On Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd November, the Sheffield Hallam University Outreach team will build on our previous community engagement successes by heading to the Moor Market to hold two days of activities, where young people aged 5 – 13 can get crafty with bonfire themed art and crafts, take part in brain teasing word puzzles and explore the Moor Market with a quiz. Under the banner of CU Live, the activities will provide a great level of learning and entertainment for those who are on half-term.
Previous events have been held in the Winter Gardens and at Sheffield Hallam University itself. Feedback from previous events has been incredibly positive and includes:
- “My childminder took my girls to the event today. They have all had an amazing time and couldn’t believe how good it was (and free!). I’m a member of staff and it’s really nice to see us working with the community and future students. Well done to all involved.” (SHU staff)
- “A brilliant afternoon had by my family, the only downside was we weren’t there early enough and wish we could have stayed longer. Superbly organised and loads of interesting things for the kids to see and do. Thank you.” (Mum)
By holding the event in the Moor, we hope to be able to reach a different demographic of young people and families to encourage them to engage in learning outside of the classroom. We aim for Sheffield Hallam to be known as not just a University, but as somewhere children and families are welcome to visit, explore and engage in activities.
Community Engagement provides a key opportunity to interact and work with students and their families outside of the formal school environment. As all of our recent community events have been Children’s University ‘Learning Destinations’, by participating in each activity, students are able to collect Children’s University credits. For each hour students spend at a ‘Learning Destination’, they collect one credit.
By adding value to time spent at activities outside of the school environment, the Children’s University aim to encourage young people to learn in their own time. By collaborating with the Children’s University, we too are taking on the ideology that learning is not just for the school environment but should take place, and be enjoyed, outside of the classroom.
We hope to see you there!
*This post was written by Clarissa Allford from the WP and Outreach Team at Sheffield Hallam
