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BGU Academics return to Thailand
Academics from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) returned to Thailand earlier this year to continue their overseas consultancy with the Thai government on improving teacher development. Professor Chris Atkin and Dr Nick Gee, Head of School of Teacher Development, participated in a workshop hosted by the British Embassy in Bangkok to build on recommendations for initial teacher training first presented to Thai government in August 2016. Other participants included representatives from the University of Ulster, the University of Leicester and the University of Aberdeen. Supported by the Thai Minister for Education (who championed BGU’s original recommendations) and the UK Foreign Office the event covered a number of training ideas to aid teachers in understanding the impact of their work on students and communities. It also marked the launch of a new competency framework for teachers in South East Asia. In addition to launching the framework the workshop offered an updated review of initial teacher training in Thailand and looked to encourage further opportunities for collaboration between BGU and the Thai Education Sector. The event in Bangkok was incredibly well received and as a result BGU have been asked by two Rajabhat universities to send out representatives to provide teacher training courses. Having led the original review in 2016 Professor Atkin was delighted to see the project have such a positive impact: “The success of the initial review has placed BGU at the heart of educational policy reform in Thailand. It is a distinct honour to have our experience and expertise as providers of teacher training so emphatically recognised by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and Thai government. “It is a responsibility we do not take lightly. At the heart of successful education are highly trained teachers. We look forward to continuing our part in supporting trainee and experience teachers across Thailand.” Supporting educational reform in Thailand is just one part of BGU’s activities in South East Asia. Following the initial review in 2016 BGU Vice Chancellor, Revd. Canon Professor Peter Neil, visited Thailand last December. During the visit he exchanged a memorandum of understanding with Phranakhon Rajabhat University in Bangkok and met with members of the Teachers’ Council of Thailand as well as colleagues from the country’s 38 Rajabhat universities. You can keep up to date with all of BGU’s projects in Thailand and across the world on our news page. Find out more about Teacher Training at BGU. -
Vice-Chancellor opens Conference on Lifelong Learning at the University of Cambridge
The Vice-Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), the Rev’d Canon Professor Peter Neil, in his capacity as Chair of the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL), hosted its Annual Conference at Downing College, University of Cambridge from 21-23rd March 2018. The theme of the Conference was ‘Opportunities for Lifelong Learning in a Changing World’ and was attended by international delegates from Canada, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Poland, Turkey, and the USA as well as many participants from the four jurisdictions in the UK. In his introductory talk, Professor Neil highlighted the significance of this time for Higher Education in England in general and part-time and mature learners in particular. He suggested that it was a time of opportunity for the sector even if it appeared that at the moment it was ‘gardening in a gale’ rather than gently tending a landscape, as alluded to by the chair of the new Office for Students, Sir Michael Barber. It was a particular pleasure to welcome the Chief Executive of the Office for Students, Nicola Dandridge CBE as the main key-note speaker. In her lecture Ms Dandridge focused on the centrality of the students within the new regulatory landscape, although she acknowledged the complexities associated with the transition to the new system. Many of the aspects highlighted in her talk resonated with the delegates such as the importance of social mobility, the need to continue to provide not only access arrangements but to ensure that students from all backgrounds received a quality experience of Higher Education and the focus on student outcomes. Many of the areas raised in Ms Dandridge’s talk stimulated debate and prepared the way for the many presentations and seminars which formed the rest of the conference. In commenting on his four-year term of office as Chair of UALL, Professor Neil said: ‘UALL is an organisation with which I have been engaged for many years since my time at Aberystwyth as Director of Education and Lifelong Learning. Its focus is on non-traditional students and part-time and mature learners sits very neatly with the work we do at BGU. It is a privilege to share in this work and to see the many connections we have internationally’. In recognition of the increasing international links which UALL has, memoranda of understanding were signed with the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AACE), Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE), Higher Education Lifelong Learning Ireland Network (HELLIN) and Turkish Universities Continuing Education Network (TUSEM). The Vice-Chancellor regards this role as enhancing the reputation and the reach of BGU nationally and internationally. -
BGU Opens its Doors for its First Campus Showcase
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) opened its doors to the Lincoln community on Monday 25 June for its first Campus Showcase. The Showcase was packed with talks, displays and campus tours to show visitors the range of facilities available to the local community at BGU. Services on display included business spaces, conference rooms as well as the onsite Venue cinema and Longdales House Bed & Breakfast. Opening the Showcase from the grand surroundings of BGU’s award nominated Constance Stewart Hall, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of BGU, delved into the history and development of BGU alongside its ongoing work, both inside the University and around the world including international projects in Thailand and China: “Across the last 150 years Bishop Grosseteste University has continued to grow and evolve and although, as an institution, we may be small, our impact is now felt across the world. One of our greatest joys, however, will always be finding opportunities to support the community around us” His speech was followed by campus tours and demonstrations of available services; while guests were also treated to a talk on the University’s ongoing #Vote100 activities by Dr Andrew Jackson, historian and Head of Research, and two MA students. With attendees including representatives from the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club and a host of local businesses the event also offered an opportunity for valuable community networking. BGU is full of facilities and services that are designed to support and encourage organisations and businesses across Lincolnshire. If you would like more information or are interested in experiencing them for yourself you can find full details on our website. -
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 Continue to Score Highly for Graduate Employability
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) has once again scored highly for graduate employability. Higher Education Statistic Agency (HESA) figures released today show that 97% of BGU students who leave with an undergraduate degree find work or are continuing to study six months following graduation. “It is incredibly rewarding to see today’s figures. Here at BGU, we keep our courses degree focused, with most involving a professional work placement, in order to give our students the best preparation for the workplace” said the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of Bishop Grosseteste University. “Maintaining our position at the top end of the national rankings is, of course, fantastic, but knowing that our hard work is giving our graduates the future they deserve is superb”. The statistics appear in the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education (DLHE) 2016/17 survey published by HESA and can be found here. -
BGU and the University of Lincoln Celebrate the LCU’s Graduation Ceremony
Representatives from Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) came together with staff at the University of Lincoln to celebrate the Lincolnshire Children’s University (LCU) Graduation ceremony. -
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. -
Lord-Lieutenant Officially Opens BGU Research Centre
Bishop Grosseteste University’s (BGU) new Lincolnshire Open Research and Innovation Centre (LORIC) has been officially opened at an event led by BGU Vice Chancellor the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil and the Lord-Lieutenant for Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis. Conceived by BGU, LORIC will provide support to businesses, public and third-sector organisations across Greater Lincolnshire by enabling connections with data specialists and researchers to bring new insights for businesses. Speaking at the launch event Christopher Bridle, LORIC Project Manager, spoke of how the county was at the heart of the project: “This is an incredibly rewarding moment, a lot of hard work has gone into taking the project to this point and it wouldn't have been possible without the involvement of a range of local companies. LORIC truly is a resource created by and for the people of Lincolnshire”. His words were echoed by the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil: “LORIC is just one manifestation of BGU's dedication to supporting the Lincolnshire community by placing research and the exchange of knowledge at the centre of what we do. It highlights our journey as an evolving university that we are now able to offer local businesses expertise and support to improve their practices which will, in turn, benefit the county for years to come". Opening the Centre Toby Dennis, the Lord-Lieutenant, shared his excitement for the positive impact LORIC will have for Lincolnshire business: "It is indeed a great thrill to be able to open this wonderful concept from an innovative and ever developing institution. This latest addition is an inspiration to the local community from which all corners of the county will have the opportunity to benefit. BGU is held in the highest regard far and wide and the county should feel privileged to be the home of this exceptional place of education and development" LORIC will be hosting its first Open Day for Lincolnshire businesses on the 17th of October from 4-6.30pm. Any SME within Greater Lincolnshire is welcome to attend and to hear more about how LORIC can support business, to tour the facilities and to enjoy refreshments. For more information contact loric@bishopg.ac.uk -
BGU Officially Welcome New Students at Annual Matriculation Ceremony
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) formally welcomed nearly 600 students at the annual Matriculation Ceremony on Tuesday 9 October. Now in its fourth year the welcoming ceremony has become an established and popular part of the academic calendar. All newly enrolled students are invited to the ceremony, held in the grand surroundings of Lincoln Cathedral, which gives both undergraduate and postgraduate students the chance to meet University staff and each other. This year’s ceremony began at 3pm with a procession of over 100 BGU members of staff before the new students were officially welcomed to the University by the University’s Chancellor, Dame Judith Jonas-Mayhew, the Vice-Chancellor, the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, the President of the Students’ Union, Craig Ferguson and the The Dean of Lincoln, The Very Revd Christine Wilson. As a symbol of their belonging in BGU, all students were given a specially designed gold badge. The Vice-Chancellor explained why the event has become such an important part of the student journey at BGU: “The Matriculation Ceremony marks our students’ formal entry into the University. In addition to offering a friendly welcome to all those who are starting their studies here this year, it ensures they know they are now part of the BGU and academic community, of which every student is an integral member. It is emphasised that we are all there to guide and support the students throughout their time with us.” The ceremony closed with a performance from the BGU choir followed by speeches from Samuel Wernham, second year Drama student, and Emma Stanbridge, BGU graduate and MA English Literature student. New undergraduate students Amelia Revill, Education Studies and English, Charlotte Jezard, Education Studies, and Francesca Baugh, Primary Education with QTS, described after the ceremony how, thanks to the event, BGU was already feeling like home: “This afternoon has been really welcoming and enjoyable. It’s really nice to see all the students and academics coming together to meet each other, we’ve enjoyed our time at BGU so far but this has definitely made us all feel even more at home here” If you would like to become a part of the BGU community visit our website to find out about all the exciting courses available to you or contact our Enquiries Team today. You can watch this year’s ceremony and find a photo album on our Facebook page. -
BGU to Sponsor Kuwaiti Academic
The School of Teacher Development at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is sponsoring an academic from the National University of Kuwait to help them undertake a trip to the United Kingdom. Dr Suaad Alshebou, a former doctoral student of BGU’s Professor Chris Atkin, will be visiting Lincoln to engage with the academic life at BGU. As part of her visit Suaad will be giving a public lecture at BGU on ‘Non-traditional students in traditional universities: motives and barriers of female adult learners in Kuwait’ Through her work at the College of Basic Education, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training Associate Professor Dr Alshebou conducts research in Higher Education, Comparative Education and Adult Education. Her current project is 'Non-traditional learners in traditional colleges. A feminist perspective’. Professor Atkin described his excitement at the fresh perspectives Dr Alshebou’s visit would offer: “It’s a real honour to be hosting Dr Alshebou during her time in the UK and I look forward to her contribution to academic life at BGU The public lecture being hosted by BGU on the 6th December will provide an opportunity to learn something of the challenges and rewards faced by non-traditional Kuwaiti adult women learners engaging with traditional universities. Dr Alshebou will be in the UK for the remainder of this academic year and will bring a valuable comparative perspective to academic life at BGU.” Dr Alshebou’s lecture will take place on Thursday 6 December at 2:00pm in CSH 02 on the BGU campus and will be introduced by the Reverend Canon Professor Peter Neil, Vice Chancellor of BGU, in his capacity as Chair of the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL). It is open to all current and former BGU staff and students as well as members of the public. For further details please contact Professor Chris Atkin via chris.atkin@bishopg.ac.uk BGU regularly to play host to visiting speakers from around the world providing students, staff and visitors with unique learning opportunities. To find out how you can experience these visit our website.
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