Year 8, 9 and 10 pupils enjoyed a fantastic day at Bletchley Park, immersing themselves in the rich history of World War II code-breaking and the marvels of computing technology. An infamous site, where Alan Turing and his team deciphered the Enigma Code, Bletchley Park is now also home to The National Museum of Computing (TNMOC), a treasure trove of technological innovation.
The morning began with an array of captivating interactive workshops, where the girls delved into the rudiments of computing. From programming the classic Snake game in BASIC on original working BBC Acorn Micro computers, to contemplating the evolution of Robots and AI and the difference between the two, the workshops ignited curiosity and sparked intellectual discussion.
Pupils were also treated to a guided tour of the museum's exhibits including Colossus, the world's first programmable electronic digital computer, and WITCH, the world's oldest original working digital computer. The highlight of the morning was an interactive code-breaking trail, where the girls harnessed their wits to decipher encoded messages using a real Enigma machine.
The afternoon was spent at the historical Bletchley Park Museum, where the girls explored Bletchley Manor and the historic huts that were used for code breaking during World War II, including Alan Turing's office. Mrs McKeirnan, Head of Key Stage 4 and Computing, even found an entry in the Bletchley Park database detailing a relative's service as an intercept operator with the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during World War II.
The trip to Bletchley Park was more than just a learning opportunity for our girls—it was a fascinating journey through history and technology, and served as a reminder of the remarkable feats achieved by humanity in challenging times. In the quiet moments amidst the exhibits, there was a palpable feeling of inspiration, sparking a newfound sense of curiosity and enthusiasm for technology.
