Children's University Newcastle

Children’s University Newcastle engages children in learning in its broadest sense.

Participating children, between 7 and 14 years, are encouraged to discover new learning experiences outside of the classroom, in their local and regional community and on campus. The children build their own learning program by engaging in extracurricular activities throughout the year, recognising that learning happens everywhere and doesn’t have to be constrained by curriculum.

The University of Newcastle is one of only a handful of universities offering this program in Australia. Facilitated by the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, Children's University Newcastle is committed to facilitating the program in a way that prioritises relationships and the redistribution of resources across our communities.

We partner with schools across the Hunter, Central and Mid-North Coasts, learning destinations, Out of Home Care organisations and colleagues at the University to facilitate exciting learning opportunities for children in our communities.

Participants that reach 30 hours of learning, collected in their Children's University Passports, are invited to attend a formal graduation ceremony to celebrate and acknowledge the children (and their supporters) and their commitment to learning. In 2019, we welcomed over 5000 community members across six separate ceremonies.

Children’s University Newcastle is a member of Children’s University Australasia.


Getting involved

We always welcome new suggestions for learning activities and events. If you are interested in contributing to Children's University Newcastle please get in touch.

Activities include:

  • Learning lunchtimes - a series of conversations where presenters share their own learning journeys
  • Learning afternoons - hands on workshops where children learn a new skill
  • Webinars - a 5 minute presentation with a follow up research task for participants
  • CU On-Campus Discovery Days - participating children and families attend a one day on campus event, with access to lots of amazing projects at the University of Newcastle

Contact

Mrs Selina Darney

Manager, Widening Participation Pathways
Learning and Teaching
Children discover learning outside of the classroom

Children discover learning outside of the classroom

From 16 to 24 June, students from across the Hunter, Central Coast and Manning Valley regions got a taste of University study as part of the Children’s University’s CU On Campus Discovery Days.

CU Grad 2018