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British Educational Research Association releases findings on BGU research on NQT experiences
The British Education Research Association (BERA) have released initial findings of a British Academy funded research currently being carried out by Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) Professor Phil Wood, Dr. Emma Clarke and Dr. Aimee Quickfall. The blog post, titled ‘How newly qualified teachers are coping in the time of Covid-19’, shares initial findings from interviews and surveys carried out this year, with further data collection ongoing into August. You can read it in full by clicking here. Phil, Professor of Education Change at BGU, explained the context of the current newly qualified teacher cohort: “Newly qualified teachers (NQTs) have arguably always had tough challenges to overcome, but the pandemic has added to these challenges, including rapid adaptations to initial teacher education content (ITE) delivery in 2019/20 and many involved in ITE and NQT support fear that the pandemic has created a ‘lost cohort’.” However, the research trio have found that whilst the year has been challenging, there are reasons to be cheerful. Emma, Senior Lecturer in Primary and Early Years ITE at BGU, explained what the participants are reporting so far: “We have been surprised by some of the data coming out of our project so far. The majority of NQTs – 77 per cent – agreed or strongly agreed that their ITE prepared them well for their NQT year, with just under 30 per cent reporting that they did not feel confident on entering their NQT year. Almost 80 per cent of NQTs agreed or strongly agreed that they were being supported well by colleagues to develop their teaching practice, and 81 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that despite Covid-19 they were continuing to develop their skills as a teacher.” The project involves national survey results as well as in depth interviews with NQTs, which Aimee, Head of Programmes for Primary and Early Years ITE at BGU, commented on: “As researchers we have been mindful that often national research on teacher experiences involves large scale survey data and a limited range of answers. This study has provided opportunities for the NQTs themselves to explain what they have been through and what resources have supported them to succeed. We can use these findings to improve preparation for early career teachers.” NQTs have been sharing their pragmatic approaches to their first year in the profession, and whilst the year has been very challenging and some NQTs are reporting fewer uplifting experiences, participants like Alisha have commented on how relationships and networks that started in their universities and training providers have supported them: “Everyone on my PGCE course… we’ve still got our little group chat and that’s been great because when something goes completely wrong and you can just throw that in, and somebody else goes, ‘Well actually that’s gone wrong for me as well. I’m confident that we’ll all pass our NQT year. It’s just working out how we can get more support or navigate through this interesting time.” You can find more information on the wide range of innovative PGCE courses offered by BGU on our website. Alternatively you can contact our Enquiries Team or join us on one our Open Days to find out how to begin your journey into teaching. -
2021/22 Academic Year Delivery Plans
On this page you can find the full teaching delivery plans for your course type for the 2021/22 Academic Year -
BGU Signs Up to Gender Equality Charter
Bishop Grosseteste University has signed up to a charter used to transform gender equality within higher education. The Athena Swan Charter, an international framework used to address gender equality and barriers to progression that affect women, was officially adopted by Bishop Grosseteste University – Lincoln this month. By being part of the Athena Swan Charter, Bishop Grosseteste University is committing to adopting ten key principles within their policies, practice and culture, which promote gender equality. Originally established in 2005 to encourage and recognise commitment to advancing the careers of women in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM) employment, the Charter is now being used across the globe to address gender equality more broadly. Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Scott Fleming said: ‘We’ve launched the formal part of our Athena Swan journey at a time when the Charter has just been transformed. It is now more streamlined, flexible, transparent and consistent. There’s already been a lot of work to get us to this point but we still have a lot to do. The team is eager and committed; it’s an exciting time for BGU.’ The University hopes to enter an application for the Bronze Athena Swan Award in the academic year 2022-23, following a year of self-assessment. Dr Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes for Primary ITE, said: ‘As chair of the BGU Athena Swan self-assessment team, I am very pleased that the project is now underway with the signing of the charter. Behind the scenes, we have been delighted with the level of response from the BGU team, with representatives from Faculty, Professional Services and the student body volunteering to be part of the self-assessment core team and a consultative group. The wealth of experience and expertise offered is fantastic, and it is clear that there is a real passion and enthusiasm for the Athena Swan project.’ The project has received strong support from Bishop Grosseteste’s Human Resources team. ‘As Director of HR I am delighted we have formally started our Athena Swan journey. Behind the scenes, the group chaired by Dr Aimee Quickfall has been working extremely hard to ensure the University is in a position to start this project. As a university we are committed to making positive changes around gender equality, committing to the Athena Swann charter is a positive step forward for BGU, ensuring we adopt key principles within our practices and culture to positively promote gender equality,’ said Jonathan Cheeseman -
Dr Ursula McKenna
Dr Ursula McKenna is Senior Research Fellow in Implicit Religion at BGU where she is located within the Department of Theology and the World Religions and Education Research Unit. Upon completion of her BA (QTS) she was awarded an Economic and Social Research Council MA studentship and obtained an MA (with distinction) for her work on religious education for children with special educational needs in the primary school. While combining a part-time research post with a job-share class teaching position she then completed her doctorate. Her research was an evaluation of the Building E- Bridges programme, a project which advocated the use of email in primary schools to promote interfaith dialogue amongst pupils across the UK. For fourteen years Ursula taught across the primary age range and as research fellow at the University of Warwick (1999-2021) she contributed to the PGCE Primary and Early Years Religious Education module and the MA in Religious Education by distance learning course. She has undertaken supervision of dissertation students on BA and MA Education Studies degrees and has co-supervised research students. For twelve years she was editorial assistant for the British Journal of Religious Education, co-ordinating the refereeing process for all submissions and special issues. -
BGU deliver inclusive learning training in the Caribbean
Bishop Grosseteste University is supporting the Skills for Youth Employment (SkYE) programme in the Caribbean which aims to improve the occupational skills and employability for disadvantaged young people, including those challenged by disability. -
Accommodation for International Students
International students attending Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) must live within a commutable distance of the University. BGU considers this to be within 5 miles of the campus. Most international students choose to live in an uphill location, within a 10 minutes’ walk from the campus. Choosing an uphill location means students do not have to climb Lincoln’s ‘Steep Hill’ every day. The University’s Accommodation team understand the needs of international students and have a range of suitable accommodation options for all students. -
Bishop Grosseteste University launches autism exhibition
A free exhibition of artefacts that have emerged from the autism community in answer to the question ‘What is autism?’ will go on display at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU). -
Responsible Consumption and Recycling
Incorporating sustainability and ethical practice across all areas at Bishop Grosseteste University -
The Lincolnshire Home Guard brought to life
New exhibition by Dr Erik Grigg, lecturer of History at Bishop Grosseteste University, goes on display at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life -
Cost of Living
Living with inflation and the rising cost of living
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