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'Class of 2014' celebrates achievements

Thursday, 8 May 2014

Children's University

The achievements of the ‘class of 2014’ were celebrated last night at St German’s Cathedral, Peel.

The Isle of Man Children’s University hosted its annual graduation ceremony for five to 14-year-olds who have taken part in a wide range of out of class learning. 

Children purchase passports and gain stamps by visiting validated ‘public learning destinations’. Children also clock up hours by attending their own schools’ lunchtime and after-school activities, provided their school is an Isle of Man Children’s University partner. 

Membership of the Isle of Man Children’s University also gives passport-holders access to accredited learning destinations and events across the UK and beyond. 

Certificates charting their progress are awarded at the annual graduation ceremony. 

Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, and Professor Ronald Barr, the Chief Executive Officer of the Department of Education and Children, presented awards to children who have accumulated between 30 and 129 hours’ learning with the Isle of Man Children’s University.  Professor Barr is a local trustee. 

Awards for children who have exceeded that, including one child who has notched up an amazing 503.5 hours in the two years since the Isle of Man Children’s University was launched, were presented by Ger Graus, Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s University Trust UK, and acclaimed wildlife artist Dr Jeremy Paul, the local Chancellor. 

Welcoming an audience of proud parents, Carys Lloyd, manager of the Isle of Man Children’s University, said:

‘This evening is about celebrating the achievements of your children through their involvement with us. 

‘Being involved with the Isle of Man Children’s University not only gives children opportunities to learn new skills, it helps build confidence and self-belief. So to all our graduates this evening, I just want to say enjoy your learning journeys, love every minute of it and believe; in yourselves and that you can do and achieve anything you set your hearts on. 

‘I am sure that you have made your families so proud of you but remember, you all deserve to be very, very proud of yourselves too. We really hope to see you here at the next ceremony, so keep learning, try something new between now and then and enjoy the journey.’

Representatives of many of the 50+ public learning destinations so far accredited attended last night’s celebration, as did sponsors. 

They include Webtech (Intelligence Ltd), which set up and hosts the website http://www.iomcu.im/ and which is designing a new-look site ready for launch in early June; Scottish Widows, which was one of the first companies to pledge its support for the programme in 2013, sponsors the children’s caps and gowns and provided volunteers at the ceremony; Shoprite and Robinson’s, which donated refreshments; Fancie That, which donated balloons, and Finishing Touches, which provided equipment for, and decorated the hall at the reception at Peel Clothworkers’ Primary School that followed the formalities. 

The vote of thanks was given by another Isle of Man Children’s University trustee, John Gill. 

Morrison Photos recorded the event for posterity – including getting the shot that typifies adult ceremonies, the young graduates throwing their mortar boards in the air in celebration outside the cathedral. 

For more information on the Isle of Man Children’s University and to see which schools are taking part, visit the website, the Facebook pageIsle of Man Children’s Universityor the Twitter feed @IOMCU. 

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, contact Carys on +44 1624 686088 or email enquire@iomcu.im. For details of learning destinations further afield, visit www.childrensuniversity.co.uk

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