Case studies
Morgan's Story
Morgan joined HCU at the beginning of year 6. He was on the special needs register at school action for literacy and remains being at risk of being dyslexic. Morgan has an elder brother who attends a special school for autism.Morgan joined a number of clubs, including football, FILMCLUB and chess and he started to learn to play the trumpet.Prior to joining Children’s University, Morgan lacked, to quote his father, “stickability”. He would often give up activities after a short time. The incentive of earning learning hours helped Morgan to develop resilience and his organisational skills. For a child that doesn’t like writing, he willingly wrote numerous film reviews to earn learning hours for FILMCLUB and achieved his bronze award within a year.His father recently reported that Morgan continues to play football and has trumpet lessons which are held after school.
Sean's Story
Sean joined Havant Children’s University just a few weeks after joining Junior School. He has amassed an incredible 169 hours to date and is still going strong! I asked him why he decided to join HCU:
‘I like doing after school clubs and learning new things. It makes me feel really happy and alive when I’m learning a new sport.’
I asked him how he felt attending the last graduation ceremony:
‘I was really excited about it and I was hoping we would make it in time cos we got lost on the way! Once my name was called out I felt really proud of what I had achieved and all the certificates I was given. Everybody gave me a big cheer and they clapped really loudly, - it was great!’
I asked Sean whether he would recommend to other children to join HCU
‘Yes definitely’ he said, ‘but remember to take your passport with you to activities!’
To find out more about Jodie and other case studies go to http://childrensuniversity.co.uk/Evaluation-of-the-Childrens-University/ Evaluation of the Children's University - First Report, November 2008 by Professor John MacBeath and Joanne Waterhouse, University of Cambridge