TCD Bridge2College Programme to be Sponsored by Barclays Ireland
Posted on: 09 February 2009
Barclays Ireland is to sponsor a new external mentoring scheme within
Bridge2College (B2C) is a partnership between the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP), the Centre for Research into IT in Education (CRITE) in Trinity and SUAS Educational Development, an organisation dedicated to supporting quality education in under-resourced communities. Mentored by volunteer third-level students, the B2C programme is designed to engage pupils from designated disadvantaged second-level schools in learning through creative technology mediated projects. It aims to help inspire creativity, instil confidence and encourage educational aspiration and achievement.
Brendan Tangney, School of Computer Science & Statistics, Graeme McLaughlin, Barclays Ireland, John O’Connor, MD Barclays
Ireland
with students from the Bridge2College programme.
The participants of Bridge2college explore learning through digital media, animation, music and drama, games and missions, technical ‘hands on’ and mobile technology. Extensive use is made of team based, collaborative working and learning by doing. The activities undertaken, and the tools used, are informed by research. Learning is based around groups and the challenges set for the pupils require them to work together, engage with technology and present their work with their peers. Based in Oriel House on Westland Row, the B2C facility has been specially configured and fitted out in an exciting and engaging manner to promote creative and collaborative learning.
“Investment in the mentoring programme of Bridge2College will help the young people involved to develop their own thinking around their future education and career directions, and to begin to work towards goals to realise their intentions”, said Programme Coordinator, John Lawlor of SUAS and Trinity’s School of Computer Science & Statistics. “Barclays’ sponsorship will support this important element of B2C’s work and will also help lay the foundations for the development of a corporate links programme.”