From 28th June to 1st July, six students from Tiffin School, enjoyed a unique learning experience at the University of Portsmouth.

The 4-day residential course, sponsored by the University, began with an introduction to analogue and digital electronics, with practical activities. This was followed by a solder and keep workshop and presentations on electronic and electrical engineering, where the fifty-six, 14/15 year old students were able to learn more about career prospects within the industry. A design and make challenge formed part of the course allowing the pupils to explore new ideas with guidance from experienced professionals from industry including, QinetiQ, Vodafone and the University’s Engineering Department. The students tackled a hardware project which was to build a buggy using sensors and remote control to negotiate a circuit in a race against time. The software element saw the students programming and widget testing. As well as working on the projects, students developed life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, time management and social interaction.

The main objective was to inspire and encourage young students to consider a career in electronics. The content had both practical and theoretical elements. Innovative thinking, presentation skills and planning were an integral part of the course – key skills that students don’t often get chance to explore fully in their school environment.

Spokesperson Claire Fisher from the Trust commented, “This 4-day experience is designed to give students an opportunity to take a hands-on approach at learning the skills of an electronic engineer. By demonstrating how exciting and rewarding the role of an engineer can be, we hope to play a part in ensuring the stream of talent considering a career in the industry keeps coming.”

Spokesperson Barbara Haward, from the University of Portsmouth adds “The University of Portsmouth has just hosted its first Smallpeice Electronic Engineering course. It was a really successful week, enjoyed by both students and the companies involved. The students appeared to enjoy, what was for many of them, their first taste of University and they managed to design some amazing technology.”

The Electronic Engineering course is run by the independent charity, The Smallpeice Trust, as part of an ongoing programme of residential courses to help young people aged 13 to 18 learn and develop skills in engineering, design, technology and manufacturing. Through running residential courses and STEM enrichment days, The Trust has reached out to 15,630 students across the UK in the past year.