Local MP Visits USP College to Experience Cutting-Edge Digital Innovation at XTEND Facilities and experiences live Q&A in the College’s Immersive Classrooms
- Posted 27 Jan 2025
Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh & Wickford, visited USP College to tour its state-of-the-art XTEND Digital facilities, which are transforming the way students learn and engage with technology. The visit showcased the College’s commitment to providing students with access to cutting-edge tools and environments that prepare them for the future of work.
Accompanied by Dan Pearson, CEO; Clare White, Principal; James Parker, Vice Principal of Quality & Innovation; Giuseppe Circelli, Digital Commercial Director, Andrew Martin, XTEND Digital Learning Company Manager and Mark Silverman, Strategic Envoy, the MP explored several advanced features of the XTEND facilities. These include the latest Virtual Reality (VR) equipment and development platforms, a photogrammetry studio for creating high-resolution 3D models, and immersive classrooms designed to connect learners across multiple locations seamlessly.
The immersive classroom was a highlight of the tour, demonstrating its unique capabilities by connecting students from the College’s Seevic Campus to engage directly with the MP. During this interactive session, the MP responded to questions posed by students, including ‘what does your day-to-day role look like’, ‘How do you feel about the proposed Greater Essex framework’ and ‘what advice would you give to someone looking to be a future MP’.
Dan Pearson, CEO of USP College, added: “We were delighted to welcome Rt Hon. Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, to our College and showcase the incredible work being done here. Our XTEND Digital facilities represent our commitment to delivering high-quality, future-focused education. It’s vital that we continue to invest in the skills and technologies that will shape the workforce of tomorrow.
Francois had the opportunity to experience our immersive classroom in action. During this session, A-Level Politics students located at the College’s Seevic and Palmer’s Campuses, were able to participate seamlessly in the discussions and pose questions to him, thanks to the advanced technology connecting the classrooms. It’s vital that we continue to invest in the skills and technologies that will shape the workforce of tomorrow and open opportunities such as these experiences today.”
The visit highlights the importance of innovation in education and highlights USP College’s role as a leader in preparing students for emerging industries. By integrating cutting-edge technology into the curriculum, the College is paving the way for students to develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing digital landscape.