More than 70 young people graduated from Aberdeen's Children's University at the second annual graduation ceremony held at the University of Aberdeen's Elphinstone Hall this weekend.
Fifty-five primary school pupils from across Aberdeen City and Shire attended the graduation on Saturday June 18 which marked the end of a busy Graduation Week at the University.
Proud parents, teachers, University academics and representatives of the Children's University and Aberdeenshire Council joined the young graduates to help celebrate their achievements.
Aberdeen Children’s University was set up in January 2015 by Children’s University Scotland and the ScottishPower Foundation 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 attend local schools, including Fraserburgh Academy, Banff Academy, Mackie Academy, Rosehearty Primary, Dunnottar Primary, Arduthie Primary, Glenbervie Primary, and Bervie 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 further education in the classroom. 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 hours of learning before their graduation.
Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, said: “We at the University are delighted to be part of this fantastic initiative to foster a love of learning and raise the aspiration of young people from all backgrounds to aim for a university experience.
“We hope that this wonderful event will inspire and motivate these young people to strive to achieve all that they can and we wish all those who are graduating from the Children’s University every success in their future learning and eventual career. ”
ENDS