Metro Bank has delivered a series of tech workshops to primary school kids living in some of the most deprived parts of London.

Led by the bank’s chief information officer Faisal Hussain, 16 sessions – with colleagues volunteering to attend the seven participating schools – were delivered to teach eight to eleven-years-olds basic coding skills using micro:bit.

Understood to be easy to programme or code using drag and drop blocks, micro:bit is a device which was originally created as part of the BBC’s Make It Digital initiative. The device is essentially a miniature computer and features capabilities including a light and temperature sensor, microphone, compass, speaker, radio and pins to connect to other devices or extensions.

“We had a number of key goals with this new programme,” said Hussain. “We wanted to provide the students with the experience of using and building technology; improve knowledge in STEM subjects with a hands-on, interactive learning experience; lay the foundations of agile engineering development with a focus on the core skills of collaboration, engagement and communication, as these skills both reduce errors and improve efficiency and encourage and motivate the kids with transferable skills.”

Hussain added that in 2024, the bank hopes to deliver further sessions to more participants both in and outside of London.

Share Story: