Yr Athrofa: The Institute of Education is looking forward to an exciting new chapter in its long and illustrious history after moving into state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Swansea’s waterfront.
The eye-catching development includes purpose-built facilities for learning, teaching and research as well as social, leisure and recreation space.
Yr Athrofa is relocating from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Townhill Campus, where its legacy will continue through its work with the Pheonix Centre and surrounding communities. The exciting move also supplements the Athrofa’s ongoing presence in Carmarthen and Cardiff.
The development of a learning and innovation village in Swansea’s SA1 area supports UWTSD’s aim to inspire individuals and develop reflective graduates and practitioners who can make a difference to society.
UWTSD’s vision for SA1 is being delivered in partnership with the Welsh Government and the City and County of Swansea, with students and employees benefiting from studying, working and living in an environment which includes modern, sustainable buildings with refreshing open-air green spaces.
In addition to the decision to relocate Yr Athrofa’s Swansea operation, the university’s new agreement with Sony promises to bring the next generation of education technology to students and enhance the Athrofa’s offer yet further.
Sony has worked with the university since 2015 to develop ‘Vision Exchange’, a pioneering platform to facilitate a move from traditional lecture theatres and auditoriums to cutting-edge learning spaces enabling collaborative and interactive learning styles.
The facility allows a sharing of content among those present in learning spaces, as well as for participants located elsewhere, regardless of geographic location.
Yr Athrofa began piloting Sony Vision Exchange, which will support distance learning and is designed to improve engagement and attainment, in September 2017.
Professor Dylan Jones, Dean of Yr Athrofa, said: “Our fantastic new facilities in SA1 have already attracted a lot of attention and we are certain staff, students and our many partners will enjoy what the new buildings have to offer.
“Our move into Swansea waterfront marks an important milestone for Yr Athrofa and is representative of the bright future we are creating with colleagues right across the educational spectrum.
“We look forward to welcoming friends of Yr Athrofa to our eagerly-anticipated new facilities in the very near future.”
Yr Athrofa’s Swansea-based staff are making the transition into SA1 this summer ready for the start of the new academic year in September.
In addition to Yr Athrofa Swansea, the institute will continue to operate from UWTSD’s Carmarthen Campus and at Tramshed Tech, Cardiff.
Facilities at Yr Athrofa in Carmarthen are being upgraded to mirror those available in the new SA1 development.
