YOUNGSTERS from two Redditch schools attended a special graduation ceremony at the University of Worcester.

Pupils at Matchborough First School and Abbeywood First School took part in Children’s University, a scheme which encourages learning outside of the classroom with extra-curricular activities.

They were issued with a Learning Passport, which they get stamped for each completed activity.

Worcestershire Children’s University, which operates from the University of Worcester, is part of the Central Children’s University Trust, and earlier this month a special graduation ceremony took place for all those children who had achieved gold, silver and bronze awards.

Worcestershire Children’s University manager Annabel Collins said: "This year we have had a record 115 children, from schools across the county, complete bronze, silver and gold awards and we were delighted to reward them with a special graduation ceremony.

"The children really enjoyed wearing their cap and gowns and taking the chance to celebrate their amazing achievements in front of parents, teachers and members of the University of Worcester and Children’s University community."

Awards are given at set numbers of hours achieved of extra-curricular learning, starting with a bronze award presented at 30 hours through to the top award of Gold Fellowship, granted after achieving 1,000 hours.

The awards were presented by Helen O’Donnell, Chief Executive of National Children’s University, who made the trip to Worcester especially.

For more information about Children’s University contact Annabel Collins at cu@worc.ac.uk.