South Yorkshire Children’s University helps children and young people build essential life skills through learning activities outside of the classroom. For over a decade, Children’s University has been supporting thousands of pupils across Sheffield – and more recently in Rotherham, Doncaster, and Barnsley to grow their confidence, motivation and self-esteem. Research shows that children who take part in Children’s University activities not only enjoy richer experiences, but also achieve higher results in school, including SATs and GCSEs.
Project in a Box
One of South Yorkshire Children’s University’s most successful initiatives is Project in a Box – a ready-made resource kit that enables schools to run engaging after-school clubs for groups of 12 or more pupils. Staff are supported through training sessions before delivering six to eight weeks of activities, all leading to a celebratory event where pupils showcase their learning and take part in themed challenges.
Think Climate!
For the 2024/25 academic year, Sheffield Hallam University partnered with Children’s University to launch the Think Climate! edition of Project in a Box. Developed by academic staff at the Sheffield Institute of Education (SIOE), the programme introduces pupils to climate change and biodiversity through a positive, research-informed approach. The focus is on increasing young people’s sense of agency and reducing eco-anxiety by highlighting local solutions and actions they can take.
The project offers:
- 8 themed sessions designed around climate change and sustainability.
- Teacher training and CPD to support confident delivery.
- Creative resources and incentives including craft activities and children’s books linked to environmental themes.
- Celebration events where schools and pupils come together to share achievements.
Impact and Reach
Launched in October 2024, Think Climate! has engaged nearly 50 schools across South Yorkshire – the highest number to date. Early evidence shows a positive impact on both teacher and pupil knowledge, skills, and motivation to respond to the climate and biodiversity crisis. A more formal evaluation is being undertaken and will be published soon (October 2025).
The project culminated in a celebration event taking place at the Institute of Education at Sheffield Hallam in July 2025. Over 100 children and staff attended from nearly 15 schools across South Yorkshire.
This collaborative project was delivered by Sheffield Hallam University’s Institute of Education, the Civic Partnership team, and Sheffield Children’s University, with support from our funding partners.
Funding Partners
- Sheffield Hallam University – Hallam Fund
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of Sheffield
Research Team
- Lee Jowett – Climate Change and Sustainability Research Fellow
- Joelle Halliday – Senior Research Fellow
Further information and links
