IIZUKA Director volunteers in schools as new STEM Ambassador
IIZUKA’s Technical Director, Steve Randerson, is aiming to instil a passion for computer programming in young people by becoming an Ambassador for the Government’s STEM programme.
The programme, funded by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, aims to inspire young people to develop a passion for and maybe even pursue a career in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Experts in these fields volunteer in schools, running after-school clubs, giving career talks and helping with school projects. Steve will be running an after-school club at Gunter Junior School in Pype Hayes, Birmingham, teaching students about computer programming. The club will be part of Code Club, a nationwide network of volunteer-led after school coding clubs for children aged 9-11.
Students will learn through a visual programming programme called Scratch, which will begin to teach them the basics of programming, as well as helping them learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively.
Steve said:
‘I’m really excited about this opportunity to share my skills and inspire young people. When I was at school, courses in computer programming didn’t exist, so it’s amazing that children as young as nine are now being given the opportunity to learn these skills. In the twenty-first century, it’s more important than ever to have a good level of computing skills. Who knows, I may even discover our next IIZUKA apprentice!’
