【Event recap】CodeN’Sim - A Coding and Problem-Solving Competition for Young Minds

In a world where coding and problem-solving skills are becoming increasingly valuable, the CodeNsim Coding and Problem-Solving Competition stands out as a unique opportunity for young primary school students (P1-3) to showcase their talents in a supportive and engaging environment. The competition took place on May 6, 2023, at Ma On Shan St. Joseph's Primary School. 31 teams attended the jovial event and the results were nothing short of inspiring.

We would like to express our immense gratitude to Ma On Shan St. Joseph's Primary School for supporting this remarkable event. Your unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a culture of innovation is truly commendable.

An Unique Code-learning Experience for the Juniors

Unlike many coding competitions designated for the younger group, CodeNsim Competition is not centered on building models but instead requires kids to apply STEAM knowledge, coding skills, and problem-solving abilities. They have to design a robot using the LEGO Education SPIKE Essential set and program it to push blocks into their respective scoring zones. Part of the block locations is released on the day, and the teams have 45 minutes to modify their robots and code to tackle the tasks. They can run their program for two times, 2 minutes 30 seconds each. The run with a higher score will be taken as their final and be ranked for awards.

The students checked their accessories and starting positions meticulously to ensure that the robot and program were running exactly as intended.

During the preparation time, the students worked on drafting routes and testing their code, utilizing either icon-based and block-based programming approaches.

Overcoming Challenges: Stories of Perseverance and Determination

As we watched the competition unfold, it was not surprising to witness a few arguments between teammates in some teams. Some disagreed over the route to take, who got to use the iPad, and other minor details. Emotions boiled over as some teammates cried over mistaken execution during the run. Despite the heated moments, though, we were proud that the students attempted to find a way to resolve their issues, solving problems beyond the tasks on the map and also between themselves.

We remember one team of kids who scored zero points in the first run but managed to bounce back and achieve impressive points in the second round. This earned them a spot in the first-tier award category. Their resilience and determination exemplified the spirit of the competition and taught them a valuable lesson about not giving up in the face of adversity.

Another team surprised us with their strategic thinking when they couldn't complete their program during the preparation time. Instead of panicking, they decided to use their first run to modify their code and bet everything on their second run to score points. This demonstrated that even at a young age, kids can think critically and make smart decisions under pressure.

The camera lens could not capture every touching moment but there was no way to be unseen. One student blamed himself for mistaken steps during the run and was secretly weeping. His teammate sat down on the floor, held his hands, and consoled him. We are so proud of both of them for they demonstrated a sense of responsibility, commitment, and acts of empathy and kindness, of which are all leadership qualities that the competition aims to nurture in the participants.

Beyond the Win or Loss: Celebrating learning!

While awards and accolades are important in any competition, the true value of events like CodeN'sim lies in the experiences that participants gain and path of character development walked through unnoticed. The competition provides a platform for kids to build memories, learn from their mistakes, build confidence in STEAM learning, and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

At the award ceremony, Ms. Yeung Chui Shan, the Principal of Ma On Shan St. Joseph's Primary School, emphasized the importance of STEAM development for students. They encouraged all participants to embrace the spirit of teamwork, enjoyment, and exploration in their journey of discovery. Remember, awards and winning come second to the invaluable experiences gained through collaboration and learning.

At last, the moment had arrived to announce the winners. Teachers and teams stood in anticipation, gazing at the MC, and the few moments of pause seemed to make their palms sweat. The scores of the top three teams were incredibly close, adding to the tension in the air. But finally, the MC declared the winners, and the room erupted in a thunderous round of applause to honor their achievements.

Champion
Team CNSP017
Yaumati Catholic Primary School
Points: 5650

1st runner-up
Team CNSP019
Yaumati Catholic Primary School
Points: 5600

2nd runner-up
Team CNSP015
HHCKLA Buddhist Wong Cho Sum School
Points: 5450

First-tier Award
Teams who had a score at or above the median earned a place at the first-tier award category. Let’s put our hands together for them too!

• Ma On Shan St Joseph's Primary School -  CNSP002, CNSP003
• SKH Fung Kei Millennium Primary School - CNSP004, CNSP005
• Tin Shui Wai Methodist Primary School - CNSP006
• Shak Chung Shan Memorial Catholic Primary School -  CNSP014
• Yaumati Catholic Primary School - CNSP018
• Alliance Primary School Kowloon Tong - CNSP020, CNSP021, CNSP022, CNSP027, CNSP030, CNSP031

Winners of Merit Award

• Ma On Shan St Joseph's Primary School -  CNSP001
• The Mission Covenant Church Holm Glad Primary School - CNSP007, CNSP008
• N.T.W.J.W.A.L. Leung Sing Tak Primary School - CNSP009, CNSP010, CNSP011
• Shak Chung Shan Memorial Catholic Primary School -  CNSP012, CNSP013
• Sha Tau Kok Central Primary School - CNSP016
• Alliance Primary School Kowloon Tong - CNSP023, CNSP024, CNSP025, CNSP026, CNSP028, CNSP029

The Amazing Design Award

• Tin Shui Wai Methodist Primary School - CNSP006
• HHCKLA Buddhist Wong Cho Sum School - CNSP015
• Shak Chung Shan Memorial Catholic Primary School - CNSP013

In conclusion, the CodeNsim coding and problem-solving competition proved to be an inspiring and educational event for young primary students. The lessons learned, friendships forged, and memories created will likely stay with the participants for years to come, shaping their growth into well-rounded individuals with strong problem-solving abilities and compassionate hearts. We look forward to witnessing the STEAM talents and engagements emerge from this event.

Check out the event album now! Click HERE