A children’s university: Partnering with universities to improve student outcomes

Teacher Magazine (ACER)

We know that schools partnering with families, other education institutions, businesses and the wider school community can have a positive impact on student outcomes. In this episode, we’re taking you to Yipirinya School in Alice Springs. Year 3 and 4 students at the school were recently participants in a trial of Charles Darwin University’s Children’s University – a program which offers students the opportunity to undertake learning experiences by visiting local businesses and organisations. We’re going to hear from Gavin Morris, Principal at Yipirinya School, about the impact participating in this program has had, and from Mariann Reu, project officer at Charles Darwin University, about the program’s design. The Children’s University is a concept that began in the UK over 30 years ago and outside of recognising learning that is completed outside of school, it helps younger students to understand the post-school pathways available to them, and has also been shown to improve student attendance and achievement at school. Host: Dominique Russell Guests: Gavin Morris, Mariann Reu