News

The Code Project

22 November 2021 - 2 minute read

The Altitude Foundation Code Project is here! 

What is the Code Project?

The Code Project is a structured activity where participants attend a series of workshops where they will design, program and build a working product prototype with support from  Altitude Foundation staff, university and industry volunteers. The prototype, made using the BBC micro:bit, will help tackle real world issues faced by participants and their communities. Final projects will receive feedback and awards from an expert panel of industry professionals, education partners and Altitude Foundation trustees!

The project gives participants the chance to exercise agency, planning, determination and creativity – skills that professional developers use.

When is the Code Project happening?

The Code Project will launch on 11th February 2022 and will close on 15th July 2022. Our Code Project runs in tandem with the Micro:bit Educational Foundation’s ‘do your :bit challenge’. Do your :bit is a global micro:bit challenge for 8 – 18 year olds that pulls together creativity and technology to come up with solutions for the Global Goals.

Where will the Code Project take place?

The Code Project workshops will be hosted both in-person and online, with some taking place at Durham University. This gives participants the opportunity to experience university-style learning and engage with current university students. 

Who can take part in the Code Project?

The Code Project is open to students in Year 9, 10 and 11. Priority will be given based on the following Altitude selection criteria:

  • Attending a target school
  • Pupil Premium eligible;
  • Young Carer;
  • Care Experienced;
  • EHC plan in place;
  • Receiving SEN support;
  • Living in a neighbourhood which has a high level of financial, employment or education deprivation.

How can I take part in the Code Project?

Students who want to take part in the Code Project can apply by filling out this form: Code Project Registration. Following this, will seek supporting information from the student’s parent/carer and nominated school contact. 

The deadline for student applications is 21st January 2022.

The deadline for supporting information is 28th January 2022.

We’re so excited for the launch of the Code Project! In the meantime, we are happy to answer any questions via email, telephone or social media.

Get in touch with us!

Email: 1600@altitudefoundation.org

Tel: 0191 345 4420

Twitter and Instagram: @altitude_ne

Read our Code Project brochure!

We’re hiring!

27 July 2021 - 1 minute read

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, innovative and passionate Programme Manager to take the charity’s intervention programmes to the next level as we emerge from the pandemic and tackle post-covid educational disadvantage.

Continue reading “We’re hiring!”

What can we learn from the pandemic about designing the interventions of the future?

27 May 2021 - 1 minute read

In the first of an occasional blog series, we look at what the pandemic has taught us about the future of social mobility work.

Few organisations can claim to have been fully ready for the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the country over the last 15 months. At Altitude, until very recently, our meeting room still had a Coronavirus risk assessment flipchart on the wall that envisaged disruption lasting only until the summer holidays.

Continue reading “What can we learn from the pandemic about designing the interventions of the future?”

Could you be our new Programme Officer?

26 April 2021 - 2 minute read

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic, inquisitive and passionate Programme Officer to support Altitude’s programme delivery.

We are looking for a talented Programme Officer to deliver meaningful change for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Region. This role would be particularly suited to a recent or upcoming graduate, and will suit anyone interested in tackling social challenges, developing the workforce of tomorrow, and contributing to the success of the Region’s digital economy.

You will primarily be responsible for assisting the Programme Manager to deliver Altitude’s activities, developing our offer to create high-impact interventions that nurture participants’ digital skills and knowledge of the Regional tech economy. Coding activities will particularly focus on developing participants’ knowledge of Python and Javascript using the Micro:bit, an open source computer education tool. You will apply tried and tested pedagogical techniques, to enhance the impact of the activities you are involved in.

The role is designed as a comprehensive one-year package, to help you further develop the skills, attributes and abilities that will support you to excel and flourish in your future career. You will gain in-depth skills and experiences through delivering all aspects of our programme and through dedicated training. Your colleagues will be committed to ensuring you get the most out of this opportunity, aligned with your own personal career objectives.

Does this sound like you? We’d love to hear from you!

To submit an application, please send a CV and completed application grid to applications@altitudefoundation.org. You can find the application grid here. Please note that your application will not be considered without a completed grid setting out how you meet the person specification. You can read the full advert at the link below.

Applications close at 11:30pm on Sunday 20th June 2021. 

Programme Officer – Job AdvertDownload

Altitude Announces School Holiday Project for 13-18 Year Olds

28 February 2021 - 1 minute read

As the Government confirms that schools will return to full in-person teaching from 8th March, Altitude Foundation continues to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop their programming and coding skills. We are offering to support ten teams of up to three young people aged 13-18 to take part in this year’s do Your :bit project, from the micro:bit Foundation.

Continue reading “Altitude Announces School Holiday Project for 13-18 Year Olds”

Join our Team!

11 January 2021 - 1 minute read

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team as Altitude’s new Events and Communications Manager! We are looking for a dynamic, innovative and committed candidate to help us to develop our profile, reach our audience and deliver high-quality events and interventions for our programme participants.

Continue reading “Join our Team!”