Selby College, part of the Heart of Yorkshire Education Group, has launched a Children’s University in Selby to promote extra-curricular learning for young people across the district.

The national programme aims to inspire a love for learning amongst children through learning opportunities outside the classroom.

The Children’s University Trust is a charity which works with schools to encourage the participation of extra-curricular activities for students aged 5-14 years old in primary and secondary education. Each Children’s University works with a broad network of local authorities, educational institutions and charities to co-ordinate the delivery of the learning initiative in the local area.

After successfully running Wakefield’s Children’s University for over 12 years, we’re delighted to launch this initiative for pupils across the Selby district. This will enable children to get involved with a wide range of learning activities, raise aspirations, gain confidence and meet new people. It also provides a line of sight to opportunities in Further and Higher Education.

Pupils involved receive a ‘Passport to Learning’ which they use to collect stamps each time they participate in a learning activity such as an after-school club, with the aim of collecting as many stamps and hours as possible. The diverse learning opportunities include activities led by the College, the pupil’s school and other Learning Destinations, with activities completed either at home or online.

Once the academic year ends, the children’s achievements will be commended at an annual Children’s University Graduation Ceremony, hosted by the College and attended by parents and carers.

Selby College is currently working with four schools across the district and establishing links with Learning Destinations including museums, libraries and local sports clubs and community groups. The College aims to expand their CU programme further by forming further relationships with local institutions and hosting activities on campus.

Celebrating learning is at the heart of the CU and we’re looking forward to working with Selby Community Primary School, who already have experience of CU, as well as Airmyn Park Primary School, Athelston Community Primary School and Hemingbrough Community Primary School, to help their pupils develop a lifelong love of learning.

If you would like to find out more about how you get involved, please email schoolpartnerships@heartofyorkshire.ac.uk.