Day of hands-on learning for Children’s University ākonga

The tamariki were on campus for the second annual Discovery Day, as part of the Wānanga Nohinohi Te Kunenga Children’s University programme.

These ākonga came from Children’s University member schools Longburn School, Riverdale School, Te Kura o Takaro and Te Kura o Wairau, as well as a small group from the Te Fatu o te Pasifika Learning Hub after school programme.

Following a mihi whakatau, waiata and welcome to campus, ākonga were split into groups, with each group heading off to a different activity. Each activity was designed to showcase different aspects of student life, the campus or some of the subjects ākonga could be inspired to study in the future. The activities were spaced out across the campus in order to highlight various areas and interesting things along the way.

The day had a ‘hands-on’ theme to it, with activities including an ice cream quiz and sampling session with food scientists, learning about the human body in the nursing teaching suite, exploring how best to care for sheep with animal scientists, finding out about chemical reactions, and skill testing and games with sport and exercise staff and students in the Recreation Centre to round off the day.

Programme Coordinator Bettina Anderson says it was evident that visiting ākonga enjoyed themselves throughout the day.

“Hands-on science was on show in great style, and the kids were lobbing questions at staff in every activity they took part in. Our staff ‘aunties’ and student ‘fun facilitator’ helpers commented on how much fun they had too, as the kid’s enthusiasm was infectious. Our plan was to fuel imaginations and spark interest in subjects they might like to pursue in the future.”

Since attending, ākonga have been responding to an online survey about their experience of being on campus. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and has included comments such as “Massey is big!” and “Massey has a lot of education and things that can help your future.”

Highlights identified by the students included touching a sheep’s stomach, feeling the wool of a sheep, trying freeze-dried ice cream and the chemistry ‘fire’ demonstration.

It was also revealed to ākonga that this year their graduation ceremony would be included with the university’s Manawatū graduation events in November at the Regent on Broadway, a further incentive to earn the 30 hours of learning they need to graduate from the programme.

About Children’s University

Children’s University is an international charity initiative that supports and encourages young learners to participate in educational experiences outside the classroom. The programme identifies learning destinations where tamariki and rangatahi can explore, gain confidence, and develop a passion for learning. Massey isthe North Island franchisee offering the Children's University programme, which started in the United Kingdom in the 1990s. A partnership between Canterbury University and Lincoln offers it in the South Island.

To join the programme, tamariki apply through their participating school and once they’re enrolled, they receive their Passport to Learning. With their passports, tamariki can visit local learning destinations of their choice. Visits are recorded, and each entry is validated in their passports by the learning destinations.

They also get membership to an online learning portal with information about local destinations, along with a wealth of online activities that can be done at home. Once 30 hours or more are earned in their passports, tamariki receive a certificate at a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements. Massey Children’s University Wānanga Nohinohi Te Kunenga held its first graduation ceremony in December 2021.

More information about Children’s University is available here with regular updates provided via the programme's Facebook page.