Stoke Damerel Community College

A level ICT students spent a day at Plymouth University getting to grips with Raspberry Pi computers.

The Raspberry Pi is a tiny single-board computer developed in the UK by the Raspberry Pi Foundation aimed at helping the teaching of basic computer science in schools.

The group of 11 Sixth Form students were introduced to Python, the language used to programme the credit card-sized computers, and by the end of the day they were programming and were able to instruct the computers to print.

"We're currently looking at developing Computer Science into the ICT curriculum and getting students developing their own computer programs and understanding how a computer works," said ICT teacher Mr Greenhough.

Learning about computing language Python

Student Kerry said the Computing Taster Day, which was held on 13 December 2012, was challenging but rewarding.

"I found it really hard to begin with," she said.

"As the day went on it got easier and when you 'get' it, it feels really good. The students and lecturers had so much knowledge so it was very interesting to spend the day with them."

The computer is the size of a credit card

Year 12 Tom said he found the whole day really informative.

"I really enjoyed it and it certainly inspired me, I think I might even like to get one myself."

Mr Greenhough also has plans to introduce them to the College.

"I’ve been looking for some time at getting them in Stoke Damerel and this was a great way for me to find out what they could do," he said.

"In addition, this was a great opportunity for students to see what university life was like."

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Raspberry Pi Foundation