3 minute read
Extending the reach of Children’s University Tasmania
from Impact
Smiling children dressed in graduation robes, their eyes lit up with aspiration, is a heartwarming and uplifting sight. For the students and their families involved in the Children’s University Tasmania, it is also potentially life-changing.
For Laura Johns, mother of student Sophia who graduated last year, the experience was about showing students that academic achievement is possible.
“By doing this, they feel connected with the University from early childhood and don’t feel like university is out of reach,” Laura said.
The initiative, which began five years ago, was extended to 10 schools in north-west Tasmania from 2017 to 2020 thanks to a philanthropic grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF). The positive impact of the extension has been a tipping point for interest in the program across Tasmania’s north as well as the West Coast, where five schools joined the program in 2019.
TCF Chair Sally Darke said the program has shown that a deeper connection to education can inspire our children to take their education opportunities further.
“The schools involved have done a fantastic job to provide a platform for our young people to extend their learning and broaden their academic experience,” Ms Darke said.
“We congratulate the University of Tasmania and the many community partners involved for believing in the Children’s University and playing such a crucial role in its success.”
Burnie’s Montello Primary School principal Dion McCall said the program had been a great success at his school.
“It’s all about aspiring to achieve the best you can and using education as a springboard for that,” Mr McCall said.
Enabled through the Peter Underwood Centre at the University of Tasmania, Children’s University Tasmania helps develop children and young people into adaptable, lifelong learners by providing and celebrating quality learning activities outside the classroom. In so doing, it builds bridges to higher education. Members are given a ‘passport to learning’ in which they record their hours, and when they reach major milestones they graduate, receiving higher awards as their hours build.
Peter Underwood Centre Deputy Director Dr Becky Shelley said the TCF’s investment continues to have a very positive impact on the lives of children and their families.
“As of 2021, 547 students from the TCF expansion schools in the North-West have participated in Children’s University Tasmania, and they have engaged in 22,172 hours of extracurricular learning,” Dr Shelley said.
“These students and their families have been empowered to access a wide range of quality learning experiences, such as visiting local learning destinations, school holiday programs, University Open Days, National Science Week events and other activities provided by our team.”
The Tasmanian Department of Education has been a key partner in the success of the program, providing in-kind support, and school coordinators have carried out the program on the ground, forming direct relationships with the children.
The program has enjoyed wide community support with tourism operators, regional art galleries in Burnie and Devonport, museums and local history sites all becoming involved.
“We have nice networks forming through these learning destinations with the whole community getting behind learning outcomes for young people,” Dr Shelley said.
“Research demonstrates that Children’s University has a positive impact on self-concept as a learner, a student’s sense of achievement, and has the potential to influence educational outcomes and address educational disadvantage.”
She said without the TCF, this boost to early learning outcomes throughout the North-West wouldn’t have happened.
“We recently celebrated the learning achievements of 189 graduates in 2021 at three ceremonies in Burnie and Devonport,” Dr Shelley said.
“I feel really proud of myself.” Graduate, Children’s University Tasmania
Abigail (left), Izzy (centre) and Sophia (right), 2021 graduates of Children’s University Tasmania Image: Richard Jupe
