Teaching technologies showcased

A sound-making mobile phone app, an interactive fashion display and augmented 3D games were some of the new technologies at the fingertips of over 450 school pupils attending an event sponsored by the new Kidderminster Academy. The Interactive event placed Year 9, 10 and 11 pupils from 14 local schools at the heart of the creative and technological innovation available to study at the Weavers Wharf-based Academy from this September.

Pupils attended workshops and participated in activities that enabled them to create their very own cat-purring phone app and 3D images. From original drawings to a complete catwalk experience, the latest fashion and photography techniques were also explored along with the high-flying, boom or bust world of business.

“The event showcased what the next generation of learners will be experiencing; both in the classroom and when they go into the world of work,” commented Head of the new Academy, Mustafa Shevket. “Many of the learners that are studying courses this September were able to see first hand how their learning potential will be uncovered through the use of these fantastic new technologies.”

The Interactive Event also introduced learners to the Samsung Experience Academy where the engineers of the future will be encouraged to use Samsung SMART technologies to develop groundbreaking technology applications. This training partnership with Samsung is one of the many that the Academy at Kidderminster is developing so that local and national employers can incorporate their skills agendas directly into the training and development that the students will be exposed to.

“We’re delighted with the success of our event; especially as it opened many young people up to the learning possibilities that will influence their future career directions,” continued Mustafa Shevket. “We are continuing to recruit school leavers and adults for the Academy’s first intake of learners and anticipate that the unique curriculum we are offering will go some way to supporting both industry needs and the skills that many employers are urgently looking for.”

The Academy at Kidderminster is a partnership between Birmingham Metropolitan College and Kidderminster College. It will deliver a full range of qualifications in fashion, retail and visual merchandising as well as courses in understanding enterprise and entrepreneurship, games development, hospitality and culinary arts. The hospitality and culinary arts curriculum area will provide students with a modern commercial training environment, preparing them for a range of apprenticeship opportunities within this expanding sector within the Kidderminster region. Fourteen Apprentices will be recruited to work in the Academy Kitchens.

The Academy staff are currently taking applications for places on courses for September Admission.

Notes to editor

Birmingham Metropolitan College are one of the leading providers of further and higher education in the West Midlands, providing a wide range of education and training programmes in central and north Birmingham. The curriculum specialises in the delivery of high level technology and advanced manufacturing training which includes digital, environmental and low carbon technology along with medical provision in pharmaceutical, dental nursing and podiatry.

Kidderminster College provides full- and part-time post-16 and adult education across Kidderminster and the Wyre Forest. The College offers a range of vocational courses and has particular specialisms in the creative industries and technology, along with hairdressing, beauty and holistic therapies, care, sport, public services and courses for learners with learning difficulties and disabilities. It collaborates closely with local employers to deliver Apprenticeships, workplace learning and tailored training. For further information visit www.kidderminster.ac.uk

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