On Tuesday 26th February Year 8 visited the Software Academy at Cardiff University to learn first hand the importance of technology in the 21st Century and its place in the Welsh economy. In pairs they tackled code-breaking using Microbits to send coded messages, this required a full understanding of how coding is formed and the need for careful planning when attempting to hide your message. Following this, they wrote code breakers in Python, developing the skills of precision when unpicking the order of code and the importance of sequencing. The third activity and probably the most fun was using VR head sets to dispose of a bomb whilst the clock ticked. Careful precision by the VR wearer and supportive team work, guidance and collaboration led to many teams detonating their bomb within the allocated 5 minutes (with some calamities along the way)! Lunch was very relaxed in the student leisure room where problem solving tasks, ping pong and chill out areas could be enjoyed in a very adult and Google-esque environment. All students agreed that the day had given them a real insight into University life and the computing demands of the future.
