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Learning Conference Offers ‘Opportunities for Excellence’ at BGU
Earlier this month Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) welcomed delegates from across the country to its annual Learning and Teaching Conference. Spearheaded by the University’s Centre for Enhancement in Learning and Teaching (CELT) Team, the conference delves into the biggest issues and questions surrounding the provision of Higher Education, with this year’s theme being ‘Opportunities for Excellence’ It aims to provide those involved in the provision of Higher Education an opportunity to refresh and develop their skills to help them stay ahead in a constantly evolving sector. Key themes and strands are identified for the conference to ensure sector relevance and enable dissemination of best practice. This year’s event focused on three key strands: Times of Change, Digital Capabilities and Student Journey. A number of engaging key-note speakers joined the conference including Professor Wyn Morgan, Vice-President for Education at the University of Sheffield, who discussed ways to navigate the constantly shifting Higher Education landscapes, and Dr Rachel Maxwell, Head of Learning and Teaching Development: Policy and Practice, Institute of Learning and Teaching in Higher Education at the University of Northampton, who examined the potential and opportunities for large-scale pedagogic transformation to active blended learning at universities. Part of a packed programme including breakout sessions run by BGU staff, the speakers helped the conference cover a diverse range of topics including leadership; global; digital capability and technology-enhanced learning; transformative learning, teaching and assessment; student engagement and experience; student wellbeing (one of BGU’s key institutional goals); and quality assurance and enhancement. Over one and half days the conference was met with high praise from an incredibly engaged set of attendees, with the “excellent” and “fascinating” key-notes being picked by Elizabeth Farrar, Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at BGU, as her highlights whilst Caroline Meredith, who is studying for a Professional Doctorate (EdD) at Nottingham University, praised the “amazing” work of the CELT team in putting the event together. The CELT team are dedicated to promoting enhancement in learning and teaching and regularly run events and conferences to encourage this. Many of these are open to the public and if you would like to be part of them you can find more information on the exciting plans ahead on our events page. -
BGU Lincoln Teenage Market continues to go from strength to strength
written by Jo Tolley – BGU Graduate This July saw the ninth Lincoln Teenage Market held by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), in conjunction with Bailgate Area Guild and Lincoln BIG as part of Uphill Lincoln Week. BGU became involved with the Market in 2016 to create enterprising opportunities for the town’s future generation. This gives budding traders, business owners and performers the chance to trial their entrepreneurial ideas in a realistic and supportive environment. In turn, it also enables the public to engage with the University, and Lincoln as a whole, in an authentic way. Over time, the number of entrepreneurs attending the events has expanded to form a community of like-minded and successful individuals, who have similar aspirations for a variety of reasons. A prime example of the entrepreneurial spirit promoted by the Market are Sun and Moon Creations, who craft unique and colourful tie-die clothing, tapestries, and jewellery for the event. They revealed how the Market has helped the business thrive and connect with others: “They are all super helpful and always offer to give some guidance. The vibe that is generated from all these young people aspiring to become independent is really inspiring” The latest Market located in Castle Square was a roaring success. On a glorious summer’s day a wide range of stall holders sold everything from bath soaps to vintage film collectables, meaning there was something for everyone. Combine this with some outstanding live performances, the event triumphantly showcased what Lincoln has to offer. Lovely Lavender, a regular stall found at the Lincoln Market, sold out of most items within the first hour of trading. Jenny Dennis the entrepreneur behind the business makes soaps from the lavender which is grown in her own garden: “It’s great when I do well at any market. This setting is perfect for trading as there’s loads of people and kids on school trips passing through. I’m really pleased with how it’s gone” The Teenage Market was originally set up in 2012 by Joe and Tom Barratt who saw a gap in the Market Trading industry of Stockport. The initiative has since injected energy, diversity and vibrancy into thirty city centres across the UK; giving young entrepreneurs and performers a free platform to practice and demonstrate their creative talents. Lincoln is a thriving hotspot of contemporary and historic culture, with a well-established trading network and an increasing population of young people. It’s no surprise that The Teenage Market found its way to the city to contribute to its development as well as its beloved traditions. If you’d like to find out more about the Lincoln Teenage Market or perhaps get involved as a trader or performer at the next event, please contact the Teenage Market team at: teenagemarket@bishopg.ac.uk. You can also follow Lincoln Teenage Market on Facebook. -
BGU Continue to Nurture Educational Links in Thailand
This week, BGU colleagues travelled to Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University (NRRU) in Thailand to continue developing the partnership between the two institutions. This visit follows the National review of ITE in Thailand led by Professor Chris Atkin, and subsequent visits to Thailand including by the University Vice Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil. Professor Chris Atkin, Professor of Higher Education at BGU, was pleased to see work carried out over the last two years continuing to bring positives results: “It is wonderful to be returning to Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University almost exactly two years after I first visited as part of the government funded programme to review Initial Teacher Education. The warmth of our reception is an indicator of the ongoing development of the relationship between the two universities.” Dr. Warisara Yangklang, who teaches on English Programmes at NRRU, joined Professor Atkin in praising the efforts made by the two universities: “It has been a wonderful time to meet our BGU colleagues, and we hope to further develop this good connection in the future. We want to move forward with our project and our collaborative programmes for English language and Research.” A number of Professor Atkin’s colleagues from the school of Teacher Development, including Dr Steven Puttick, Dr Abigail Parrish and Kevin McLaughlin along with BGU’s International Manager Wayne Dyble have been discussing the opportunities for this international partnership to enhance the opportunities available to all of BGU’s students. Dr Nick Gee, Head of the School of Teacher Development at BGU holds a Visiting Professorship at NRRU, and BGU are excited about the growing collaborations between the universities. Over the next two weeks BGU will be delivering courses on Research, and English Language Teaching to staff and students at NRRU. Piyachat Dhephasadin Na Ayudhaya, Director of International Affairs at NRRU, described the positive impact the work of the BGU academics would have: “Having BGU colleagues visiting NRRU will provide a great opportunity for teachers in Korat. Having BGU colleagues delivering sessions on teaching English will help to provide lecturers in NRRU school teachers across the wider Korat region with new approaches towards teaching English.” BGU have a global outlook on education, and our courses offer unprecedented opportunities to travel and teach. You can find more information about all of these, including our BA and MA Courses in TESOL on our website, or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
BGU to Host International Climate Change and Education Symposium
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is excited to announce that they will be hosting the International Symposium on Climate Change and the Role of Education on the 12th and 13th of April 2019. -
BGU Enquiries Team launch hotline to support you through Clearing
With Results Day next Thursday, everyone at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) hopes you get the results you need to get into your first choice university, allowing you to sit back, relax and get excited about starting your adventure. If you don’t get the results you require you may need to go through Clearing, which offers students who have not yet secured a place the opportunity to apply for ones that are still available. The Clearing process can seem daunting and stressful but the Enquiries Team at BGU are doing everything they can to ensure that process is smooth and hassle-free. Dedicated Phone Line Often one of the most comforting things when dealing with unexpected changes is being able to talk directly to someone (rather than filling out online forms or dealing answer machines). That is why from 8 am on the morning of Clearing until 10 pm, members of the Enquiries Team will be manning the phone lines to make sure you can quickly get the support you need. The Hotline number is (01522) 583698 and through it, you’ll not only be able to get all your Clearing questions answered, but you may also be able to sort a university place for yourself. WhatsApp Support If you’re nervous about phoning the Hotline is not the only way to contact BGU to get your Clearing questions answered. You can also directly talk to members of the Enquiries Team through WhatsApp on 07598142383. Just as with the Hotline you can ask any questions you want and may even be able to secure your place through it. Clearing Open Day If after Clearing you’re still not confident on where you want to study, or if you’ve decided BGU is the place for you, the University will be hosting an open day on Friday 17 August so you can experience BGU first hand. Lecturers will be available to give you a taste of what the courses have to offer and you’ll be to access all the facilities available at BGU including accommodation, gym and leisure spaces along with the impressively stocked Library and university archive. Open Day is the best way to learn more about BGU and you can book your place by following this link. -
BGU lecturer and former international hockey player attends Pride of England reunion
BGU senior lecturer Helen Thornalley attended the Pride of England hockey reunion at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park during the Vitality Women’s World Cup this summer. -
BGU Lecturer Shares Strategies for Global Inclusion in China
Dr Maria Efstratopoulou from Bishop Grossteste University (BGU) was recently invited to the Sport University of Beijing (BSU) to deliver a series of seminars and practical workshops. -
BGU Signs Armed Forces Covenant
Today Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) Vice Chancellor the Reverend Canon Peter Neil was joined by Lt Col Rich Forsyth, Commanding Officer Army Training Regiment (Grantham), as he signed the Armed Forces Covenant. -
BGU Academic Leads on Sexual Crime Prevention at International Conference
Helen Elliott, Lecturer in Psychology & Counselling at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), presented her research at the International Association for the Treatment of Sexual Offenders (IATSO) in Vilnius, Lithuania last month. The premise of Helen’s research is to support initiatives to inform possible prevention of sexual crime by individuals in the community who have a sexual attraction to children. Carried out in partnership with Rebecca Lievesley from Nottingham Trent University the project is also designed to promote a public-health approach to working with this group, who are stigmatised and ostracised, and suffering psychologically because of this. Whilst preventative efforts to stop the sexual abuse of children are on the rise, along with more individuals are actively seeking treatment before they offend, much of the information that goes into these measures is informed from individuals who have already been convicted. Helen’s research aimed to address this gap in knowledge by exploring the experiences of those living in the community, with a sexual attraction to children, who do not want to offend. Offering them a chance to tell their story in an open environment to better inform the support measures available to them and thus prevent potential sexual crimes. The project’s findings highlighted core themes regarding isolation and fear, particularly in relation to the huge stigma associated with this attraction, and how highly prevalent shame-based narratives during formative teenage years led to the living of a "double life" for those attracted to children. Presenting the research at IATSO on 29 August, Helen made a number of important recommendations including: Therapies should be more accessible for adolescents who are beginning to feel different from their peers and confused about their feelings towards children. This attraction needs to be acknowledged within educational contexts and by those working with children, creating a more informed and comfortable dialogue around sexual health. Delivering sexual health education from a ‘pragmatic’ and ‘sex positive’ standpoint (as is common in the Netherlands) as opposed to a ‘sexual abstinence’ stance. Importance of clear reporting rules to enhance engagement in support services. Education to reduce stigma among professionals. Consider friends and family within prevention services – support for individual’s support network = indirect support for individual. Issues around wellbeing and the health needs of this group are being missed and require full focus – anxiety, depression, shame, and stigma. The conclusion reached by Helen and her colleagues was that whilst the conflation of a minor-attracted person and an adult child molester continues, so do the subsequent harmful consequences. This includes hindering disclosure, which could manifest into poor mental health outcomes, or risk becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, with individuals believing that the only path in life is giving into one’s sexual desires. With one-third of child sexual abuse being committed by those under 18, we need to question whether some young people could be finding themselves with this attraction and unaware of its implications or how to manage it. If you’re interested in researching human behaviour and mental wellbeing, then our Psychology and Counselling courses could be the perfect place to start. Visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team today for more information. -
BGU Launch New International Programme for Aspiring Indian Teachers
This week, Dr Steven Puttick, Head of Programmes (Secondary, FE, Research Education) and Wayne Dyble, International Manager, of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) have been busy in India visiting partners, presenting research, and launching an exciting new opportunity for Indian graduates to train to teach at BGU. High achieving Indian graduates in Mathematics and Science will be offered a limited number of places on BGU’s Secondary PGCE course. Following successful completion of the PGCE course, these graduates will be supported by a partner Academy chain to gain employment as Maths and Science teachers in the UK. This fantastic opportunity presents the ‘brightest and best’ Indian graduates with the chance not only of studying at an historic UK teacher training institution but also of securing employment following the course. For further details of this opportunity, and to register your interest please contact Wayne Dyble. As part of the trip, Dr Steven Puttick was also invited to present his research at Lady Irwin College’s International Conference on Learning. The conference brought together a large number of international scholars and was opened by Mr. Vineet Joshi, Director General of the National Testing Agency. In his presentation Dr Puttick discussed his research on policy discourses and current philosophical tensions within the English Inspectorate Ofsted. For more information on all the international activities taking place at BGU visit our news page or contact our International Department to find out what exciting opportunities are available to you.
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