Swinburne welcomes young school children through Children’s University
Swinburne Children’s University coordinator, Naomi Barran presents to students aged from 8-12 from Boronia K-12 College. The idea of driving your own learning and being one of 25 students in the first group of the program was very appealing to the group.
In summary
- Swinburne has an exclusive deal with Children’s University to deliver an innovative pilot program at Boronia K-12 College
- The program gives students aged 5 to 14 years the opportunity to experience university-style learning with additional STEM and social action learning activities
- In the Victorian-first pilot program, Swinburne is providing 30 hours of STEM and social action learning
Swinburne University of Technology has announced an exclusive deal with Children’s University to deliver an innovative pilot program, giving students aged 5 to 14 years the opportunity to experience university-style learning with additional STEM and social action learning activities.
The Victorian-first program sees Swinburne partner with Boronia K-12 College’s STEM program as a pilot, providing 30 hours of STEM and social action learning, as well as the opportunity to learn and create at Swinburne’s university campuses and Swinburne’s Knox Innovation Opportunity and Sustainability Centre (KIOSC) early in 2022.
Swinburne’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pascale Quester says the Children’s University had been operating for more than 20 years in the United Kingdom and had seen positive results around building a lifelong learning mindset, developing further education aspirations from a young age and building more confidence in classwork.
'The Children’s University program is based on strong evidence and outcomes, encouraging young students to see the exciting opportunities available to them through STEM. Swinburne is proud to partner with the Children’s University and Boronia K-12 College to bring these educational opportunities to life for young students,' she says.
The Children’s University ‘Passport to Learning’ allows children to collect stamps for self-directed learning activities.
Based on research conducted by the Children’s University, 83 per cent of participants feel more confident about their classwork, 75 per cent paid more attention in class, and 93 per cent said they loved learning new things. In addition, schools that participated in the program made two additional months’ progress in reading and maths compared to children in other schools.
Managing Director of Children’s University Australasia and Africa, Kiri Hagenus, says the partnership with Swinburne is a natural fit.
'With Swinburne’s STEM focus, dual-sector approach and community connections, they are the perfect choice to be Children’s University partner in Victoria,' Ms Hagenus says.
'I very much look forward to seeing the program develop and grow in Victoria under the guidance of such a wonderful institution.'
Boronia K-12 College Principal, Matthew Scammell says he is committed to developing students into responsible members of the local, national and global community.
'The partnership with Swinburne’s Children’s University will help achieve great things for our students. Our programs aim to develop the whole child, so they become inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who want to make a difference locally and globally. We believe that every child can achieve their goals and we hope that partnering with Swinburne’s Children’s University will provide a valuable stepping-stone for students to find their path,' Mr Scammell says.
'I am looking forward to seeing our youngest learners come to Swinburne’s campuses and graduate in March 2022 following their 30 hours of self-directed learning across STEM disciplines, as well as social action activities. We are also looking forward to welcoming more schools and students to the program in the future,' Professor Quester says.
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- Education
Swinburne welcomes young school children through Children’s University
Swinburne has announced Victorian-first deal with Children’s University to deliver an innovative pilot program, giving students aged 5 to 14 years the opportunity to experience university-style learning.
Tuesday 16 November 2021 -
- Education
- University
Swinburne staff awarded Adobe Innovation Grants for new approaches to learning and teaching
Ten projects developed by Swinburne staff to support new approaches to learning and teaching have received Adobe Innovation Grants
Tuesday 06 October 2020 -
- Education
Education in the new space industry
Swinburne has launched its new Space Technology co-major
Monday 05 October 2020 -
- Education
Fun school holiday activities for Melbourne lockdown
Swinburne is offering online programs to help parents looking to entertain their children at home during the school holidays
Friday 18 September 2020 -
- Education
Back to remote learning: five tips for parents and guardians
Remote learning can mean a juggling act for many households. Education expert Associate Professor Narelle Lemon shares her top tips for families navigating remote learning.
Tuesday 28 July 2020