It was smiles all round last weekend as more than 70 young people graduated from Aberdeen's Children's University.
Graduates and their families attended from schools all over Aberdeenshire and were treated to performances by Clerkhill Primary’s J ROCK, solo singer Amber Drummond and a presentation from Clerkhill Primary’s Science Club. Donna Connelly, Education Officer of Aberdeen University Students Association also gave an inspirational talk about her journey into education.
Proud parents, teachers, University academics and representatives of the Children's University and Aberdeenshire Council including Deputy Provost Cllr Ron McKail and Vincent Docherty Head of Education joined the young graduates to help celebrate their achievements.
Aberdeen Children’s University was set up in January 2015 by Children’s University Scotland with funding from the Scottish Power Foundation and the Scottish Government to enable young people aged 7 to 14 to widen their skills and interests, while providing a new and innovative route towards further and higher education.
This year’s graduates were from 8 local schools: Fraserburgh Academy, Peterhead Academy, Mintlaw Academy, Mackie Academy, Clerkhill Primary, Rosehearty Primary, South Park Primary, and St Fergus Primary. Each pupil collected stamps in a ‘Passport to Learning’ while taking part in a wide range of learning activities, from gallery and museum visits, to drama, crafts, sports and clubs outside of school hours.
The programme encourages children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to be inspired to take part in new challenges and activities. Youngsters are required to complete at least 30 credits of learning before their graduation.
The Very Reverend Professor Iain Torrance, Pro-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, said: