, it was September in 2005, Excitedly, I prepared myself and at BG I did arrive. A challenge, but at home and school I was very well supported. I knew the hard work would be worth it and I’d be rewarded. Without a shadow of a doubt, completing my Masters at BG, Was, within my teaching and learning career, one of the proudest moments for me. So thank you BG to you all, in my life you have played a huge part. Memories, learning, staff, and my friends - you are always in my heart. -
Not A Luxury: How BGSU is tackling period poverty
In December 2022, I created the ‘Not a Luxury’ campaign following a difficult interaction with a student who had found herself in a desperate situation. Despite its negative origins, my hope is that the campaign will have a positive impact for everyone at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). I was working in my office when a group of students knocked on my door. I answered the door to be met by two young female students, one of whom was visibly upset and being encouraged to speak by her friend. When she gathered the breath to speak, she asked me if I had a tampon. Thankfully, I did. This brief interaction left me thinking of a few things: why do students feel like they can’t ask for what I would consider to be a totally normal request? And why are these products not readily available to those who need them? After some research I found that in 2022, nearly one in eight women in the UK struggled to buy menstrual products for themselves and/or a dependant. This began a personal mission for me to not only provide free period products for staff and students, but also to raise awareness for the issue of period poverty and destigmatise the use of these products. This is because nearly half (46%) of women who struggled to afford sanitary products in the last six months kept sanitary pads or tampons in for longer or used tissues (46%). 10% doubled up their underwear. The ‘Not a Luxury’ scheme aims to provide free period products to all staff and students via bathroom stalls, by placing a small bag of products in a sign-posted stall in a publicly accessed toilet. It also aims to de-stigmatise the use and discussion of these products through raising awareness and encouraging open discussion. This scheme been designed to grow and evolve to respond to the needs of the BGU community. Starting with the product distribution on campus and with the next aim to increase the number of sanitary bins in the toilets on campus. I am very proud to say that this scheme is not alone. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with student leaders from all around the UK at the NUS National Conference. It was at this conference where I was asked to speak about the ‘Not a Luxury’ campaign. This was received very well and presented an opportunity for other student leaders to discuss their own, similar schemes with some even going as far as to refer to BGSU as a ‘trailblazer in inclusivity’. Attending the NUS conference To succeed, this campaign needs continued support from both staff and students. The main motivation of the campaign is to provide products to those who might not otherwise be able to access them or purchase them. It’s just one way that BGSU is trying to help people who need it, with zero-judgement. The ‘Not a Luxury’ campaign has been fostering understanding, providing much-needed products to those who need them, and shining a light on gender non-exclusive use of period products. To show your support or for more information email connor.short@bishopg.ac.uk or come to the student’s union building and ask for Connor. Period products are a right, not a luxury. -
Students Vote BGU Most Supportive University In The UK
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is a double award winner at the prestigious Whatuni Student Choice Awards, having beaten all other UK universities to take the top prize in the Student Support and Halls & Student Accommodation categories. The prestigious Whatuni Student Choice Awards are nominated and judged by students from across the UK. Comedian and actor Ellie Taylor hosted this year's awards ceremony, where BGU scooped two of the twelve prizes on offer, and finished third in a further category - Career Prospects. The Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University, said: "I am thrilled and immensely proud that BGU has been awarded not one, but two prestigious awards at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards. To receive this recognition, voted for by the very students we care for and support every day, is an incredible honour. "At BGU, we strive to provide our students with the highest level of education possible, but equally important is our commitment to creating an environment that is supportive, inclusive, and caring. Our university community is passionate about empowering and nurturing our students so that they can reach their full potential and achieve their goals. "Winning these awards is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff and students, who work tirelessly to ensure that this university is an exceptional place to learn and grow. Simon Emmett, CEO at IDP Connect, said: "The Whatuni awards celebrate creativity, resilience and innovation within higher education. "With the continuing cost-of-living challenges, we're proud to focus on all the good universities do and celebrate their successes. "This year's scores are significantly higher than previous years, highlighting the excellent work done across the sector. These awards showcase the quality of higher education in the UK and its creativity, resilience and innovation." Camilla King, Director of Client Partnerships at IDP Connect, added: "We know that no one is better placed to judge universities than their students. Therefore, we will continue to ensure that the student voice is always heard when it comes to students making their university choices. "After a challenging couple of years, it's important to recognise the universities going above and beyond to support students and give them the best university experiences possible. The institutions recognised have successfully adapted, created and implemented fantastic initiatives to support and engage students, which our awards are thrilled to celebrate." -
New Waste & Recycling FAQs published
BG Green is pleased to announce the publication of new Waste & Recycling FAQs on the University’s sustainability webpages. Amongst other things, the FAQs describe what types of waste can be disposed of where, and what happens to university waste & recycling when it leaves campus, in a bid to help staff, students, and the wider BGU community with their recycling on campus. BG Green, the University’s working group on sustainability and ethical practice, was established in April 2022 and meets monthly. Its purpose is to seek to reduce the University’s carbon footprint by developing and delivering projects and initiatives for environmental sustainability and ethical practice. Recent work by BG Green has included the establishment of a ‘Swap Shop’ where members of the university community can exchange items like clothing, footwear, and useful household items; knitting classes, with free knitting supplies, to show people how to make scarves and hand warmers; and the publication of a new Sustainable Food Policy. To find out more about BG Green, or to ask a question about sustainability and ethical practice at BGU email BGGreen@bishopg.ac.uk. -
Aspiring teachers get creative
A cohort of future teachers recently had the opportunity to flex their creative muscles during a full-day workshop exploring creativity in education. The events of the day aimed to empower the soon-to-be educators with tools and techniques to integrate creativity into their teaching practices, enabling them to create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment for their students. The Primary Education students enjoyed workshops, group tasks, and open discussion about the subject. Guest speakers also shared their expertise on the module subject, which is all about the curriculum choices a school may make. Across the day, three speakers worked with the group, including actor, writer, and teacher Ben Keaton from Creativity Academy, an organisation that visits schools and delivers workshops 'to give primary school teachers and their students the joy of making things.' BGU Senior Lecturer Emma Rogers said: "I'm really grateful that Ben Keaton was able to join us for the morning to share the work on creativity that his Creative academy is doing in schools around Lincolnshire." The students also heard from Liam Bielby, an Assistant Mathematics Hub Lead from the East Midlands East Maths Hub. Liam shared with the students the work of the maths hub and how they work with schools in the local area and the support available for early career teachers Kateřina Dvořáková also visited the university from Czechia. As the Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, University of South Bohemia, Kateřina specialises in pre-service training of primary English teachers. She said: "My stay at BGU was absolutely fantastic. I I could observe a number of lessons and the teaching practice of the TESOL students. "There have been several students from our university at BGU recently and more study visits are being planned. A semester at BGU can help our students improve their English and teaching skills and learn about Britain's culture and daily life." Kateřina gave BGU students a fascinating insight into teacher training in Czechia. Students heard that, in her country, it takes five years to train to become a Primary school teacher so all teachers have a Master's qualification. Emma Rogers added: "It was an insightful and productive day for students and staff alike. "Everyone really enjoyed hearing from all three speakers, who offered the students a diverse selection of different voices and experiences." -
BGU inaugural Health and Social Care Fair Success
BGU recently hosted the inaugural Health and Social Care Careers Fair. Health and Social Care students, staff and the team at BG Futures worked together to organise and run the event. Students from across all H&SC programmes were invited to attend and learn more about the possible next steps in their careers in Health and Social Care. A variety of health and social care organisations from across Lincolnshire attended the event, including: NHS Neighbourhood Working Team, Market Rasen General Practice, Lincolnshire County Council Adult and Children’s services, With You, One You Lincolnshire and KIDS Lincolnshire. The event provided an opportunity for students to network with sector providers; with a focus on individual experiences of working in the sector and an interactive seminar exploring “A day in the life…..”. Further opportunities during the event included: a marketplace and discussions around both current vacancies and career development opportunities. Feedback from students reported an overwhelming success and more of the same: “My experience was really enjoyable; everyone was very chatty and helpful” “Really good: I thought it was brilliant being able to sit down and chat, in more depth about services” “Made me really think about where my BSc (Hons) will take me in the future”. Service providers reported that the students were “so enthusiastic and interested in what we do”, where they might fit within service and future career opportunities. Following the day's success, organisers hope to run the event again next year with a view to expanding and inviting even more service providers. -
MA student receives inaugural Prue Goodwin Award
The inaugural Prue Goodwin award has been presented to MA student Alisha Gibbs for an outstanding result for her final dissertation. Alisha has been studying the Children’s Literature and Literacies MA on a full time basis, and handed in her dissertation this year. Titled: "An exploration of children's reading choices: Considerations that impact on what children choose to read and why", the thesis pulls together a range of key topics and issues in children’s literature including: commercialism, adaptation and materiality to explore the reasons why children choose certain books. Alisha said: "I learnt so much during my process, especially the most effective ways of writing a Master's dissertation. At times it felt like the work would never end, especially when I was juggling a job at the same time, but it's been an exciting journey. During the process of creating her final project, Alisha found a method that proved most productive for her. She said: "I have a fairly long commute, and I would spend the time in the car thinking of ideas. I'd have to phone someone else to write them down because I was driving. "When it came time to really focus and turn my studying into a piece of writing, I took the advice of my dissertation supervisor, Dr Amy Webster, and planned a 'writing retreat' which was a great way to stay productive. "I found out I'd won the award while I was at my teaching job. It was a lovely moment to share the news with my students and celebrate their own contribution to the award. They wanted to do it all over again!" Her award was presented at an end of year celebration for BGU's Primary Education students. Alisha had studied a BA in Primary Education with QTS before starting her Master's, so the presentation demonstrated to the third years the benefits of postgraduate study. At the event, Alisha said: "I really didn't expect to win but it's amazing to have my hard work recognised like this. I'll definitely be celebrating tonight!" Dr Prue Goodwin, who received an honorary doctorate from BGU in 2021, has been an inspiration to many colleagues and their teaching. Prue Goodwin trained as a teacher at BGU (1965-1965) and is now a world authority on Primary Education. She is a longstanding member of the UK Literacy Association (UKLA) and a prolific writer, having written and edited more than 18 books and guides. In reflection of Prue’s contribution to the fields of literacy and children’s literature as well her support of related studies at BGU, the Prue Goodwin Award is given annually to the student who achieves the highest mark in the dissertation module on the MA Children’s Literature and Literacies. Alisha's dissertation is also set to be shared with Prue, who is keen to read the work of the award's first recipient.Senior Lecturer in Education Studies and Alisha's dissertation supervisor Dr Amy Webster said: "We are really proud to present this award to Alisha. As the recipient of this award, she will receive the offer to collaborate with a member of staff from the programme to develop an academic article based on their thesis to support her development as a scholar and practitioner of children’s literature and literacies. "Alisha’s thesis was an empirical research project that creatively drew together a range of key topics and issues in children’s literature including commercialism, adaptation and materiality to provide insight into the reasons for children’s reading choices." Learn more about our MA Children’s Literature and Literacies. Alisha receiving her award from Dr Amy Webster at the celebration event -
Bishop Grosseteste University Appoints Interim Vice-Chancellor
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has announced the appointment of Professor Karen Stanton as the Interim Vice-Chancellor, effective from August 1st, 2023. According to the University, Professor Stanton is an accomplished Vice-Chancellor with a comprehensive background of leading transformational change within Higher Education, having previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Solent University and Vice-Chancellor at York St John University. Her professional journey also includes the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Glasgow Caledonian University, as well as significant positions at King's College London, the universities of Nottingham, Birmingham, and Sheffield Hallam. Professor Stanton said: “I am delighted to be joining the University. BGU is a remarkable institution with a rich heritage of educational excellence and inclusion. “I look forward to working together with its dedicated staff, students and the Council to lead BGU through the next phase of its proud history." A core focus for Professor Stanton throughout her career has been widening access to education and the social purpose and impact of universities. Her one-year appointment as Interim Vice-Chancellor is expected to provide a solid foundation for BGU's future development and growthProfessor Karen Stanton .
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