Primary school pupils from across Telford & Wrekin have been exploring a range of exciting activities after signing up for free places at a ‘Children’s University’.
Telford College threw open the doors of its Haybridge campus for a week of special summer holiday taster sessions, culminating in a ‘graduation ceremony’ for all those who took part.
Years five and six pupils from around 20 local schools were invited to sign up for a choice of programmes, covering areas such as music, sport, catering, hair and beauty, and art and media.
The programme, delivered in partnership with the Maxell Educational Trust, had space for 100 youngsters on a first-come, first-served basis, with transport, lunch and refreshments all provided.
It was once again over-subscribed – and there is already a waiting list for next year!
Caroline Welson, schools liaison manager at Telford College, said: “Our Children’s University is always a popular summer event.
“It has been great to see such enthusiasm from the 9-11 year-olds, who have come together from a host of schools including Lawley, St Mary’s of Madeley, Ladygrove, John Fletcher, and Donnington Wood.
“We try to give children the chance to formulate some early ideas of the sort of things they might like to do in the future – to discover things they enjoy, and things they are good at.
“But it is also an opportunity to have a go at a host of fun and challenging tasks at the start of the school summer holidays, and make new friends.”
The Children’s University is made possible by a grant from the Maxell Educational Trust, which covers the cost of laying on all the sessions, as well as transport for the children.
In the music workshops, youngsters have been involved in singing and drama workshops taking inspiration from hit movies such as The Greatest Showman, and Bugsy Malone.
The sports hall has hosted a mini Olympics event, while youngsters in the catering department have been learning about food from all around the world.
In the hair and beauty workshops, this year’s projects had a summer festival theme, with youngsters able to try hair colouring, nail art and glitter painting.
And pupils in the art and media department have been able to try their hands at animation, painting and sculpture, using the Apple Macs in the college’s Creative Hub.
