Pupils from Weston All Saints School in Bath graduated from the Children’s University this week at a ceremony held at Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus.
The 34 children donned their gowns and mortar boards to celebrate the culmination of a year of hard work to widen their learning beyond the confines of a classroom.
As a part of their learning, the children have been encouraged to try out new activities, such as visiting new and exciting places like Stonehenge and Bath Abbey. The children also visited Bath Spa University in June to learn about sustainable food production, work with the University’s renowned Creative Writing department and take part in a philosophy seminar.
The day began with a rousing speech from Bath Spa University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Christina Slade, encouraging the children to continue to achieve their dreams beyond their graduation ceremony.
Professor Kate Reynolds, Executive Dean, Bath Spa University’s Institute for Education, presented the certificates to the children. She explained, “Education and learning is imperative to all of our developments. The Children’s University is a fantastic way to get children excited about learning and thinking about pathways into Higher Education in the future. I hope to see the Children’s University’s success grow and grow in the years to come.”
Dr Anne Bull OBE, Executive Headteacher at Weston All Saints Primary School (WASPS), added, “I am proud of every child from WASPS who graduated today. I am passionate about children learning and developing outside the classroom, and these children have thrived during every minute of their experience. Bath Spa University has worked with the local community to encourage children to become learners in many different ways and it has been a privilege to be a part of this great campaign.”
Graduating students Anna and Harry, year 6, and Emily and Clarrie, year 5, thanked the Children’s University for a great year. They said, “We feel privileged to be the first children in this area to receive certifications from the Children’s University. We gave up our free time, including weekends, to take part in a Bath Maths trail, heritage events and working with older people in our society to learn about dementia. We are grateful to the Children’s University for all we have done.”
The Children’s University is a national charity which encourages children aged 7 -14 to widen their learning outside the classroom. It is organised on a regional and local authority basis, and Bath Spa University acts as the local management organisation for the Bath and North East Somerset area. The University is also developing activities with the Wiltshire, Swindon and North Somerset projects.