Code Challenge
Set up in 2013 as a project to recruit more STEM Ambassadors with coding skills we developed the code challenge with STEM Wilts and Dorset. We set a challenge with a broad theme and matched schools with a STEM Ambassador. The topic and approach were left to teams to interpret as part of a lessons or in a coding club. A short video was all that was needed. The Challenge supports the development of communication skills, IT use and team working.
Previous Code Challenge themes were TOURISM and SUSTAINABILITY. The 2016 Challenge theme is Health and Fitness and is funded by Bournemouth University.
STEM Ambassadors are professionals with DBS clearance who have volunteered to support schools’ enrichment of STEM subjects.
Latest:
October 2016: Successful coding teams from five schools in Dorset and Devon joined BFX Competition students for an awards ceremony at The BIC on Thursday 13th October. Jan Peters opened the evening with a brief outline of the history and aims for the Code Challenge. The Top Scoring teams were presented with their certificates by Bruce Wright from Walt Disney, VFX animator whose credits include Frozen, Tangled and the upcoming Moana! Bruce mingled with the pupils and they all had chance to have a coding chat with him. Bruce talked about his background and the importance of maths and learning algebra and giving kids the opportunity to do something creative to enable them to combine the 2 areas into coding. Pupils were given wristbands for free entry into the BFX Family weekend.
October 2015: We launched the 2016 code challenge with a careers event as part of the BFX event
July 2015: We had a great day out with 5 schools at Double Negative in London for a private view to celebrate some great entries!
Jan 2016: Upton Juniors had fun with Sport BU exploring technology in sport.
Feb 11 6-8pm Networking event around scratch and sniff at Bournemouth University
Entry and timings
The 2016 Code Challenge was launched at an event at Bournemouth University on 1 October 2015. Full details are available on the project website www.Bucodechallenge.net
All expressions of interest and registration should be done on line by a responsible adult or school through the Code Challenge website. Submission deadline for uplaoding your video is now March 18th at 5pm
