An international program launched at Kitchener Public School on Tuesday will enable young children to expand their learning horizons outside the classroom.
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Children’s University Newcastle is being implemented by the University of Newcastle and allows students from across the region to take part in extra-curricular activities and have this learning validated.
The program is designed to develop confidence and aspiration in children outside school hours.
Children’s University Newcastle encourages children aged seven to 14 and their families to access a variety of extra learning opportunities at local learning destination providers such as art galleries and libraries.
Each participating student receives a passport that is stamped for each hour of learning to validate their efforts.
When a certain number of hours have been reached, students are invited to a formal graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements.
A number of learning destinations across the Hunter, Newcastle and Central Coast regions have come on board to support the initiative including museums, libraries and art galleries.
At the launch, Kitchener students explored a range of activities across the fields of biomedical science, oral health, architecture and information technology.
Kitchener Public School relieving principal Luke Somerville said it was a great opportunity to expose the students to things happening in their community at a young age.
"It makes them a bit more curious about the world," he said.
Mr Somerville said the kids have been extremely receptive to the program already.
"Every student is sitting, engaged, listening, talking," he said.
"It's a good vibe."
Five schools including Cessnock Public School are currently piloting Children’s University Newcastle, which will be open to all school-aged children from next year.
Children’s University Newcastle program coordinator Selina Darney said the University of Newcastle is one of only three universities offering this program in Australia.
“We are very excited to bring Children’s University to Newcastle for families to access a myriad of educational opportunities within the local community, and to encourage children to be curious learners,” Ms Darney said.