As the first school in New Zealand to sign up to the programme, we were very excited to offer this incredible opportunity.

The Children’s University concept is simple: it offers educational experiences for children aged between 7 and 14 years and recognises their achievements through the award of formal certificates and graduations. The model leverages local educational and learning activity providers (including sports clubs, museums, galleries, and school clubs) and has a strong emphasis on experience as a significant learning tool, acknowledging the value of the range of different learning experiences and environments in which children engage. 

Each child is issued with a Passport to Learning in which the hours of each validated activity are recorded. Once they have reached the required number of hours, children will graduate from the Children’s University. Our graduate's certificates will be presented at a ceremony held at the Christchurch Town Hall in November.

Children’s University is child-led, meaning that children choose what activities they would like to participate in, and participation occurs on a voluntary basis. School-based programmes do not qualify for inclusion, however, some 'opt-in' programmes run during school time do (for example, itinerant language and music classes, Future Problem Solving, Nature Ninjas, Road Patrol). 

If your child is interested in signing up for Children's University, gemma.stapleton@ladbrooks.school.nz is your contact.

You are able to find out more from their website.

Please also join their facebook page