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31.
Wannabe teacher? Worried about your Skills Tests? We’ve got some good news for you!
The Department for Education has announced that thousands of would-be teachers are now eligible for three attempts at the professional skills tests they must pass to begin Initial Teacher Training (ITT) before they incur any cost, rather than one. On top of this change – worth up to £77 per candidate – the government has removed the lock-out period that previously prevented candidates from re-taking tests for two years if they had been unsuccessful in two re-sits. The announcement builds on a number of measures to recruit and retain high-calibre teachers, including a £75million investment in teachers’ professional development and follows the recruitment of 32,000 new trainees in 2017. In full today’s changes are: The removal of a lock-out period that previously prevented aspiring teachers from re-taking tests for two years; No limit on the number of tests, and the first three tests are free of charge to all candidates; and Refunds for anyone who has already paid for tests in this year’s recruitment cycle – on or since 24 October 2017. Today’s news adds to a growing number of initiatives to attract the brightest and best into the teaching profession, including: Increasing bursaries to £26,000 for all trainees with a 2:2 or higher in the highest priority subjects; physics, languages, chemistry, biology, computing, geography and classics. Offering a £20,000 bursary for maths trainees followed by two additional early-career payments of £5k each (£7,500 if teaching in local authority areas where teachers are most needed) in their third and fifth year of teaching, if they have taught in a state school in England since completing their teacher training course. Offering scholarship schemes in six subjects for 2018/19; physics, maths, languages, chemistry, computing, and geography. Successful scholars will receive £28,000 tax-free in all subjects except maths, where scholars will receive £22,000 tax-free. Offering bursaries for English trainees have been increased to £15,000 for all trainees with a 2:2 or higher, and bursaries in all other subjects are unchanged for 2018 to 2019. If you haven’t already, apply to BGU today and start training in September 2018. -
32.
BGU Academics Share Practice and Advice with Chinese Nursery Head Teachers
Last week Alison Riley – Programme Leader Early Childhood Studies (ECS) – and Mary-Louise Maynes – Senior Lecturer ECS – of Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) met with a group of Chinese Nursery Head teachers to discuss the practice and provision of Early Years Education. The visiting Heads were viewing nursery schools across the Lincoln area, exploring different options and methods of provision with the meeting at BGU offering a chance to talk informally and for the teachers to understand how Early Years education is taught. The work carried out on the ECS course at BGU facilitating the training of teachers to work in the Early Years sector was of particular interest to the delegates. With staff in their nurseries mostly untrained in education provision they were keen to find out about the different forms of training for early years professionals in the UK. With educational provision for under twos increasing in China, the Head Teachers were also very keen to hear about the work BGU does with its students to develop their understanding of the needs of young children in the 0-2 age range as encouraging this sector is an important objective for them in China. Mary-Louise Maynes was delighted with the success of the visit and excited at the prospect of further collaboration in the future: “They were full of enthusiasm for making links with BGU and we hope to create some opportunities in the future for us to share ideas about practice. At the end of the session they gave us a number of gifts made by staff and children in their nurseries which we are looking forward to sharing with our students“ You can find out more about our Early Childhood Studies degree along with our full portfolio of degrees on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
33.
BGU offers a ‘flavour of teaching’ to aspiring educators
Over 70 aspiring educators from across the country came to Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) earlier this month for a taste of life as a teacher. Run by the Primary Team (part of the School of Teacher Development at the BGU); the Pre-Teaching course focused on providing attendees with opportunities to gain hands on experience as well as advice from existing professionals. Each morning session was filled with practical activities allowing participants to test out their skills. Having prepared an exercise (including sourcing necessary and appropriate materials) they had to teach a small group of fellow attendees with exercises on offer including play dough making, Second World War history and ocean exploration. The afternoon sessions were focused on guiding the attendees through the application and training process. Aimee Quickfall, TD Head of Programmes for Primary and Early Years at BGU, praised the positive impact the course could offer: “The Pre-Teaching course is an opportunity for aspiring teachers to get a flavour of teaching with sessions designed to cover all aspects of life in education, not just what it feels like to run a lesson but also what a collaborative profession teaching is. Through this we can ensure that even when they hit difficulties they will know they’re not on their own”. The course was certainly a hit with the participants; Emily McCloud, a second year Early Childhood Studies student at BGU, felt that it provided a great opportunity for preparation ahead of beginning her journey into teaching: “I was quite nervous going into the course, becoming a teacher is a big task, but I feel so much more prepared now. It’s been amazing to get a taste of what is to come”. You can find out more about our PGCE programmes, including further Pre-Teaching courses on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
34.
BGU and Italian scholar make successful bid for prestigious Research Fellowship
Dr Gioacchino Curiello, a scholar from Pisa in Italy, has been awarded a highly sought after British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship worth £250,000 which will allow him to come to Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) as a paid researcher for three years. Dr Curiello fought off over four hundred other applicants for the annual award in a year when the British Academy described the competition “as particularly tough”. The Fellowship award recognises outstanding early career researchers offering them opportunities to strengthen their experience of research and teaching in a university environment. Dr Jack Cunningham, Bishop Grosseteste University’s Reader in Ecclesiastical History, mentored Dr Curiello throughout the process and he described the impact the award would have: “Dr Curiello’s award is not only enormously important for BGU’s research environment, but hugely important for the world of Grosseteste studies in general.” This award enables Dr Curiello and Dr Cunningham to work together on Robert Grosseteste’s 13th Century work On the Divine Names. During his three years at BGU Dr Curiello will travel to libraries in Paris, Florence, Oxford and the Vatican in order to consult the oldest medieval manuscript copies of Grosseteste’s great work. Eventually, the end product will be a published critical edition of this highly important book which will make a significant contribution to our understanding of one of the Middle-Age’s finest philosopher-theologians, and possibly Lincoln’s greatest ever bishop. BGU is dedicated to bringing cutting edge and innovative research to the Higher Education sector. If you are interested in becoming a part of that drive, contact our Enquiries Team or visit our website today to discover fascinating new opportunities. -
35.
SENI course offers students the chance to present their research at international education conference
Richard D' Amelio, Psychology and Special Educational Needs & Inclusion (SENI) student at BGU, recently had the opportunity to present his research alongside fellow SENI student Sara Gorman at the International Conference in Education. Titled ‘Emotional and Behavioural problems in primary students: The importance of early diagnosis and assessment’, the research was well received and, following their presentation, they were able to build research connections and craft interesting ideas on future projects with colleagues at universities from Japan, the UAE and Egypt. For Richard, this was an unforgettable experience and he explained how his time at BGU had prepared him for both it, and the next steps he plans to take after graduating: “Three years ago, as I sat contemplating what university life may be like, expectations and aspirations always returned to the same theme; ‘I want my degree to be the gateway to special educational needs and inclusion research in the international arena.’ I believed, and still do, that obstacles and concerns facing special education are a global issue, and equally, a global response is required to address these issues through the exploration of the diverse cultural responses to SEN and dissemination of best practice. I am both pleased and proud to report that the opportunity to engage with a BG research internship culminating in an international conference involving this very theme, surpassed many of my dreams and I need to thank my SENI tutor for this. Most memorable was the opportunity to connect with international colleagues from Germany, the UAE and China, and the exciting experience of working alongside other presenters making last-minute improvements to their work in the hotel lobby with twenty minutes to go. The presentation itself? Yes, all those hours of preparation and practice in front of the mirror, and occasionally the dog, poor thing, appeared to pay off, and despite the natural anxiety involved in a debut presentation to international academics, our research was so well received, that the smile of accomplishment lasted for days. Ultimately, it was a privilege to represent BGU within the international research community. Throughout this experience, I often reflected upon the six BGU graduate attributes and was keen to demonstrate these attributes through my conduct and contributions. However, one attribute was especially relevant, one which is dear to my heart, through engaging with the project and conference, I became a fully-fledged Bishop Grosseteste University Global Citizen.” If you are interested in finding out what adventures BGU can offer you, visit our website or contact our Enquiries Team to see our full portfolio of courses. -
36.
Award Nomination for PhD Student’s New Book
Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) is delighted to announce that ‘Helping Children Develop a Positive Relationship with Food’ written by Jo Cormack, one of our PhD students, is a finalist in the Early Years Excellence Awards 2018, in the ‘Happy and Healthy’ Category. On reaching the finals Jo Cormack was delighted to see her hard work being recognised: “I’m really thrilled to have my book shortlisted for this national award, it’s a real honour. "Although there is much talk about health and nutrition in early childhood, I have long felt that early years practitioners need to be better supported when it comes to understanding the psychological aspects of feeding children. "My book is an attempt to address this gap: I have tried to draw on my academic interest and my clinical experience to share evidence-based best practice with those working with young children every day. Early years practitioners are uniquely placed to make a real difference to how the children in their care relate to food.” Everyone at BGU would like to congratulate Jo on her success and we will keep you up to date on how ‘Helping Children Develop a Positive Relationship with Food’ does when the winners are announced in September. -
37.
PhD Student Celebrates Double Success in Budapest
Phil Nicholson, PhD student at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), is enjoying a double celebration having presented his newly published work at the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) conference. Phil Nicholson graduated from his undergraduate degree in Education Studies and Sport last July, won a studentship for his PhD studies at BGU (supervised by Dr Emma Pearson and Dr Caroline Horton), and has already published his academic work. The article, Play-based pedagogy under threat? A small-scale study of teachers’ and pupils’ perceptions of pedagogical discontinuity in the transition to primary school has been published in the academic journal, "Education 3-13", which is an International Journal of Primary, Elementary and Early Years Education. Following its publication Phil also had the opportunity to present it at the 2018 EECERA, which took place at the end of August in Budapest. Despite being nervous about presenting to such a well-informed early years international audience he thoroughly enjoyed the experience: “I am delighted with how the presentation went and found the questions and discussion that followed it extremely informative.” Dr Caroline Horton, PhD Programme Leader at BGU, was full of praise for Phil for and explained why it was no surprise that his work was proving such a success: “We are delighted that Phil has been able to continue his studies at BGU. He demonstrates a critical and detailed approach to his research, coupled with a highly conscientious approach to his studies, which makes him an ideal doctoral candidate. “Phil conducted an insightful investigation as part of his undergraduate dissertation research, which has been shaped into his recent publication.” Dr Pat Beckley, Senior Lecturer in the School of Teacher Development at BGU, also presented a paper at the EECERA. Her focus was Comparative strategies and family approaches in supporting children’s literacy learning in selected settings in England, Norway and Uganda, and she chaired a symposium based on early years literacy, including papers from Swedish and American colleagues. Phil Nicholson’s paper can be accessed here and if you would like more information on the research opportunities available at BGU you can find it on our website, or by contacting our Enquiries Team. -
38.
BGU Launch New Exhibition Exploring the History of Women’s Football
The Research Team at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) have launched a new exhibition at the Lincoln Central Library to explore and celebrate the history of women’s football. The exhibition promotes and celebrates women’s football in Britain from the early years up to today, including its presence in Lincoln and the wider county of Lincolnshire. With a legacy dating back over 100 years the Lincoln Ladies, or Lady Imps, are one of the Sport’s most enduring teams, gaining huge popularity during the Great War before an FA ban at the end of the conflict forced them to fight for their survival. Two stories are incorporated into the exhibition. The first is the history of the women’s game from the 1880s up to the First World War, in particular the highpoint during the conflict of 1914-18. The second story is that of the recent revival of the game, focusing on the successful run for the Lincoln City Ladies team that came to a controversial end in 2013. The exhibition has been produced to coincide with the performances of the Lincoln Mystery Plays latest production: ‘The World at Her Feet’. The play has been written to mark the centenary of the final year of the First World War. The script recognises the contribution of munitionette workers, some of whom formed football teams. Dr Andrew Jackson, Head of Research at BGU, described his excitement at what the joint endeavours of the exhibition and the play could achieve: “The 'World at Her Feet' will be a powerful play. It will resonate as a fitting end to the four centenary years of the First World War. The production will also feature in a year of anniversaries commemorating progress in the place and status of women, and their achievement of the right to vote. In addition, the performance will be set in a context of today, and a revival of the women's game of football at national and international levels.” It is hoped that the exhibition will not only bring the extraordinary stories of the trailblazing Lady Imps to light, but also inspire a new generation to follow in their footsteps. The exhibition also coincides with celebrations nationwide of women gaining the right to vote one hundred years ago. BGU has been running several activities throughout the year, including another special exhibition, to commemorate this historic event. The Research Team at BGU are dedicated to preserving and championing the history of Lincolnshire and its residents. You can keep up to date with all their activities via our website or, if you would like to get involved yourself, you can contact our Enquiries Team to find out how to start your new adventure. The exhibition will run at the Lincoln Central Library until the 17th of November and is open to all. -
39.
Punk Women: Exploring Underground Music Scenes
Laura Way, Associate Tutor for Sociology and Health & Social Care at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU), had the opportunity to attend the KISMIF international conference in July. Now in its fourth year, KISMIF is organised by the University of Porto and stands for ‘Keep it Simple, Make it Fast’. With a focus on underground music scenes and ‘do-it-yourself’ culture, this year’s specialist theme was ‘Gender, Differences, Identities and DIY Cultures’. KISMIF prides itself on being the opposite of a ‘run of the mill’ conference, instead going above and beyond to offer an experience to attendees. To encourage diverse and innovative discussions the conference programme was packed full of talks, musical showcases, documentary screenings, gigs and DJ sets, parallel paper sessions, book launches and cultural activities stretching until the early hours. As part of the vibrant programme Laura presented a paper which drew upon elements of her doctoral research: “My PhD research more broadly concerns older punk women’s construction and maintenance of identity, exploring issues concerning gender, subcultural identification and ageing. "My conference paper focused specifically on gig attendance amongst my sample of older punk women and explored the push/pull factors which were reflexively considered in the context of attending live music shows. I was able to gain peer feedback and overall the conference provided a valuable international platform in which to share my research” The paper will be published in a special issue of the Punk & Post Punk journal in 2019. Staff and students at BGU are regularly invited to present at conferences around the world, you can follow all their travels on our news page and find out how you can start your own adventures on our course pages. -
40.
BGU Collaborate on Original Play and Exhibition to Mark the 2018 Armistice
In the approach to Armistice Day 2018, BGU staff and students have been supporting the production of an important new play to mark the end of the centenary years of the First World War.
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