Warwickshire News Mine

A mass of mortarboards, an ensemble of African drums and the Michael Drayton Junior School Orchestra led proceedings at the Warwickshire Children’s University graduation ceremony at the University of Warwick.

Proud parents watched more than 80 young ‘graduates’ from around the county collect Gold, High Achievers or Special Plaque awards for their extra learning activities.

The Children’s University is run by Warwickshire County Council’s Extended Learning Department as part of its commitment to enhance lifelong learning and boost self-esteem. The University has been growing in popularity since its launch in 2002 and modules include everything from Emergency Life Support and Road Safety to Creative Writing and Tang So Do. The learning takes place after school and in the holidays to build up credits in the university.

Marion Davis, Strategic Director for Children, Young People and Families for Warwickshire County Council, and Professor Alma Harris, Director of Institute of Education at the University of Warwick, presented the awards.

Marion Davis said: “We are proud to celebrate the achievements of the children of Warwickshire who have participated in our very own home-grown university.”

Stella Bolitho, Lead Teacher for Warwickshire County Council’s Extended Learning said: “We give children the opportunity to participate in a range of exciting Children’s University through a diverse programme of out of school hour learning activities. The ceremony is just the icing on the cake as 100 schools across the county are at any given time working towards these modules ranging from touch-typing to languages. We are also extremely grateful to the University of Warwick for kindly hosting this event.”

The schools who took part in the ceremony were
· All Saint’s C of E Community Primary, Leek Wooton
· Austrey C of E Primary, Atherstone
· Bournebrook C of E Primary, Fillongley
· Clinton Primary, Kenilworth
· Harris School, Rugby
· Lillington Primary
· Michael Drayton Junior, Nuneaton
· Nursery Hill Primary, Nuneaton
· St Marie’s Catholic Junior, Rugby
· St Nicholas C of E Primary, Alcester
· St Paul’s C of E Primary, Leamington
· Wellesbourne C of E Primary

Link to WCC