Children’s University™ ‘Learning Destination’ Summary
Name of Children’s University™ ‘Learning Bedford Children’s University
Destination’ and contact details BLEBP, 15 Doolittle Mill, Froghall Road, Ampthill, Bedsfordshire, MK45 2ND
Contact: Susan Ploetz, CU Manager
Tel: 01525 408086 / Fax: 01525 408090 / Email: ploetzs@blebp.co.uk
Title of learning activity (and site details) Academic Strand, Sport Strand, Performing Arts Strand, Creative Arts Strand, Technology
Strand, Science Strand
Brief description of learning activity Each strand has their own learning outcomes. On the academic strand the aim for the students this
(including aims, objectives, intended year was to get a clearer understanding of the Rainforests with classes on deforestation, culture,
climate, plant and animal life, food, politics, art etc. The intended outcome is for the students be
outcomes)
part of a whole strand, experience a different learning environment, make new friends and finally
acquire new skills and academic subject knowledge.
The aim on the Sports strand was for students to excel or gain skills in their chosen sport. through
specialist coaching in cricket, racket sports, athletics, outdoor education, netball etc. Students
should have been able to enjoy a different coaching environment where they felt their knowledge
and skills stretched and improved to a new level. They should also have learned about being part of
a team and making new friends etc.
The aim on the performing arts strand was being part of a big production. This was achieved
through a range of different courses like dance & performance, drama, music technology &
composition, choreography etc. The performance the children produced was phenomenal and the
therefore the outcome was achieved also from the point of view that the children gained
extraordinary skills in the chosen subjects in a different learning environment with the support of
specialist tutors.
The aim on the Creative Arts Strand was to offer students different creative activities they could
enjoy through specialist tutoring. Courses on offer were for example pottery, sculpture & collage,
costume design, theatrical make-up, art & craft from the past etc. The outcome was a fantastic
exhibition for friends and family and children were obviously able to take their pieces of art home.
They also gained new skills and techniques in a different learning environment.
The aim of the technology strand was to give students an increased knowledge and understanding
of subject they might not be able to study at school through specials tutoring. Some of the
courses offered were robotics, brainibots, kitchen alchemy, sugar craft, 3D Modelling, Creative
IT, programming etc. The outcome was achieved and all students received a progress report.
The science strand’s aim was to give students a better understanding what forensic science is
about through the tutor of crime scene management, chromatography, anatomy, IT, Engineering
etc. All students attended all 10 sessions and learned a tremendous amount of pure science through
the medium of forensic science.
All children are invited to attend the Frontiers Club which is the follow-on programme delivered on
a Saturday (separate learning destination).
Target age/group Yr 4 to 8
5 days (30 hours)
Duration
Validated by (local Children’s University™) Susan Ploetz - Bedford CU
Date 24/09/09