Robert Gordon’s College, an independent school in Aberdeen, has teamed up with Robert Gordon University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop a digital education programme designed to tackle the tech skills gap.

Intensified by a shortage of Higher computing teachers in Scotland’s secondary schools, the skills gap has widened among young people who are unable to study computing science.

The programme, RGC online, will offer SQA accredited Higher Computing Science in addition to Higher Applications of Mathematics aimed to provide vital and foundational tech skills to students.

RGC Online also offers additional tech-focused modules, designed to equip young people with the skills required for future roles in the sector.

Certificates of completion will be awarded for each module, which include: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Game Design, and Entrepreneurship. A new Quantum Computing module is also currently in development and will be launched this year.

RGC Online has been established in response to the Logan Review to assist young people across Scotland who typically lack access to study Higher Computing Science in their local school.

Robin Macpherson [pictured], Head of Robert Gordon College, said: “RGC Online was created to offer students across Scotland opportunities to learn National Qualification courses that they might not otherwise be able to study.

“This is to create pathways into a career in the ever-expanding world of technology. Our own diploma programme courses sit alongside the Higher course and add value by teaching students about everything from Artificial Intelligence to Quantum Computing to Game Design. It’s a brilliant chance to think about what you want to do in life, and how to get there.”

Primarily a digital programme with live lessons taught twice weekly, these online classes provide students with regular one-to-one support and personalised feedback from their teachers.

Live teaching is held on the same days each week and scheduled for early evenings to ensure it does not clash with students’ studies at their usual school.

The RGC Online student experience has been designed so students can interact with their teacher just as they would in a traditional classroom, with online resources updated through the week and students completing their work via Google Classroom.

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Scholarships are available and open to anyone applying for a place to study Higher Computing Science or Higher Applications of Mathematics to ensure that the service is accessible to all.

Jess Power, Head of RGC Online, shared: “We are looking forward to welcoming our first cohort of students studying Higher Applications of Mathematics alongside the current class of Higher Computing Science students as we continue to develop new SQA qualifications to meet the needs of 21st Century learners in Scotland.

“The RGC Online Diploma programme has been developed from our vast and experienced alumni who are supporting the College in adding new modules to this catalogue each year and through a number of strategic partners the college can provide student introductions to various tech industries looking for an enthusiastic talent pool to draw from.”

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