NEWS
Young minds inspired for a tech future at Solent Coding Day
More than 4,630 young students were inspired to discover more about the exciting world of computer programming and the possible career pathways in future technology during Solent Coding Day, coordinated by Solent Partners.
The Solent Partners team worked with 76 schools in the region,
inviting pupils aged between 9 to 13 to ‘unlock the code’ by learning and sharing programming skills through entertaining and engaging interactive workshops that took place online in December.
Solent Partners Chair Rachael Randall said: “The Solent Coding Day workshops offered a perfect opportunity for teachers looking to spark an interest in coding among their students and for young minds eager to explore the limitless possibilities of programming.
“The overwhelming participation and positive feedback we received from students, parents, and educators highlighted the success of this event in demonstrating the possibilities of coding and digital innovation for the younger generation.
“Solent Coding Day marks a significant step towards building a digitally proficient future workforce, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of our increasingly digital world.”
Organised in partnership with Solent Partners Careers Hub, Barclays Code Playground, Tech She Can and local employer, Ordnance Survey, the
programme introduced children to the potential of coding in shaping their digital futures. Solent Coding Day provided a flexible opportunity for children of all abilities to learn at their own pace through a pre-recorded session delivered by Barclays Code Playground (Digital Eagles) The initiative aligned with the Key Stage 2/3 computing curriculum, covering fundamental programming topics in an hour-long, fun-filled format. Pupils also got the opportunity to attend a live assembly delivered by Tech She Can, focusing on careers in Tech/Digital linked to Sport, Entertainment and History. Pupils also enjoyed taking part in a compass themed game created by Ordnance Survey to inspire the geographers and tech professionals of the future.
Mandy Chandler, Digital Lead at Meon Way Federation, said: “Our Year 6 children really enjoyed the Solent Coding Day challenge and followed the booklet to make their games. They went on to add and develop the game and we’re very proud of their achievements.”
Rachael Randall continued: “People often think of themselves as being non-technical, but every artist, town planner or manager uses technology on an hourly basis to perform their job. We are looking for volunteers to speak about how they use technology or digital tools in their work for instance, creative designers using graphic tools, social media content creators using planning tools, or videographers using camera equipment. We hope this will make young people see that regardless of what their career aspirations, having a basic understanding of technology is key.
“Please volunteer to take part: We are particularly keen to see women in business apply so that girls, who often avoid the more technological-based courses in school, are inspired to find out more. All types of role models from all industries would be heartily welcome though!”
www.solentpartners.com
St Philip’s Church of England Primary School in Bath has a ‘culture of inclusion and equity’ as highlighted in their recent SIAMS inspection
St Philip’s Church of England Primary School, located in Bath, was recently visited by inspector Daphne Spitzer for their Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist Schools (SIAMS) Report, which states ‘pupils enjoy their learning and highly value their time at school’. SIAMS, much like OFSTED, is an inspection which places emphasis on evaluating the influence of a Church School’s Christian vision on both pupils and adults in the school community. Inspectors request to engage with important individuals and groups including pupils, staff, senior leaders, parents, and clergy. Apart from scheduled discussions with
these individuals and groups, the inspector is also likely to have informal conversations throughout the day.
St Philip’s was found to have a ‘warm, caring community’, with the vision and values of the school promoting the pupils to ‘flourish by living life in all its fullness.’ The pupils throughout the report spoke in ‘animation’ about how the school culture allows them to ‘dream of the possibilities they might achieve.’ Pupils also speak highly of ‘the importance of their
January 2024
relationships with peers’ and understand that this ‘enables them to enjoy life and help others to do so.’
Mr. Joy, Headteacher at St Philip’s C of E Primary School said: “I am delighted that our school, our children and our incredible staff have been recognised in such a positive light in our latest SIAMS report. Our collaborative approach and commitment as a team has created a caring and vibrant culture where everyone feels safe and able to succeed.
“The pupils the inspector met and observed during her, visit showed a real pride in their school and I was incredibly proud of them and their behaviour and
learning they demonstrated. I would like to thank all the pupils, parents, carers, staff and governors for their continued support and dedication to our school. As acknowledged in the report, we have a ‘warm, caring community’, with the vision and values of the school promoting the pupils to ‘flourish by living life in all its fullness.”
www.stphilips-school.org www.education-today.co.uk 15
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