Youngsters have graduated from Kent Children’s University after studying out-of-school activities and got to wear a cap and gown while collecting their certificates.

Pupils from Dartford Primary School with Professor Martin Snowden from the University of Greenwich

The 30 children from schools in Dartford, Dover, Maidstone, East Sussex and Gillingham studied various out-of-school subjects and activities for at least 65 hours in addition to their normal school day to gain a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, Certificate or Diploma.

Jessica Sturrock, age 11, from Barming School was awarded a Gold Diploma for the 300 hours she has accumulated and gave the keynote speech for the event held at University of Greenwich in Medway.

Emily and Jessica Sturrock from Barming Primary School collecting their awards

Described by the Sunday Times as ‘The University of Fun’, Children’s University encourages 5-14 year olds to try new experiences, develop new interests and acquire new skills.

The Children’s University provides children with the opportunity to take part in exciting and creative learning activities outside of the normal school day and these activities can be before school, during play and lunchtimes, after school, at weekends and during the school holidays.

Children form Langdon Primary in Dover with Professor Martin Snowden from the University of Greenwich

The Children’s University believes that children can and do learn anywhere, when doing all sorts of activities, and that children learn best when they decide what they want to learn, when and where, and most importantly, have fun whilst learning.

Roger Gough Cabinet Member for Education said: “Children’s University is all about inspiring children, allowing them to experience many different potential career opportunities, opening up the world to them outside of school. Congratulations to them all. We may see future engineers, journalists, explorers, scientists and TV news reporters one day who first became inspired at Kent Children’s University.”

For more information about Kent Children’s University and how your children can get involved visit: www.kentchildrensuniversity.co.uk.