85 Lower Sixth students got a taste of life in a design agency through a day’s virtual creative work experience run by online learning specialists 8billionideas yesterday (Wednesday 17 January).

Our Graphics, Media and Computing students signed up to learn about topics such as: taking ideas from concept to prototype; using technology to positively disrupt industries; and app design. With an emphasis on interactive learning, students submitted design work using unfamiliar software. A guest talk and Q&A from the company’s Head of Design was an opportunity to delve further into the ins and outs of working life.

Graphics and Media student Maddie said, “It was brilliant to get hands-on experience using Canva. The workshop leader was fantastic because while teaching us the program, he also engaged us in a professional yet fun way.

“Doing this has developed my layout and design skills and that’s great for my future. I now have more insight into what I could do after College and honestly, it’s inspired me to consider a career as a designer.”

Ellen Walkinshaw, Director of Progression, said, “Taking part in brilliantly run virtual events like this makes getting that critical experience accessible to all, rather than relying on contacts and connections. Our thanks go to 8billionideas for working with the College to bring such a valuable opportunity to our students.”

8billionideas facilitator Tom O’Dea said, “The College’s students made my job easy by being engaged, responsive, thoughtful and dedicated to creating good quality work. It wasn’t an easy design course by any means and the results are impressive for those students who have never used Canva before.”