Microsoft DigiGirlz

Leighton Park Year 8 pupils attended the DigiGirlz national competition with schools attended from across the UK. They experienced and took part in a range of activities including a large Just Dance session, learning about future business and IT skills, hearing from interns and apprentices and taking part in the DigiGirlz challenge.

Three young Microsoft employees shared their experiences and successes of playing a part of the global Microsoft network. They took questions from the audience and shared their experience of how computer science and business skills were essential for working as part of various customer, development and communication teams.

The DigiGirlz challenge involved the girls splitting up into two teams of five and competing against other schools to produce a physical computing solution to make their school and surrounding area safer for pupils and the community. Through the initial brainstorming session the girls mapped their school location and identified specific roads or areas which might benefit from automated interventions such as barriers or lights. By assigning roles and working as a team, the girls then divided their teams, giving individuals roles. This meant that some were programming MicroBits with servos and lights whist others worked on their presentation, physical and aesthetic designs. Following the testing and refinement of their solutions the teams then showcased their solutions to other schools and Microsoft employees including the CEO who played the roles of judges.

This integrated STEM day enabled pupils to develop their soft and technical skills using computational thinking to program a MicroBit using block-based coding methods including radio transmissions between separate devices. Perhaps as important, the girls were able to suggest further areas for development and reflect on their performance both as individuals and as a group.

“I found the trip really inspiring and eye-opening and it was great to bond with everyone.” commented Tiger.

“I loved it! I thought it was a great experience as we could see another job in our future!” added Bisi.