Pitlochry Primary School Soars to Success at National Coding Tournament
In an inspiring showcase of talent and teamwork, Pitlochry Primary School’s coding team has achieved a monumental victory, clinching first place not only at the junior level but also as the overall champions of the National Coding Tournament held earlier this month. The dedicated team, consisting of pupils Shay Hardavnarain, Amiran Pillay, Caleb Munsamy, Adhir Sarawan, and Shuver Sadapal, has made their mark in the ever-evolving world of coding, underscoring the importance of technological skills in today’s education landscape.
The journey to this triumph began with the inaugural leg of the tournament, coinciding with Mandela Day, where students were challenged to complete coding tasks in a tight 67-minute timeframe. Team manager and the head of the coding department, Le Ann Chinsamy, shared insights about the competition’s scale and significance. “The Mandela Day Unplugged Coding Tournament spanned 28 locations across KwaZulu-Natal, attracting around 5,000 pupils from grades 6 to 9. It was not just a competition; it was an opportunity for students to engage creatively with technology while honoring the legacy of Nelson Mandela,” she explained.
The competition served as a thrilling platform for budding coders, as pupils competed in games powered by Tangible Africa, honing their skills in a collaborative and competitive environment. After excelling in the regional stage against 20 team competitors from the Kranskloof Circuit, Pitlochry’s Grade 7 team advanced to the provincial tournament. Here, they continued their impressive trajectory by leveraging the innovative Du Toit Agri Juicy Gems App, marking KwaZulu-Natal as the pioneering province to use this app for coding challenges.
The excitement peaked as they faced the national competition in a virtual format on September 4, where the teams tackled 20 unseen coding levels in just 60 minutes. Pitlochry Primary School completed the challenge with remarkable efficiency, finishing all levels in just 14 minutes and 46 seconds, a true testament to their skill and preparation.
Jayce Padayachee, the principal, noted that a strategic shift in curriculum planning has played a pivotal role in the team’s success. “Our focus on integrating technology into learning has really paid off. I wish team Pitlochry all the best as they are set to represent South Africa in the international tournament on December 5. The future looks promising for these young innovators as they embrace the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he remarked with pride.
With this sweeping victory, Pitlochry Primary School is not just winning tournament titles; they are setting a benchmark for educational excellence and innovation in coding for future generations. As they prepare for the upcoming international competition, the team exemplifies how embracing technology can lead to remarkable achievements, inspiring other students across Africa to pursue their interests in STEM fields.
Tags: #SouthAfrica #Education #TechNews #Coding #Innovation #YouthAchievement