Techniquest gets its teeth into Bytesize Science
Children will be given the opportunity to learn more about computing and digital communication as a result of a new programme being launched today (Thursday, 17 July) at Techniquest in Cardiff Bay.
Developed in partnership with BT, “Bytesize Science” will show children and their parents how computers are used in everyday life, and why developing computer skills is important at all ages.
Speaking at the launch will be Scarlets and Wales outside half Rhys Priestland, Cardiff Blues hooker Kristian Dacey and analyst Jarrad Griffiths who will talk to the children about how computers are used to help them in their sport.
During the show, visitors will take part in interactive demonstrations on stage and find out how computers follow instructions, how information can be stored or stolen, and how fibre optics, which are as thin as a human hair, can carry films and music.
Anita Shaw, Deputy CEO, Techniquest, said, “It is imperative that young people develop skills for the workplace, including those in computing and programming, so that Wales can compete globally. We are delighted that BT has sponsored “Bytesize Science” which has allowed us to develop this show that aims to inspire everybody to discover more about the fascinating world of computing”.
Ann Beynon, BT Director for Wales, said: “ Getting more children interested in computing and science is essential for the future prosperity of our economy in Wales and inspiring children, in particular girls, at a very young age is a great way of achieving that.
“ If we’re going to attract more companies to invest in Wales we need to raise our skill levels in certain areas such as computing.
“ In BT we’re seeing the need for more graduates and young people with good IT skills. The Superfast Cymru project, a partnership between BT and the Welsh Government to roll out fibre broadband across Wales, is creating huge opportunities for the future of the technology sector as well as an immediate need for Openreach engineers and other specialists
“ By getting our children excited at a very young age with programmes such as “Bytesize Science” we hope we can help inspire the next generation of Welsh computer programmers and software developers.”
“Bytesize Science”, has been created by Techniquest in partnership with BT, who have funded the show. The material used will then form the basis of a bilingual computing show for Key Stage 3 pupils across Wales. Techniquest will be supported by BT volunteers to deliver “Bytesize Science” in schools.
BT has a long term plan to work with teachers and support students to raise the profile of computing in schools and make career opportunities in technology more visible so that Wales can compete with other European nations.
BT hopes that this initiative will also support the work of the new task and finish group being established by Professor Julie Williams, Chief Scientific Adviser for Wales, to address issues relating to women in science and its own initiatives to attract more women into engineering and computing roles in the company.
“Bytesize Science” will be running throughout the school holidays (19 July to 31 August) at the science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay.
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Note to Editor
About Techniquest: Techniquest is an educational charity, established in 1986 and based in Cardiff, Wales. Our mission is to engage people with science and to motivate them to learn more and we also address science-related areas such as maths, engineering and technology.
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