The University of Plymouth is hoping to inspire young people across Cornwall to try new experiences after taking over the management of the county’s Children’s University.
Having supported the organisation for a number of years, the University has now taken on the licence to oversee its work throughout Cornwall.
The move complements its role as coordinator of the Children’s University in Devon, which has more than 80 schools and hundreds of young people participating every year.
In Cornwall, there are around 25 schools presently enrolled with the Children’s University but it is now hoped to expand that number to increase the range of opportunities on offer to young people.
Now working as the Devon and Cornwall Children’s University, the initiative is managed by specialists within the Widening Participation department at the University of Plymouth.
Charlotte True, Children’s University Manager for Devon & Cornwall, said:
“I believe this is good news for the University and for young people and schools across Cornwall and Devon. It will enable us to work to inspire more pupils across the South West, supporting them on the first steps of their university journeys. It also reinforces our support of the Children’s University initiative, and we recognise the outstanding learning opportunities and experiences it can offer young people.”
The Children’s University is an international critically-acclaimed charity which encourages all children aged five to 14 years to try new experiences, develop new interests and acquire new skills through learning outside of the school day.
Its activities are designed to raise aspiration, self-esteem and confidence, encourage curiosity and a love of learning, enhance motivation and build resilience, introduce new life experiences and offer progression in learning and personal skills development.
When young people sign up to become members of their local Children’s University they receive a Passport to Learning. The more they then learn the greater reward they earn, starting with a Bronze Award for 30 hours of activities up to a Gold Fellowship Award for 1,000 hours.
