The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) has signed a new partnership with Children’s University to formally recognise some of the most prestigious and historic landmarks as learning destinations.
Run by the University of Adelaide, South Australian children aged 5 to 18 are encouraged to explore the Children’s University and discover new ideas, concepts and experiences through visiting and undertaking various activities.
Schools sign up to the program and encourage their students to get out into nature and learn about what our state has to offer in terms of nature but also future study and employment pathways.
Activities and participation hours are then recorded in a passport, and certificates awarded each year at a graduation ceremony.
This year walking trails, campgrounds, Park of the Month events, and self-guided activities in our national parks will be included alongside a number of DEW sites already participating, providing students with additional learning opportunities in their passport journey.
Current DEW Children’s University sites include Adelaide Botanic Garden, Cleland Wildlife Park, Fort Glanville Conservation Park, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, Adelaide Gaol, Naracoorte Caves National Park and Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park.
DEW reported that altogether 2,801 students from 137 schools graduated in South Australia in November last year and almost 500 organisations supported the Children’s University program.
Director of Community and Nature Partnerships in DEW, Mary-Anne Healy said it was wonderful to announce the new partnership between the Department and the Children’s University.
“It will enable children to learn more about the many wonderful parks and reserves we have here in South Australia through the Passport to Learning Program,” she said.
“I hope it encourages students to go on to further study and learn about our natural history. After all, these young people are the future and will be developing solutions to some of our biodiversity and climate change challenges.
“We would like to thank the Minister and DEW staff who have made this partnership possible, and we cannot wait to see all our members out and about, visiting and learning in South Australia’s beautiful nature parks and reserves.”
Further information about the Children’s University can be accessed at this PS News link.
