More than 200 people will take part in a graduation ceremony with a difference on Wednesday  when youngsters from primary schools across Cornwall receive national awards from The Children's University.

60 children from schools in Hayle, Penzance, Marazion, Ludgvan, St Ives, Helston, Penryn, Redruth, Camborne, St. Austell, Lostwithiel, Fowey and Bodmin, will take part in the ceremony which is being held at the Old Chapel Lecture Theatre, Tremough University Campus at 6pm.

All the youngsters have achieved Silver Awards and above by taking part in a range of learning activities that take place outside of their school lessons. The certificates will be presented by Neil Burden, Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council and the portfolio holder for Children's Services.

"It is such a special occasion for all involved and I am delighted that Neil Burden has agreed to present the children with their certificates" says Lisa Neville of Cornwall Learning which manages Children's University in the county.

Welcoming the opportunity to take part in the graduation ceremony, Neil Burden said he was honoured to be invited to present the awards to the children. “It is vital to get children excited about learning” he said.

“This programme helps to show young people that learning does not just happen in school classroom led by a teacher but in all sorts of places with many different people.”

To earn their certificates the youngsters have had to attend at least 65 hours of learning activities which have been accredited by Children's University. A wide range of topics and interests are included in the programme, including sports, music, performing arts, ICT and creative arts. The idea is to encourage children to seek out different activities that will help to extend and enrich their learning, helping them to discover new interests, reveal their talents and become independent learners.

"The children have taken part in a huge range of activities including surf lifesaving, judo, performing arts, gymnastics, ICT, orchestra, girl guides, scouts, even angling! They love recognition for all the learning they do in their free time and Children's University is a great way to reward their effort and commitment" said Lisa Neville.

Loren Trevorrow of Mounts Bay Academy has achieved the Gold Degree level with over 400 hours of attendance since joining the programme. Loren joined Children's University when she was at Ludgvan Primary School where she became actively involved in a range of sports clubs, performing arts activities, Brownies and progressed on to Guides. She has recently achieved selection for the Under 13 County Development Squad for Cornwall girl’s cricket. Loren said "Children's University has given me confidence to do more extra-curricular activities. I've met new friends and I've had so much fun. It's really helped my achievement and my school learning".