Students from Manning Gardens Public School, Coopernook Public School, Lansdowne Public School, Wingham Public School and Mitchells Island Public School took part in the CU on Campus experiential learning day on Tuesday, June 25 at Taree's University of Newcastle Manning Education Centre for a series of innovative workshops and interactive activities.

Children's University coordinator Selina Darney said the alternative learning method tied in with the ongoing Children's University program.

"The idea is for the students to continue to be curious about the world around them," Ms Darney said.

"The students come on to campus to take part in a different way of learning.

"They get to experience local and professional knowledge."

From making hanging baskets with Bunnings Warehouse's Janet Hartas and Anne Dobbie to workshops in medical equipment with University of Newcastle staff, there were plenty of imaginative activities for the students to explore.

The ideas presented in the activities have strong connections to degrees and qualifications, such as creative arts, design and health.

"It's a link to future learning possibilities and opens up curiosity without boundaries," Ms Darney said.

In the Children's University program, students complete 30 hours of extra curriculum activities before graduation at a ceremony in Newcastle in November.

About 2000 students in the area have participated in the program, which underwent a substantial expansion in 2019.

"We had two school involved last year, we're now up to seven," Ms Darney said.

"The youngest student here today is seven-years-old."

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