A record number of young scholars will throw their caps in the air this month as they graduate from Charles Darwin University's (CDU) Children's University (CU) program.
The program, in its fourth year, aims to support students discover new talents and passions, explore self-directed learning, develop leadership skills and more through extra-curricular activities outside of the classroom.
Children's University activities are designed to have links to university learning and courses. Students attend accredited 'Learning Destinations' where they accumulate hours of education and receive stamps in their 'Passport to Learning'.
A total 204 students in Years 3 to 6 will graduate in ceremonies across the next two weeks, the largest cohort to have graduated from the CDU Children's University program to date. Fields of exploration included music, art, biology, ornithology, fitness and more.
CDU Children's University Program Officer Belinda Hoult said the program opened the minds of students who didn't think attending university was possible.
"Students loved coming to the Casuarina and Alice Springs campuses. A lot of them didn't know universities are a thing, they thought they were just in the movies," Ms Hoult said.
"We had great involvement from different faculties. To have people who share their learning with children and are passionate about what they do and encouraged children to find out what their passion is made for a much richer experience."
Schools involved this year include Anula Primary, Holy Spirit Catholic Primary, Ludmilla Primary, Manunda Terrace, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary, St Paul's Catholic Primary and Woodroffe Primary.
The program hit a milestone this year when it was expanded to Alice Springs, with students from Living Waters Lutheran School and Yipirinya School participating.
The first graduation ceremony was on November 8, with Minister for Education Eva Lawler to congratulating the young scholars on their achievement.
Ms Hoult said efforts are underway for expansion of the program in 2023, with more schools inquiring about participating and considerations being made to offer Children's University beyond Darwin, Palmerston and Alice Springs. The inclusion of learning on Country is also being explored.
From next year, students who graduate from primary school will be able to continue the program until Year 10.
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman AO congratulated the graduates.
"These students are the future leaders and innovators of the Northern Territory and it is a great privilege for the University to give these young scholars a glimpse at what's possible if they pursue a tertiary pathway," Professor Bowman said.
"I cannot wait to see new faces next year when Children's University returns for its fifth year."
