Year 8 Trip to Microsoft Headquarters
On Friday 18th November, a small group of Year 8 girls were given the opportunity to visit Microsoft Headquarters in Reading for an worldwide event called “Digigirlz”. The event is aimed at removing the stereotype that girls cannot code computer programs, work within the IT industry and to dispel the myth that big companies like Microsoft, Google, etc. only want boys to work in the sector. We were one of only 20 schools in the UK to visit.
An early start at 6am was needed to get ready for the day’s events which included a guided tour of the campus, hands on displays, live technology demonstrations, careers advice, Q&A with Microsoft CEO Cindy Rose and the opportunity to ask a female intern and apprentice staff questions about what they do, why they enjoy it and lots more!
The main activity during the day was to design a new Windows 10 app around a given sector – our girls were given “food and drink” – and as expected the creative juices got flowing immediately – eventually bringing together a brand-new design for their app called “School Dinners” – including ways for students to have a say in their canteen choices as well as encouraging healthy eating and rewarding good conduct. This was presented in a video presentation to judges, along with promotional materials and screen designs drawn out on the day.
The day was rounded off with a live dance competition using an Xbox One, Kinect and a theatre full of about 180 students. The atmosphere was electric!
A huge well done to all our girls and to Mr Willis for organising the trip and for Mr White for his support on the day.