Building Blocks: Student Partnership Publication Launch
The 19th of October saw the launch of the annual NBRS Student Research Publication. This year’s edition entitled Building Blocks, by Benjamin Chen, investigates the links between early learning, community engagement and the autonomy of the child in their own learning.
“Early learning centres need to provide the building blocks necessary to nurture and teach future leaders through holistic education and care practices, eschewing traditional notions of simple child-minding and embracing an ever-evolving pedagogy.”
Building Blocks reflects on the development of early learning over time and puts forward an innovative model centring the child whilst also creating a space that allows connection with the community. The morning began with a welcome from NBRS Chairman Andrew Duffin followed by demographer at McCrindle Sophie Renton. Sophie discussed the growing needs not only of children but the climate in which parents of early learning stage children live. Following this James Ward NBRS Director of Strategy discussed the development of how early learning has developed throughout history and what has informed the way we think about early learning in the present.
The keynote speaker Benjamin Chen discussed his proposal of a built environment that was welcoming and safe but also encouraged play and risk. The four building blocks; the check in, the campfire, the playroom and the outdoor, underpinned the holistic system of rethinking an early learning structure.
The launch invited industry leaders across early learning to discuss the ideas proposed. The audience included academics, designers and facilitators. The discussion was led by Sophie Orrock the Studio Principal of Interior Design at NBRS and revealed a range of points of view across different sectors that interact with early learning environments.
If you are interested in learning more about the NBRS Student Partnership Program or are interested in applying for the 2018 intake read more here.
