YEAR seven pupils from Beckfoot School have had a taste of graduation after taking part in the Children's University charity scheme organised by the University of Bradford.

The scheme operates across the whole of the UK, Australia and Malaysia and the 240 Bradford pupils earned their caps and gowns after completing hours of extracurricular activities.

The graduation is the ultimate reward for participation in the scheme which rewards children for exploring new ways of learning.

Youngsters received bronze, silver or gold awards at yesterday's ceremony, depending on how many hours work they had clocked up over the year.

Children with a minimum of 30 hours received a bronze under-graduate award, while those who had completed hundreds of hours received a silver or gold fellowship degree.

Professor Gwendolen Bradshaw, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Quality) at the University, said: “This is a brilliant event for the students and their families and a real opportunity to celebrate how much they have achieved over the last year."

Thomas Whitford-Bartle, recruitment and outreach officer at the University, added: “Considering we have 240 students graduating this is an incredible event to host here at the University of Bradford, the University is committed to supporting the progression of young people across our great city and rewarding them for engaging positively with their learning opportunities across their communities, the city of Bradford and activities in school.

“This achievement along with the others represents great progress, determination, and most importantly, a love for learning.

“This event is a fantastic feel good celebration (of) the positive impact of learning activities outside of normal school hours.”

The activities are designed to raise aspiration, self-esteem and confidence, encourage curiosity and a love of learning, enhance motivation and build resilience, introduce new life experiences and offer progression in learning and personal skills development.

The Graduation was held on campus with speeches, a reception with catering, presentations from some of the children and a formal procession where children received their “degrees”.

They were watched by family members, head teachers, deputy heads and teaching staff, pro-vice-chancellor (Learning, Teaching and Quality) Professor Bradshaw, deputy vice-chancellor Professor McCarthy, and senior academics.

The Children's University (CU) Trust is a charitable trust, which focuses upon 7 to 14 year olds (and 5 to 6 year olds with their families) with exciting and innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours.