Trinity pupil chosen for UK’s first Digital Youth Council
20 Jan 2015
Kaashif Hymabaccus, Year 12, from Trinity School, Croydon has been chosen as one of eight pupils from across the UK to sit on the UK’s first Digital Youth Council.
The panel of tech-savvy students aged 9-17 have been selected by the Council’s founder Virgin Media Business. They will come together with influencers in technology education to share their experiences and help shape the debate on how technology can be used to enhance their lessons.
Kaashif, age 17 said: “I’m thrilled to have been selected to be part of this team and I definitely believe that the Digital Youth Council will change Computer Science education and digital literacy for the better. It’s great that we’ll be able to explore this new technological facet of education and it’s my belief that we can improve the experiences of teachers and students across the country.”
The Digital Youth Council is part of ‘Generation Tech’ – a wider state-of-the-nation review into the way technology is used in education. Led by Sir Richard Branson, the campaign gives teachers and pupils the opportunity to have their say on the ongoing impact technology is having on the education of pupils, and what the future holds.
The campaign has piqued the interest of key influencers in the world of technology in schools, including Shadow Secretary of State for Education Tristram Hunt, NESTA’s Oliver Quinlan, Dr Maren Deepwell of the ALT and Claire Sutcliffe, CEO and co-founder of Code Club, all of whom have shared their thoughts on the GenerationTech website.
Mark Bishop, Headmaster, said: “I am delighted that Kaashif, who is such a bright and talented young man, has been selected for this important new role. It is crucial that schools, businesses and Government listen to the views of young people so that we, together, can ensure technology doesn’t just influence their social and recreational lives but that it also has a powerful impact on their learning as well.”
Mario Di Mascio, executive sales director, Virgin Media Business, said: “The UK has a competitive digital advantage that is driven by knowledgeable and passionate people and businesses. Our children are essential in maintaining and growing this advantage, so it’s time that we stopped to listen and learn from them. It’s fantastic to see the huge enthusiasm and talent that exists in UK classrooms for all things tech-related and the Digital Youth Council is an opportunity to build on this. We can’t wait to hold our first meeting and hear what they have to say.”