School pupils across Wales are gearing themselves up to learn about robotics, games and software development and even animation when they take part in Technocamps computing workshops next month.
Led by Swansea University, in partnership with the Universities of Bangor, Aberystwyth and Glamorgan, this exciting project will encourage young people to learn the importance of computing through novel interactive workshops, focussing on a range of topics.
The programme of activities and workshops are designed to inspire young people to study computing-based topics, with the objective of encouraging careers in the key strategic economic and wealth creating areas.
The importance to the economy of developing computer skills amongst young people was highlighted by Deputy Minister for Skills, Jeff Cuthbert at the first teachers’ conference in Wales, which was hosted by Swansea University and led by Computing At School (CAS), supported by Technocamps.
Professor Faron Moller, Director of Technocamps at Swansea University, said: “The conference provided a platform for Technocamps to be recognised by schools across Wales. Following the conference we put together a programme of workshops and activities and we already have schools from South Wales signed up to attend the Technocamps.
“It is really important that the project develops a strong community with teachers and acts as the vehicle, in conjunction with Computing at School (CAS) that will drive computing education across Wales. I am delighted that we have had such a great response to the project.”
Technocamps Project Manager, Stuart Toomey said: “Computing is a rigorous, intellectually demanding and exciting discipline that gives children the ability to shape the digital world they live in, as well as being a practical and applied science much valued by industry and commerce.
Cat Wilkes, ICT Teacher at Olchfa Comprehensive School in Swansea, said, “The conference has inspired me to promote this subject within our school with the aim of Computing being offered at GCSE. The support already offered by Technocamps has been superb and we are looking forward to introducing the pupils to all their lovely ideas.”
The Teachers Conference led by Computing at School in conjunction with Technocamps was the first of its kind in Wales and was hailed a great success. A video capturing the keynote speakers and feedback from delegates can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPA1ZRC9SyU
Technocamps is backed by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government and is dedicated to delivering outreach programmes to schools and colleges, inspiring young people to study computing-based topics aligned with the STEM subjects. An ultimate objective is to encourage careers in key strategic areas that can drive economic growth and create wealth.
