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 Glasgow Children's University 2019 graduates are a class act

Students showed they were top of the class when they graduated from Glasgow Children's University.

More than 200 pupils aged from 5 to 14 donned gowns and mortarboards to celebrate their learning achievements at the University of Strathclyde's Barony Hall.

The graduates were welcomed by the University's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Jim McDonald, who is also Chancellor of the Glasgow Children's University.

The Glasgow region of the nationwide scheme works with around 25 schools and is managed by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with Glasgow City Council. This year a record 224 children are graduating.

Ebony Brown from St Rose of Lima Primary School in Garthamlock, said: "Children's University has built up my confidence in so many ways and allowed me to challenge myself along the way.

"I've also loved meeting new people. "

The Children's University (CU) recognises achievement which takes place outside normal school hours, including at weekends and school holidays.  It runs nationwide through a network of centres that manage their activities locally.

Pupils gain credits through a ‘Passport to Learning' and via an online platform, Aspire, for taking part in activities such as drama groups, sports teams or learning experiences at museums, parks and community centres.

The children's learning is 'connected' to Higher Education course provision but need not be purely academic and is often about building practical skills.

Each activity is tagged with three skills ranging from leadership to numeracy and literacy, and children can progress through the system from undergraduate, post graduate and doctorate.

There are no tests or exams and the aim is to raise aspirations, boost achievement and encourage a love of learning while having fun.

Lynne McDonald, Acting Head Teacher of Darnley Primary School and Visual Impairment Unit in Glasgow said: "The Children's University has given our children the opportunity to have their wider achievements recognised and to develop their understanding of lifelong learning. 

"We have seen a growth in our children's confidence and our families have enjoyed sharing in the experience to further raise the aspirations of our young people."

Annemarie Connolly, Head Teacher at Dunard Primary School, said: "We started with eight and now we have 58 pupils who have had fun in a wide variety of after school programmes, and have sought out other community learning experiences at sports clubs and community centres. 

"Our parents are also incredibly proud of their children and enjoy getting dressed up to celebrate their child's very special Graduation Day at the University.   This helps to raise aspirations for our whole school community who take pride in celebrating our children's success and achievements."

Professor Sir Jim McDonald said: "It's wonderful to have so many students graduating this year from the Glasgow Children's University and to celebrate their achievements.

"Children's University is one of the ways to help young people to reach their full potential and is a great way of fostering a lifelong love of learning and helping young people connect with education.

"As a socially progressive university, Strathclyde is committed to opening up higher education to everyone with ability, no matter what their background. "

Stephanie Mckendry, Widening Access Manager at the University of Strathclyde, said: "We want to inspire students to have an interest in learning, develop their confidence and give them a sense of achievement.

"The scheme also teaches valuable life skills, like resilience and time keeping, but we also want it to be fun.

"Parents can also get involved which can be hugely beneficial for their children's education and help improve attainment, as well as bringing the entire school community together."

The address this year was given by Strathclyde Sports Scholar Heather McIlraith, a final year student studying Journalism and whose sport is Karate.

Heather, who has represented Scotland as a member of the senior team, said: "For so many people sport plays a major role in their lives. Whether that is recreational, competitive or for general health and fitness, it's an incredibly rewarding activity.

"Sport was my whole life and being able to carry that on while studying a full time degree at university has been invaluable.

"At Strathclyde, regardless of what sport or level, the possibilities are endless and your sporting goals will be accommodated throughout your degree."

As a university that is committed to education for all, the graduations come in the wake of a report by the Scottish Funding Council on Widening Access which showed that Strathclyde has increased its number of full time undergraduates from the 20% most deprived areas of the country.

Children's University began as a Saturday school project in Birmingham in the early 1990s. 

Glasgow was the first centre to be established in Scotland in 2013, under the umbrella of Children's University Trust Scotland.

Since then, more than 800 children have graduated locally.

 Case histories

 Brother and sister Aiden 12, and 10-year-old Chloe McNaught from St Rose of Lima Primary School in Garthamlock, near Glasgow, are in their second year of the Children's University.

The siblings, who are in primary seven and six respectively, are so competitive they won't tell one another how many credits they have racked up and also ask teachers not to reveal the information.

The children both attend several clubs each week and Chloe is also captain of Celtic girls' football team and hopes to one day play for the national side.

As a family unit, the McNaughts are frequently out and about with the Passport for Learning.

Mum Helen, 32, who is studying to become a Child Development Officer, said: "Children's University has been a great experience as a family.

"It's given us more ideas for days out such as museums, heritage sights and even local parks and woodlands.

"Our favourite thing are the activity challenges held throughout the year that we can all get involved in. They have been fun, engaging and have lots of variety to them which can be great especially when the weather isn't great during holidays as they keep the kids occupied.

"It also allows the kids to continue doing the clubs they love such as hurling, football and basketball as they get credits for taking part in them.

"Throughout the past two years Aiden and Chloe have both been in competition with each other to see who can gain the most credits by graduation. This has encouraged them to join new clubs such as athletics and the local youth club.

"This year is even more special as I will also be graduating myself from my own course and it's an experience the kids will understand and we can share together."

Dad Paul said: "As parents our favourite thing is Graduation Day. The whole day from start to finish is very special, not only for the kids, but for parents too.

"We loved the fact the kids get to experience what a real graduation is like."

Primary Six pupil Ebony Brown has just been offered a place at the UK Theatre School Performing Arts Academy in Glasgow, beating competition from 250 children.

When Ebony came to the Children's University last year, she wasn't even sure she wanted to do it due to a lack of confidence. But as her credits added up, so did her self-assurance and she started to go to clubs including dance and drama.

Ebony, who starts at Performing Arts in August, said: "I started thinking that I wouldn't gain enough credits to get an award.

"So when I graduated last year I was very proud of what I had achieved and knew I wanted to continue.

"One club that was new to me was drama. I have always enjoyed singing but never realised how much I loved performing until I tried this new club.

"I worked hard every single week and didn't miss any classes. I have since been accepted to theatre school and I don't think would have been possible if it wasn't for me attending my clubs and committing my time.

"Children's University has built up my confidence in so many ways and allowed me to challenge myself along the way and I've also loved meeting new people. "

 Ends

Notes for Editor: For more information, please contact Lynn McPherson, University of Strathclyde, E. lynn.mcpherson100@strath.ac.uk  T. 0141 548 4941

 Picture captions:

1. Glasgow Children's University 2019 graduates Aiden and Chloe McNaught from St Rose of Lima Primary School 

 2. The McNaught family 

3.  Glasgow Children's University graduates Chloe McNaught, Ebony Brown and Aiden McNaught from St Rose of Lima Primary School

4. Ebony Brown from St Rose of Lima Primary School, 2019 Glasgow Children's University graduate 

5. University of Strathclyde Principal and Children's University Chancellor, Professor Sir Jim McDonald with one of the young graduates