Curiosity Comes Alive: Over 140 Young Learners Dive into ECU’s Children’s University Holiday Workshops

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Curiosity Comes Alive: Over 140 Young Learners Dive into ECU’s Children’s University Holiday Workshops

Thursday, 15 May 2025

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The April school holidays were bursting with curiosity, creativity, and discovery. More than 140 enthusiastic Children’s University (CU) students and family members from 13 Partner Schools explored exciting hands-on workshops across Edith Cowan University’s Joondalup, Mount Lawley, and South West campuses.

The program, designed to make learning aspirational and fun, offered six dynamic workshops led by passionate ECU academics and student ambassadors from the School of Education, Medical and Health Sciences, Nursing and Midwifery, and the University Department of Rural Health – South West (UDRH – SW).

A Healthy Dose of Learning in the South West

At ECU’s South West campus, students got a hands-on introduction to health sciences with three interactive workshops:

Speech Squad: Teamwork in Talking had students experimenting with speech sounds and exploring how our voices work.
Gut Health: The Blue Poo Challenge taught children about digestion and gut-friendly foods—with some surprisingly smelly discoveries!
Nursing Necessities gave aspiring young nurses a taste of real hospital life, using stethoscopes and oximeters to check chest sounds on medical mannequins—an unforgettable highlight for many.

Creativity Takes Centre Stage in Perth

Over at the Perth campuses, imagination ran wild in three inspiring arts-based workshops:

Zine Making taught the design and publication of mini-magazines using traditional cut-and-paste creativity.
Pocket Hearts: Small Treasures, Big Smiles taught simple sewing and weaving techniques, creating heartfelt keepsakes.
Drama Adventures: Play, Perform, Shine! Encouraged bold performance skills through improvisation, movement, and storytelling—pure joy for students and their families.

The Impact: Smiles, Skills, and Confidence

The feedback from students and their families speaks volumes:

“I liked how they taught us how the body works and the heart works. I also liked learning about bacteria and how it glowed on the hands.” – CU student.

“Having fun with peers through different activities. It is making me feel more confident.” – CU student.

“Everyone is treated equally… It is fun for the kids but also for the audience. The kids get to experience drama and expand their imagination.” – CU guardian.

“I liked learning about how long it takes to digest food. I’m looking forward to my blue poo results.” – CU student.

“The workshop was great as my child was exposed to new learnings and experiences.” – CU guardian.

Thanks to Our Partners

A heartfelt thank you to the ECU staff, academics, and student ambassadors who made this program so impactful. Special appreciation goes to the Australian Government Department of Education and Training’s Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) and the University Department of Rural Health – South West for their generous funding and support.

To learn more about ECU’s Children’s University program or how to get involved, visit our website or contact us at childrensuniversity@ecu.edu.au.

School of Education