Banbridge Academy pupils enjoy a Sentinus Workshop

The school were delighted to welcome Sean Connolly from Sentinus into school to work with some of our Year 10 Technology students. The focus of his visit was to provide a Microbit workshop, a programme offered by Sentinus. Through participation in the workshop, the students were able to develop important employability and STEM skills. With a focus on practical experience and problem based learning, the workshop provided pupils with the opportunity to program the BBC Microbit.

The Microbit is half the size of a credit card and has a wide range of both inputs and outputs incorporated into its design. It includes an accelerometer and magnetometer sensors, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a display consisting of 25 LEDs, two programmable buttons, and can be powered by either USB or an external battery pack. Pupils were given a range of tasks to complete which helped support subject learning and promote the development of a range of skills and capabilities including problem solving, creativity, working with others and managing information. The pupils really enjoyed the experience and we hope that it has given them a real insight into the value of STEM subjects.