Sheffield Children's University celebrates its two millionth hour

Nearly 37,000 children and young people across Sheffield have clocked up more than two million hours of learning in their own time, as part of the Sheffield Children's University initiative.
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The programme which started in 2007, and is the biggest Children’s University in the country, encourages children and young people to take part in a wide range of learning opportunities outside of school hours.

A special event was held last night (16 March) to celebrate the two millionth hour. Two hundred primary school children attended and graduated with gold awards for taking part in more than 100 hours of Children’s University activities. Activities include dance, sport music clubs and ICT projects.

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A special certificate was presented to Georgia Taylor, age 10, from Southey Green Primary School & Nurseries on behalf of the children of Sheffield. Georgia has taken part in a wide range of activities, both in and away from school and will receive an award taking part in nearly 500 hours of learning in her own time.

Georgia Taylor, a pupil at Southey Green Primary School & Nurseries said: “Not only can I collect Children’s University credits for attending after school clubs and breakfast clubs, but I collect them at other clubs such as Scouts too. I even collect credits when I attend activities during the school holidays either at school or with different places in Sheffield. There are always fun and interesting activities and things to do where I collect credits.”

Wendy Taylor, Georgia’s mum said: “I think Children’s University is brilliant! The children benefit in so many ways from the activities available in school and out. I am really grateful to Southey Green School for helping us to get involved. The Awards Ceremony is a great way for the children to see just how much they do out of school and it gives them a lovely sense of achievement.”

Sam Wild, Extended Services manager at Southey Green Primary School & Nurseries, said: “Learning isn’t just about academic skills, it’s about embracing all that life has to offer to help shape you into the person you are today. Our school continues to offer a varied menu of 26 extra-curricular activities per week to provide some amazing opportunities and positive experiences. These help to broaden our children’s horizons, which in turn help to enhance and develop their personal aspirations, self-expectations, along with a sense of achievement and commitment to their own life’s learning. The Children’s University programme helps us to help children realise their potential and recognise and celebrate these achievements”.

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Councillor Jackie Drayton, Sheffield City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said: “Congratulations to all the children, schools and providers who have taken part in the Children’s University activities. Two million hours is a great achievement, which everyone should be proud of.

“The Sheffield Children’s University is a really inspiring initiative and there’s sure to be something to interest all children in a range of activities, whether they like arts and crafts, outdoor activities, sports or learning new skills. I would encourage all children to give an activity a go. You can earn points and even get a degree in fun”

To discover the full list of free, exciting activities on offer visit www.sheffield.gov.uk/cu, email [email protected] or call 0114 2813761.