Lumen Autumn 2017 - Flipbook - Page 9
story by Kelly Brown
CHILDREN’S UNIVERSITY
fast facts...
95
Australian schools
participate
6507
South Australian
schools participate
9000
children
are enrolled
1875
children have attended
a graduation ceremony
at Bonython Hall
Inspiring the
next generation
Children's University students at
Bonython Hall for graduation
Photo by Scott Goh
Since 2013, the University of Adelaide has run Children’s University
Australia to encourage the curiosity of schoolchildren through access
to di昀昀erent educational activities. A key aim is to demonstrate that
learning can and should extend beyond the classroom.
B
ased on the United Kingdom model,
Children’s University Australia
offers educational experiences for
children aged 7–14 years and volunteering
opportunities for 15–18-year-olds outside
of school. The program recognises their
achievements by awarding certificates and
through a formal graduation ceremony
at Bonython Hall
Kiri Hagenus, Director of Children’s
University Adelaide and Children’s
University Australia, says that many
children come from families who have
never attended tertiary education, so this
is their first contact with a university.
“We aim to help students, and their
parents, realise that university study
is possible, practical and achievable,
and raise their interest in higher
education,” she says.
The program leverages local activity
providers, such as school and sporting
clubs, museums and galleries, to deliver
educational activities which place emphasis
on experience as a learning tool.
“Children are encouraged to take on as
many varied experiences as they can, to
try new things and discover new interests
and passions,” says Kiri.
“For many young people the opportunity
to be a part of a club outside of school or
to visit a museum, art gallery, library or zoo
can make a powerful difference to how
they understand, interpret and interact
with the world around them.”
The program also opens children’s
minds to different activities and how they
can be linked with areas of study and
eventual career paths.
“We make sure that a link is established
between the experience and an area
of study at university,” says Kiri. “For
example, a visit to a football club
could be linked to courses in sports
engineering, physiotherapy, management,
teaching or sciences.”
An important part of the program is
acknowledging achievement and this
is marked by a graduation ceremony
for students and their families in the
University’s Bonython Hall. Dressed in
gowns and with all the tradition of a
university graduation ceremony, children
step onto the stage to receive their
certificates. The ceremony is followed by a
barbeque and a celebration on the lawns.
“The ceremony is one of the most
powerful aspects of the Children’s
University initiative,” says Kiri.
“It raises aspirations, opens up
conversations about children’s futures and
engages parents in the emotional moment
that inspires pride, confidence and a
new sense of what is possible.”
In 2016 more than 1000 students
attended a graduation ceremony in
Bonython Hall as part of Children’s
University. It is hoped the experience
will play a part in increasing their
ambitions and inspiring further
academic achievement.
To find out more about
Children’s University Adelaide, visit
www.adelaide.edu.au/childrensuniversity
The University of Adelaide | Alumni Magazine 7
