Pupils at a school in Cornwall are getting to grips with web design and programming thanks to a new initiative launched by a Truro based internet business.
Redfuse Internet, which has offices in Cathedral Lane, has teamed up with Cornwall Learning Education Business Partnership to launch the Redfuse Web Academy.
During the seven-week programme the group of 10 year 9 pupils at Penair School pupils will create websites for the Bosvigo Children’s Centre, Penair School’s Health Centre and the school’s kitchen.
“I’m really excited about the launch of the Redfuse Web Academy and I’m looking forward to taking the group through the whole process of creating websites,” said Redfuse’s managing director, Mark Grice.
“The internet has grown massively over the last few years and I think it’s vital that school children are given the opportunity to learn skills that they can use towards a future career.
“I also think it’s really important to work within the local community and this project with the school is the perfect opportunity.”
Whilst taking part in the Web Academy the pupils will meet with the clients to find out their needs, as well as learn about programming, website population and search engine optimisation techniques.
They will also receive design support from Truro-based marketing, public relations, advertising and design agency, MPAD.
Kate Whetter of Cornwall Learning and Education Business Partnership, said: “Mark’s idea for the Web Academy is really exciting because bringing businesses and schools together creates such fantastic opportunities for learning.
“The pupils at Penair will develop skills that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.
“It will also be valuable experience for them dealing with clients.”
Simon Merrick, ICT Advanced Skills teacher at Penair School, said: “We’ve got a new state-of-the-art IT suite here at Penair. Our pupils are already highly ICT capable and our aim is to equip our students to enter the 21st century.
“They require the skills to function in the modern world and to have the ability to teach themselves new skills to solve the problems that have not even been thought of yet.
“This project is an ideal opportunity to bridge the gap between schools and industry.”
