Schools from across the area came together recently for an event focusing on computing.  

Seven schools, part of the An Daras Multi Academy Trust convened at Launceston Town Hall to learn all about the world of computer science through a number of interactive and informative workshops.  

Windmill Hill Academy, St Stephens Community Academy, St Catherine’s,  Werrington, North Petherwin, Callington and Lewannick primary schools were all in attendance and ready to learn.

Some of the workshops which were on offer to students included ‘Coding for Climate Action’ by Matt Hewlett from the digital charity ‘Digit:all’. During the session, Matt gave a demonstration of how Micro:bits could be used to monitor the environment, before students were given the opportunity to think of their own ideas of how Micro:bits could be used to give us early warning of climate emergencies. 

PCSO Sarah Ross also attended the event to provide an interactive presentation to the children about online safety and also some tips on generally staying safe. This tied in brilliantly with it also being ‘Safer Internet Day’. 

Finally, Ryan Arthurs from Immersion provided two workshops: the first was Lego computing which gave children the opportunity to either make Lego that could move or make a stop motion animation using Lego and the iPads. 

 The second workshop was online safety and coding.  In small groups, children played an animated game which prompts them with real life examples of online safety questions.  They also got the opportunity to do some Kodu programming. 

Mrs Bassett, Head of School from Windmill Hill Academy, said: “Thank you to all the leaders of  workshops and to all of the schools for attending. 

“It enabled the children to learn new skills and it was certainly enjoyed by all! 

“We look forward to hosting our next event in Tavistock this week for another group of local schools.”