Students took part in an event run by futureCodersSE CIC and Innovation and Integration Ltd with volunteers who work for a range of organisations that included Amazon.  The event was aimed at inspiring youngsters to explore new technology and applications, with opportunities to develop a new set of skills using the Amazon Alexa.  Students worked in groups of 5 and were given a problem based on how to improve the life of teenagers in Gillingham.  They were expected to research this problem and then outline a solution design, progressing to coding a prototype and formulating a business model which would thenm be presented to a panel of judges. The panel was made up of a range of organisations, including volunteers who work for Amazon.  The creator of thestoryline.io was also part of the judging team and he gave the students feedback through video conferencing from the US.

The whole day was a real success and students came away with some excellent experience and the lucky winners were awarded prizes.  The school was also given an Amazon Echo Dot and Raspberry Pi 3 from the sponsors.  Not only are we building on our bank of contacts but also making links with other organisations for our students to gain valuable work experience in the future.