Following the success of the Kids@PwC programme – an IT programme launched this summer and run by PwC’s training arm, PwC’s Academy – PwC is committed to continue investing in the education of tomorrow’s leaders creatively.
The Kids@PwC summer programme was indeed an IT programme with a difference. It was launched with the aim of introducing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education to children of all ages, in a fun way. The programme was a great success with 60 children between the ages of five and 15 attending classes over the eight weeks of summer.
The feedback received was overwhelming, with parents and children alike now looking forward to continue these classes as part of their winter extracurricular activities.
STEM is a revolutionary and incredibly valuable education system which is still in its infancy in Malta. The four thematic areas it represents are the core of our world’s technological advancement and are the key to the overall continual advancement of our society. History has proven that the younger generation can take it, are ready for it and it is in turn our responsibility to equip them for the future.
Through STEM education, kids learn to solve problems and have fun too. Students can apply what they learn to their daily lives, future learning and careers. The great thing about STEM is that the subjects work together and can be integrated together for cohesive teaching and learning.
STEM education will be crucial to our future economy and it is important that we all start to recognise that. Learning can still be fun and STEM offers a way to bring kids closer to the world of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in an enjoyable way. The US government has strongly supported STEM education in its school system because it is estimated that STEM-related jobs will grow by almost double the amount of non-STEM jobs over the same period. Moreover, students learn 26 per cent more as well.
Kids@PwC is just the start of PwC’s commitment to fun STEM education as a great extracurricular activity for kids. PwC’s Academy will be running a large variety of programmes both for the young and the not so young who are interested in these areas. The Academy’s programmes include MineCraft development, robotics, computer building and programming, as well as a variety of tools such as Scratch, Python and the excellent Raspberry PI.
STEM is not about playing with apps: it is a way to encourage our kids to learn in a creative and educational way using their laptop, computer or tablet. For those who think that their kids spend enough time on the computer as it is, think again and contact PwC’s Academy on pwcacademymalta@mt.pwc.com or visit www.pwc.com/mt/kids.