Learning Destinations Children's University Scotland

What are learning providers?

The after-school or lunchtime club. The local museum. The library, leisure centre, nature reserve, or the local youth club down the road. Learning can happen anywhere. That's why we offer CU credits in places where a child can take part in high-quality, fun, innovative and engaging learning experiences.

Venues who are involved with CU can display the Children’s University Scotland logo online or at their venue, clearly visible to children who want to stamp their Passport to Learning and collect an Aspire credit there.

What happens at a CU learning activity?

We recognise different types of venues and organisations. What they have in common is that they create or provide fun, safe and accessible learning opportunities for children aged 5 - 14.

Activities that happen in the community: CU Scotland members may visit a learning provider in the community to take part in a learning activity. That could mean a self-guided visit, a venue tour, an interactive workshop, lesson or session. Community providers may also create fun learning activities children can do from home.

Activities that happen in a child's school: Members may also take part in fun activities at their school, happening outside of normal lesson time. It could be a fun club that happens before or after the school day or during break times. Some CU schools even provide extra-curricular activities for home. As long as the activity isn't part of the curriculum, it can be counted towards CU credits and awards.

Activities that happen at home: Passport holders can also collect credits for taking part in a wide range of activities at home with their families. Whether it's an activity or worksheet from our the Learning section of our website, or a free online learning activity or game, such as a Youtube lesson or Sumdog maths games.

This approach helps to connect classroom learning with other learning that takes place in our communities, city centres and countryside. Everyone’s involved — teachers, families, friends and local activity providers — at every step.

The process of becoming a learning destination

When you see our logo, you know a learning provider meets our criteria for the quality of learning it offers.

Only learning providers who meet our criteria for safety, accessibility and learning can award Aspire credits for their activities.

Find out how organisations and venues can get involved.

Different types of learning activities

We recognise different types of learning activities. Some can be logged by anyone on Aspire, whereas others have restricted access.

Self-led and home learning

Downloadable learning activities that children can complete in their own time with family and friends. Some are completed at home, some happen online and some are resources to support activities at a learning destination.

In-school

They include school lunchtime and after-school clubs, as well as certain clubs and groups that you have to apply to join through school.

Community Venues

The activities that happen in our local parks, community centres and on our doorsteps. These might be smaller clubs run by community organisations, youth groups, local authority leisure venues or religious centres.

National venues

Open to all Children’s University Scotland members, they include educational venues like art galleries, zoos and museums, as well as less obvious sites for learning, such as radio or television studios, theatres or sports stadiums.

Learning providers

What are learning providers?

What sort of places are learning destinations?

Large learning centres

Museums, science centres, galleries and learning festivals

Small local venues

Libraries, sports centres, parks, community centres

National organisations

Who have multiple venues across the country

One-off events

Such as a festival, open day or competition