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Meteoric fun at the University of the Year

Over 400 children from primary schools across Tees Valley and their families took part in a family festive fun day on campus.

The fun day is part of the University’s Meteor programme, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. Meteor aims to raise the aspirations of pupils, aged ten and above, by inviting them into the University to take part in a range of activities.

University students also work with the pupils throughout the year in their own schools, prior to a summer school that ends with a special graduation at Middlesbrough Town Hall.

Some Meteor activities, like the festive fun day, are tailored to involve the children’s families. The first festive family fun day was held in 2001.

This year’s activities included: >fizzy ‘bath bomb’ making >experiencing a trip around the universe in the Planetarium >film show >a pop quiz >a panto, Snow White >card and calendar crafts >sports challenge >bridge building >Magical Science Show.

Triplets Shonna, Shannon and Cameron Whitlock, aged 10, from Hartlepool, had a top time at the University. The three are pupils at the Fens Primary School. Shonna said: 'It’s my first time at the University and it’s very good. I’d like to come here when I’m 18 and study to be a sports teacher.'

Shannon said: 'I like all the different activities, they’re really good.' Brother Cameron added: 'I like everything, all the big buildings. I’d like to study computers here when I’m older.'

Emma Barlow, 12 from Conyers School, Yarm, said: 'I like being at the University, there’s lots more space than the last time I was here. I want to train as a teacher when I’m older.'

Elish Chambers, 11, from Our Lady the Most Holy Rosary RC Primary School in Billingham, added: 'It’s my first time here and it’s very good, very spacious, lots of open places. I want to train as a doctor when I grow up.'

Sisters Evie and Grace Russell are pupils at St. Margaret Clitherow Catholic Primary School in South Bank, Middlesbrough. Grace, ten, said: 'It’s really cool at the University; it’s big with big windows. When I’m 18 I’d like to do English.' Younger sister Evie, six, said: 'It’s good and cool. I like making things.'

Jessica Turner, seven, from St. Mark’s School at Elm Tree, Stockton-on-Tees, said: 'It’s been fun having my face painted but I won’t be going to school like this. Maths is my favourite subject at school.'

Victoria Wetherell, four, from Lingfield Primary School in Marton, Middlesbrough said: 'It’s good here, I’ve done lots of things. But I won’t be going to school with my face painted!'

The family festive fun day is part of the Meteor STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Integrated Education Strategy, funded by One North East.

Joanne Bulmer, Schools & Colleges Partnership Assistant, said: 'Our family festive fun day is in its ninth year and brings seasonal fun to the campus. The University’s award-winning radio station, Click, was broadcasting all afternoon too so we think it’s our best yet. The activities are educational and fun so the children learn while enjoying themselves.'

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