The Centre for Computing History was buzzing for the second Rotary Cambridge Coding Competition yesterday (18 March).
Organised and run by volunteers and staff from the Centre for Computing History Learning Team (CfCH), the competition saw teams of Year 6 pupils from 11 local schools competing for the Francis Hookham Trophy.
Rotary Cambridge Coding Competition 2025 at the Centre for Computing History. Picture: Keith Heppell
Rotary Cambridge Coding Competition 2025 at the Centre for Computing History. Picture: Keith Heppell
Each team was challenged to devise block-based programming code to instruct BBC micro:bit buggies to navigate an obstacle course. The challenge was designed to develop the children’s resilience, teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as providing an immersive coding experience.
Neil Whiteside, of Cambridge Rotary, awarded the trophy to St Mary’s Junior School, whose buggy crossed the finish line in just under 25 seconds.
Rotary Cambridge Coding Competition 2025 at the Centre for Computing History Picture: Keith HeppellCentre for Computing History
“This is the third year that we’ve run the competition, and the second in its present form at the CfCH,” said Neil. “I was so impressed by the level of teamwork between these youngsters, and especially the leadership skills of some of the girls – which goes to support getting more women interested in STEM subjects.”
"It’s been so exciting to watch the young people engage with physical computing in such a creative and dynamic way,” said Anjali Das, head of learning at the centre.
Antonia, Charlotte and Skye from St Mary’s Junior School at the 2025 Rotary Cambridge Coding Competition. Picture: Centre for Computing History
“But this competition is about more than code: it’s been a day of problem-solving, innovation and enthusiasm and it’s been wonderful to see the children’s confidence develop over the course of the day.”
One of the children summed it all up, aying: “It’s been the best day ever!”