More than 100 students from The Coleshill School ‘graduated’ in a special ceremony at Birmingham University – and now thousands of others across the region could be set to follow in their footsteps.

The Coleshill School, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), has trailblazed the Children’s University scheme since 2016, when just four of its students received their gold graduation award.

This year, more than 100 Coleshill youngsters made the grade and took part in the ceremony in Birmingham, with many more gaining bronze and silver certificates along the way. 

Now students at the other 18 schools run by ATLP are being given the chance to follow Coleshill’s lead, and take part in the Children’s University scheme – which offers 7-14 year olds (and 5-6 year olds with their families) learning activities and experiences outside school hours.

The scheme has been launched across all of ATLP’s sites, including secondary schools in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, Lichfield and Coventry as well as 13 primary schools, teaching more than 10,000 students.

Natasha Blunt, who is Head of Sixth Form at The Coleshill School and the driving force behind Children’s University at ATLP, said the scheme was all about encouraging children to learn outside the classroom.

She said: “Children’s University is a fantastic, voluntary scheme that offers children aged from 7-14 innovative and exciting learning experiences outside of school hours. Even younger children aged from 5-6. Can get involved with their patents too.

“Children only spend 9% of their time in the classroom, so Children’s University aims to make the most of the other 91% – by providing both ideas and access to a huge range of opportunities and activities for children to gain extra-curricular experience.

“The scheme builds confidence and character in young people of all backgrounds and makes a real difference to educational attainment – ultimately celebrating children learning beyond the classroom. 

“Students who take part in Children’s University could also ‘graduate’ in a special ceremony in the Great Hall of Birmingham University in June 2023.”

Experiences on offer include arts-based projects and activities that encourage students to engage with nature, with students taking part in enrichment hours after school.

Coleshill School headteacher Ian Smith-Childs said: “Academic attainment is a crucial part of a child’s life, but outside the classroom CU aims to engage, inspire and help all children to learn through a range of extra-curricular learning experiences – including adventure, imagination and kindness – and ultimately aiming to enable children to reach their full potential, and to instil a love of learning.

“We’re proud to have trailblazed the scheme at The Coleshill School and hope all the other ATLP schools embrace it as our students have.” Students from the Coleshill School graduate at a ceremony at Birmingham University.

Students from the Coleshill School graduate at a ceremony at Birmingham University.