In an exciting new initiative that puts students at the forefront of practical learning, the University of Portsmouth unveiled its innovative ‘Teacher Education Centre’.
In an exciting new initiative that puts students at the forefront of practical learning, the University of Portsmouth unveiled its innovative ‘Teacher Education Centre’. By bringing together 70 students from the ‘Just Playing?’ module to create the space – the new Centre marks a significant achievement in collaborative education, by combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.
The volunteer students worked alongside their course leaders and an external expert to develop the new facility as part of their ‘Just Playing?’ assessment. This hands-on involvement not only enhances the student experience but also ensures that the facility is designed to meet the evolving needs of modern teaching therapeutic practices.
This wonderful facility is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our staff and students. Their enthusiastic involvement forming part of their course assessment has allowed us to curate a space that stands out in developing the professional practitioners of tomorrow.
Jodie Pinnell, Subject Area Leader, Education and Childhood Studies, said: “This wonderful facility is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our staff and students. Their enthusiastic involvement forming part of their course assessment has allowed us to curate a space that stands out in developing the professional practitioners of tomorrow.”
The ‘Teacher Education Centre’ serve as a crucial bridge between theory and practice, offering an immersive environment for students pursuing, BA Childhood and Youth Studies, BA Childhood and Youth Studies with Psychology, BA Childhood and Youth Studies with Criminology and BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies.
The play therapy room is full of resources that can help children communicate without words. In the last few years, we’ve seen an increase in the need for therapy through play to address the heightened stress on families and communities. This facility will help our students learn the best approaches to tackle these demands.
The state-of-the-art Centre is expected to benefit approximately 300-500 students annually, promoting collaborative learning.
A key feature of the Centre is the play therapy simulation suite and therapeutic play area, integral for students engaged in modules that include therapeutic practices.
The centre's therapeutic play area has been specifically designed to address the evolving needs of children who might be affected by challenges such as the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
Alex Sabine, Senior Teaching Fellow, Childhood and Education, said: “The play therapy room is full of resources that can help children communicate without words. In the last few years, we’ve seen an increase in the need for therapy through play to address the heightened stress on families and communities. This facility will help our students learn the best approaches to tackle these demands.”
The facility highlights include:
- Music and discovery tables for exploring nature and creativity.
- Bookshelves with art-based imaginative pieces and sensory mats.
- Occupational, construction and block play areas for educational play.
- Cultural and play therapy sections showcasing diverse books and culturally representative symbols.
- Sensory and therapy areas, including sensory integration equipment and puppets.
- Art and den building zones.
The University of Portsmouth’s ‘Teacher Education Centre’ will give students the practical learning experiences needed for their future careers.