Home schooled students make the grade

Published on 18 November 2019

On November 15, the first cohort of West Australian home school students celebrated their graduation from Children’s University by donning black gowns and mortar-boards.

For the first time, 18 home school students graduated from the innovative national program from the City of Swan’s Midland Library.

Children’s University is a national program for children aged seven to 14, delivered in WA by Edith Cowan University (ECU).

By completing extracurricular activities, students accumulate credits in fields that are linked to higher education.

City of Swan Mayor Kevin Bailey said he was absolutely delighted that the City was supporting students to get inspired about tertiary education.

“This amazing program is giving our kids access to learning opportunities in a way that is fun and rewarding,” he said.

“Our library staff have worked closely with ECU to coordinate the program and help foster a love of lifelong learning in our community.”

Midland/Guildford Ward Councillor Rashelle Predovnik said the program offers a range of activities and subjects, meaning there’s something for a wide range of learning styles.

“One example might be going to Caversham Wildlife Park and then preparing a report about the experience; another child may choose to attend the Library’s CoderDojo program,” she said.

“Our Midland Library graduates should be very proud of their achievements.”

Professor Cobie Rudd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Strategic Partnerships) at ECU said this is the third year we’ve been involved with Children’s University and we’re proud to be the first university in Western Australia to offer the program to local school students.

“Children’s University is about giving young people greater opportunities to connect with and be inspired by education,” she said.

“It’s an approach we’re passionate about at ECU and is in line with our commitment to making higher education accessible to anyone who has the ability and desire to participate.”

For more information about libraries in the City of Swan, visit www.swan.wa.gov.au/libraries