From Lab to Community: Scaling Authentic Learning Through UEL's Neighbourhood Health Hub

This session charts the evolution of practice-based learning in Applied Sport and Exercise Sciences at UEL, from individual lab-based initiatives to sector-leading community health provision through the Neighbourhood Health Hub.

We will trace how two complementary authentic learning environments- the Human Performance Clinic and the Health Advice Centre - established the foundation for UEL's innovative approach to embedding professional practice within the curriculum. The Human Performance Clinic pioneered student-delivered exercise physiology testing for diverse populations, from community members to Olympic and Paralympic athletes. This was complemented by the Health Advice Centre's clinical approach, delivering over 1,000 health assessments and evidence-based exercise prescriptions. Together, these initiatives created a scalable model for authentic learning that has now expanded into the Neighbourhood Health Hub.

The Hub represents a sector-leading development that integrates education, research, and community health service delivery. Students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes now engage with real clients, interpret diagnostic data, and deliver professional interventions under supervision - experiencing the full complexity and accountability of professional practice.

Key insights we'll share include:
-Designing progressively complex authentic learning pathways from UG to PG level
-Building sustainable partnerships with diverse client groups, from elite athletes to community populations
-Scaling practice-based education while maintaining quality and student support
-Aligning authentic assessment with PSRB standards and professional competencies

This model addresses multiple sector priorities: enhancing practice-based education, improving student experience through meaningful engagement, supporting inclusive design through diverse client interactions, and contributing to retention through increased professional belonging. Attendees will gain practical strategies for developing or scaling authentic learning environments within their own contexts, including navigating challenges around ethical approval, risk management, and resource sustainability.