Samsung opens Digital Classroom at Royal Albert Hall

Samsung has joined forces with the Royal Albert Hall to bring music and digital technology to children between seven and 15 years old.

The Albert Hall will host Samsung’s latest Digital Classroom. The supplier also recently unveiled a Digital Classroom in Kennington.  

The Digital Classroom at the Royal Albert Hall will focus on the role of music in science and maths, with the programme being made up of two workshops: Discover Music & Maths for Key Stage 2 and Discover Music & Science for Key Stage 3. 

As part of the maths workshop, students will create and record a piece of music using mathematical principles. The science workshop will encourage the children to look at science from a musical perspective to create a piece of music.

Matthew Hancock, minister of state for skills and enterprise at the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills and the Department for Education, said: “I’m delighted to open the new Samsung Digital Classroom at the Royal Albert Hall. It’s fantastic to see Samsung combine its technology expertise with the Royal Albert Hall’s passion for music to help children learn maths and science in a fun and innovative way.

"STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects are vitally important for the UK’s economic future. This kind of initiative helps bring education and employment closer together – if children learn how to code, create computer programs and understand how a computer works, they then have the opportunity to apply these skills in future careers.”

Samsung has worked with the Albert Hall since March 2012 when it became its official screen supplier. The Digital Classroom workshops will use Samsung 55in TV screens as well as laptops, Galaxy cameras and Galaxy Note handsets.

The supplier is also working with the venue to enhance its other education programmes, including its Discover Workshops and Victorian Tours for schools, which involves students using green screen technology.

Andy Griffiths, president of Samsung Electronics UK and Ireland, said: “Samsung is committed to creating opportunities for the next generation through greater access to technology. This new Digital Classroom forms part of Samsung's initiative to help close the digital skills gap in the UK. We are delighted to be working with the Royal Albert Hall on this project, which will offer innovative and fun programmes for schools.

Michelle Aland, head of development funding and sponsorship at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “The Hall was founded by Prince Albert in 1871 to provide a centre to deliver excellence in the arts and sciences for all.

“As a charity, we are grateful for the support Samsung is providing and take pride in the strength of our ever-evolving partnership as we work together to inspire children and young people through music."

Caroline McNamara, senior education consultant at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “Without long-standing partners like Samsung we would be unable to fulfil our vision to be a national force within music, education and participation. The partnership helps us to provide the best educational experiences for young people across the UK.”