AbrayTech Future Innovators Programme

Stage 1, Digital Foundations: build confidence with computers, the internet and safe, responsible technology use.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 introduction to computers and technology, hardware and software, internet fundamentals, files, folders and cloud storage, safe internet browsing, passwords and account security, digital citizenship, responsible technology use, introduction to programming, problem-solving and computational thinking, introduction to teamwork and presentations

Capstone: My Digital World Portfolio

• 2.1 Learners create a digital portfolio containing an introduction, creative work, technology interests and a simple presentation.

Stage 1, Digital Foundations: learn the basics of programming through block-based coding.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 algorithms and instructions, logical thinking, variables and simple data, conditions and loops, block-based programming using Scratch, animations, interactive stories, simple games, debugging and testing

Capstone: Interactive Educational Game

• 2.1 Learners build an educational game covering a topic such as mathematics, science, geography or online safety.

Stage 1, Digital Foundations: understand what artificial intelligence is, how it is used, and how to use it responsibly.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 what is artificial intelligence?, everyday applications of AI, AI versus traditional software, generative AI fundamentals, AI limitations and errors, bias and fairness, privacy and personal information, copyright and originality, responsible prompting, human creativity and AI assistance

Stage Competition

• 2.1 Digital Creativity Challenge (digital storytelling, design, presentation, responsible AI use)

Capstone: AI-Assisted Learning Resource

• 3.1 Learners create an educational poster, story or presentation using approved, age-appropriate AI tools under supervision.

Stage 2, AI Content Creation: tell stories and build a visual identity with design principles and age-appropriate design tools.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 story development, creative writing, storyboarding, graphic design principles, colour, typography and layout, Canva or age-appropriate design tools, image generation concepts, copyright and attribution, branding and visual identity

Capstone: Young Creator Digital Brand

• 2.1 Learners design their own digital brand, applying storytelling, colour, typography, layout and visual identity.

Stage 2, AI Content Creation: plan, produce and present video and audio content responsibly.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 video production fundamentals, scriptwriting, storyboards, video editing, voice recording, audio and sound effects, AI-assisted video concepts, content verification, deepfakes and synthetic media awareness, responsible use of images and voices, presentation skills

Capstone: Educational Video Campaign

• 2.1 Learners create a short educational video about technology, the environment, health, education or community development.

Stage 2, AI Content Creation: plan and publish content for a real audience, with fact-checking and online reputation in mind.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 audience identification, content planning, digital communication, social media awareness, content calendars, visual storytelling, search and information literacy, online reputation, misinformation and fact-checking, responsible publication, peer feedback

Stage Competition

• 2.1 AI Creative Media Challenge (short educational videos, digital campaigns, creativity, accuracy and originality)

Capstone: 30-Day Digital Awareness Campaign

• 3.1 Learners plan and produce a campaign promoting a positive social or educational message.

Stage 3, Mobile Application Development: plan and design a mobile app and learn the JavaScript and React Native basics behind it.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 introduction to mobile applications, user interface and user experience, mobile app planning, wireframes, navigation, introduction to JavaScript, variables, functions and conditions, React and React Native concepts, Expo introduction, mobile components, layouts and styling

Capstone: Personal Profile Mobile App

• 2.1 Learners design and build a personal profile app using mobile components, layouts and styling.

Stage 3, Mobile Application Development: make apps interactive with screens, forms, state and local data.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 screens and navigation, buttons and forms, user input, lists and cards, images and icons, state and interaction, input validation, local data storage, debugging, responsive design, accessibility fundamentals

Capstone: Student Task Management App

• 2.1 Learners build a task management app with screens, forms, lists, input validation and local data storage.

Stage 3, Mobile Application Development: plan, build, test and present a complete mobile app that solves a community problem.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 application planning, reusable components, API introduction, data handling, authentication concepts, mobile application security, testing, user feedback, app presentation, project documentation

Module 2: Possible Project Ideas

• 2.1 school timetable app, study planner, recycling app, local transport information app, homework organiser, community event app

Stage Competition

• 3.1 Young App Developers Challenge (mobile app functionality, UI/UX, problem-solving, code quality)

Capstone: Community Problem-Solving Mobile App

• 4.1 Learners build a mobile app that addresses a problem in their school or community, then document and present it.

Stage 4, AI & Robotics: understand how machines learn from data, and where their limits are.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 AI and machine learning concepts, data and patterns, classification, training data and testing, AI predictions, computer vision introduction, speech and language technologies, AI ethics, human oversight, simple AI experiments using child-appropriate platforms

Capstone: Image or Sound Classification Experiment

• 2.1 Learners train or use a supervised educational model and explain its inputs, outputs and limitations.

Stage 4, AI & Robotics: build and program simple robots and circuits with sensors and actuators.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 introduction to robotics, robots and automation, sensors and actuators, inputs and outputs, motors and movement, basic electronics, circuits and electrical safety, microcontrollers, block-based robotics programming, robotics problem-solving

Module 2: Suggested Tools

• 2.1 micro:bit, LEGO-compatible educational robotics, Arduino-based educational kits, simulators where physical equipment is unavailable

Capstone: Smart Room or Automatic Light Prototype

• 3.1 Learners build a prototype that uses sensors and simple programming to automate a room or a light.

Stage 4, AI & Robotics: design, test and demonstrate a team robotics project that makes simple decisions from sensor data.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 robotics project design, sensor data, conditional logic, automated movement, obstacle detection, simple decision-making, testing and troubleshooting, team roles, project demonstrations, safety in robotics

Stage Competition

• 2.1 AI & Robotics Innovation Challenge (design, functionality, innovation, teamwork, safety)

Capstone: Smart Rescue, Smart Farm or Smart School Prototype

• 3.1 Learners choose one theme and build and demonstrate a team prototype that uses sensor data and simple decision-making.

Stage 5, Cybersecurity: learn to protect personal information and recognise online threats.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 what is cybersecurity?, personal information, password security, multi-factor authentication, phishing awareness, online scams, social engineering, privacy and digital footprints, safe downloads, device security, cyberbullying and reporting, responsible digital citizenship

Capstone: Online Safety Awareness Campaign

• 2.1 Learners plan and produce an awareness campaign that teaches other young people how to stay safe online.

Stage 5, Cybersecurity: understand cybersecurity roles, threats and defences, always with permission and ethics first.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 ethics and permission, cybersecurity roles, networks and the internet, threats and vulnerabilities, malware awareness, authentication, encryption concepts, secure coding introduction, security monitoring concepts, cybersecurity lab safety, defensive security exercises

Module 2: Safety Rule

• 2.1 All technical activities must use authorised educational environments, simulations or deliberately vulnerable practice systems.

Capstone: Cybersecurity Home-Lab Report

• 3.1 Learners document security risks and recommended protections in a controlled learning environment.

Stage 5, Cybersecurity: recognise and report security incidents and recommend practical protections.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 incident identification, reporting security concerns, basic incident response, digital evidence awareness, security checklists, risk assessment fundamentals, data protection, safe AI use, cybersecurity teamwork, presenting security recommendations

Stage Competition

• 2.1 Young Cyber Defenders Challenge (cyber awareness, defensive thinking, risk identification, ethical behaviour)

Capstone: School Cyber Defence Plan

• 3.1 Learners develop a simple defensive security plan for a fictional school or youth organisation.

Stage 6, Innovation & Final Project: identify a real-world problem and plan a responsible solution as a team.

Module 1: Topics

• 1.1 identifying real-world problems, design thinking, user research with appropriate safeguards, problem definition, brainstorming, prototyping, team formation, project planning, responsible innovation, introduction to entrepreneurship, project budgeting concepts, presentation and pitching

Capstone: Innovation Proposal

• 2.1 Learners present an innovation proposal that defines a real-world problem, a planned solution, a team and a project plan.

Stage 6, Innovation & Final Project: combine at least two programme areas to develop a solution.

Module 1: Possible Projects

• 1.1 AI-powered educational mobile app, smart agriculture and plant monitoring system, cybersecurity learning game, AI-assisted community information platform, smart school attendance prototype, educational robotics application, AI content creation and learning platform

Module 2: Topics

• 2.1 development, testing, security, user feedback, documentation, team collaboration, project improvement

Capstone: Integrated Technology Project

• 3.1 Learners combine at least two programme areas to develop a solution.

Stage 6, Innovation & Final Project: complete, present and showcase the final team project.

Module 1: Activities

• 1.1 final project completion, quality assurance, demonstration preparation, presentation skills, project documentation, peer review, expert review, innovation pitching, exhibition, awards ceremony, learner portfolio development

Stage Competition

• 2.1 Grand Innovation Showcase (final project, social impact, technical implementation, presentation, collaboration)

Capstone: Young Technology Innovators Showcase

• 3.1 Each team presents a working prototype, project explanation, social or educational value, responsible technology considerations and future improvements.