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Children’s University: Learning Beyond the Classroom Mary De la Peña Aileen Wilson Chief Executive CU Scotland University of Strathclyde www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
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www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Children’s University:Learning Beyond the Classroom
Mary De la Peña Aileen WilsonChief Executive CU Scotland University of Strathclyde
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Highs & Lows of Learning….When did you feel proud and confident of what you’d achieved ?
OR
Experienced feelings of dejection, failure, having mistakes pointed out publically ?
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Children’s University Learning…
• provides accreditation for learning outside of normal school hours
• enables access to high quality, exciting, innovative learning experiences
• celebrates wider achievement • is interactive, inspirational and, above all,
FUN!!
Aspiring to inspire• Raising aspirations and self belief: “Children can only aspire to what they know exists.”• Fostering curiosity and a love of
learning:“Curiosity can lead you anywhere.”• Boosting achievement and improving
life chances:“Learning opens doors to future success”
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Children’s University – A Brief History • Established initially in mid 1990s
• Grew from concern that the formally prescribed curriculum might be ‘squeezing out’ exciting learning
• Over 100 centres across the UK with a growing international presence
• CU Trust Scotland created as an independent charity April 2013
• Initial support from ScottishPower Foundation and Brodies Solicitors
• Funding and endorsement from Scottish Government
• Local partners deliver national model reflecting local context
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
CU USPs …• Promotes learning beyond the classroom,
outside of the normal school day• Open to 7-14 year olds and 5 and 6 year olds
with their families and carers• Participation is voluntary
• Open to all, but particularly targeted at the hardest to reach
• Activities are practical and engaging, promoting confidence and curiosity
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
CU USPs …• The Passport To Learning records the young person’s
learning journey, and leads to awards at graduation ceremonies with proud families in the audience
• Post 14, young people can continue with the Passport To Volunteering, linking with other award schemes such as DoE
• Local CUs have links to local further and higher education providers – today’s activities can spark tomorrow’s ambitions
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
And CU has the E-Passport!
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Different types of CU Learning Activities• School clubs – restricted Learning Destinations
• Regular clubs and activities beyond school
• Independent/family visits to public Learning Destinations
• Holiday activities and CU Lectures
• Online activities
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
“Going to university made me and my parents really proud. Like seeing me in a cap and gown my mum said she never thought she’d see inside a university. It just makes me feel proud.”CU graduate
“The motivation, confidence and self-esteem of our pupils was really enhanced by their participation in the Children's University, especially for our more practical and additional support needs pupils. It recognised their wider skills, engagement and achievements. Significantly, it also had a positive impact on learning both inside and outside of the school classroom. But above all, it was great to see our pupils so happy and positively recognised when presented with their certificates by our university partners.”
Carol Cumming, Knox Academy - Children's University Co-ordinator
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
‘Opportunity costs’ are high for children in disadvantaged areas who do not attend Children’s University.
7.
Pupils and teachers testify to life-changing experiences.6.
Children’s University provides a safe haven and models positive relationships.5.
Children’s University provides an environment for self-driven, confident andcollegial learning.
4.
The further children engage with Children’s University, the better their attendance and achievement.
3.
2. Achievement is significantly better for primary school children who participate in Children’s University compared with non-attenders.
1. Being in the Children’s University significantly improves school attendance.
Children’s University has helped to “… make learning a reality beyond academic studies …”
10.
University settings help to inspire and raise aspirations for children, and their parents.9.
Certificates, credits, Passports To Learning and graduations are valued incentives and rewards.
8.
Evaluation of the Children’s University 2010Professor John MacBeath - University of Cambridge
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Glasgow CU:Learner journey model1. Getting ready
aspiration and awareness raising;2. Getting in
improving attainment, improving applications, admissions;
3. Staying inretention and progression of widening access students;
4. Getting onstudent outcomes, employability and the ‘value added’ of HE
Milburn, A. 2012, University Challenge: How Higher Education Can Advance Social Mobility, HMSO, https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/80188/Higher-Education.pdf
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Operational Model
• Working in partnership with Glasgow City Council Education Services
• Focus on schools in the North East region of Glasgow
• Target low progression schools
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Member Schools
North East
North West
South0123456789
10
Secondary SchoolPrimary School
www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
Learning Activities
• Over 30 Public Learning Destinations
• Engage students in development and delivery of learning activities
• A range of activities developed by Strathclyde staff.
Any questions?www.childrensuniversity.co.uk
