Hive Hackers

Launched in the Channel Islands in 2021, the Hive Academy provides tailored training and support for teachers, students and parents. Rather than just focusing on IT skills, the programme also looks at the kind of capabilities that are critical in releasing the potential of technology, fostering innovation and improving future employability. These include creativity, collaboration, communication, emotional intelligence, computational thinking, problem-solving and negotiation.

To date, the programme has been taught to students aged 7 to 18 and in over 50 schools in the Channel Islands and the UK. The programme is typically delivered in schools during term time, through practical exercises and using a computer-based programme to show students the simple fundamentals of coding. Students create games, digital projects and cover topics such as sequencing, loops, debugging, conditionals and events. At the end of the programme, an awards ceremony is held during their final lesson and each child is awarded a certificate, medal and gift from PwC.

We are continuously looking at ways to develop and enhance our programme to make an impact on the wider local community. We are currently working on new sessions for younger and older students and plan to add physical computing using MIcroBits and AI sessions to existing courses. This will help us expand our reach in the Channel Islands in the near future.

PwC volunteers

The Hive Academy would not be possible without the support of our brilliant PwC volunteers, who often use their volunteering hours to support the Hive Hackers team as facilitators in the lessons.

Not only is this a hugely rewarding experience for our volunteers, it also gives them a chance to give something back to the community and help the next generation. It’s never too late to embrace an innovative digital education, so PwC staff of all ages who volunteer simply get stuck into digitally upskilling themselves, as they help run the creative sessions, learn about programming and apply their own digital capabilities and hone their engagement, presentation and problem-solving skills.