A Meteoric Summer

Over 450 local Year 6 primary school children will be attending the seventh annual Meteor Summer School in June and July at the University of Teesside. And Emmerdale star Elizabeth Estensen will deliver a video address at a special graduation to congratulate the children on their achievement.

The Meteor scheme aims to raise the aspirations of pupils, aged ten and above, by placing student mentors in schools throughout the year to help them with their studies and explain the benefits of continuing in education. During the Summer School the children take part in a variety of academic and social activities on the University campus.

This year’s Summer School will end in a special graduation for all the children and their families at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Thursday 7 July. The children will process from the University Gateway at 9.55am along Albert Road before arriving at the Town Hall. The procession will be led by the Tees Valley World Drummers and the graduation will also include a video address from Emmerdale actress and University of Teesside honorary graduate Elizabeth Estensen.

During the Summer School, which runs on Monday 27 to Thursday 30 June and Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 July, the children will take part in a range of activities, including:

• Computer Animation – the children will create their own moving, three-dimensional animated character
• Music and Culture – the Tees Valley World Drummers will lead a drum workshop, teaching the basics of percussion and rhythm
• Sports – a variety of sporting activities including basketball, football and trampolining at the University’s £6.5m Olympia Sports Building
• Design - an activity where the children will create and design their own DVD cover
• Science – Live Wire is an electrifying hands on workshop to show where electricity comes from and how to power a light, speaker or propeller
• Maths – an inspiring approach to maths using educational games to build children’s confidence, enthusiasm and knowledge

Joanne Bulmer, Schools & Colleges Liaison, said: "For this year's Meteor Summer School we have put together a wide variety of activities ranging from Music and Culture to Mathematics and Science. The activities have been designed to be both educational and fun and we are sure the pupils, teachers and student mentors will enjoy the Summer School. We hope it will be the best Meteor Summer School to date."

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