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Global Perspectives of War
Many accounts of war take (an understandably) Western view of military campaigns. Our staff are interested in the ‘other’ side of the conflict and have researched the insurgents’ views of war. In one project exploring the South Vietnamese, our staff undertook an examination of thousands of interviews with Viet Cong soldiers and their South Vietnamese supporters. These reveal less than whole-hearted support for the insurgency and a willingness to back whichever side in the war could offer safety and security. Gregory, D. (2019). Vernacular memorialisation in the military: Personal acts of remembrance at RAF Thorpe Abbotts, England, Journal of Conflict Archaeology, 14(2-3), pp. 83-98. https://doi.org/10.1080/15740773.2020.1726124 Gregory, D. & Wayne, C. (2020). “I do feel good because my stomach is full of good hotcakes”: Comfort food, home, and the USAAF in East Anglia during the Second World War, History, 105(368), pp. 806-824. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-229X.13081 Gregory, D. (2022) The Global Infrastructure of the Special Operations Executive. Routledge. Gregory, D. (2023). A box in the desert: Using open access satellite imagery to map the 151st Infantry Brigade’s field defences on the Gazala Line, 1942, International Journal of Historical Archaeology, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10761-023-00712-8 Poole, D. (2022) Hunting the Viet Cong - Volume I: The Counterinsurgency Campaign in South Vietnam 1961-1963. Helion & Company. Poole, D. (2023) Hunting the Viet Cong - Volume II: The Fall of Diem and the Collapse of the Strategic Hamlets, 1961-1964. Helion & Company. -
The Legacy of War
Studies of war frequently cover battles, tactics and weaponry. However, our staff are also interested in the way in which war leaves a lasting – and often damaging – effect. This involves studying areas such as insurgent violence or the effects of chemical weapons on civilians and the long-term effects of carcinogenic material on the combat ecosystem. Our staff have examined, for example, the way Agent Orange has poisoned American Airforce veterans and how (via dioxin) permeated the South Vietnamese ecosystem: causing multiple birth defects and brain damage in children born today. This interest also covers areas such as PTSD and medical treatment in warfare. Poole, D. (2022) Hunting the Viet Cong - Volume I: The Counterinsurgency Campaign in South Vietnam 1961-1963. Helion & Company. Poole, D. (2023) Hunting the Viet Cong - Volume II: The Fall of Diem and the Collapse of the Strategic Hamlets, 1961-1964. Helion & Company. -
Teacher Education celebrates Good rating
Following a rigorous full inspection in April 2024, the entire range of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provision at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) was judged to be ‘Good’ by Ofsted. The University, which boasts over 160 years of heritage in teacher education was visited by 11 Ofsted Inspectors, who scrutinised the wide range of programmes designed to develop primary, secondary and further education teachers to be successful in their future careers. Inspectors commended the ambitious training curricula, noting the clear intent to develop high quality, insightful teachers who work to address social inequality and ‘change pupil’s lives’. Dr Matt Dunn, Head of Initial Teacher Education Programmes at BGU, said: ‘We are delighted with the outcome of this inspection, which mirrors our own self-evaluation. Our highly-qualified and committed team of teacher educators are passionate about the transformational power of education. We nurture excellent teachers, challenging them to be the best that they can be, empowering them to play their part in transforming the communities within which they work. ‘We are especially pleased that inspectors recognised our supportive and caring ethos as a particular strength, noting that trainees consistently reported a ‘family feel’ to their experience in their meetings with inspectors. We are committed to ensuring that our future teachers know how to maintain good mental health and wellbeing, both for themselves and the pupils they teach.’ BGU works with over 740 partner schools and colleges across the region to deliver high quality ITT, and inspectors recognised their vital input, supporting the university in constructing and delivering ambitious and relevant training programmes which meet the needs of employers and communities. With 550 trainee teachers in 2023/24 academic year, BGU makes a significant contribution to the teacher workforce. Professor Karen Stanton, Vice Chancellor of BGU said: ‘I am delighted the University’s dedication to excellence has been affirmed by this inspection. This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our entire community towards fostering a dynamic learning environment where students thrive, and aspirations are nurtured. I extend my thanks not only to our exceptional staff but also to our valued partners whose collaboration and support have significantly contributed to the University’s success. Together we celebrate this achievement, proud of the meaningful impact we continue to have in shaping futures and enabling individuals to succeed.’ Inspectors met with several trainee teachers and were impressed with the extent to which they felt supported and prepared to teach in their future careers. One trainee reflected on this after the inspection: ‘Bishop Grosseteste University has provided me with unique experiences, knowledge, and most importantly, the support I needed to undertake my teacher training. With the staff's accessibility, flexibility and patience, I could not ask for a better support system…BGU has modelled a fantastic level of motivation that I intend to replicate in my teaching career. With the team's brilliant understanding and confidence, I developed into the trainee teacher I am today’. Marshall, Primary Trainee. You can read the full Ofsted report here. Find out more about Routes into Teaching with BGU here. BGU staff and partners in Refectory -
BGU Sports Day success!
20th to 24th May 2024 -
Wartime Captivity
Prisoner-taking has been a phenomenon of war since antiquity. It was, however, the First World War that witnessed the advent of mass captivity. The fate of civilian internees and prisoners of war is no longer a marginal topic within the history of war and warfare. The experiences of POWs and civilian internees is central to understanding the era of total war. Our staff are interested in examining the treatment and experiences of civilian and military captives in wartime. This includes the development of international law, diplomatic relations, and captor policy. They are also interested in exploring how wartime captivity led to fraternisation and cross-cultural encounters. Our staff have researched Axis POWs in Britain and the internment of enemy aliens in British India during and after the Second World War. Malpass, A. (2019). ‘Disastrous’ and ‘Detrimental’: The National Union of Agricultural Workers’ Complaints against the Employment of Axis Prisoners of War, 1939-1948. History, 104(363), 890–910. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-229X.12919 Malpass, A. (2020). British character and the treatment of German prisoners of war, 1939-48. Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48915-1 Malpass, A. (2023). Civilian internment in the Raj: Central and family internment camps c.1939-43. In Carr, G. & Pistol R. (eds.) British Internment and the Internment of Britons: Second World War Camps, History and Heritage (pp. 221-238). Bloomsbury. https://doi.org/10.5040/9781350266285.ch-013 Cover Image: LIBERATION OF EUROPE: CAPTURED IN FRANCE. 18 JUNE 1944, PLYMOUTH. GERMAN PRISONERS OF WAR TAKEN IN THE BEACHHEAD ARRIVE AT A BRITISH PORT EN ROUTE FOR PRISONER OF WAR CAMPS. © IWM (A 24214) -
Guernsey placement success for pGDE trainees
Bishop Grosseteste University students on pGDE courses (Professional Graduate Diploma in Education) in Sport, Performing Arts, Plumbing, Health and Social Care, Childcare, English and Engineering undertook a placement for a week at the Guernsey College of Further Education. All trainees on the programme have one main placement and the Guernsey visit was to enable them to see another setting beyond their own and also to show them different education system to BGU's. Guernsey was an experience that we would not of missed - it gave us an insight into the lifestyle of another teaching environment. We were made very welcome and as such were able to enjoy the culture and social experience. As a group it gave us the opportunity to bond and engage with fellow teacher trainers. Roger, pGDE student Guernsey College staff will be coming to the UK in the future for a reciprocal visit, where staff have arranged for them to spend some time in Further Education colleges where our trainees are based and a day at BGU. Input was provided to the colleges Continuing Professional Development (CPD) during the time trainees were with them on placement. This gave Guernsey an opportunity to develop relationships with trainees to fill any potential vacancies they have. This opportunity has allowed me to develop my skills as a facilitator. Working with the performing arts department in an environment that's so different from my current placement gave me great inspiration for carrying on my teaching practice. Keira, pGDE student What an amazing opportunity! Spending time with the staff at Guernsey Institute and gaining valuable insight into creativity within the English classroom was a treasurable experience. Thank you so much. Shelley, pGDE student Programme Leader Stefan Fusenich would like to give a shout out to the Guernsey colleagues... Jennette Heart Deputy Principal who supported me with the inception of the ideas, Lucy Mallet who co-ordinated the visit, and Venessa Mee, who arranged for me to deliver and trainees to attend the college's CPD day. -
2024 Honorary Award recipients announced
Each year, Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has the opportunity to award Honorary Doctorates and Honorary Fellowships at its graduation ceremonies. Current BGU staff, students and University Council members were invited to nominate candidates for honorary awards. Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the University; whilst Honorary Doctorate is awarded to those who have made outstanding contributions to academic achievement, social, economic or cultural life. We're pleased to announce this year's award recipients, who will be honoured at graduation celebrations in July 2024. Bishop Grosseteste University Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: "As we approach this year's graduation ceremonies, I am delighted to announce the recipients of this year's Honorary Doctorates and Honorary Fellowships. We recognise these individuals for their enrichment of academic, social, economic, or cultural spheres, embodying the spirit of our institution. “Their contributions inspire us and serve as beacons of achievement for our entire community, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and welcoming them into the esteemed ranks of our honorary awardees." -
BGU’s 2024 Honorary Awardees Announced
A BBC television presenter, a children’s book author, and an Armed Forces Champion are among those set to receive honorary awards at Lincoln Cathedral this summer. Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has announced the recipients of its Honorary Awards, which will be presented at upcoming graduation ceremonies in late July 2024. Two awardees are set to receive Honorary Doctorates for their outstanding contributions to academic achievement, social, economic, or cultural life. Three Distinguished Honorary Fellowships and one Honorary Fellowship will be awarded at the ceremonies. Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the University and public life, while Honorary Fellowship is awarded in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the University extending beyond normal responsibilities. Among the Honorary Doctorate awardees is BBC presenter Peter Levy, whose career in broadcasting spans 49 years. He has presented BBC Look North for Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire since 2002 and received the Lord Mayor of Hull’s Civic Crown Award for his charity work. Hannah Gold, another recipient of an Honorary Doctorate, is celebrated for her contributions to children’s literature. The award-winning author is known for her Sunday Time’s best-seller The Last Bear, as well as The Lost Whale, Finding Bear, and her new book, Turtle Moon. Hannah's books have sold over 230,000 copies in the UK alone and have been translated into 27 languages. Receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Alex Baxter, whose service in the Royal Navy inspired his current roles as Chairman for the Veterans Advisory & Pensions Committee for Yorkshire and the Humber, and Armed Forces Champion for North East Lincolnshire Council among others. He is Managing Director of Joint Services Major Events Team delivering all aspects of civil/military engagement and the Armed Forces Community Covenant on behalf of North East Lincolnshire Council. As Chair of Franklin Sixth Form College, he volunteers much of his time to the post-16 education sector and to raising the aspirations of students and their onward progression at universities including BGU. Educationalist, historian, and academic Judith Jones will also receive a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the University and public life. With a passionate interest in the history of Lincolnshire, the city of Lincoln, and its Cathedral; Judith has inspired students as a history teacher at various schools in Lincolnshire. Judith’s previous student - historian and BGU Chancellor Tracy Borman said: “It is no exaggeration to say that I owe my career to her. She brought history to life in a way that I have never experienced before or since.” For over ten years Judith acted as a voluntary judge for the Sandford Award, which is administered jointly by Bishop Grosseteste University and the Heritage Education Trust. Also receiving a Distinguished Honorary Fellowship is Paul Deane, Principal and Chief Executive of Grantham College, and a founding director of the Lincolnshire Institute of Technology. The Lincolnshire Institute of Technology is an example of successful collaboration between the FE and HE sectors, and Paul’s work has fostered excellent collaborations with both Bishop Grosseteste University and the University of Lincoln as well as other Further Education providers in supporting the needs of people and the economy in the region. Richard Hallsworth is set to receive an Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his dedicated service to the University, as a trustee and member of Council for BGU over eight years. Now the Managing Partner of Lincoln based accountants Nicholsons, he previously worked as part of the Business Improvement Group in Market Rasen to deliver high street regeneration through the government backed Portas Pilot Scheme. Bishop Grosseteste University Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Stanton said: "As we approach this year's graduation ceremonies, I am delighted to announce the recipients of this year's Honorary Doctorates and Honorary Fellowships. We recognise these individuals for their enrichment of academic, social, economic, or cultural spheres, embodying the spirit of our institution. “Their contributions inspire us and serve as beacons of achievement for our entire community, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments and welcoming them into the esteemed ranks of our honorary awardees." The awards will be presented during graduation celebrations on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th July at Lincoln’s Cathedral. Awardees were nominated by current BGU students, staff, and University Council members. More information about each recipient can be found here. -
Outstanding partnership work celebrated
An award for an outstanding contribution to school partnerships was made in a short presentation to the headteacher and class teachers at Bishop King CE Primary on Wednesday 22nd May. The reason for the award was to celebrate their outstanding achievement in hosting placements over the past five years. This year alone, the school has facilitated 27 placements for teaching trainees derived mainly from the PGCE Primary, but also the Undergraduate BAPE programme – a massive contribution to the future teacher workforce. Speaking to the class teachers who have had trainees in their class this year, Mark Larrad (PGCE Placement Lead) told them: "Your contribution has been outstanding. As mentors to your trainees, you show total dedication and commitment, and your support and encouragement over the years has enabled trainees to excel! In every respect you go over and above." A specially designed certificate acknowledging their commitment (which had been specially approved and by signed by Bishop Grosseteste University's Vice Chancellor Karen Stanton and Chris Davis, who as Head of Partnerships, was also present), was accepted by Jenny Brown (ITE Coordinator) on behalf of all mentors. Bishop King has supported trainees for over 15 years. On a recent visit, an external examiner to the school commented on the high quality of mentoring and the strong nature of the relationship between the teacher mentors and BGU. The headteacher, Mrs Hazel Wheatley, thanked Mark on behalf of her staff. She acknowledged the many strengths that BGU trainees bring and hoped that the school would continue in its partnership in the future. Mrs Wheatley was also presented with flowers by Placement Services Manager Vicki Walker, in recognition of her generous contribution to ITE at BGU. -
Dr Tracy Borman awarded OBE!
We are very excited to announce that our University Chancellor Dr Tracy Borman has been awarded an OBE for services to heritage in the King’s Birthday Honours List! Tracy became the Bishop Grosseteste University Chancellor in 2022 and you probably know her other incredible achievements including multiple historic books written, engaging subject talks, and her trustee and ambassador roles. She continues to support BGU, its students and staff, and overall purpose. 💜 Congratulations Tracy!
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