Every year at the DVLA Code Challenge final, people ask me the same question: "Which game is going to win?"
It's a fair question. The Code Challenge is a competition, and our finalists work incredibly hard to reach the final. But what excites me most is not who takes home the trophy. It’s seeing young people discover what they can achieve through coding.
For me, the real success of the Code Challenge is the confidence learners gain when they realise they can solve problems, bring ideas to life and create something they are proud of.
This year, 20 schools from across Wales submitted 54 games using Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming platform that helps young people learn coding through creativity and experimentation.
More than coding
The work starts long before pupils arrive at the Richard Ley Development Centre for the final. Throughout the year, participants develop ideas, test solutions and create games based on themes designed with our partner organisations. These themes encourage pupils to engage with real-world challenges and think about how technology can be used to address them.
Watching the finalists showcase their games, I was struck by their imagination, ambition and determination. The quality of the entries was impressive, but what stood out most was everything that happened behind the scenes.
Creating a game involves much more than learning how to code. Pupils work together, think logically, break down complex problems and find creative solutions. They learn how to test and improve their work, overcome setbacks and adapt their ideas when things do not go to plan.
For many participants, presenting to an audience can be just as challenging as building the game itself. Explaining how their game works, the decisions they made and the problems they solve helps them develop confidence and communication skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Inspiring future opportunities
One of the most rewarding parts of the day was seeing pupils interact with professionals from public services, emergency services, technology and industry.
These conversations give participants a chance to learn more about different career paths and understand how digital skills are used in the workplace. For some, it is the first time they have spoken to people working in these fields. It can open their eyes to opportunities they may have never considered before.
The event is only possible because of the support we receive from teachers, STEM Ambassadors and our partner organisations. Their time, expertise and encouragement help create an environment where young people can learn, explore and grow in confidence.
This year’s event was supported by organisations including the Ministry of Defence, British Army, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, STEM Wales, Swansea Council, British Computer Society, South Wales Police, Tarian ROCU, Road Safety Wales, Wild Connect, Free School Clothes, Welsh Stars and Buffoon Media.
Looking beyond the results
Of course, the competition element remains an important part of the day. This year’s winners, Parkland Primary School and Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera Bro Dur, created engaging games that stood out in the final. Outstanding performances also came from Blaenbaglan Primary School, Hawarden Village Church School, Gowerton Comprehensive School and Rougemont School.
What I will remember most about this year's event is seeing pupils proudly explain their ideas, showcase their creativity and discover what they can achieve.
The Code Challenge teaches coding, but it also helps young people develop teamwork, communication, creativity and problem-solving skills. Whatever career they choose, those skills will stay with them throughout their lives.
That’s why the Code Challenge has always been about much more than competition.
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