CedarBridge prepares students for work
Courses designed to prepare schoolchildren for work are now on offer at CedarBridge Academy.
The school has introduced classes on computer gaming, virtual business and agriculture.
Extra courses called advanced placements are also available in subjects such as English, calculus, science, French, Spanish and music and can earn pupils credits towards their Bermuda school diploma.
In addition, an extended maths honours programme gives the option to learn about insurance and reinsurance with the potential for internships.
The school said: “Returning students are strategising on how to succeed and make it to graduation.
“New students are hoping they can keep up with the change in pace. No matter their focus, CedarBridge has put in place a number of new programmes and initiatives to enhance each student’s learning experience and foster a better learning environment.
“Recognising the need to prepare students for life after school, CedarBridge is ensuring students succeed by receiving qualifications and skills necessary to move on and into work placement all whilst contributing to a daily enrolment in secondary education.”
Pupils who perform well in their IT courses throughout the year also have the chance to be selected for an internship programme.
The IT internships, available to all years, are registered co-curricular hours. Pupils can earn $15 per hour with the potential for summer employment.
Students enrolling on the virtual enterprise international course will take on roles in an organisation and will be able to travel overseas to participate in an international competition.
Horticultural and landscaping programmes are also being offered as well as courses in sailing, scuba diving, golfing, football refereeing and textiles.
The newsletter said: “Each department now has access to designated computer labs to assist students in producing high- quality papers, projects and electronic presentations expected in colleges and in today’s society.
“Recognising the importance of technology in education, students can utilise the My I-Math computer application to practice school material at home and prepare for exams. Parents also have the option to monitor their child’s progress.”
CedarBridge’s new Entertainment Technology course will see students collaborate on the production and delivery of the next generation of video games.
It is just one of many new programmes and initiatives introduced at the school for the year ahead.
As part of the gaming course which is in its pilot stages, students will gain skills in the visual scripting of a game while building a comprehensive portfolio of digital art.
The course was developed by video gaming professionals and is aimed at senior year three and four students.
Computer science teacher at CedarBridge Duval Robinson said: “It is a technical vocational course – this was primarily developed by {educational organisation] AQA for students to create gaming in collaboration with professionals in that area.
“There are no prerequisites for the course but they recommend that students have some knowledge of computer science. A good grade in math, calculus and algebra is also helpful.
“We are using new 3D software by the name of Unreal Engine 4. It is a good opportunity for students not only in terms of gaming but also in terms of creating apps.”
Students are given areas to chose from – gaming combined with either animation, development, mechanics and graphics and graphics production.
Senior year 3 student, Mathew Ivo said of the course so far: “The coding and everything else involved in it will help you increase your math thinking skills, help you become more organised with your work and you will gain a better knowledge with the use of modern technology.
“You are able to create games exactly how you want, so you have full customisation on the look, sound, movement, different levels, characters and much more.”
What’s more, any students at CedarBridge interested in IT and gaming will have the opportunity to travel to Silicon Valley from March 12 to 17.
They will visit universities before taking a tour of Silicon Valley and the headquarters of the IT companies.
