TEACHERS have been given the opportunity to get switched on to the latest methods to help pupils learn about electronics.Lynn Grove High hosted visitors from schools across Norfolk and Suffolk on Thursday where representatives of electronics firms gave demonstrations of the latest techniques for teaching Key Stage 3 electronics Schools from the Great Yarmouth borough taking part were Cliff Park High, Flegg High and Oriel High.

TEACHERS have been given the opportunity to get switched on to the latest methods to help pupils learn about electronics.

Lynn Grove High hosted visitors from schools across Norfolk and Suffolk on Thursday where representatives of electronics firms gave demonstrations of the latest techniques for teaching Key Stage 3 electronics

Schools from the Great Yarmouth borough taking part were Cliff Park High, Flegg High and Oriel High.

One of the local technology businesses present at the teaching day was C-Mac MicroTechnology, which has been featured in the Mercury because of its work in manufacturing components for the defence industry. Some of the company's products have even gone into space through contracts with aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

Lynda Watts, C-Mac's education liaison co-ordinator, said there was a skills shortage among engineers and her firm wanted to encourage students to pursue a career in electronics by inviting pupils to the company's Yarmouth base in South Denes.

The aim was to dispel any negative preconceptions about the electronics industry.

She said: “On a local level, we have been working with Yarmouth schools getting students to come along and see that it is not a nasty, dirty place. It is state-of-the-art and involved in designing and developing products for the worldwide market so hopefully the students go back enthused about electronics.”

But teachers were the main target of the meeting at the Gorleston school with the aim being to enthuse them about the subject so they could pass this on to the children.

The seminar also served as a chance to showcase the equipment available to schools through firms such as Quicklink Systems and Kitronik, which supplies circuit boards and other gadgets.

Mike Snell, Lynn Grove's assistant head, said his own school had been successful in encouraging students to take up electronics and 95pc of year 8 and 9 pupils were studying the subject. He added the GCSE electronics pass rate at A*-C at Lynn Grove was 85pc and this was due to the good facilities available at the school.

“We are trying to raise awareness across the borough of the importance of electrical engineering for the global economy. We aim to preach the good word,” Mr Snell said.

Guests also had the chance to learn how well the school's food and technology pupils were doing courtesy of a buffet prepared by the pupils.