2 MILLION HOURS - we did it!

With your fantastic help and continued support, we have reached another very significant milestone here in Sheffield and it’s time to CELEBRATE!

Children and young people in Sheffield have clocked up over 2 MILLION HOURS of learning in their own time.

Children from Prince Edward Primary School

Since Children’s University arrived in Sheffield, 37,000 children and young people from across the city have been taking part in a wide range of exciting and fun learning activities out of school time. These activities have taken place in and around school, or in the community at ‘Learning Destinations’ across the city and every single hour has been recorded, awarded, and celebrated by Sheffield Children’s University.

Children from Southey Green Community Primary School & Nurseries

That’s because we feel it’s really important to add value to existing activities and reward and celebrate children and young people for choosing to learn in their own time. Not only does it increase their confidence, self-esteem and motivation, it has a real impact on their learning. Extensive local and national research shows a clear link between participation in CU activities and increased attendance and achievement at school. Children and young people who take part in CU activities not only do better in school than non CU students, they also do better than they were expected to.

Children from Fox Hill Primary School

We love to celebrate here at Sheffield CU, and we have lots of reasons! Just less than 3 years ago we celebrated achieving 1 million hours with over 24,000 children and young people involved, 50 schools subscribed, 100 Learning Destinations, 25 ceremonies, 5,000 Gold Award winners, 30,000+ Bronze and Silver Awards and 10,000 Passports to Learning in circulation.

Today with over 2 million hours recorded, rewarded and celebrated, there are a whopping 37,000 children and young people with CU credits! We currently have 70 schools subscribed to CU and over 200 Learning Destinations! We have hosted 54 special Award Ceremonies and presented over 10,000 Gold Award winners (100, 200, 300 hours etc) and 50,000+ Bronze and Silver Awards. There are 15,000 Passports to Learning in circulation too! WOW!!!

Children from Hartley Brook Primary Academy

Of course, none of this would be possible without our fantastic schools, Learning Destinations and partners. Through their hard work, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond, we have been able to grow and develop CU in Sheffield to reach this magnificent achievement. And to the army of children, young people and families of our city who are part of CU in Sheffield - you are an inspiration.

There will be a press release shortly, but we couldn’t wait to share this special news with you first!

Katie, Helen, Sakina and Molly

The Sheffield CU Team