Graduation 2018

This year saw an increase of over 100% in the number of students who had accumulated over 100 hours of out-of-school activities, with 14 children earning a place at the annual Children's University graduation at the Theatre Royal, Wakefield. The day was a resounding success and yet again our children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were a credit to the school. Thank you to the family members who attended the event and supported the children. Unfortunately, three of the children were on a school trip to parliament as part of their role as school councillors so they will be presented with their awards in a school assembly graduation in the coming weeks.

Graduation 2017

Congratulations to the six students who accumulated over 100 hours of out-of-school activities, thus earning themselves an invitation to this year's graduation ceremony. This was an incredible feat considering that this is the first year that our school has participated in the Children's University scheme! Kudos to Darren, Ellie, Emi-Louise, Libby, Lucas and Lucas.

The ceremony was hosted by Wakefield College and was held at the Theatre Royal, Wakefield. Over 200 pupils from across the Wakefield district took part in the event and the St Thomas pupils were a credit to their adults and the school. Well done also to all the pupils in school who have participated in the scheme this year but have not yet reached the 100 hour mark; a number of these have accumulated over 30 hours and so will be awarded their certificate in assembly in the coming weeks.

Children's University

What is it?

Wakefield Children’s University is part of a national organisation which validates high quality out of hours activities for children and young people aged 5 – 14 years of all abilities. Learning opportunities are being provided by this school through after school clubs as well as organisations both in the local community and nationally. 

The Children's University aims to inspire children, raise their aspirations and to develop a love of learning in a range of environments.  In Wakefield, the Children’s University is supported by Wakefield College; the District’s largest provider of Further and Higher Education.

All children/young people who join the Children’s University are given a ‘Passport to Learning’ in which they can collect stamps and stickers to demonstrate the number of hours of learning they have achieved. Over time children/young people may work towards nationally recognised certificates celebrating their hours of learning. On achievement of a certificate they will be given the opportunity to attend a Wakefield Children’s University Graduation ceremony.

The last Graduation Ceremony saw over 180 children graduate in ceremonial gown and mortar board and was a fantastic occasion.

National Children’s University Awards

Undergraduate level

30 hours = Bronze certificate

65 hours = Silver certificate

100 hours = Gold certificate

There are progressive steps leading to 1000 hours of learning: the National Children's University Doctorate level.

‘Passports to Learning’

The School will stamp/sign the Passport for every hour of learning achieved during an extra-curricular activity (ie any after-school or lunchtime clubs).  Children are responsible for their own Passports and it is very important that they take care of them as lost records cannot be accessed.

Children and young people can also collect stamps in their Passports at Learning Destinations across the country. This gives you the opportunity to link your family days out with the learning taking place at school. To find out where these are, visit www.childrensuniversity.co.uk and click on the Learning Destination section or speak to school.