Children's University
What is Children’s University™?
The Children's University™ (CU) aims to promote exciting learning opportunities and experiences outside normal school hours for children aged 7 to 14 (and 5 and 6 year olds with their families). At the heart of its work is the ambition to raise aspirations, boost achievement and foster a love of learning, so that young people can make the most of their abilities and interests.
What is a Learning Destination?
Learning Destinations are places and organisations to which children can 'travel' with their Passport To Learning . They provide high quality learning activities and experiences with a 'wow' factor and have passed the Children's University's™ own quality assurance process ( Planning for Learning ). A Learning Destination can range from a museum to a farm or from an airport to a school.
Recognising and rewarding participation
Children's University™ students use Passports To Learning in which they record the number of hours of completed CU validated learning activities. Children are encouraged to progress through the national certification scheme, based on the number of hours of attendance throughout their involvement with the Children's University™ and Graduate at one of three Kent Universities.
Where can my child/ren earn Learning Credits? In Kent and Medway, children can earn Learning Credits in five ways:
1. Through their school's Validated extra-curricular activities (if their school is part of Kent Children's University™)
2. By visiting one of the many hundreds of Learning Destinations across the country. These can be accessed via the National Children's University's website (see below)
3. By taking part in activities with organisations who are Validated Learning Partners. These Learning Partners can be found on the National Children’s University™ website too
4. Through completion of Virtual Credit tasks. These are promoted through the Facebook and Twitter pages as well as the eNewsletters. These activities include Nature Detectives opportunities, KCU Challenges, Reading Challenges and much more!
5. By participating in a CU Live! lecture and workshop. These sessions are organised by Kent Children's University™ and are open to all children across the country. These activities take place during the school holiday periods. Information about past and future activities can be found through our Social Media channels and eNewsletters
Can you explain what the E-Passport is for?
The E-Passport does not replace the paper Passport To Learning but provides children with an opportunity to complete their passports online. The E-Passport enables children to record details of the CU Learning Activities they have taken part in and share information and pictures of the their learning journey with other users in their school. Access to the E-Passport also allows children to see what CU Learning Destinations and Learning Activities are on offer in their area, and lets them read comments on CU learning provision from other Children’s University students.
Is it easy to use?
The site is very intuitive and easy to use. It has been tested with children aged from 6 years upwards and they were able to use the E-Passport independently.
Is there a cost?
This cost is included within the subscription for the year. You will be sent instructions and login details via email after subscribing to Children’s University.
Who can see the information?
There are strict Data Protection guidelines in place. All of the information on the EPassport website can only be seen by children participating in the CU: children who hold a Passport To Learning , the local CU Manager and the school the child attends.
What about inappropriate language?
The E-Passport system has a filter that prevents any inappropriate language used from appearing.
I have another question?
We’re always happy to help if you have a question so please contact us by emailing kcu@kent.gov.uk
