PUPILS LEARN WITH LEGO @ BEAUFORT

Yesterday, around 120 pupils from Beaufort Primary in Woking took part in our innovative LEGO WeDo workshop. Pupils worked in pairs to design, engineer and program robots using LEGO bricks, a computer, a motor and other special elements. Pupils learnt to incorporate tilt and motion sensors into their designs. They then tested their initial designs and programming; after reflecting on what did or did not work, they learnt to consult with peers, adapt their programming and adjust their designs. With thanks to Surrey County Council for fully funding this workshop.

SATRO SCHOLARS AND APPRENTICE AWARDS 2014

Tonight, SATRO is hosting an event at the University of Surrey to celebrate the hard work and achievements of some inspirational young people when we present the annual Surrey Scholars and Apprenticeship awards.  The awards, which will be presented by the High Sheriff, are attended by schools, colleges and businesses from across the Surrey area and celebrate achievements in science, technology, engineering and construction.

Our keynote speaker, Dr Matt Perkins, FREng, CEO of Surrey Satellites Technology Limited (SSTL), will talk about the future of the Space industry in the UK. During his tenure, SSTL has delivered substantial growth and produced possibly the largest cash spinout from a British University, guiding the sale of SSTL to EADS Astrium, the largest space manufacturer in Europe. During the last five years, SSTL's revenues have quadrupled and its staff numbers have doubled. SSTL has secured its two largest contracts including a flagship European programme (Galileo) providing the heart of the new European satellite navigation system and has continued its innovative business approach. SSTL continues to be the world's leading provider of small satellite missions and services. Matt is also the Chair of UKSpace, the trade association for the UK space industry.

PUPILS LEARN TO PROGRAM WITH LEGO @ ST MARY'S

Today, around 75 pupils from St Mary's Primary in Chiddingfold are going to be participating in our innovative LEGO WeDo workshop. Pupils will work in pairs to design, engineer and program robots using LEGO bricks, a computer, a motor and other special elements. Pupils will learn to incorporate tilt and motion sensors into their designs. They will then test their initial designs and programming; after reflecting on what did or did not work, they will learn to consult with peers, adapt their programming and adjust their designs.

SATROConcert - Saturday 18th October 2014

Join SATRO for an evening of 'A Cappella' in celebration of SATRO's 30th Birthday. Performers include multi-award winning The Royal Harmonics. Plus The Academix and special guest quartets. The concert will be held at the beautiful and historic venue of Epsom College on Saturday 18th October. The evening will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets cost £20 which include an interval drink and a piece of SATRO Birthday Cake! Tickets available via eventbrite.co.uk

New member of the SATRO team!

Today, SATRO welcomes Lucy Miguda, who will become a member of the team. Lucy is going to be our Fundraising and Business Development Manager, whose main role will be to step up our fundraising for the 30k for 30 years campaign. We can't wait for her to become part of the team and look forward to working with her!

CASE STUDY - Life as an IT First Line Support Worker

Interested in a career in IT? Have a look at this case study of a IT first line support worker at RAMSAC for advice and information about how to get a job in IT...

What does your company do?

RAMSAC is an IT outsourcing company. They provide a range of IT services for several hundred companies ranging from assisting with

technology projects to providing a helpline to provide IT support for RAMSAC customers.

What did you do before you started working there?
Charles went to school at St Johns in Leatherhead where he gained 11 GCSEs and A levels in ICT, design technology and biology and an AS level in Physics

What attracted you to this job?

Charles decided that he would prefer to get a  job rather than going to University because he didn’t want to get into debt.

He knew that he wanted to work in IT as he had always been interested in it and whilst he was at school he spent his spare time playing with IT and  looking at IT operating systems. He enjoys problem solving and working out how things work together and felt that a career it IT would suit him.  problems.

He spoke to some companies and was concerned that the knowledge that he would gain at University might be out of date by the time that he graduated as the IT industry is developing very quickly. He was also concerned about the debts that he would be left with if he went to University whilst an apprenticeship enabled him to gain experience and qualifications whilst earning a salary.

He found this job after going to an apprenticeship event at Guildford college and taking to a number of companies.

What advice would you give someone thinking about this as a career?

Charles feels that studying for A levels I useful because this helps to develop a work ethic and teaches you how to prioritise and take responsibility for your own work. The actual A levels are less important that an interest in IT  and how systems work although IT A level is helpful (but not essential)

Charles had the following advice for people at school considering their next steps:

·         Before deciding whether to go to University think what type of job you would like to do and talk to people who are recruiting for these roles to see what they are looking for – this could either be employers or recruitment agencies

·         If you are interested in the IT industry remember that it is developing very fast and so an apprenticeship may be a better option than going to University as you will gain the skills that businesses are looking for whilst being paid to do so and without building up a big debt.

BACK TO SCHOOL

After a truly glorious (and occasionally quite damp) Summer, it's time to go back to school!

For the SATRO office, the planning begins in earnest for booking practical activities to complement schools' curriculum. The SATRO calendar is filling up fast - we already have over 50 confirmations for events from Primary and Secondary schools for this academic year.

To ensure that you and your school don't miss out, contact us via email or telephone 01483 688070 NOW!