Primary school children experience University graduation ahead of their time
Primary school pupils will experience a University style graduation as part of an awards scheme organised by the University of Bradford.
Over 70 children from both Killinghall Primary (Bradford) and Fulneck Primary (Pudsey) will be graduating next month after completing hours of extra-curricular activities as part of the Children’s University initiative.
The children will receive either bronze, silver or gold awards at the ceremony on 13 July, depending on how many hours they have clocked up over the year. For example, children with a minimum of 30 hours receive a Bronze Under-Graduate Award, whilst a child who has completed hundreds of hours, will receive a Silver or Gold Fellowship degree.
The Graduation will be held on campus with speeches, a reception with catering, presentations from some of the children and a formal procession where children receive their “degrees”. Family members will be attending along with head teachers, deputy heads and teaching staff, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Quality) Professor Bradshaw, Associate Deans and members from Bradford Council (Bradford Pathways group).
Professor Gwendolen Bradshaw, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Quality) at the University, said: “This is a fantastic event for the students and their families and a real opportunity to celebrate how much they have achieved over the last year. I look forward to seeing everyone in their graduation robes, not only now but also in years to come.”
Recruitment and Outreach officer at the university Thomas Whitford-Bartle added: “Over 70 students have, through their hard work engaging with learning activities out of school, earned the right to graduate on our campus.
“One of the pupils has recorded over 900 hours, which is fantastic. This achievement along with the others represents great progress, determination, and most importantly, a love for learning.
“This event is a fantastic feel good celebration which promotes the positive behaviours of young people in the heart of our community.”
The activities are designed to raise aspiration, self-esteem & 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.
The Children’s University Graduation will take place at the University of Bradford on Thursday 13 July, 4.30 -7:30pm.
The Children's University (CU) Trust is a charitable trust that provides 7 to 14 year olds (and 5 to 6 year olds with their families) with exciting and innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours.