YOUNGSTERS from Blackburn and Darwen could soon be "graduating" from a "university" aimed at making learning more fun.

The University of the First Age, launched by Blackburn with Darwen Council education chiefs at an at Ewood Park conference, looks at devising new ways of learning and other out of school activities.

Delegates from schools and colleges in the borough, the University of Central Lancashire, the Youth Service, religious groups, sports organisations, the police, education welfare and various council departments attended the conference.

The initial stage of the project will be based at Witton Park, Queen's Park and Pleckgate schools with the aim of finding ways of teaching youngsters which challenge them, but are fun at the same time.

Coun Bill Taylor, chairman of the council's education and training committee said: "I am delighted to be involved in this exciting initiative which has opened many possibilities of learning in different ways.

"It will be our intention to look at launching pilot schemes aimed at raising achievement and establishing new learning opportunities based on University of the First Age principles.

"Students between the ages of five and 16 only spend 15 per cent of their time in school.

"The University of the First Age is about being challenged but having fun at the same time. It means achieving a sense of self worth and feeling good about ourselves."

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