Albany and Mt Barker students graduate from UWA Children’s University in Albany Entertainment Centre ceremony

A strong cohort of Albany students donned their caps and gowns to graduate from Children’s University at the University of Western Australia last week, cheered on by family and friends.

The graduating cohort, comprising 137 students from six Great Southern schools, had amassed a combined 7667 hours of learning in the program and gathered at the Albany Entertainment Centre for their final ceremony.

Throughout the year, students have been part of learning experiences throughout the region including exploring the natural and cultural history of the Oyster Harbour fish traps, the history of the Brig Amity and getting their hands on some art tools at Vancouver Art Centre.

School holiday programs were also held on the UWA Campus with local academics giving students the chance to take a close look at the campus’ science labs, test their own boats made from recycled materials on the university’s wave machine and go hunting bugs at Lake Seppings.

The aim of the Children’s University program, UWA Albany director Tim Martin said, is to get local primary school students, many of who will take their first steps into high school next year, out of the regular classroom and exploring possible passions, which could turn into study or career pathways.

“This program gives children the chance to see that learning happens everywhere — not just in school,” Mr Martin said.

“The graduation is a special moment to recognise their hard work and celebrate their families’ support.”

Decked out in caps and gowns at the campus on Stirling Terrace, the students walked across the footbridge to the Albany Entertainment Centre, coming down the ramp at the other end to the sound of cheers and applause from an enthusiastic crowd of parents, friends and supporters.

Graduating student Rachel Els, from Flinders Park Primary School, said it was her fourth year in the Children’s University program and that she was looking forward to putting the skills she’d learnt to the test in high school next year.

“It makes me so happy that I get to go into high school with all the friends and memories and things I’ve learnt at Children’s University,” she said.

Rachel had a list of highlights from her time at Children’s University including visiting the National Anzac Centre and learning about how whales communicate through kilometres of ocean.

She said she was excited to get to high school next year, armed with a swag of additional knowledge.

“I’m very excited to be graduating and I would encourage everyone who is still in primary school to do it next year,” she said.

“Children’s University has also taught me to ask the big questions and I’ve learnt that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom.

“To everyone who’s graduating, I’d like to say a big congratulations on your achievements — and I want to encourage you to keep learning because nothing can stop you, and being part of Children’s University teaches us that learning just doesn’t end when the school does.

“It’s in every challenge you take on, every adventure we try, every moment that you take a step forward with curiosity.”