Carlisle College held two special graduation ceremonies on Saturday the 6th of July at Carlisle Cathedral.
First up were the Cumbria Children’s University Graduation Ceremonies. Children’s University is an international charity that encourages primary school children to try new experiences, develop new interests and acquire new skills, outside of school.
Activities can include drama groups, sports teams or learning experiences at museums, parks, community centres and other learning destinations but also after school clubs.
Everything is recorded in a Passport to Learning, and achievements are celebrated with special certificates and a graduation ceremony. There are no tests or exams and the aim is to raise aspirations, boost achievement and encourage a love of learning while having fun. Cumbria Children’s University has been led by Carlisle College for a number of years now and the College is looking forward to welcoming even more primary schools in the programme from this September.
More than 80 very excited children from four local Primary schools. St Margaret Mary Catholic Primary School, Yewdale Primary School, Upperby Primary School and St Cuthbert’s Primary School celebrated their achievements at the Cathedral dressed in gowns and hats.
The young graduates were welcomed by the Carlisle College Principal Grant Glendinning who said: “It is fantastic to celebrate achievement and reward participation of the children who have made a commitment to continue their learning outside of the classroom. There are various levels of award, however all the children have looked for opportunities which have encouraged a love of learning and we congratulate them all. We also thank parents and school staff who have encouraged them on their journey.
Luke Denny, Deputy Head, St Margaret Mary Catholic Primary School, said “Education should lay the groundwork for life and learning experiences should stretch the minds of children whilst reinforcing development and giving opportunities beyond the classroom.
“Over the course of this partnership our children have grown in confidence and more importantly they have enjoyed it. The Children’s University recognises our children for their passion and drive whilst promoting aspiration and lifelong learning skills.”
A real highlight of the ceremonies was the inspirational guest speech of Kate Redhead from The Primary Science Teaching Trust who encouraged the children to never stop learning and always stay enthusiastic, before she launched paper rockets up towards the magnificent Cathedral ceiling as a symbol of flying high in life and education.
This was followed by the annual Higher Education Graduation Ceremony of Carlisle College students to celebrate the achievement, commitment and dedication of learners whom have completed university level courses at the College this academic year. The graduation event was attended by over 150 guests who looked on as graduates were welcomed to the stage and presented with scrolls by Carlisle College Principal Grant Glendinning, who said: “The dedication shown by our learners has been outstanding again and it’s therefore fitting that we celebrate the achievements of our students.
“We are immensely proud of them all and we are pleased to hear that many of our highly sought after graduates will be staying local, which is a real boost for Cumbria. Studying a University Level course right on your doorstop is a sensible option, not only financially but it also allows you to fit studies around other commitments such as employment and family.”
Carlisle College has partnered with leading organisations such as UCLan, AAT and Pearson to bring higher education close to home in areas including computing, engineering, teaching, business and accounting. All university level courses offered at Carlisle College are designed with future careers in mind and delivered by tutors who are industry professionals and are able to share their insight and experience.
From September 2019, Carlisle College is introducing a Business Management Foundation Degree, which allows those involved in start-ups or established companies to work and study at the same time. It has been designed to equip students with new skills relevant to their work or help them progress their businesses.
To find out more about the University level courses on offer at Carlisle College or to apply visit www.carlisle.ac.uk or come along to the next open day and advice session which will be held on Thursday 22nd August 2019, drop in between 10am-6pm.