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Children’s University celebrate another graduation success…

Monday, 25 June, 2018

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Children's University

CU Graduation

Almost 300 primary school children from across the Wakefield District dressed in caps and gowns last week as they took the stage to graduate at the largest Wakefield Children’s University (CU) Graduation Ceremony to date. 

The Children's University Trust is a charitable trust that provides children from 5 – 14 years of age with innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours. Children collect stamps in their Passports to Learning for each hour of learning they complete in after-school activities or at one of the many affiliated Learning Destinations across the region.

The CU graduation ceremony, held at Theatre Royal Wakefield kicked off to an inspirational start with speeches from Sam Wright, Principal of Wakefield College, and guest speakers Grace Marsh and Conrad Burdekin. We then went on to see a magnificent performance of extracts from this year’s shows by Wakefield College Level 3 Musical Theatre students. Over 300 children then took the stage to receive their award in front of a large crowd of delighted parents, carers and schoolteachers.

James Pennington, Head of Student Experience & Engagement at Wakefield College said, “Our sixth annual CU Graduation Ceremony was the biggest and best yet. The initiative has gone from strength to strength since we launched in February 2012 and this year we had to introduce a second ceremony to meet demand. It was amazing to see over 300 children on stage in their ceremonial cap and gown in front of their proud parents and families.”

As a College, we are delighted with the success of Children’s University and the partnerships that we have forged with children and parents, schools and learning destinations in our communities. Children’s University is all about young people being able to embrace new learning experiences outside of the classroom. Our aim is to develop a culture of learning in the District and make children aware of the vast range of further and higher education opportunities that are available and within their grasp.

This year also saw 12 children reach the highest award, the Gold Fellowship, for achieving 1000 hours of learning in their Passports. These graduates have shown commitment to the Children’s University and their own learning. Not only do they take part in a wide range of activities, but they also help others to learn and progress through mentoring, coaching and leading by example.