What is Children’s University?
Children’s University is a programme that aims to improve the aspirations and attainment of pupils by encouraging, tracking and celebrating participation in learning activities beyond the normal school day, such as after-school clubs, projects and enrichment activities, and work with local destinations and learning providers such as libraries, sports clubs, historic centres, museums, or anywhere that offers structured learning activities for children. There are also a wide range of online activities.
Pupils use an online platform to record participation in these activities and these are rewarded by the collection of credits, certificates and graduations.
Why are we partaking in the Children's University Programme?
Research shows that participation in extra-curricular activities can positively impact on attainment, increase a pupil’s positive identification with school, and build self-confidence and resilience. Research also shows that children that do not have access to these opportunities fall behind, lack confidence, and fail to develop career aspirations. The resulting attainment gap is so significant that 25% of children from the most disadvantaged backgrounds achieve below expected attainment levels
In 2017, the EEF (Education Endowment Foundation) published an efficacy study of Children’s University which showed a direct link between participation in Children’s University and increased achievement in reading and maths. Children in Children’s University schools made two additional months’ progress in reading and maths compared to children in the other schools (control group)
How does it work?
For every pupil that takes part in Children's University, they will:
For every child that takes part in Children’s University, we want the following outcomes:
They feel they have grown in confidence and self-belief
They have enjoyed new experiences, in new places and want to keep exploring
They believe they have a broader range of essential skills
They feel empowered to make positive choices about their future
They see learning that is fun, aspirational and lifelong
They feel their eyes have been opened to a multiplicity of learning activities and opportunities
They feel celebrated for their commitment to learning by their family, school and community.
Graduation
On Thursday 18th July, 30 pupils graduated. We had a very special visitor present the awards to the children - Deputy Lieutenant Dave Heeley (OBE). The children looked amazing in their caps and gowns and were very proud of themselves. Take a look at the wonderful group photos below. Well done, everyone!
On Tuesday 20th June 2023, Year 5 and 6 visited the University of Wolverhampton for a special graduation event! The children were given caps and gowns to wear and they were presented with a beautiful certificate! We even had the pleasure of listening to a guest speaker talking about her time at university and all of the adventures she took part in! Well done everyone; you were all incredible!
To see the many, many photographs, take a look at the Year 5 and 6 class pages.
On Thursday 29th October 2022, we held our first Children’s University Graduation.
10 pupils in Year 6 achieved their Bronze Award. They had a fantastic graduation celebration in the main hall with their friends and parents watching in the audience. It was a fantastic experience; well done to all of the children who graduated!
Year 5 and 6 took part in a Lego University STEM workshop, as part of our Children’s University relaunch. All pupils worked collaboratively to build an element of a university campus. At the end of the session, each section was combined to create a complete model of a futuristic (and very imaginative) university campus.