Some of our Year 7 students took part in The Faraday Challenge sponsored by The Jack Petchey Foundation earlier this week at Stepney Green College and won a BBC micro:bit competition.

The win means they are now through to the final on July 18, 2016.

The Faraday Challenge by The Institute of Engineering and Technology hold STEM activity events aimed at Year 7 students to encourage creativity, team working, problem solving and the application of technology to real life situations. 

The BBC micro:bit is a small programmable device, a pocket-sized computer that can be coded, customised and controlled to bring digital ideas games and apps to life. Measuring 4cm by 5cm it is designed to be fun and easy to use. Its applications are endless and all that is needed is a student’s imagination and creativity.

Nineteen of our computer geeks went along and came up with two prototypes – a tilt monitor that elderly members of the community can use as an alert and a counting device to use on public transport  such as buses and trains to restrict access and avoid overcrowding and enhance public safety. Both unique and innovative ideas.

Computer Science teacher Ms Sumayyah Malek took the boys and commented: “Everyone was impressed with our designs and the quality of the boys’ supporting paperwork which I think clinched it for them.”

She added: “They are really excited and looking forward to the final in July.”