How we know that learning outside the classroom can help develop the character attributes that lead to academic achievement and success in the real world by: building resilience improving communication and team work skills helping young people to solve problems and building their confidence Ensuring that they are better prepared for the world beyond the classroom Businesses have traditionally focused on education at 14 plus, but its clear we need to tackle problems earlier, instead of applying a sticking plaster later on". John Cridland, CBI Director-General in their First Steps report The Children's University provides young people with exciting and innovative learning activities and experiences outside normal school hours. What is the Children's University? At the heart of our work is the ambition to raise aspirations, boost achievement and foster a love of learning. It enables young people to make the most of their abilities and interests, regardless of the background into which they were born or their country of origin. What is the key strength of The Croydon Children's University? Our strength is our flexibility to meet local needs by utilising local learning opportunities that offer high quality learning in many forms. How Does It Work ? Children aged 5 14 purchase a 'Passport To Learning' and collect points for every hour of independent learning at validated 'Learning Destinations' and work towards our award system. Each student is recognised for their individual achievements LEARNING DESTINATIONS Learning Destinations are places and organisations to which children can travel with their Passport To Learning. They provide high quality learning activities and experiences with a wow factor and have passed the Childrens Universitys own quality assurance process (Planning for Learning). Learning Destinations range from a variety of learning opportunities. These can be individual schools, museums, farms, an airport or a university - as long as the activity has been validated by Childrens University for quality assurance. Range of Learning Activities Active: Service to others supporting the community We understand that for some students there can be barriers to accessing our programmes. Therefore, we offer family learning activities that are fun and give both parents, carers and children the confidence to fully participate in what we can offer. When our young people reach the age of 14, they can still continue to take part in our range of activities, but they are encouraged to become volunteers and help design and run activities for younger children. This is part of our Routes Programme A Programme For year olds Introducing The journey from graduation To Volunteer Character Building Acquiring key skills: Self Management Team Working Problem Solving Project Awareness IT Skills Communication & Literacy Application of Numeracy Skills Self reflection on the skills they have gained and linking them to their aspirations through our ROUTES online CV builder The greatest danger for most of us Is not that our aim is too high and we miss it But that it is too low And we reach it Michelangelo Introducing Matthew Ansah