The Master of the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists (WCIT), Kerri Mansfield JP, has today piloted an small multi-terrain vehicle around the corridors of Blandford Camp to mark the launch of the Royal Signals Museum’s STEM learning classrooms.
Bought by the Museum via a generous grant from the WCIT Charity, these rugged vehicles offer youngsters hands-on experience in coding, gaining an understanding of robotic system capabilities and the communication requirements of semi- and fully-autonomous systems.
The WCIT Robotics and STEM Classroom bolsters an already lively outreach programme run by the Museum, giving young people an opportunity to learn about the many different employment opportunities available in the field of communications.
Other interactive education activities offered at the Royal Signals Museum include learning Morse Code, gaining insight into the birth of electronic warfare, hands-on experience with heliograph and semaphore flags, as well as the opportunity to break declassified Second World War codes.
The Museum has increased its engagement with students and youth groups six-fold over the past year, interacting with more than 11,000. The appointment of a new STEM Learning volunteer will also increase the variety of lesson that students and cadets of all ages can enjoy.
Speaking after the meeting, Museum Business Manager Adam Forty said:
“These little robots have huge potential. Teachers, group leaders and parents have all said that the addition of coding and robotics was fun and engaging, with our unique military angle giving real world context to the theories they learn in the classroom.
“We’re grateful to the WCIT Charity for their continued support as we promote STEM across Dorset and the wider south-west.”
To learn more about the Royal Signals Museum STEM Education Programme, or to book a session, please email adam@royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk.
Notes about WCIT
The Worshipful Company of Information Technologists is the 100th livery company of the City of London. For over 30 years, it has raised money for charity and provided IT skills and training to improve lives across the UK and beyond. WCIT’s oldest affiliation is with the Royal Corps of Signals, dating from 1992. In addition to recognition through awards, the WCIT works actively to promote professional development and help those leaving the Corps with career transition mentoring.
Notes about Royal Signals Museum
The Royal Signals Museum traces the fast-paced and complex history of the Royal Corps of Signals. The interactive displays at Dorset’s Museum of science and technology allow visitors to drive an armoured vehicle through a virtual landscape, direction find the enemy, set up a satellite network and practice Morse code. For more information, please visit www.royalsignalsmuseum.co.uk.
