7th November 2024
South Devon College’s Hi Tech & Digital Centre has strengthened its commitment to inspiring the next generation of tech innovators through partnerships with local primary and secondary schools. By inviting students to participate in hands-on activities in computing, technology, and digital skills, the college hopes to spark interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields among young people and showcase potential career pathways.
Throughout the academic year, students from almost 20 local primary and secondary schools have attended South Devon College to experience interactive workshops and specialist technology sessions, designed to bring STEM subjects to life in a dynamic and engaging environment. Through activities such as coding, robotics, engineering, marine, cyber security and digital media, students gain practical insights into fields like software development, engineering, and digital design, broadening their understanding of how STEM subjects align with exciting future career possibilities.
South Devon College run similar digital STEM based events in partnership with the Digital Schoolhouse, together with Nintendo, which uses play-based learning to engage the next generation of pupils and teachers with the Computing curriculum.
Recently, the Technology department at South Devon College launched a new “Girls in STEM” initiative in collaboration with Preston Primary School. This programme encourages young girls to explore their potential in traditionally male-dominated fields, providing mentorship and activities designed to build confidence and enthusiasm in STEM subjects. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address gender imbalances in computing, technology and engineering fields, aiming to inspire more young girls to consider future careers in these areas.
Joe Mealy, Teacher for Computing & Edtech at Preston Primary School found the event to be hugely valuable, commenting:
“South Devon College is an incredible asset to the local community in enabling our learners the opportunity to access STEM related careers and opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible to them. Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to bring many of our learners to South Devon College to experience what the future holds for them in the world of STEM learning and potential future career paths.
“More recently, we’ve introduced pupil leaders in technology (Digital Leaders) in our school and South Devon College have been fantastic in supporting them in their role as leaders in the world of STEM. We are also excited to be involved in a new project this academic year, which will open the world of STEM to the girls of our school, with days dedicated to showing our girls the opportunities STEM learning can provide them as girls in STEM.
We are very grateful to the outreach work that South Devon College do for the local community in STEM learning and children and staff alike always look forward to our visits there.”
Charlotte Bounsall, Events & Projects Coordinator at South Devon College and an official STEM ambassador, is passionate about bringing schools in to broaden the horizons and aspirations of young people in Torbay. She said:
“We’re thrilled to be working with local primary and secondary schools to ignite a passion for STEM. It’s crucial to provide all students with early exposure to these exciting areas, so they can envision themselves in the high-tech careers of tomorrow. Its very rewarding to see so many young learners confident to learn in areas they may not have before, using state-of-the-art technology facilities and equipment.
Through partnerships with local schools and initiatives like Girls in STEM, we’re empowering the next generation to see their own potential in fields that are shaping the future. It’s about making STEM accessible and exciting for everyone.”
South Devon College continues to expand its reach, hoping to inspire more students across the region to pursue STEM education and help build a skilled local workforce for the future.
