L-R: Jim Fitzpatrick (MP for Poplar and Canning Town), Patricia Broadfoot (Vice-Chancellor) and John Sentamu (Archbishop of York) at the opening of the London Campus
The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu was the guest of honour at the official opening of the University of Gloucestershire’s London campus this week.
The Archbishop, who holds an honorary doctorate from the University and is a former Bishop of Stepney unveiled a commemorative plaque along with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Patricia Broadfoot and MP for Poplar and Canning Town, Jim Fitzpatrick. The event was attended by nearly 150 University staff and guests along with graduating students and their families.
The campus, which was formerly known as the Urban Learning Foundation, became part of the University of Gloucestershire in 2003. It has recently undergone an £8.3 million refurbishment programme, and now includes three large teaching spaces, a prayer room, 91 en-suite student bedrooms and a high-quality ICT and library space with seminar spaces and areas for private study.
The refurbishments have been undertaken in line with the University of Gloucestershire’s sustainable ethos and include a rainwater harvesting system, solar panels, natural supply ventilation, low-energy efficient lighting and a green roof which helps to clean air and dust pollutants and provides a natural habitat shelter and feeding opportunities for urban wildlife.
Over 80 education students now study on the Graduate Teacher Programme in primary education at the campus which provides the base for the scheme in North East London. 37 other students are studying for a PGCE in primary education and 42 Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTPs) are also based at the site. Around 100 Newly Qualified Teachers (NQTs) are currently engaged in a Masters in Education programme and the campus also provides a base for students from the University of Gloucestershire’s Cheltenham campus who wish to undertake an urban school placement.
The campus has a particularly good relationship with the London Borough of Newham by providing a steady stream of NQTs; 52% of the Borough’s primary school teachers starting work in September 2008 were trained at the University of Gloucestershire’s London campus.
Academic Development Manager at the London campus, Amritraj Thakur said:
“Our current provision focuses on teacher training programmes however we have exciting and ambitious plans for the future.
“We are hoping to launch a number of our successful full-time courses that are currently delivered in Cheltenham, particularly those with an international focus. In partnership with the University’s Cheltenham-based International Language Centre we are currently hosting 60 students from Korea and we believe that having a London base will attract more International students in the future.
“The campus also provides an ideal base for University of Gloucestershire students who wish to study professional courses in an urban environment.”
The opening ceremony was followed by an awards ceremony for graduating students. Entertainment was provided by the Ruach Ministries Choir.
19th February 2009