Junior graduates celebrate their achievements
25 July 2024
Cardiff University’s latest cohort of junior graduates have doffed their caps in front of family and friends.
The youngsters were part of the Cardiff University Primary School Programme, delivered in partnership with Cardiff Council’s Passport to the City: Children’s University initiative. The year-long project delivers opportunities for children to study subjects aligned to the Curriculum in Wales, while learning new skills and raising aspirations.
At the University’s Centre for Student Life, 150 pupils from participating schools in Butetown, Ely, and St Mellons, were present for the ceremony.
Since September 2023, Cardiff University has hosted more than 16 campus sessions, involving 12 academic schools, eight primary schools and more than 450 learners.
Nicky Prichard, former Cardiff University graduate and Headteacher at St Mary the Virgin Church in Wales Primary School in Butetown, said: “Our children and their families had a fantastic time at the graduation ceremony. Their involvement and participation has raised aspirations for our families and given them a real sense of purpose and achievement. We are so very grateful to the University for giving our children these fantastic experiences and to Cardiff Council for funding our transport to participate."
We recognise the important role Cardiff University has to play in supporting and inspiring young people from our diverse communities to expand their learning and help fulfil their true potential. The wide range of learning activities we have delivered throughout the year not only support teachers in delivering the curriculum but provide unique opportunities for children to develop their knowledge, experiences and skills which could one day lead to them studying at university.
Councillor Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council and Cabinet Member for Education, added: “Making sure that Cardiff is a great place to grow up and tackling inequality remains high on our agenda. By optimising use of the city’s resources and the fantastic opportunities available through our partnership with Cardiff University and others, we are able to engage with children and young people through a wonderfully diverse range of provision, some of which they might not usually be able to access.”
Cardiff University’s School of Music launched the 2023/24 primary school programme with an event for 54 pupils from Willowbrook Primary School from St Mellons. In celebration of Black History Month, pupils enjoyed an immersive day of singing and playing percussion instruments to communicate issues of race and nationality.
As part of the Festival of Social Science in October, pupils and teachers from Radnor, Lansdowne, All Saints and Bryn Celyn Primary Schools visited the University's SPARK building for a “Let’s Explore Wellbeing!” interactive day.
Cardiff Business School also welcomed 50 year 6 pupils from Windsor Clive Primary School, Ely, to campus for ‘A Day in the Life of a Business Person’.
The programme is part of Cardiff University’s Widening Participation strategy and aims to engage and inspire the next generation to consider higher education as a realistic and achievable option.
