ATLP Children’s University 2024 – Hundreds of students aged from five to 14 from primary and secondary schools across the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP) donned gowns and caps in a special ‘graduation’ ceremony at Birmingham University.
The celebration recognised pupils who have achieved their gold graduation award from the Children’s University, an innovative scheme which puts a focus on extracurricular activity and personal development outside of the classroom.
To accomplish this, the children had to dedicate at least 100 hours to activities with themes as varied as arts and culture, languages, mental health, science and maths and sports.
Children’s University CEO Sonjia Peers said: “The programme is a really big opportunity for children to become well-rounded individuals. Beyond the classroom, there’s so much that children need to experience to prepare them for adult life.
“The opportunities that they get involved in as part of the programme enables that from an early age. It takes them on a journey for life.”
Nine schools involved with ATLP Children’s University 2024
The impressive scope of the children’s achievement was celebrated during the graduation ceremony. First to graduate were students from ATLP secondary schools the Arthur Terry School and the Coleshill School.
Then, in the afternoon, children from some of the Partnership’s primary schools across Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Tamworth and Lichfield and took the stage to receive badges and certificates.
The schools involved were Mere Green Primary School, Coton Green Primary School, William MacGregor Primary School, Curdworth Primary School, Slade Primary School, Greysbrooke Primary School and Two Gates Primary School.
The pupils, dressed smartly in gowns and mortarboards, were invited on stage to be congratulated by Richard Gill CBE, CEO of ATLP, before being handed their badge by Sonjia Peers. Each pupil had the number of hours they had dedicated to the Children’s University programme read aloud to an audience of proud parents.
And of course, certificates in hand, the pupils headed outside after the ceremony to toss their caps in the air in celebration!
Sonjia said: “Events like this can be overwhelming but they really inspire students, and show them what they are capable of, and what they can aspire to achieve.
“In some of the events we are involved with, children and families who have never set foot in a university before experience something completely new, and ultimately recognise that it is an environment for them too. It’s a wonderful experience for them.
“It’s so important for schools to embrace extracurricular learning – something which ATLP have really exemplified. When I was young, I didn’t have something like this, but I was lucky enough to participate in activities that gave me a broad spectrum of skills.
“Schools play the most critical part in bringing these enrichment activities to the children.”
ATLP Children’s University 2024
Throughout the day, talented youngsters from the schools also provided entertainment.
In the morning clarinet player Anna Lo and pianist Louis Li provided musical interludes.
In the afternoon, young pianist Jaskaran Sagoo entertained and then William McGregor student Ella Rose – who previously appeared on TV’s Britain’s Got Talent – brought the house down with a stunning magic show.
Singer Francesca Smail, of The Coleshill School, performed a song, while Coton Green’s Fran Williams gave an inspirational speech about her experience with the Children’s University.
The Children’s University programme has now been launched across all 19 of ATLP’s sites, with the aim of participation widening every year.
This year’s huge presentation event was co-ordinated for ATLP by Natalie Harris, Head of School at Dunstall Park Primary School.
Ian Smith-Childs, Secondary Strategic Lead for ATLP, stressed the scheme’s importance in a speech to the children.
He said: “In education, what we aim for always is for you to have these magical moments and build up life skills. It’s really important you have these experiences as you go through your educational journey.
“You’ll remember today for the rest of your life.”
Speaking after the event, Richard Gill, CBE, said: “This was another fantastic day that celebrated the huge efforts put in by so many ATLP students who took part in the Children’s University scheme.
“We are proud to have opened up this opportunity to so many students, giving them the chance to develop themselves outside the classroom.”