BGU Student Wins Place on UK Literacy Association Panel

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) Education Studies student Hayley Booth has won an NEU sponsored conference place at the United Kingdom Literacy Association International Conference in Cardiff and an opportunity to meet prize-winning children’s authors and illustrators.

Hayley was nominated by Education Studies tutor, Helen Hendry, after taking part in the United Kingdom Literacy Association book awards shadowing scheme. The national scheme takes place each year and offers students around the UK the chance to vote for their favourite new children’s book in a range of age group categories.

To be awarded the conference place, students were required to demonstrate an outstanding contribution to the shadowing process. Hayley, currently in her second year of Education Studies at BGU, used one of the shortlisted texts ‘The Night Gardener’ by the Fan brothers as a creative stimulus for teaching in a recent school placement. She also involved her Year 1/2 class in sharing all the shortlisted books. This then led to an in school book display as well as many repeated readings of ‘Oi Dog!’ by Kes and Claire Gray, which was picked out by the pupils as their favourite.

Speaking on Hayley’s success Lynda Graham from the UKLA said:

“Many congratulations to Hayley and to Bishop Grosseteste. We had a record number of strong entries this year. We loved your report of Hayley's passion, commitment and energy.

For Hayley, taking part in the award and building the UKLA nominated books into her teaching has been a fantastic experience: 

“I really enjoyed reading the nominated books and being able to use them when I was on placement to see what the children thought of them. It gave me an insight into popular picture-book authors and what I can use in future lessons when I become a teacher”

You can find more information on all our courses, including Education Studies, on our website or by contacting our Enquiries Team.