14th October, 2014 marked Ada Lovelace Day – the celebration of achievements of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace is considered as the Founder of Scientific Computing. Through her work with Charles Babbage, inventor of the Mechanical Computer, Lovelace developed her love of Mathematics and Science. In 1842 Lovelace worked with Mathematician, Luigi Menabrea, to explore ways to develop the first “computer programs”. Her passion and vision for technology has made her a powerful role model for women in technology.
This year, organisers at Ada Lovelace partnered with The Royal Institution to organise Ada Lovelace Day Live at The Royal Institution Theatre, London. Inspirational female scientists and engineers were asked to speak at events across the UK. Ada Lovelace Day events were targeted at schools with the aim to inspire students to continue studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).
The Duke attended Ada Lovelace Day at Streatham and Clapham High School. During the day, pupils experienced a wide range of digital-technology-related activities, which included learning how to build a website in under an hour, coding a game for the web, and building a basic computer.
HRH had the opportunity to meet pupils undertaking a number of workshops. The Duke also introduced the students to iDEA, which was launched on 15th October, 2014. Streatham and Clapham High Schools contributed videos to the George the Poet’s project which was used at the launch event and can be seen here: