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Pioneering Women of Lincolnshire’s Suffrage Movement Brought to Life in New Article by BGU Graduate
Elaine Johnson, recent graduate on the MA in Social & Cultural History course and now Visiting Tutor at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), has had her research published in the latest issue of East Midlands History & Heritage magazine. Elaine’s article, 'Perspectives from the provincial press: A Lincolnshire view of women’s suffrage', explores the role of Lincolnshire women in the suffrage movement of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries: “I originally started my research when involved in the Vote100 activities organised at BGU last year. I was fascinated by the stories and histories that I uncovered and was keen to share them. The positive response I’ve received to the article has been very rewarding and it was especially flattering to be contacted by the Lincoln Mayor’s Officer who asked to have several copies for council members, as the article explores some of the history of the City’s first female mayor”. Elaine, currently a visiting tutor delivering an undergraduate module on local history at BGU, graduated from the MA in Social & Cultural History course last year and feels that her time on the course was key in preparing her for producing independent research of a publishable quality: “The high standard of teaching and training on the MA in Social and Cultural History prepared me well for subsequent part-time employment as an historical researcher and speaker. During the course, the flexibility of the assignment briefs within each of the modules enabled me to develop personal research interests, supported by experienced, professional guidance from the tutors.” Speaking following the article’s publication Dr Claire Hubbard-Hall, Programme Leader for Military History and History Postgraduate Study at BGU, praised Elaine’s achievements along with the skills she crafted as a BGU student: “This publication is a fantastic achievement as Elaine has managed to successfully carve her research path, exploring the lives of Lincolnshire women, from the female trainee teachers of Lincoln Diocesan Training College for School Mistresses to the Lincolnshire lassies who fought for female suffrage. Undertaking a master’s degree builds on essential skills such as time management, self-discipline and those all-important independent research skills. Students are challenged by the postgraduate learning environment, and Elaine is an excellent example of how our students train for independent research.” You can read Elaine’s full article here (www.eastmidlandshistory.org.uk/magazine-issue-9/) or by picking up a copy of East Midlands History & Heritage from the BGU Library or History department. The MA in Social & Cultural History at BGU offers postgraduates the opportunity to acquire a specialism, deepening their knowledge of social and cultural history. BGU students are trained to mine the historical records in new and novel ways so that they can appreciate, for example, what it was like to walk in the shoes of those who lived during the Victorian period or contributed to the war effort during both world wars. If you are interested in studying history at BGU, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team for more information on both the MA in Social & Cultural History and our further range of history courses including BA (Hons) in History a selection of joint honours BA History degrees and our new BA (Hons) in Military History. -
Sensory Bus Visit Helps Students Break Down Barriers in Education
Students at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) enjoyed a visit from the LINKAGE Sensory Bus as they explored innovative and unique ways to remove the barriers children with special needs can face in education. The LINKAGE Sensory Bus is a specially designed learning space filled with range of unique sensory experiences to aid children with special needs including an illuminated jungle space and a music wall. All of its activities are adaptable to the needs of specific children and can help support pupils in a wide variety of areas including expanding vocabulary and behaviour management. Niz Smith, LINKAGE Project Coordinator, described the potential benefits of the bus to both pupils and teachers: “Our goal is to provide children with special educational needs with an environment in which they have choice and control. Through their explorations they are able share and interact with their peers in ways they would not normally be able to, allowing them to become happier and calmer. The bus is also a great resource for teachers, particularly in rural schools who wouldn’t normally be able to access resources, they can find new avenues to help their pupils interact before taking them back to their classrooms.” Isobel, Riaz and Hadikah, all currently in their second year of BA Primary Education with QTS, were three of the students to spend time on the bus and they praised its potential as a training tool for teachers: “It was great to gain more insight into how we can support children with special needs. Once you’re immersed in the bus the theoretical strategies we’ve been learning in lectures come to life and really begin to make sense. It was a brilliant practical experience” If you would like to arrange a visit by the LINKAGE bus team to your school you can email Niz at niz.smith@linkage.org.uk. The visit to BGU was organised by lecturers as part of a module focused on learning how to support pupils with special educational needs. If you’re interested in a future in education, our BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (3 year undergraduate degree), BA (Hons) Primary Teaching Studies with QTS (15 month top up degree), and PGCE courses are the perfect ways to begin or continue your adventure on the path to becoming a fantastic teacher. If you have any questions, our Enquiries Team are ready to help. Contact them today or visit our website to find out how to take your next steps. -
New Book Aims to Help Support Autistic Children by Exploring the ‘Two Sides to Every Story’
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) was proud to host the launch of ‘Exploring Theory of Mind with Children & Young People on the Autism Spectrum’ the latest book by Dr Clare Lawrence, Senior Lecturer in Secondary Education at BGU. Subtitled ‘Two Sides to Every Story’, the book explores how theory of mind differences, and the difficulties created by different viewpoints, can lead to frustration and confusion for children with autism. This exploration is lead by carefully structured stories featuring Bryn, who is autistic, his mother and their ‘Wise Dog’. All involve frustrating or confusing social events that befall Bryn leading to meltdowns with each story then told again from another viewpoint. Each night, Wise Dog talks to Bryn and helps him understand what has happened. Alongside the stories of Bryn, his mother and Wise Dog are a wide selection of activities which are based around the stories and are designed to further the reader’s understanding of the challenges faced by children with Autism. These activities include story board and role-playing exercises which are perfect for parents and children to work through together or for teachers to use in classroom situations. Speaking at the launch Clare discussed the positive impact she hoped the book would have: “I’ve been working on this book for a long time and I’m delighted to now see it finished and available for people to enjoy and learn from. The ability to interpret different viewpoints can be a real struggle for children with autism who, due to theory of mind differences, see their version as the truth. My hope now is that this book can educate those who come into contact with children on the spectrum on how to interact with and support children with viewpoint so different to their own”. Clare was supported in the creation of the book by her BGU colleague Aimee Quickfall, Head of Programmes Primary & Early Years ITE, who provided illustrations. ‘Exploring Theory of Mind with Children & Young People on the Autism Spectrum’ is available now. If you would like to explore a future supporting children and young people, visit our website to book your place on one of our upcoming Open Days where you’ll find out how our wide variety of exciting courses can help you reach your goals. -
Students and Staff Continue International Collaboration with BG Global India
Earlier this year students and staff from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) journeyed to Tirunelveli in Southern India to continue the University’s collaborative partnership in the country. -
Applications for the 2020 Sandford Awards are Officially Open
Applications are now open for the 2020 Sandford Awards which recognise and promote quality and best practice in educational provision by sites across the British Isles. More than 500 sites including country houses, museums and galleries, places of worship, wildlife parks, historic gardens and landscapes and different collections have received the prestigious quality mark since the scheme began in 1978. They include, Boughton House, Museum of Cannock Chase, St Albans Cathedral, the Tower of the London, and Fota Wildlife Park. The Award is independently judged and offers a quality assured assessment of a site’s formal education programme. The Sandford Award is managed by Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) in partnership with the Heritage Education Trust. The Award focuses on formal, curriculum-linked education opportunities offered to schools by heritage sites, although recognition is also made of informal learning such as family programmes. The Awards are non-competitive. Applications are welcomed from sites small and large, and run by national institutions, volunteers, local authorities, independent trusts, private owners. What are the benefits for you and your museum or heritage site? A ‘kite mark’ for high quality educational provision The opportunity to use your award to attract 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 an award ceremony National recognition among the heritage sector of the personal contribution of you and your staff, which will help to motivate the whole site to develop its good practice further What our award winners have to say “The judge’s report will allow us to receive greater recognition within the framework of our organisation and highlight the significance of the work we do.” Navan Centre & Fort “It’s really useful, not just to have an outside voice to evaluate and respond to what you do, but to have a physical report that can be shared around the museum to really advocate for and showcase the work that is done.” The Geffrye Museum How do I find out more? Our website provides all of the information you need to apply, including details of our criteria and the judging process. A series of films presented by Sandford Award judges and education officers at Award winning sites give tips and examples of good practice in heritage learning. https://www.heritageeducationtrust.org/ How do I apply? To enter your site for a Sandford Award, all you need to do is complete an application form which is available to download from our website and submit it by email or post. 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. Deadline for entries: 14 February 2020 For more information about the Sandford Awards, please contact: Jayne Ellis Sandford Award Administrator 01522 583695 Jayne.ellis@bishopg.ac.uk -
‘Inspirational’ First Cohort Complete General Practice Nursing Qualification
Last week Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) bid a fond farewell to the first cohort of students undertaking the PG Cert in General Practice Nursing. After nine months of blended learning in the classroom, in practice and using the Virtual Learning Environment, students are now able to work in General Practice with the range of skills a Nurse in this area is expected to have. Content covered over the course of the qualification included cervical smear taking, Immunisation and vaccines (including Travel Health), management of long-term conditions such as diabetes and asthma, Intermediate life support as well as mental health and support for carers. Speaking at an event to celebrate the students Nicki Walsh, Senior lecturer (and Programme Lead for Health and Social Care) at BGU, praised them for their commitment and example to future students: “The finishing students have been 100% committed to the programme and have not only developed in confidence but are a true inspiration for those who might consider General Practice Nursing as their preferred Career pathway. Students have had excellent support from their clinical environments throughout with clinical and academic supervisor supporting them in and around practice. Whilst sad to see these students finish at BGU, there are opportunities for further study on the MSc Primary and Community Care, as offering support future PGCert students. Further funding has been allocated to BGU by Health Education England for 10 places in March and the team at BGU look forward to welcoming next cohort of aspiring GPNs.” The PG Cert in General Practice Nursing is a specialised Master’s level programme which provides registered Healthcare Professionals, who are currently working in a Primary Care (General Practice) setting, with a learner-centred and practice focused programme of study, meeting their personal, professional and practice development needs all focused on local service demands. It produces high-calibre post graduates who are autonomous, reflexive, possessing of inquiring and analytical minds as part of their continued professional development required by their relevant Professional Regulatory body. The new PG Cert In General Practice Nursing joins the developing portfolio of courses at BGU which reflect current and future needs of the health and social care sector. Other current courses include Master's in Health & Social Care Leadership and Primary & Community Care. To find out how these courses can help develop your healthcare skills visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team. -
Academics Continue to Explore Teacher Wellbeing Around the World
Following successful presentations across Europe throughout 2019, Dr Emma Clarke and Aimee Quickfall of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) took their well-being research to the Finnish Education Research Association conference in Joensuu, Finland. The research project charts teacher training well-being experiences of teacher trainees in the UK, Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands employing visual methodologies including photo elicitation, time line drawing and diagrams. The project team have had a lot of interest in the methods as well as the findings and are currently working with colleagues at Leeds Beckett University, The University of Manchester and King's College, London on supporting their well-being work. This latest presentation capped off an exciting year for the project team, which has featured contributions from several of Emma and Aimee’s colleagues at BGU including Shaun Thompson, Hannah Wells, Sue Lambert and Dr Claire Thomson, as they have also disseminated findings at ECER in Hamburg, a BERA special interest group forum in London and the UCET conference in Stratford. Following their trip to Finland Aimee commented: “It has been a pleasure to return to the University of Eastern Finland and to share our findings from the project with the teacher educators from Helsinki, UEF, Turku and Oulu.” Whilst Emma reflected on the UK and Finnish contexts: “The Finnish teacher education system is very different to ours - training lasts for 5 years and teachers graduate with a master's qualification. However, it is interesting that there are many similarities in the experiences of our students and our Finnish colleagues have been very supportive and engaged in the research.” If you’re interested in a future in education, our BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (3 year undergraduate degree), BA (Hons) Primary Teaching Studies with QTS (15 month top up degree), and PGCE courses are the perfect ways to begin or continue your adventure on the path to becoming a fantastic teacher! If you have any questions, our Enquiries Team are ready to help. Contact them today or visit our website to find out how to take your next steps. -
Raising Mental Health Awareness at Bishop Grosseteste University
In 2018, the Office for National Statistics produced its first estimates of Higher Education student suicides, an area which typically until then was difficult to quantify. By amalgamating different data sets (Death Registration Records and Higher Education registration data) they were able to see a better picture of this area. Their research showed, that whilst the rate of suicide of Higher Education students in England and Wales is significantly lower than the general population, tragically university student suicide rates have gone up over the last decade. -
Students and Staff Instigate International Research to Combat Climate Change
In April 2019 Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) played host to the International Symposium on Climate Change and the Role of Education. Organised in partnership between BGU, the International Climate Change Information Programme (ICCIP), Hamburg University of Applied Scientists and the Baltic University Programme; the Symposium explored how society can adapt to the far reaching effects of climate change to overcome the challenges it poses using “Education” to engage and empower people to act to alleviate the many and various impacts of climate change. Following the successful event, research and discussions from the day have now been published in a new book ‘Climate Change and the Role of Education’. Part of the Springer Nature Climate Change Management Series five of the book’s 30 chapters have been authored by BGU staff and students with the University’s Programme Leader for Geography, Dr Sarah Hemstock serving as editor alongside Walter Leal Filho. Speaking following it’s publication Sarah and Walter explained why the book’s unique viewpoint made it an important tool in the study and combatting of and adaptation to climate change: "Climate change is without a doubt one of the most pressing challenges of modern times. One which affects both industrialised and developing nations. Education is known to potentially play a key role in catalysing the participation of individuals and communities in climate change mitigation and adaptation processes. But the role of education it is not only about helping people to understand the impacts of global warming. Rather, education on matters related to climate change is also about catalysing changes in attitudes and behaviour, which may encourage individuals to take a more active role in both, climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. International experiences show that there is a perceived need to make climate change education a more central and more prominent component of responses to climate change, both at the international, regional and local level. Yet, there is a paucity of truly international publications, which address the many pedagogical, social, and economic variables which characterise climate change education. This book has been produced to address this need. It is the outcome of the “International Symposium on Climate Change and the Role of Education”, organised by Bishop Grosseteste University (UK), the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and the International Climate Change Information and Research Programme (ICCIRP). Papers here compiled look at matters related to the use of a variety of educational approaches to educate, inform or raise awareness about climate change across a variety of audiences. It contains experiences from empirical research, practical projects and teaching methods being deployed round the world, all with the aim of bringing the message across various audiences. Moreover the book also entails contributions on how to promote the climate agenda and foster adaptation efforts at the local level. Thanks to its scope, this is a truly interdisciplinary publication. We thank the many authors who contributed to this volume, and for their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise. We hope it will be useful to scholars, social movements, practitioners and members of governmental agencies, undertaking research and/or executing projects on climate change education across the world." If you would like to explore the discussions and research on climate change visit our website, contact our Enquiries Team or by come along to one of our Open Days to find more information on our Geography courses. -
BGU graduate helps current students travel to the rainforest in immersive teacher training session
Students in the current PGCE cohort at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) were transported deep into the rainforest in a special session on inspiring children’s writing through sensory learning. The session was planned in conjunction with former BGU graduate Justyn Huntley. Justyn graduated from the PGCE School Direct programme and now works at Bardney Primary School. Together with BGU lecturers, he ran a series of sessions designed to show the trainee teachers how to develop their pupils’ writing by exploring settings in children’s fiction. The session was split into two parts, beginning with listening to an extract from a text. The trainee teachers then entered into an environment aimed at engaging all five senses. Students were able to taste unique foods, listen to unusual wildlife and touch fascinating plants amongst a selection of exciting activities. They were then encouraged to think about how they could build their experiences of the day into their future teaching of children’s writing. Speaking after the session Justyn explained his rationale behind the sessions and what he hoped the budding educators could accomplish with the idea: “The goal is to give pupils who may never have left their home county the opportunity to explore and experience something completely new. By splitting the session into two parts teachers can lay the foundations and fire up their pupils’ imaginations before immersing them in a fully interactive environment. The best part is this can be used for a range of different environments and ages. Rainforests, deserts, oceans, even the moon, you can take pupils anywhere”He also took the opportunity to share his experiences of studying through the School Direct programme: “Carrying out my PGCE through the School Direct programme was challenging at times but I really enjoyed it. Being able to experience an entire school year that early on in my training was great and allowed me to really understand how pupils learn and change across an academic year. Even though I was only in BGU one day a week I still had a great connection with my lecturers. They really encouraged me and provided time and support whenever I needed it.” 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.
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