The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Start them young on university path
Music classes, sports tuition, dancing lessons, learning languages – parents today have more choice but also face more pressure than ever to educate their children and help them grow into well rounded individuals.
The decisions made in childhood can affect a person for the rest of their life so it’s important to get started on the right foot, says Mary De la Pena, 62, the chief executive of Children’s University Scotland.
She is part of a team who are passionate about education and giving children the best possible chances.
“We want to encourage people to aim higher and raise aspirations,” said Mary.
“I have always worked in schools and education. It is very rewarding.
“Our theme at Children’s University is ‘working in partnership’. You cannot achieve anything without a collaboration approach. It is critical and schools value the support.”
Children’s University Scotland was set up in 2013 to inspire more young children in Scotland, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to get out and learn new skills and experiences.
Focusing on education outside of the classroom and traditional learning, children can be involved in activities such as drama classes, visiting museums, arts and crafts and sports.
Participants are issued with a Passport to Learning so they can record what they have been doing.
“Children’s University provides the framework to record and celebrate wider achievements,” said Mary.
“The little hardback copy of their passport is a tangible piece of evidence of outside school learning.
“It is to get children to recognise the skills they have developed from fun activities, separate from school but often within the school environment.”
After collecting 30 hours of learning in their passports, children get to participate in an official graduation in partnership with one of the many universities in Scotland.
“The children build up their credits for certificates and awards. The graduation is emotional and is prestigious,” Mary said.
“We had parents in tears at the Children’s University graduation at the University of Aberdeen. It is like a real graduation, while being little.
“The Children’s University graduation is often after the grown-up graduation, where everything is still set up.
“The children are made to feel so special, with gowns and caps. It is taken very seriously by the university and is a culmination for the children, underpinning the importance of the activities and a chance for them to reflect on developing skills to help them during their career.
“We are trying to build up their confidence and give them experiences they might not have access to.”
Universities have opened up their facilities and invited children to events such as science fairs and sports clubs, all of which helps to demystify university life.
The hope is that children will consider university as one of their options, along with colleges and apprenticeships, when the time comes.
Children’s University Scotland recently announced it had reached 100,000 learning hours, working in partnership with colleges, universities and local authorities.
Parents who are interested in their children being involved should first approach their schools to see if Children’s University Scotland operates in their area.