Aston Villa Football Club and the Aston Villa Foundation have acknowledged the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and are determined to close the skills gap within the city.
Over the past few years, we have been designing initiatives with the aim of increasing the city’s positivity towards STEM.
Now with the support of the Premier League and Players Football Association, in addition to the Millennium Point Charitable Trust, we are ready to make strides.
Engaging activities had to be at the forefront of this and we have partnered with Sphero, giving us access to BOLT, Sphero’s most advanced coding robotic ball to date, providing even more ways to express inventive ideas and experience the power of programming. Coding classes are already being offered in schools where children can play and create their own educational games, whilst learning how to code through hands-on play activities.
Paul Hughes, Schools Manager within Aston Villa Said; "The aim of our STEM Programme is to unlock potential through a play-based learning approach that provides opportunities to problem solve and develop skills of the future. The programme will provide a platform for pupils and teachers to access the coding equipment, learn through the workshops and inspire the next generation of creative thinkers."
Our community offering is also ready to roll out. With technology continuously on the rise, UK Engineering projects such as Hs2 coming to the local city and with Covid-19 inspiring a new wave of science related roles, we must all be open to STEM.
Anthony Reece-Thompson, Education and Skills Manager, said: "In our surrounding communities there’s already a digital divide and our new strategy puts an emphasis on countering this in line with the governments vision to boost productivity. We’re excited for our school and community STEM offerings and welcome Sphero among any new partners in this mission."
Within the Aston Villa Foundation, there will be STEM initiatives that link with a wide range of departments such as Health and Wellbeing and Disability, in addition to supporting local people who would not normally have access.
