We’ve witnessed an incredible display of creativity and innovation this week as Year 6 pupil, Raam, designed a buzzer system for our House General Knowledge Quiz using Raspberry Pi equipment. The complexity of the coding involved reflects Raam’s determination to create this fantastic final outcome and it proved a brilliant addition to the House quiz!
In search of a buzzer system addition for the House General Knowlege Quiz, we approached the children of Genius Club to see if they would be keen to develop this idea, providing them with a brief to devise a system that would allow the four teams, uniquely colour coded, the opportunity to buzz in to answer a question but also lock out those teams who did not respond the quickest.
Of the group, one Year 6 pupil had a vision to create a wireless system using Raspberry Pi. Taking hold of their idea, they set to work and provided us with a shopping list of components totalling £250. Over budget, we sought resources from across our Foundation of schools and were able to source Raspberry Pi equipment.
Sourcing the equipment, Raam set to work but time was running out. Just 48 hours before the event, the system was faltering and it looked like a commercial alternative would have to be sourced. Yet with patience, a passionate drive, creativity and innovation the device was completed and working as envisioned.
The event was held successfully, even more so as the buzzer system was put to task and ran seamlessly. This was critical thinking, challenge, creativity and innovation at its very best, allowing a child to pursue their vision diligently. To say we were impressed was an understatement. The coding knowledge and skills applied surpassed what our IT technician was able to offer, which highlighted how special this outcome was.
The whole experience illustrated what is possible when pupil’s ideas are given the freedom to flourish and we were glad we were able to help nurture and facilitate the idea into reality.
