Cessnock Public School students started their journeys to become lifelong learners with the launch of the University of Newcastle Children’s University at the school on Wednesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A practice arm of the university’s Centre of Excellence in Higher Education, the Children’s University encourages students to explore learning outside of the classroom and have that learning validated by receiving stamps in a passport.
The program is also aimed at giving children knowledge about access to university and the different pathways to get there.
Once the students reach 30 hours of extracurricular activities they are invited to attend a formal presentation at the University of Newcastle.
All 180 students from the school were enrolled into the program, and participated in wool spinning, physiotherapy, felting, history, architecture, music, speech pathology, graphic design, horse care and planting on the launch day.
Cessnock Regional Art Gallery and Cessnock City Library have come on board with the program, and there will be recess and lunch time activities that contribute towards students’ passports.
Children’s University Newcastle program coordinator Selina Darney said the idea is to expand children’s education and allow them to learn more about themselves in the process.
“Learning doesn’t just happen in the school,” she said.
“We want to make children aware of possibilities that they hadn’t ever imagined.”
University of Newcastle Centre of Excellence in Higher Education director, Professor Penny Jane Burke said the program is a very exciting opportunity that allows students to explore things that they may not have otherwise.
“It’s really important that we make available opportunities that don’t exist to communities,” she said.
“The children are really enthusiastic and embracing the opportunity.
“They’re identifying their passions and interests, testing out new ways of working.
“It seems to be a really wonderful environment.”
Cessnock Public School principal Jenny Rozynski shared Professor Burke’s excitement, calling the program “a wonderful adventure of learning”.
“Our students are accessing quality activities that enhance their whole development,” Ms Rozynski said.
“The staff and school community are fully behind the idea with the P&C on board and parents interested to learn more.
“We are only limited by our imagination as we find everyone we talk to in the community is as enthusiastic as we are in helping provide great learning experiences that are meaningful and engaging for our students.
“[This is] learning that is hands-on, engaging, enjoyable, involves the broader and school community. It doesn't get any better than this!”
