GDST Techathon 2019

How can we use technology for good in society? What personal qualities and skills are important to reach the top in a tech career? Can an AI which identifies images tell the difference between a cat and a croissant?*

All these exciting questions and more were answered for our team at the GDST Techathon on Friday 15 March. This wonderful annual opportunity to come together with our sister schools took place this year in the Codenode workspace in London, the cool venue setting the tone for a futuristic day. Our WHS team of 5 girls from Years 7 to 12 was paired up with a group from Howells School in Cardiff. The ten girls quickly set about the task of ‘using AI to solve a real-world social problem’, designing an AI-enhanced white cane for people with a vision impairment.

During the day we heard ideas and advice from talented female industry leaders and an inspiring Year 12 student from Ada National College for Digital Skills, alongside plenty of laughter, snacks, table tennis and board games. All the judges and adults in the room were astounded by the range of creative ideas from the groups and the incredible teamwork and focus the students all brought to the day, producing presentations, videos, model prototypes, marketing ideas and logos in just a few short hours. They explained their inventions articulately and celebrated each other’s achievements when we all got a chance to look at all the ‘product’ displays. A massive well done to Daisy, Isabelle, Sienna, Rebecca and Grace for a brilliant day representing WHS!

*The answer is no, not reliably! 

By Ms Evans, Director of Digital Learning & Innovation