Archive Council News

19.04.06

Children's University Ceremony

The highest accolade possible within the Children's/Youth University - the Advanced Diploma - was awarded for the first time in Wales to 18 year old Julian Knox, a pupil from Woodlands School, Wrexham.

Julian is the first person in Wales to be awarded the Advanced Diploma and Wrexham Children’s/Youth University are absolutely delighted with his achievement. Julian has worked very hard to gain the 600 credits that make up this award and has voluntarily participated in activities with Woodlands School, The Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Ty Mawr Country Park.

Hywyn Williams, Wrexham Council's Chief Learning and Achievement Officer, said:

"This is a remarkable achievement for Julian who has obviously become involved in many out of school activities to widen his horizons and gain new experiences. Well done Julian!"

Cllr Arwel Jones, Lead member for Children and Young People, said:

"Julian has set an excellent example for young people in Wrexham to follow. The skills learnt and experiences gained coupled with formal education will help Julian remain on the path of lifelong learning."

Phil Bassett, Academic Director, Head of School of Education, NEWI, said:

"It is wonderful to see a young person obtaining the full benefit from the Children's University. This embodies the whole meaning of Lifelong Learning and Julian can be justly proud of his achievement."

Since its launch in 2002 by the Minister for Lifelong Lerning, Jane Davidson AM, the Wrexham's Children's University has gone from strength to strength.

The scheme is a partnership between the Wrexham County Borough Council's Children and Young People's Service and NEWI (North East Wales Institute). The Wrexham Children’s University promotes activities that develop ‘the whole child’ and to award credits for participation rather than traditional educational models of rewarding achievement against predetermined standards.

The scheme awards ‘credits’ for each hour that children / young people voluntarily participate in activities ‘out of normal school hours’. Credits are awarded for each hour completed within the students chosen model of learning held at a registered ‘activity centre’. These credits are banked and build up to further awards. Children and young people from 5-19 may take part, but must be Wrexham School children (or school leavers).

By February 2006, the number of Wrexham school children between the ages of 15 -19 who are engaged in activities was 5,370. Of the Wrexham schools, 47 are currently registered as ‘activity centres’ and 57 schools have pupils registered with the scheme. There are approximately 40 external organisations involved, these include Country Parks, Youth Centres, Youth Theatres and music groups, Sports Development and local sports groups, Techniquest and Community First initiatives. Approximately 1,300 modules have been submitted totalling 120,212 credits/hours.

Wrexham Children’s University was the first of its kind in Wales and is being used as a best practice model across the whole of Wales. There are currently six other local authorities across Wales who have now adopted the scheme with a further seven giving it serious consideration. The Children’s University National Network group is looking to launch Children’s University Cymru over the next 18 months.

The certificate was presented by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wrexham, also in attendance; Terry Garner (Strategic Director, Children & Young People Service, WCBC), Hywyn Williams (Chief Learning and Achievement Officer, WCBC), John Davies (Senior Primary Officer, WCBC), Cllr Arwel Jones (Lead Member for Children & Young People, WCBC), Cllr. David Bithell (Deputy Lead Member, WCBC), Phil Bassett (Academic Director / Head of School of Education, NEWI),Donna Dickinson (Senior Youth Officer, WCBC) Christine Willis (Wrexham, Children’s University Development Officer), other guests included staff from Woodlands School, Duke of Edinburgh Awards and Ty Mawr Country Park.