Full Article - Published: 09/10/2009Written By: 01/01/1970

Pupils representing 17 schools graduated from Medway Children’s University (MCU) in the Rochester Building at the University of Kent’s Medway campus on 10 July.

Rose Collinson, the council’s Director of Children and Adult Services presented each of the 23 graduates with a medal, before receiving a Medway Children’s University certificate from Cllr Les Wicks, the council’s Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services. They also received a national bronze certificate from the University of Kent’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clare Mackie, and its College Master, Jane Glew.
 
The MCU graduates have taken part in a range of modules this term including archaeology, forensic science, drama and gymnastics. They have also made masks, baked bread and designed jewellery.
 
Their tutors had glowing reports about them with comments including: “All students were very keen. They concentrated well and used all equipment safely”; “a lovely group; they all want to come back – I’m very pleased with their progress”; “behaviour was excellent, all on time, all eager to learn”.
 
Cllr Les Wicks said: “This is a wonderful scheme that sees our children given the opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends.  
 
“Some of the graduates have been attending MCU since November 2007 and have completed six modules without missing a session and many of them are following in the footsteps of older siblings. Between them they have real ambition for the future.”
 
Professor Clare Mackie said it was vital that young people were made aware of the benefits of further and higher education as early as possible. "The children we saw clearly had a great desire and determination to test themselves and see what they could achieve. They have now taken the first step towards the type of fulfilling careers that a university education can deliver."
 
The children listed an impressive range of things they had learned, including overcoming fears of lighting Bunsen burners, and listed a number of future careers including becoming paediatricians, archaeologists, vets, nurses and carers, palaeontologists and teachers.