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First Children’s University graduation to take place in the east of Scotland

60 school pupils from across East Lothian will gather at Queen Margaret University (QMU), Edinburgh, on Friday 9th January 2015, as part of the first Children’s University graduation ceremony to be held in the east of Scotland.

The junior scholars will be dressed head to toe in traditional gowns and mortarboards.  Family, friends, teachers and supporters will all be welcomed at the ceremony to help celebrate the children’s achievements.

East Lothian schools taking part in the Queen Margaret Children’s University graduation are Pencaitland Primary, Yester Primary, Ross High School, Sanderson’s Wynd Primary and Stoneyhill Primary.

QMU is the first higher education institution in the east of Scotland to host the Children’s University, which aims to help school children, aged between seven and 14 years of age (and five and six year olds with their families), become confident learners and broaden their horizons.

The initiative strives to raise children’s aspirations, encourages them to learn in different ways, and rewards them for taking part in a wide variety of learning activities outside of school hours.  The Children’s University ethos is clearly aligned with the aims of the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence in terms of helping children become successful and confident learners, responsible citizens and effective contributors.

Queen Margaret University has taken the lead in establishing the Children’s University in the east of Scotland by initially working in partnership with schools via East and Midlothian Councils.

The children build up credits the more they engage in learning activities.  They can also work towards bronze, silver and gold certificates.  The more the children engage in learning activities, the more credits they build up.

Over 1,400 pupils from across East Lothian and Midlothian have signed up to the Queen Margaret Children’s University scheme in 2014.  One hundred of these pupils have already achieved a minimum 30 hours of learning activities outside of school hours, including dancing, painting, cheer-leading, modern languages and gardening.  Each child will be presented with a special certificate at Queen Margaret Children’s University graduation ceremony in January.