A Theatre Full of Pride in Conwy and Denbighshire
In Conwy and Denbighshire, the Children’s University became a story of movement and momentum. It travelled across coastal towns, rural villages and busy communities, shaped by schools that understood what children in their area needed. Over the year, pupils built up experiences beyond the school day, and those experiences led to a moment where the whole community could see their progress and celebrate it together.
Schools at the centre
In 2023 to 2024, five schools in Conwy took part (four English medium primary and one Welsh medium secondary), alongside ten schools in Denbighshire (eight English medium primary and two secondary, one English medium and one Welsh medium). Each school brought its own character to the programme, creating a shared approach that still felt local, familiar and rooted in community life.
Learning beyond the school gate
Children built their Children’s University passports through a wide range of activities, including arts and culture, outdoor learning, sport, practical life skills, nature and the environment, literacy, and mental health and wellbeing. Across North Wales, opportunities were offered through community learning destinations, schools acting as learning destinations, and independent providers, helping children access learning after school, at weekends, and during holidays.
The passport and hours structure gave children something to work towards. It helped them notice their progress building over time. It also helped families see that what children were doing outside the classroom counted, and that it was worth celebrating.
A graduation day to remember at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre
That celebration came to life at the shared Conwy and Denbighshire graduation ceremony at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre.
Families arrived with cameras ready. Children waited for their turn, looking proud and excited as they prepared to step onto a theatre stage and be recognised for the hours they had completed through extracurricular learning.
When pupils walked on stage, the theatre setting made the moment feel special. The applause made it feel personal. It was a recognition of effort, perseverance and confidence, and it was shared by everyone in the room.
A highlight of the ceremony was Mr Phormula, who delivered an on the spot piece and rap on stage. The performance brought laughter and energy, and it added a joyful spark to a day that already carried a strong sense of pride.
Shared pride across communities
The Conwy and Denbighshire graduation captured what the Children’s University can do at its best. It connects schools and communities, recognises children for the learning they choose to do beyond the timetable, and creates a moment where families can see children step forward with confidence.
You can watch videos from the Conwy and Denbighshire graduation at Rhyl Pavilion Theatre here: