PUPILS from Stratton Primary took part in the school’s first Children’s University graduation ceremony at Bude Castle last week.

The Children’s University is a scheme that recognises the learning children do outside of school. Providers have to be accredited by the Cornwall Children’s University co-ordinator Lisa Neville and children then get their learning recorded in a passport. As they build up their hours this is recognised by a series of certificates, diplomas, degrees and post graduate awards.

Eighteen children took part in the ceremony, who had accumulated a minimum of 65 hours accredited learning and up to 730 hours for one individual.

Several other children had completed enough hours to qualify but were unable to attend the evening.

The children and their special guests — mothers, fathers, grandfathers, grandmothers and others — enjoyed a memorable evening with refreshments provided by Stratton School’s catering team.

The graduation was held at the Castle thanks to a grant from Bude-Stratton Town Council.

The children were all dressed in their graduation gowns and mortar boards and processed into the hall to be presented with their scrolls by Lisa Neville.

For the children a definite highlight was when they went outside the Castle and threw their mortar boards into the air!

Headteacher Phil Aldis said he was exceptionally proud of all the children and hoped the graduation ceremony would be the first of many.