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BGU Armistice Symposium to Bring National Memorial to Lincoln
Silhouettes of fallen soldiers forming part of the national ‘There But Not There’ project are coming to Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) as part of a special Armistice Symposium on 21 November. The Symposium, organised by the History team and postgraduate students at BGU, will showcase their original research on the human experience of war to mark the centenary of the Armistice. Topics including soldier sanitation and wellbeing will be presented on, alongside soldier suicide, flight experience at Cranwell, conscientious objection, and Lincolnshire home front poetry. In addition the event will feature ten transparent seated military figures. These silhouettes form part of the national ‘There But Not There’ project which aims to place a representative figure for every name on local war memorials around the UK, providing a powerful act of remembrance. This event is free and all are welcome to attend, but registration is required no later than 4pm on Friday 16 November 2018. For all other queries, please contact the convenor Dr. Claire M. Hubbard-Hall by emailing: claire.hubbard-hall@bishopg.ac.uk The event is generously supported by BGU School of Humanities, the City of Lincoln Historical Association branch, and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. If you’re interested in studying the past you can find more information on our range of History degree courses, including our new BA Military History degree, on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
New Research suggests Music Activities can Support Young Parents Leaving Care
Young parents who are leaving the care of Local Authority Children’s Services can be supported by musical activities, research carried out by Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) Dr Pat Beckley on behalf of soundLINCS suggests. The report findings indicate that support through music was highly beneficial, giving participants greater confidence and resilience to develop positive next steps for both themselves and their children. Recent research identifies a cycle in which care leavers are more likely than their peers to become young parents, and also more likely to have their children placed into Local Authority care or adoption. The ‘Groove and Grow’ project examined music making as an approach to break the cycle. ‘Groove and Grow’ is a soundLINCS initiative to support vulnerable young parents and those leaving care. The project supported young parents in gaining peer support, accessing community services and promoted personal, social and emotional development for them and their children. The study involved providing creative musical sessions in the young parents’ homes or supported accommodation for individual and group activities. A soundLINCS Music Facilitator planned and delivered the musical activities which also included ideas from the young parents involved. Inclusion increased the confidence of participants to trust their own ability to make decisions. As a part of her report Dr Beckley writes: “The social interactions organised, devised and encouraged through musical activities and the opportunity to access these in a non-threatening, safe environment gave young parents and their babies and toddlers the means to learn new skills in personal, social and emotional development as well as enjoy and develop their musical ability for themselves and their children.” One young parent who participated in the study commented that while “[I was] a bit nervous at first, meeting others in a new place” the sessions “gave me the confidence to attempt new opportunities”. She described her son to have "enjoyed the drums, instruments and singing together". The study arose from a Youth Music funded project for soundLINCS to develop Musically Inclusive practice for Children in Challenging Circumstances across a range of sectors including Paediatrics, Youth Justice, Looked After Children, Leaving Care, Deaf and Hearing Impaired. You can read the full Groove and Grow report by Dr Beckley - ‘To identify ways to support young parents in challenging circumstances to participate in social interaction with other young parents and their babies and toddlers through musical activities’ (2015-2017) – here. BGU’s academics are regularly involved in innovative and ground breaking research. To find out how you can become a part of that visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team for more information. -
Students Experience the Positive Power of Singing
Second Year Psychology students at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) worked with Liz McIntosh from 'Sing it Loud' (www.singitloud.org) to experience the positive power of community singing. The practical workshop formed part of the ‘Psychology in the Arts and Communities’ module from the single honours Psychology degree course and applied the theoretical elements of the course into first-hand experience. The students were able to explore participant feedback and the experiences of groups Liz works with around Lincolnshire, discussing topics such as relieving rural isolation, loneliness, supporting carers, providing people with a routine and enabling people to withdraw from day to day worries and immerse themselves in a positive activity with others. Thomasin Nicholds, one of the Psychology lecturers at BGU, described the positive impact that these practical sessions could have on the students’ learning: “The session gave students the chance to work together in a small group on something new and outside of their usual learning experience giving them a chance to understand more about themselves and each other. "The experience was then related back to theory and research related to individual and community wellbeing, with students testing their understanding of engagement, inclusion and benefits of participation.” In the build up to the session the students also listened to a local radio interview where Liz was representing a community singing group that is made up of people with dementia and their carers, enabling them to come together and share in music, which can be a trigger for positive memories and give people something to share when their lives are radically changing due to the onset of dementia. For more information on our Psychology courses and how you can join in with the innovative research taking place at BGU visit our website, contact our Enquiries Team or attend one of our Open Days to experience the University first hand. -
From unemployment to full time study at BGU
How the MOVE project helped one woman achieve her goals. The MOVE project is an ESF and Big Lottery funded project and Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is one of 24 partners across Lincolnshire. The project aims to work with people who have been out of work for a long time or who are economically inactive. The project began in 2016 and the first participant was Mandy. Mandy came to the project after many years of unemployment and ill health; she had ideas about what she wanted for her future but no idea about how to get there or if she could. Mandy’s background had involved a difficult childhood and involvement in drug misuse. When she came on to the project she was very anxious and a little bit afraid of what would happen next. Thankfully, she was able to put her trust in the team at BG Futures and with their ongoing support and structured inputs, she was able to make progress. These inputs included in-depth careers advice and guidance to help explore and develop career aims, psychometric tests to identify work strengths and abilities, life coaching to deal with social anxiety and ongoing regular support. They were also able to find her a suitable volunteering placement with Addaction and Mandy has been volunteering with the Amy Winehouse Foundation for 18 months. This involves going into secondary school in Lincolnshire to help educate young people about drugs and their effects. Through her time on the MOVE project Mandy has added to her qualifications and studied an Access course at Lincoln College, ultimately applying to BGU and securing a place to study for a degree in Health and Social Care. A year and 10 months after starting her MOVE journey, in September 2018, Mandy enrolled at BGU. She is now well into her first year, enjoying the course and even the challenge of assignments. Not all MOVE participants end up in Higher Education. The point of the project is to help people to identify and achieve their goals towards employment and learning through a tailored one: one approach that helps with self-confidence, motivation and wellbeing alongside employability skills and goal setting. Seeking support from MOVE is voluntary and therefore will not impact any benefit claim and there is also the opportunity for financial help to cover expenses including child care, respite care and travel. If you want to find out more for yourself or for someone you know: contact the MOVE team on 01522 583900 or email moveproject@bishopg.ac.uk -
Local school children help BGU students to widen their professional skills
On Monday 5th and Monday 12th November Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) invited 80 children from local schools to take part in educational research with second year students on the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course. The sessions were designed to provide the students, who are studying to become primary teachers, with an opportunity to experience the skills required to become educational researchers. Working in groups, under the supervision of a tutor, the students designed and conducted research on topics focused on the school pupils including: Reading choices Philosophy for children Using apps to support enquiry Mathematics through story Mapping stories Reading for pleasure and digital reading Dr Ashley Compton, Senior Lecturer in the School of Teacher Development at BGU, explained the benefits students could expect from gaining skills in educational research: “In order to understand and evaluate the latest innovations in education it is important that teachers are able to engage with research. In their second year we get the students to work together in groups, under the supervision of a tutor, to design and conduct research with children. "This experience allows students to develop a better understanding of how research does (and doesn't!) work and prepares them for their individual research projects in their final year. "The children, covering Year 1 through Year 6, were fantastic, participating fully in each of the research topics and giving our students valuable insights into the research process.” The Primary Education courses at BGU regularly interacts with schools around the local community to provide our students with a varied and engaging educational experience. If you want to pursue a future in teaching visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team for more information on how to begin your career on our exciting Primary Education with QTS degree course. -
BGU Student Explores How the ‘Everyday Actions’ can make the ultimate difference
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) student Owen Lewis delivered a TedxYouth talk on how to "find your voice for social change" at the recent TEDxBrayfordPool. Having gone through two months of coaching with the TedxBrayfordPool team, Owen presented his talk alongside other local young people all focusing on the independent, local or global issues facing our world today that are often easily ignored. Owen’s talk explored the idea that social change can only be achieved by the "every day" person trying their best to do something. Using examples from his time volunteering in Uganda to show the hidden tragedies facing parts of our world, Owen highlighted what everyday people can do to use their voice for social change. Whether your skills are in IT, maths, art, music or you feel you have no skills at all - if you can use your voice then someone will listen. Owen, currently the Campaigns Officer at Bishop Grosseteste University’s Students’ Union (BGSU), got involved in the TedxBrayfordPool programme having been inspired by his predecessor in his current role, Lewis Smith, who has previously given Tedx talks. In order to present his talk, Owen had to go through two months of coaching with the event’s organisation team. This involved everything from script drafting and feedback, to a number of public speaking coaching sessions with professionals and ex-speakers to develop his abilities and performances. Looking back on the whole experience, Owen was proud of what he achieved: “Whilst preparing for my Tedx talk was a long and often daunting process which challenged me from my very core, I have definitely come out improved as a speaker and a person” You can keep up to do date with all the activities being carried out by BGSU through our news page. If you’d like to get involved in discussions or activities like this then visit our website, contact our Enquiries Team or book on to one of our Open Days to begin your journey. -
Supporting Healthcare and Promoting Volunteering Across Lincolnshire
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) and Neighbourhood Working in Lincoln are working together to join up health, care and our community to help ensure we are all “fit for the future”. This collaboration is aimed at shaping the vision for working across Lincoln involving organisations and communities drawn from across the city and neighbouring villages. Clare Hemming, Lecturer and Placement Officer at BGU, has worked with the Neighbourhood Leads Victoria Sleight and Beckie McConville to organise this event to create opportunities for groups and individuals to connect and discover how we can promote care in our community. This aims to support people to remain in their own home and out of hospital by providing joined up care as early as possible. In addition the event is designed to get students involved in community volunteering by providing opportunities for unique placements allowing them to experience a variety of different career elements from research and administrative responsibilities to hands on roles. It is a fantastic chance for potential volunteers to find unique, placement opportunities to help them shape their future career choices. The event takes place on Thursday 29 November at BGU TR1 Hardy Building, from 10:00am until 2:00pm. Everyone will be provided with an opportunity to network with like-minded people and organisations and develop relationships within our communities, to create a shared vision for the future. Clare Hemming discussed her excitement at being part of an event capable of creating such a widespread positive impact: “It is fantastic to be able to support and work with so many vital community services for such an important event. Our work building relationships has opened new doors within professional organisations and is now allowing us to create unique career opportunities for our students” The networking event is open to all stakeholders. To secure your space please book here. Most of the degree courses at BGU offer unique career focused work placements while you study; to find out how you can begin your dream career, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team. -
Open seminar to explore what it means to be inspired by William Blake
The works of William Blake have been providing artists and academics with inspiration for centuries. Dieter Löchle’s productive discourse with Blake, in particular, has shown many layers over the last 40 years. Beginning in academia it has grown and evolved leading to a kind of künstlerpaar relationship that has defined his calendar publications, performances and installations. “a wilderness of joy”… what it means to be inspired by William Blake: Dieter Löchle’s current William Blake Project is an open seminar run by Dr Sibylle Earle, Reader in English Literature at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), which will explore this ongoing relationship by examining a range of Löchle’s creations. The seminar takes place Thursday 6 December 2018 5.30pm – 7.00pm - Robert Hardy Seminar 1 All are welcome please contact sibylle.erle@bishopg.ac.uk to register. -
Applications Open for 2019 Sandford Awards
Applications for the 2019 Sandford Awards, which recognise high quality heritage education provision, are now open. The awards are administered by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in partnership with the Heritage Education Trust and over 500 sites, including historic houses, museums, galleries and collections, places of worship, gardens and parks have received an award over the last 40 years. Recent winners include Lincolnshire’s own International Bomber Command Centre and Belton House. The award is non-competitive, offers an independently judged, quality assured assessment and is granted for a five year period. Applications are welcome from sites small and large and run by national institutions, local authorities, volunteers and private owners. What are the benefits for entrants? A kite mark for high quality learning provision The opportunity to use your award to attract increased school visits and new audiences A detailed consultancy report as part of the expert judging process which you can use to effect positive change in your organisation The opportunity to attend a presentation ceremony National recognition among the heritage sector of the personal contribution of you and your staff/volunteers which will help to motivate the whole site to develop its good practice further What our 2018 award winners have to say “It helped raise the profile of our site and also encouraged our Trustees.” “The judge’s report was very useful, led to further training and made a significant difference to the quality of delivery.” “It allowed great team morale and great to support drives for funding.” “The scope of the judgement across the six criteria was very useful, focusing on the entirety of our service.” “A really useful external eye on what we do made us feel good about our successes as well as suggesting improvements.” Find out more The Sandford website provides further information including details of the Sandford Award criteria and judging process. You can also find a series of short films featuring our expert judges and some of our award-winning sites with top tips and advice that relates to the Sandford Award criteria. What does it cost to apply? The application fee is £350 per site. If your organisation manages more than one site, you should submit a separate application for each. How do I apply? To register an interest in the 2019 Sandford Awards please contact sandford@bishopg.ac.uk and we will send you the application form and judging information. Alternatively, you can download the entry form from our website. Deadline for entries is 15 February 2019 The Sandford Cascade Project- supporting museums and heritage sites in the East Midlands The Heritage Lottery funded Sandford Cascade project supports sites in the East Midlands to develop their heritage learning offer and apply for the Sandford Award. Benefits for members include a programme of visits to learn from Sandford Award winning sites, £1,000 bursary to enhance your learning provision, opportunities to attend skill sharing workshops, valuable networking opportunities with other museums and heritage sites and access to online resources. To find out more and to register an interest visit the Cascade project site. -
Psychology PhD Student at BGU Seeks New Insight on why we Dream
Psychology PhD student at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), Anthony Bloxham, has recently been granted funding for an experiment being conducted as part of his PhD work that will seek new insight into the nature of dreaming. Anthony's experiment is being conducted in collaboration with University of Lincoln, making use of the additional facilities in their Sleep and Cognition Laboratory, with funding being provided by the Dream Science Foundation (DSF) and the International Association for the Study of Dreams (IASD). Applications to participate in Anthony’s experiment, which involves two overnight stays in the sleep laboratory, are still open and Anthony discussed what potential participants could expect: “This research may help to inform new insight on the nature of dreaming and why we dream. It contains novel aspects and combinations of previously tested methodologies in the field of sleep and dream research, including the use of Virtual Reality. "Participants in my experiment will be encouraged to play Virtual Reality video games before spending a night in the sleep lab, providing dream reports and playing the games again in the morning.“ If you are interested in participating, please contact anthony.bloxham@bishopg.ac.uk to register your interest or request further information. Compensation for participating is a £50 Amazon.co.uk gift card. You can find more information our exciting and innovative doctoral and Psychology programmes on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team.
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