• Children’s University
Kids taking part in May-Hem 2024

Wakefield and Selby Children’s University is hosting a free, fun-filled event for local children and their families during half-term – providing them with the opportunity to enhance their learning.

After successfully running for nine years, May-Hem will return to Castleford College on Wednesday 28th May 2025, from 10am to 2pm, and will include a range of exciting activities.

The event is designed for Children’s University (CU) members and their friends and families but is also open to the public for children aged 5-to-14.

The day will be packed with engaging activities delivered by local Learning Destinations, including Biffa, Castleford Heritage Trust, Castleford Library, Girlguiding Whitwood Division, Phoenix Martial Arts, Rothwell Gymnastics, RSPB St Aidan’s, SDAH Red Watch, Wakefield City Emerald's Cheerleaders and Wakefield Museums & Castles.

In addition, children and their families will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of hands-on activities led by College tutors across subject areas such as Automotive, Care & Early Years, Carpentry & Joinery, Hair & Beauty, Public Services and Sport.

Attendees also have access to the College’s next-generation technology hub, I-Innovate, where they can try out Virtual Reality and drone equipment.

Children’s University members will receive learning hours for attending the event while non-members aged 5-14 are also welcome to attend and find out more.

Rachel Rayner, School Liaison Coordinator for Wakefield and Selby Children’s University, said:

We’re really excited to be hosting the May-Hem event at Castleford College for the ninth year, bringing together our Learning Destination providers, College tutors and families for a fun and engaging day of learning. It’s a brilliant opportunity for children to discover new interests, try hands-on activities and explore the exciting courses we offer across our Colleges. Events like this are all about inspiring young minds and showcasing the power of learning beyond the classroom.”

Georgie Brown, from Whitwood Division of Girlguiding, said:

We’re proud to be a Learning Destination provider as the scheme opens up real opportunities for young people. It helps them build confidence, discover new skills and realise their potential - proving that learning doesn’t end when the school day does. Events like May-Hem give them the chance to explore what’s on their doorstep and see just how many exciting opportunities their local area has to offer."

Children’s University promotes extra-curricular learning for young people across the district. As part of the initiative, pupils receive a ‘Passport to Learning’ which they use to collect codes each time they participate in a learning activity such as an after-school club, with the aim of collecting as many codes and hours as possible via the college and Learning Destinations.

Once the academic year ends, the children’s achievements will be commended at an annual Children’s University Graduation Ceremony, hosted by the College and attended by parents and carers.

Register your place, here.