Abdul-Marteen Ojo from Confey College, Leixlip, Co. Kildare won the top prize for his entry 'Magic Wizard' at the National Scratch Coding Competition which was held at the University of Limerick as part of Tech Week 2019. The winners were selected from over 500 entries nationwide and judged to be the best in their respective categories.


Abdul-Marteen Ojo from Confey College, Leixlip, Co. KildareCaption

 

Scratch is a visual programming language that makes it easy for young people to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art – and share their creations on the web.  Using Scratch allows students to develop creative and critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as they work collaboratively or individually on Scratch projects.

Now in its ninth year, the National Scratch Competition has established itself among both teachers and students as a leading platform and showcase for Ireland’s aspiring digital creators. The competition is run by the ICS Foundation, the social enterprise arm of the Irish Computer Society and supported by Lero, the Irish Software Research Centre.

Tech Week provides hands-on opportunities to learn about how computing and related technology are shaping every area of life. The aim is to stimulate thinking around future opportunities for study and careers in technology, through learning in the wider areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects.

Jim Friars, CEO, Irish Computer Society said, “Events such as this help inspire Ireland’s next generation of digital creators. It’s becoming ever-more critical that we develop more interactive and engaging ways for the young students to learn about technology and how it interactives with every part of our lives. We need to open their minds to careers in technology and today’s finals show that we’re on the right path. I want to congratulate Abdul-Marteen and Confey College and all the other students who took part in the final.”

According to Clare McInerney, Lero’s Education and Outreach Manager, “The standard for this year’s competition has been fantastic and I want to say a huge congratulations to everyone involved. This unique and highly engaging event provides young students with real, hands-on coding experience and highlights how important it is our everyday lives.”

Mike Beary, AWS Ireland country manager said, “Competitions like Scratch foster curiosity, and provide students with hands-on opportunities to learn the digital skills they need to succeed in today’s technology-focused, innovation-driven economy. Connecting educational experiences to real-life opportunities is an effective way to get young students excited about what they’re learning. The projects this year were truly exceptional, congratulations to all involved.”

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland, said: “I want to wish each of the hard-working students who took part in Scratch this year a big congratulations. It’s great to see competitions like this empower young people to get involved in STEM and explore its relevance to the world around them. We are very pleased at Science Foundation Ireland to support Scratch through our funding of Tech Week under the SFI Discover programme, and hope to see the initiative engage many more students in years to come.”

Full list of Scratch 2019 winners:

  • Best Animation, Jungle Escape 1.0, Willow Park School, Blackrock, Dublin
  • Best Technical Sophistication, Beat Darth Vadar from Cloghan Hill NS, Tuam, Co. Galway
  • Best Educational Content, Around the World, St Mary's and St, Gerards' N.S. Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow
  • Best Social Project, Spare Some Change? Confey College, Leixlip, Co. Kildare
  • Special Scratch Award, Autism Facts, Cloghan Hill NS, Tuam, Co. Galway
  • Winner Junior Infants to 1st Class, Winnie the Witches Birthday Party, St Johns School, Limerick
  • Winner 2nd to 4th Class category School, Word Puzzle, Gaelscoil an Ghoirt Alainn, Cork
  • After School Winner, Colman’s Monastery, Coderdojo Kinvara, Co. Galway
  • Winner 5th-6th Class category School, One Small Step, Robinstown National School, Co. Meath
  • Winner afterschool category, WaTer gUy-The Game, Coderdojo Clonakilty School, Cork
  • Winner 1st year - 3rd Year Category in School was Maze Runner, Colaiste Mhuire Co. Ed. Thurles, Co. Tipperary
  • Winner afterschool category, Learn English for Kids, Coderdojo Kinvara, Co. Galway