Junior scholars thrive in the Children’s University
More and more primary schoolchildren in Warwick district are happily choosing ‘detention’ and staying behind at school through Warwickshire County Council’s involvement with the Children’s University.
The Children’s University is offering the district’s schoolchildren aged 7-13 years (Key stage 2-3) a diverse range of modules to take part in after school, ranging from touch-typing and technology to yoga, mini tennis or circus skills. Kids’ College offers similar opportunities for children aged between 5 and 7 years (Key stage 1).
32 schools in the district have signed up to participate in the scheme, organised by the county’s extended services division which aims to maximise the use of schools after hours via various partnerships ensuring that the community receive full benefit of the building and the resources it can offer.
Just over 50% of the primary schools in Warwickshire have signed up to the Children’s University which, according to a 2009 report entitled ‘Extra Mile Project’, ‘broadens pupils horizons … (by providing) … cultural opportunities beyond the budget of local families.’
Each module requires a certain amount of time to be spent learning and having fun; for Kids’ College a module requires six hours of learning which goes up to eight hours for Children’s University. At this point, a certificate is presented to the children in assembly at school.
As children attend an increasing number of modules, awards go up from starred certificates through to bronze silver and gold medals or in cases where children have achieved 12 or 15 modules (a total of 96 and 120 hours), High Achievers or Special awards are given, respectively with children attending a graduation ceremony at the University of Warwick.
The Children’s University accredits activities that schools are offering as well as using registered CU partners. The school then has the responsibility of recruiting children and providing a safe venue for the course to take place in.
Councillor Izzi Seccombe, portfolio holder for Children, Young People and Families, said: “One of the key aspects to a child’s learning is to provide a varied and stimulating programme. The modules available through the Children’s University can bring the magic back into learning and encourage children to take an interest in activities which they may not usually have access to.
“The award programme raises aspiration and encourages children to seek other courses. This is a wonderful example of how extended services can increase a school’s capacity to be the hub of positive achievement in a community.”