A giant bubble making machine, state-of-the-art robots, various creepy-crawlies and huge skulls were just some of the things used to capture the attention of youngsters, and adults, at an event organised by Cornwall Children’s University.
The Learning Zone, held at the Penryn Campus, had been created to launch a programme of forthcoming activities and events designed to inspire adults to get involved in learning as well as their children.
The University of Exeter hosted the event where children and adults had a chance to do some gruesome science including animal dissection on tablets, and to meet live large invertebrates such as stick insects and giant centipedes.
“Children’s University is about inspiring and encouraging children to get involved in learning activities outside of school hours and they get great support from their club leaders, teachers, parents and carers,” said Lisa Neville, of Cornwall Learning - Education Business Partnership, who manages the Children’s University in Cornwall.
“I’ve often heard parents say how proud they are of their children’s achievements and we wanted to create a programme where the adults felt they could get involved in the learning too.
“We have fantastic support from universities and colleges across the region and this event is a great way to showcase the huge range of opportunities on offer, not only to our children in the future, but right now to adults that want to return to learning.”
As well as all the hands-on workshops and experiments, the event also included a graduation ceremony for children who have achieved a total of 65 hours attendance or more at out of hours learning activities and clubs.
Pupils from Stithians School, Bosvigo School, St Columb Minor School, Treloweth School, Roskear School and Mounts Bay Academy were joined by youngsters from St Day Football Club, #HFC Youth Theatre (Hall for Cornwall), 2nd Helston Guides, 7th Camborne Guides who were all presented with their graduation scroll by Councillor John Wood, chairman of Cornwall Council.
One graduate, Loren Trevorrow of Mounts Bay Academy and a Girl Guide with 2nd Helston Guides, received an Outstanding Achievement Certificate having completed 1,000 hours since joining Children’s University four years ago whilst at Ludgvan Primary School.
Lisa added: “Loren made a commitment early on to complete the maximum 1,000 hours with Children’s University and we are so thrilled to hear that she has recently reached this milestone. She has shown great dedication and she should be congratulated for reaching her goal.”
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