Children’s University graduation ceremony in Cornwall

The Cornwall Campus in Penryn was the setting for the first ever Children’s University graduation ceremony for school pupils between the ages of 5 and 14 years in Cornwall.

The ceremony involved 20 children from schools in St Cleer, Polperro, and Penryn who were presented with Silver and Gold Awards for taking part in out of hours learning activities.

The Children’s University, is a national project involving young people in quality out of hours activities, aiming to raise their aspirations and help them develop a love of learning. Children are encouraged to take part in sessions run by schools, youth and community clubs, libraries, zoos, museums, stately homes, castles and visitor attractions that are designed to help them learn new skills or knowledge.

For each hour of participation, the children receive a sticker or stamp for their Passport to Learning and receive certificates when reaching milestones. These range from 30 hours (Bronze) which are presented at a celebration assembly at schools; 65 hours (Silver) and 100 hours (Gold). Silver and Gold awards are presented at a ‘graduation’ ceremony at a university or college, complete with Children’s University graduation caps and gowns, and attended by their families.

Tanya Moore, the Children’s University Manager for Cornwall, said, “The graduation ceremony is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these young people. They have taken part in a wide of activities, including after-school clubs and community activities such as Brownies and Scouts badges, dance lessons, martial arts and outdoor activity lessons. Some have also taken part in workshops offered by organisations such as Cornwall Wildlife Trust, Eden Project and local museums.”

There are currently around 2,800 children in Cornwall involved with the project which is being run by Cornwall Learning in partnership with University College Falmouth and the University of Exeter. This year 20 young people graduated from the Children’s University programme.

Richard Prest, Outreach Manager for the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus, said, “We have worked closely with students involved in Children’s University through the delivery of After School Clubs. By using university students as role models we aim to inspire young people to make the connection between the skills they are developing now and the further and higher education opportunities available to them in the future. It is exciting to see such enthusiastic and motivated students.”

Parents or schools who would like their children to be involved or organisations interested in becoming a learning destination can contact Tanya Moore on 01209 721446 or email tmoore@cornwall.gov.uk

Date: 27 May 2011