Kids gown up to graduate

Proud pupils donned robes and mortar boards to celebrate the New Forest and Southampton Children's University’s first ever graduation ceremony at Southampton Solent University on Saturday 30 November.

Forty six pupils were cheered on by a crowd of 150 at the graduation ceremony held at Solent University’s Sir James Matthews Building in Southampton.

The graduates were rewarded for their passion for learning with a certificate from the local Children’s University Chancellor and Paralympics 2012 wheelchair rugby star, Aaron Phipps.

Launched in March this year, the New Forest and Southampton Children’s University is a partnership between Southampton Solent University, Brockenhurst College and local schools to raise aspirations and increase the educational achievements and employment opportunities of Southampton’s young people.

The Children’s University (CU) is a nationwide programme that aims to engage, inspire, and motivate children from disadvantaged backgrounds or those from families who might otherwise not think of further or higher education as an option.

Dr. Jamie Mackay, Partnership Development Manager at Southampton Solent University said: “The programme is a fantastic way of encouraging young people to continue their learning in new and interesting ways.

“As well as the number of schools already signed up to university, we are looking forward to signing up more schools from Southampton and further beyond.”

In partnership with local schools the CU encourages children aged from 7 to 14 years and 5 and 6 year olds with their families, to develop a passion for learning by offering them an exciting range of extra-curricular activities and events. These range from after-school activities on site to visits to museums, businesses, exhibitions, sports activities and university lectures.

After completing 30, 65 or 100 hours of activity the pupils achieve bronze, silver or gold certificates, with CU postgraduate and doctorate levels awarded to those who go beyond these hours.

At the graduation ceremony Tariq Sasso, Deputy Headteacher of Blackfield Primary School, said: “We’ve had 25 clubs that run every week at our school and even though we have quite a few children graduating today, we have over 40 pupils who have completed activities as part of the Children’s University.”

Kevin Muddiman, father of twins Amber and Nicole who attend Netley Marsh Church of England Infant School added: “Today has been brilliant. They’ve really enjoyed their tasks over the year including woodwork and forest trails. They love it because while they’re playing, they’re learning.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040 or press.office@solent.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

To find out more about the Children’s University go to www.newforestcu.co.uk

About Southampton Solent University

Southampton Solent University offers more than 23,000 students over 200 qualifications ranging from HND to PhD, in subjects such as maritime education and training, fashion and design, media and television, music, health, sport and leisure, business, IT and technology.
The university was awarded the 2013 Quality Assurance kitemark for quality and standards of teaching and learning.
Solent was voted one of the most creative universities in the UK in a Which? University 2013 poll of students.

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