Colchester schoolchildren are invited to find out more about university life by taking part in a free one-day event  to be held in May – with a little help from staff at the University of Essex.

The event, called Kids’ Uni, will take place at the firstsite art gallery in Colchester town on Saturday 26 May from 10am, and aims to get the children of Colchester enthused about what they might learn if they go to university in future. It also hopes to further promote the University of Essex to local residents as an inspiring and fascinating place to work and study.

Any child aged from seven to 11 is welcome to attend a series of bite-sized ‘mini lectures’ – on subjects ranging from the future of energy to interpreting pictures in the firstsite auditorium, complemented by activity stalls and interactive workshops.

Team organiser and University staff member Victoria Nolan, said: “We hope the day will help children understand more about what universities do, especially children who might not otherwise consider that a university education could be for them. Our next project task will see us visit local schools throughout April to promote the event and encourage children to come along.”

Kids’ Uni has been validated as part of the wider Children’s University programme, and the organisers (pictured) have taken advice from the University’s Outreach team to ensure the event is a success.

Children and parents wishing to take part will be able to reserve a place online after Easter or turn up on the day. See also further information at www.essex.ac.uk/futures/kidsuni.

This project is part of the University's Essex Futures staff development programme, for staff that want to help shape the future of the University, that is aimed at early career academics and professional services staff. The programme runs each year and is led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Riordan.