STUDENTS on an innovative new course using gaming machines to teach the curriculum, graduated with a new qualification in a special ceremony on Tuesday.
The youngsters have just completed a 10-week sales and marketing programme at Bedford Square Community Centre in Houghton Regis, run by Eureka Youth and commissioned by Central Bedfordshire Council.
The course included teaching skills such as how to dress to impress, give presentations, market a product and timekeeping, as well as how to apply for jobs and apprenticeships.
Patricia Seabright runs Eureka Youth. She said: “Rather than teaching them what they might find pretty dull content in a classroom setting, we do it on the PlayStation Portable (PSP).
“We are using all this technology with the idea that sales and marketing is a very practical skill that can be used in any industry.”
The students earned the ISMM Level One Award and were congratulated by Councillor Angela Barker, responsible for children’s services at Central Beds Council.