Class of 2024 graduate from Children’s University program at University of Western Australia Albany campus

A parade of pint-sized graduates could be seen marching through Albany on Tuesday as hundreds of young students celebrated the completion of their honorary University of WA course. Donning miniature caps and gowns, 101 children aged 7-14 celebrated their graduation from the Children’s University program, an initiative that cultivates a passion for extracurricular learning. Led by Great Southern Grammar bagpiper Abbey Andrews, students from Mt Barker Community College, Spencer Park Primary, Little Grove Primary and Flinders Park Primary walked from the UWA Albany campus along Stirling Terrace, across the footbridge to the Albany Entertainment Centre where they were welcomed by a guard of honour formed of family and friends. Mt Barker Community College Year 5 student Ebony Cave said she loved the wide variety of activities on offer across a range of topics. “The best things about doing Children’s University have been getting to do lots of new things and learning along the way,” she said. Now in its fourth year, the initiative encourages an interest-driven approach, with students allowed to participate in anything from a Lego competition to whale research projects. The year-long program had students visit 18 partner learning destinations across the Great Southern including public libraries, parks, museums, art galleries, theatres, sporting clubs, school clubs and businesses. UWA Albany campus director Tim Martin praised the students, who collectively completed more than 6000 hours of extracurricular learning. “We are proud of all the graduating students this year and the many hours they’ve dedicated to learning. It has been wonderful to see their curiosity in action and their discovery of knowledge through Children’s University,” he said. “We hope this inspires continued learning and expands their horizons.” The Rio Tinto-supported program allows students to get a glimpse into what is offered in university-level courses via age appropriate activities, workshops and excursions.