Children across Worcestershire will have the chance to engage in a number of exciting, fun and innovative learning opportunities throughout the county this summer, as Worcestershire Children's University continues to grow. 

The initiative, backed by the University of Worcester, is one of 100 local Children's Universities (CU) across the UK, having launched earlier this year.

The CU Trust aims to promote social mobility by providing high quality, innovative extra-curricular learning activities and experiences for children aged between 7 and 14. In partnership with Learning Destinations - places providing learning activities which are linked to actual university courses - the scheme offers children the chance to compile a record of achievement, in the form of a stamped passport, which will be rewarded at a 'graduation' ceremony.

Four students and five staff at the University recently became CU validators, meaning they can now validate locations ranging from farms to museums and sports clubs to galleries, as Learning Destinations.

Worcestershire's first Learning Destination, the Infirmary Medical Museum, situated on the University of Worcester's City Campus, was awarded its status last month (pictured). The museum will offer children the chance to take part in activities such as indoor archaeological digs and investigative trails.

Carol Bowsher, Learning and Access Officer at The Infirmary, says: "I am absolutely thrilled with this news. The museum has been open for nearly two years now and we have worked really hard on our learning programme and family activities.

"It is great that this work has been recognised and that we will be able to encourage even more young people to the museum to learn about medicine and health - a fascinating area accessible to all ages."

Gemma Dhami, Museum Development Officer for Worcestershire and a Learning Destination Validator for the Worcestershire CU, explains: "We are extremely excited that The Infirmary is our first museum learning destination for the CU in Worcestershire.

"It is a brilliant example of the extracurricular opportunities available for children in museums, and will certainly be leading by example for many other museums which will be joining the scheme."

Children will be able to stamp their passports at The Infirmary from July onwards, as part of the museum's summer programme.

Gian Fazey-Koven, Head of Outreach and Recruitment at the University of Worcester and Chair of the Worcestershire Children's University Advisory Board, adds: "Worcestershire Children's University is growing at a rapid rate through the pilot schools involved in the scheme.

"The validation of our first learning destination is particularly exciting as it not only recognises the wonderful work going on to engage young people and children at the Infirmary, but it also paves the way for many other learning destinations to become validated in the next few months."

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