Youngsters lap up learning chances
Children at Lillington Primary School are donning mortar boards and gowns this week as they graduate from university.
Since sessions for Warwickshire Children’s University started at the school, interest in after-school activities has mushroomed.
The youngsters aged between eight and 11 have been learning typing, cookery, knitting, 3D art, glass painting, Spanish and even juggling to complete modules for the university, which is run by Warwickshire County Council.
Each module requires the youngsters to complete eight one-hour sessions. Children who complete three modules earn a bronze award, those who go on to finish six modules get a silver, and nine modules will see the top gold award presented.
Gold award winners are invited to a special graduation at the University of Warwick in the autumn, but so many children at Lillington have collected silver and bronze that a special ceremony is being held this Friday.
Twenty youngsters will dress up in gowns and mortar boards to receive their awards from Extended Learning manager Stella Bolitho.
Stella said: “The popularity of the Warwickshire Children’s University has been steadily growing. Children are being encouraged to take up hobbies and develop interests outside the school day and they are responding enthusiastically. The children at Lillington should feel proud of their efforts with so many modules being completed and I am sure that they will continue this great work next term.”
Janet Affardo, teaching assistant at Lillington Primary School, said: “It has really taken off and we now have waiting lists for children to join activities. They give the children interests additional to the things they learn as part of the curriculum during the school day, and they can learn useful life skills as well.”