To mark the event, a class of Year 2 pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Swansea were invited to officially open the Annexe on Singleton Campus.
The children took part in judging competition entries by the PGCE primary and secondary student teachers.
The children were also taught about green ways to travel around Wales by PGCE primary student teachers: Rebekkah Khalid, Lauren Morris, Carys Cartwright and Leah Emery.
Dr Helen Lewis, Primary PGCE Programme Director, congratulated the student teachers and had this to say:
“The preparation, enthusiasm and skill shown by our student teachers are a testament to their professionalism. This bodes well as they become research-informed, reflective practitioners.”
Angela Heald, Headteacher of St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the Annexe along with the pupils, who performed two songs in Welsh to a large audience of staff and students from the Department of Education and Childhood Studies.
Mrs Heald said:
“Today has been a wonderful opportunity for our children to really have an understanding of what happens day to day in the university. For our student teachers, it’s an opportunity for them to be able to prepare collaboratively, showcase some of their skills and learn from each other. I like the way the university has spoken with the school to look at what the children are learning, so it gives our children the fantastic opportunity to explore their learning in a different way.”
Professor Andy Townsend, Head of the Department of Education and Childhood Studies, added:
“We would like to thank the staff and pupils of St Joseph’s for their fantastic contribution on the day. We very much look forward to welcoming other schools to the Annexe in the future.”
To find out more about the Annexe and the work of the Centre, contact the University at: CRIP@swansea.ac.uk