Childrens University

What is the Children's University?

The Children's University is a national project which recognises the achievements of young people who take part in quality out of hours learning activities. These activities can be run at a school as an after-school club or may be offered by other "Learning Destinations", such as museum of library.

The aim of the Children's University is to raise the aspirations of our young people by introducing them to a wide range of learning opportunities and a love of lifelong learning.

The students' achievements are celebrated and rewarded through our certificates which they receive for completing 30, 65 and 100 hours of activity. In Cornwall, the age range for Children's University is 5-14 but we hope to develop a similar programme for older students.

Which activities can be included?

Most activities already offered out of school hours can be "validated" as Children's University modules, as long as learning and skill development is taking place.

As part of the QA process any club you wish to include as a validated activity needs to be written up as a "module". This can be anything from one hour to twenty hours. The planning document should include a brief description of what the activity will offer and what sills the student will develop. The plan does not have to be long for detailed but should demonstrate that the programme has been planned and the learning outcomes have been identified.

The range of activities which can be included is very wide: from gardening and nature trails, to dance workshops and cooking clubs.

What are the benefits?

For schools

• Validated activities demonstrate quality of out of hours provision
• Support to develop new modules
• Enhanced links with local businesses, college and community partners
• Student with increased interest in learning

For students:

• Certificates recognising participation presented at graduation ceremonies held at universities and colleges
• A "passport" to record their learning hours earned at validated Learning Destinations, across the country
• Opportunities to find out about new topics or try out new activities
• Activities designed to encourage development or personal learning and thinking skills as well as leadership skills
• Some modules linked to accreditation bodies such as ASDAN

 

What are the costs?

Validation of any activities which you currently offer and support to develop new modules is currently free. Graduation ceremonies for Silver and Gold certificates are also provided free of charge (Bronze certificates can be presented at a school assemble or achievements evening).

If students wish to buy a passport to log their learning hours as school or at a Learning Destination, these can be purchased for £2 each. Alternatively hours can be recorded through registers and submitted to us on a termly basis for no cost.

Validated activities at your school should be offered to students at their normal cost (of free if there is currently no charge).

How do we get involved?

Each participating school will need to nominate a member of staff to act as our key point of contact. This person will be responsible for collating information about the validated activities, distributing passports and also informing us when students have reached the CU milestones. This is not a major responsibility and could be carried out by a teacher of a member of the support staff.

We will provide you with all the templates that you need, plus Bronze certificates to be awarded at your school. We will organise local award ceremonies for Silver and Gold certificates as well as other celebration events.

If your school would like to find out more about becoming involved with the Cornwall Children's University, please contact the CU Manager: Lisa Neville lneville@cornwall.gov.uk

Please visit Children's University for up to date information.