The National Context:

The Children's University™ is a national organisation that provides 7 to 14 year olds with exciting and innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours. The organization celebrates achievement and reward participation through certificates.  They seek to raise children's aspirations and to develop the understanding that learning can be the satellite navigation to better places in life!

Ger Graus - born near Maastricht in the Netherlands – officially took up his position as the Chief Executive of the national Children’s University™ on 16th April 2007.

The CU logo is a registered trade mark and the CU name is a trade mark of CU Trust, a registered charity (no. 1118315) and a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales (no. 6018900).

The Somerset picture:

There was a series of guest speakers and impressive musical and theatrical performances from youngsters attending local schools and Bridgwater College. The event aimed to publicise the new children’s university, which from January 2009 is set to offer young people aged seven to 14 courses ranging from boxing to fishing and art to cookery – with qualifications handed out at the end.

Mike King, of the Sedgemoor Learning Alliance, said: “I am convinced that the Somerset Children's University - Bridgwater Faculty can play an important role in raising aspirations and celebrating the talents of young people in Bridgwater.

“I was really pleased with the event as a whole and particularly encouraged by the talented performances of the youngsters taking part. Every group provided something inspirational and different.”

The Somerset Children's University, located in Bridgwater, will be the first of its kind in the South West of England and will be an integral part of the towns programme for regeneration. The University will complement the Building Schools for the Future project, Sedgemoor District Council's Corporate Strategy for regeneration (The Bridgwater Challenge) and Somerset County Council's Economic Development Strategy.


The Chilton story so far…..

Students in Y7 & 8 are able to purchase a "passport" (£1.00) for Events Extra activities.  Any event they attend is recorded by the teacher in their passport, and the hours are accredited at the end of the year at a special "Awards Ceremony", celebrating not only enjoyment, but student commitment to spending their own free time learning and sharing with others.  The scheme is already working in some local primary schools, and students who already hold passports can continue to use them.  The passports will also be valid for activities at The Bridgwater Arts Centre, The YMCA, The Rugby Club, Haygrove and Robert Blake Science College as well as the Chilton Sports Centre.

For more information about the university contact:
The school coordinator:  Mr Allan Blake  (01278 410089)

The Area coordinator: Mr Mike King on 07894-739953.
The CU website:
http://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/

The Somerset County Council link at:

http://www.bsfsomerset.org.uk/content.asp?did=23540