Tech savvy Swansea youngsters are being given the opportunity to work with leading developers to make a bilingual app available for download worldwide
Life Programme
It’s part of the unique LIFE programme led by Swansea Council to harness digital technology to improve education achievement and career potential and has come about thanks to a partnership with S4C.
It means 16 pupils from across the city selected for their talent and skills will next month attend Swansea’s first LIFE Talent Academy based at Swansea University in the TECHNOCAMPS department.
There they will work with app developers to design and create an app for download throughout the world on phone, computers and tablets.
Will Evans, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Learning and Skills, said: “This is an amazing opportunity for the youngsters. They come from all over the city, including most deprived areas in Swansea where the Council is focusing resources to reduce poverty.
“Harnessing digital technology through the Life Programme is just one of the ways this Council is working to reduce the affect of poverty on pupil attainment, improve literacy and numeracy and enhance the learning experience of all children.”
Simon Pridham, LIFE Programme Manager and Executive Head Teacher at Casllwchwr Primary School, said: “Attending this academy will boost the pupils’ confidence and skills and give them a tangible result that is bound to impress their future employers.
“The experience will also enable them to return to their schools as Digital Leaders and share their expertise to help other pupils reach their potential.
“With the help of S4C, this is just one of the ways the LIFE programme is aiming to make a difference in digital Wales.”
Tinopolis and Box UK, two of the leading app developers in the UK, have agreed to work together with LIFE to give the pupils the very best provision for their initial 10-week Academy course.
The Academy will run every Tuesday after school at Swansea University for 10 weeks, starting on Tuesday May 14. The aim is to get their bilingual app to market by the end of the summer term.
The pupils will come from a range of schools, including YGG Brntawe, YGG Tirdenauw, YGG Felindre, Blaenymaes, Townhill and Seaview Primaries.
Huw Marshall, S4C’s Digital Manager, said: “S4C recognises the importance of supporting the development of digital skills from an early age, especially through the medium of the Welsh language. S4C is committed to developing new digital technologies which will further enrich the Welsh digital landscape and help us reach new audiences as a channel.”
