DEDICATED pupils donned caps and gowns to take part in an infant graduation.

Youngsters at Whitestone Infant School took part in a special ceremony, which celebrated their commitment to extra-curricular activities.

Children taking part in the university scheme complete out-of-hours learning, with the more hours they put in leading to a higher certificate.

Hazel Andrew, teacher at the school said: "This is the third year we have held a graduation ceremony in school, to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our children in their out-of-school hours learning.

"By belonging to the 'Children's University' our school is a 'learning destination'. Therefore all the before school, lunch time and after school clubs that we provide earn our children hours of learning in their Children's University learning passports.

"The graduation is for pupils who have attended 30 or more out of school hours learning clubs. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our children's hard work with our parents and families.

"Our children wear gowns and caps just like real undergraduates do at their graduation ceremonies.

"Carolyn Lloyd, of the Warwickshire Children's University joined us to present the certificates and we had some entertainment."

Currently, Whitestone Infant School is the only infant school in Warwickshire to take part in the cause.

Children at the Magyar Crescent-based school, had the opportunity to get involved with lunch groups and after school clubs, which added hours to their learning totals.

Some pupils managed to tally up more than 100 hours of out-of-hours learning,

This year's ceremony featured a special performance from 'The Singing Owls' school choir.

Proud parents gathered to watch as the children collected their awards and got the chance to throw their caps in the air, just as a university graduate would.

"At Whitestone we really value opportunities for out -of-hours clubs, we offer a huge range of clubs such as hockey, athletics, Lego, tennis, sewing, cookery, iMovie maker, cheerleading, street dance and singing," added Mrs Andrews.

"We work with excellent local sports coaches and our school staff give their time to run clubs too to enhance learning opportunities for our children.

"Some of our children, those who have attended 100 hours of learning, get invited to Warwick University where there is graduation for children from Children's University schools all over Warwickshire.

" The children are thrilled to be recognised for their efforts on learning outside the classroom."

Children aged between five and 14 are eligible to take part in the Children's University scheme.

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