Festive Meteoric Fun

Over 850 year six children and their families, from 95 primary schools, enjoyed early festive fun at the University.

During our annual Festive Family Fun Day invited guests took part in a range of fun activities - for the first time, pupils from every primary school in the Tees Valley were invited to join in.

Raising aspirations The Fun Day is part of our Meteor programme which was launched in 1999. Meteor initially worked with six primary schools in central Middlesbrough and has now expanded to primary and secondary schools from across the Tees Valley. Meteor aims to raise the aspirations of pupils, aged ten and above, by organising activities for the pupils both in school and at the University. Current University students also mentor pupils in school throughout the year.

On Sunday, the Meteor children and their families took part in a wide range of fun and exciting activities including:

• fizzy ‘bath bomb’ making
• travelling the Universe in the inflatable planetarium, Starlab
• an interactive pop quiz
• arts and craft fun
• the blockbuster film Igor
• Professor Brainstorm’s Magical Science Show

Students from Stockton Riverside College performed the pantomime Cinderella and the Abingdon Steel Band entertained visitors on their arrival.

Emily Corney, from Schools & Colleges Partnership team said: ‘Our Christmas event is now in its eighth year and I think this was our best yet. The activities are always educational and fun so the children learn while enjoying themselves. To finish the day with a big bang we had an exciting and informative Science show from Professor Brainstorm.’

Elise Paige-Heske, six, a pupil of North Ormesby Primary School, pictured during a jewellery activity. She said: ‘I’ve enjoyed the day, my Mam Karen works here. It’s been fantastic making stuff and I can’t wait to see the panto.’

Mateen Hassan and his cousin Anna Hussein, both pupils at Abingdon School, Middlesbrough. Anna, 10, said: ‘It’s been fun making bath bombs. I’m looking forward to the Meteor Summer School next year.’

Adam George, 10, a pupil of Newcomen Primary School, Redcar. He said: ‘All the activities are brilliant . I’d like to study History here when I’m older.’

Beth Hall, a ten-year-old pupil from St. Paul’s RC School, Billingham, and her three-year-old cousin Joseph Shanley. Beth said: ‘I’m having fun and get to learn new stuff as well. I’d like to go to University when I’m older.’

Michael O’Driscoll, ten, from Middlesbrough and twin sisters Bridget and Siobhan, both nine, all from St. Clare’s RC Primary, Middlesbrough.

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