Devonport High School’s Digital Leaders attend the Digital Futures Summit

Ms Moreton and Mr Campbell from Devonport High School in Plymouth took a group of students to the Digital Futures Summit (organised by RIO – Real Ideas Organisation) held at the Devonport Market Hall in October 2021.

The group of Year 7 and Year 8 students had all applied to be Digital Leaders at the school.

Ms Morten remembers “The last time I visited the Market Hall was several years ago when I took a group of students to see the construction/renovation site, so it was a relief not to have to wear hardhats and high vis this time!”

“The finished building is magnificent as you can imagine, with a coffee bar, rooms and seminar spaces available for use by businesses.”

Devonport joined five other schools to complete in a carousel of six different workshops. The workshops focussed on different aspects of the digital sector and included 3D printing and scanning, media interviewing, cyber security, website building, social media and the immersive screen in the geodesic dome.

The students were all very keen to get involved. One had a 3D scan of his head created by Fab Lab Plymouth, others conducted a TV interview about what they'd had for breakfast with Ocean City Media, and groups worked with BT to invent an app to support users of social media. Ms Morten predicted “This time next year we'll all be millionaires…”

The group also investigated the process of making a website with help from RIO. They heard about the darker side of IT and cyber security with BluescreenIT and most importantly learned how best to avoid being scammed or having their data stolen. The geodesic dome provided the venue for the final session where students experienced immersive cinema and learned a little of how it works providing a fitting end to a fascinating day.

Following their experiences, the students all agreed they were seriously considering a career in the digital sector although, as they know, almost every business requires at least a certain amount of IT skills and knowledge. Devonport High School are grateful to Mr Futcher from RIO, and the HotSW Career Hub for a terrific day.