The first EpiCentre, a cutting edge The IIE’s Varsity College realm designed to enhance the student learning experience across various faculties, has been launched on The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall campus. It marks a pivotal moment for the campus as it continues to redefine educational excellence for the betterment of the students and the broader community. This ambitious expansion of the campus’ educational facilities includes three distinct facilities: The Collaboratorium for Digital Learning, The Moot Court and The HIVE (Hub for Innovation, Ventures and Entrepreneurship) - each designed to equip students with vital skills and practical experiences in their respective fields.
Said Avadhi Ghela (Campus Head The IIE’s Varsity College Waterfall): “As the pioneer in The IIE’s Varsity College EpiCentre space our campus aims to be the campus of choice in Gauteng for students studying towards qualifications within the Faculties of Law, Education and Computer Science. The launch of The EpiCentre on our campus represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to our students, not just in terms of education but also in terms of equipping them with essential tools and experience needed for their future careers. The EpiCentre will foster collaboration, innovation and real world skills crucial in today's job market. We will also be partnering with key industry leaders across various sectors in Education, Law and IT. Through this collaboration real world challenges and case studies will be included in curricula which will ensure that students can apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations”.
The Moot Court is designed as a replica of a courtroom, allowing law students to participate in mock trials and legal proceedings, building critical thinking, public speaking, and negotiation skills. It will serve as a dual purpose venue designed for teaching, seminars and competitive mooting. Equipped with a raised Judge’s bench, microphones and a witness box the Faculty of Law aims to simulate a real courtroom environment for students. With seating for 40, the Moot Court will host practical components of Moot Court modules throughout the year and will serve as the home for the newly established Moot Court Society. It will form the cornerstone of skills development for future advocates as they practice trial advocacy in a real world setting.
At the Collaboratorium for Digital Learning students can engage in virtual environments, undertake collaborative projects and leverage digital tools that are now prevalent in many real classroom settings. Students will have the chance to work on multimedia and interactive presentations, honing their skills in a setting that mirrors real classroom environments. Through an array of advanced teaching aids it will prepare the Faculty of Education students for diverse classrooms across South Africa. This thoughtfully organised innovative space will facilitate structured, hands on learning experiences which will enable students to actively engage in simulated teaching scenarios. From classroom management to lesson delivery, students will build the confidence and competence necessary to thrive in real world educational settings. The Collaboratorium for Digital Learning is also a hub for interactive workshops, peer collaboration and guest speaker engagement that will ensure a rich experiential learning journey. It incorporates traditional and modern teaching tools such as chalkboards, whiteboards and smartboards aimed at creating a comprehensive learning environment suitable for various educational styles. A unique reading corner provides a serene area for students to dive into literature, fostering a love for reading and discovery.
The HIVE, the Information Technology (IT) Innovation and Solutions Architecture Hub designed specifically for Faculty of Computer Science students, will provide a creative incubator space, where students can come together to work on innovative projects, thereby simulating team dynamics often found in real world organisations. It is a space to brainstorm ideas, prototype solutions and receive guidance and feedback from lectures and industry professionals. This will enhance the student experience which will build confidence in students when they step into the world of work. Equipped with high performance laptops, video conferencing facilities and collaborative workspaces, the HIVE will encourage creative exploration and innovation. In partnership with BET Software, this dynamic platform will provide students with mentorship, coding boot camps, hackathons and access to industry insights effectively bridging the skills gap between academia and the tech industry. To ensure that this space remains dedicated to innovation driven initiatives, only students selected based on established criteria such as students who are in their second year of study going into their third year who are starting projects early in the year and working on them throughout their final year; students who aim to achieve proficiency in multiple front and back end programming languages; students who aim to gain a deeper understanding of the software development lifecycle (SDLC) i.e Agile and students who seek insight into effectively planning, designing and implementing a system from scratch based on clients requirements, will have access to The HIVE.
About The IIE’s Varsity College
The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) of which Varsity College is a brand, is South Africa’s largest registered and accredited private provider of higher education. At Varsity College we understand that no two students are the same or learn the same. That’s why we make sure a student’s education is shaped around them; how they like to learn, what they are passionate about, what makes them tick, and what makes them thrive. Our Education by Design approach allows students to grow into their best, and creates a space where they can live, learn and play – their way.