Justin Joins Students Cracking The Code To Success

North Swindon MP, Justin Tomlinson, has spoken of his joy that a high number of people visited the town’s Computer Museum, based in Theatre Square, during the summer months.

Justin has helped raise over £6,000 for the Museum, which holds examples of computers and games consoles from across the generations, by working closely with companies including Intel, Nominet and Dataliberium to help provide the educational facilities for children across Swindon. As the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Video Games, Justin has actively encouraged those with an interest in computing and technology the site.

Over the summer, the museum ran interactive sessions for young people from across the town which gave them a fascinating insight into the world of Computer Science; a subject which has been added to the National Curriculum this year. An important element of new subject is the inclusion of teaching coding to students, which the Computer Museum focussed on in its summer sessions.

Code is the computer language that forms the building blocks of software and helps to convey information within a computer or console. The UK has some of the best coders in the world, however there is a shortfall in the number of people leaving education with the appropriate skills. As a result, the Departments for Education and for Culture, Media and Sport, worked closely with the technology sector to devise a new Computer Science course that will equip students with skills for the future. Schools will benefit from a £2million fund to provide new resources and training to teachers.

Justin Tomlinson MP said: “The Museum of Computing is a brilliant asset for Swindon. Their popular courses are loved by children of all ages and are helping inspire the next generation of programmers. Today we saw the children programme their very own Space Invaders game, quickly developing their computing confidence and skills. Swindon is very much at the heart of this is a growing industry, with the Chancellor supporting further investment and growth – vital for our long-term economic recovery.”