Pre-teen schoolchildren from across Tendring are being encouraged to attend a special fun day aimed at inspiring them to set their sights higher.

The new initiative will be staged in Clacton in an effort to get them to strive for professional careers through university qualifications.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has teamed up with the University of Essex to raise aspirations amongst the District's youth.

The Tendring Schools and University Fun Day is targeting 10 to 12 year olds and will be held at the Princes Theatre in Station Road on Saturday, January 21.

It is a chance to learn something new, have fun and meet real scientists from the University.

From 10am to 1pm children will get the chance to build their own model wind turbine, try their hand at being a travel writer and discover more about fish - do they snore, how do they swim against the tide and are they faster than humans?

At the same time parents and carers will have the opportunity to meet representatives from the University to ask any questions about courses, finance and admissions.

The whole idea is to encourage and persuade parents and their children that university can be well within their grasp - both academically and financially.

TDC's Leader Neil Stock said that he hopes parents and their children will make the most of the event.

"The whole aim of the exercise is to dispel some of the myths about university and for people to find out exactly what their children can achieve in life," he said.

"Some may have been put off in the past due to peer pressure, the cost, lack of self worth, the fact their parents never went to university or simply the fact they do not think they can reach that level.

"Well it's time to change those views so that all our young people have the chance to do the very best they can and aim for long and successful professional careers!"

Cllr Stock added that it is vital that TDC works with its partners to develop the aspirations of all our young people.

"The right intervention at this stage in their life could make all the difference and put them on the right path for the future," he said.
"It is about building a strong foundation so they believe they can reach the heights."

All the activities on January 21 are free and further information can be found at www.essex.ac.uk/outreach

There is no need to book but it is recommended that those wanting to attend fill out a registration of interest form on the website or contact the outreach team at the University of Essex on 01206 873424.

Alternatively it is fine to turn up on the day ready to learn and have fun.

The University of Essex is looking to stage a similar event for the Harwich area later in 2012 and further events where local businesses and international companies based locally can also attend to develop the ideas.

9/1/12