Community News
PVCC Shines in Victorian Coding Challenge
In an impressive display of skill and dedication, students from Plenty Valley Christian College have recently marked a significant achievement in the field of computer science. Competing against 40 schools in the prestigious Victorian Coding Challenge, organized by the Mathematical Association of Victoria, MAV. Our Year 7 and Year 8 teams secured an admirable 5th place, showcasing their proficiency in Python programming. Meanwhile, our Year 9 and 10 students outdid themselves by clinching 2nd place in their competition on November 24, 2023. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and creativity of our students, as well as the supportive and enriching environment provided by our school.
The journey to this achievement began months ago, with students from Year 7 — Braidan W, Jethro K, Arnav C, Mason B — and Year 8 — Rebecca R, William S, Tyson W — immersing themselves in the world of Python programming.
The Year 9 and 10 students demonstrated their strong skills in programming developed over the course of 2 years in this competitive competition. Year 9 students comprise of : Jack C, Finn B, Jacob F and Nicholas G. The Year 10 students comprise of: Christelle V, Christian K, Matthias P and Harry H.
Student Perspectives:
Jethro (Year 7): Reflecting on the experience, Jethro emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, "It is better to be in a team." He is keen on improving his coding skills and is proud of how the team collaboratively shared answers.
Tyson (Year 7): Tyson learned valuable lessons in coding and the strategic use of guessing. He suggested the introduction of preparatory labs for future challenges, highlighting the cohesive teamwork that led to their fifth-place finish.
Braidan (Year 7): Braidan’s experience taught him crucial aspects of problem-solving and the essence of teamwork. He aspires to approach future challenges more cautiously, valuing the patience and cooperative spirit within the team.
Arnav (Year 8): Arnav’s takeaway was mastering the use of agents in Python. Looking ahead, he aims to further enhance his Python skills, applauding the team’s collective effort in taking their time to achieve the best results.
Under the guidance of our dedicated faculty, these young minds have not only learned the intricacies of coding but have also developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Braidan W, one of the Year 7 participants, shared, "Learning Python was like unlocking a new language. It's amazing to see our ideas come to life through code."
A First for Plenty Valley Christian College
This year marked the first time PVCC participated in the Victorian Coding Challenge, making this achievement even more noteworthy. Our students' success in such a competitive arena highlights the school's commitment to fostering academic excellence and staying abreast of technological advancements.
Promoting Academic Excellence:
These accomplishments position Plenty Valley Christian College as a center for academic excellence. Our commitment to fostering a nurturing and challenging educational environment is evident in these achievements. The results of the Victorian Coding Challenge reflect our ethos of encouraging students to explore, innovate, and excel.
Rebecca R from Year 8 reflected on this experience, saying, "Being part of this challenge was not just about coding. It was about teamwork, perseverance, and pushing our limits. I'm proud of what we've achieved."
A Future in Technology
The Victorian Coding Challenge provided an excellent platform for our students to apply their learning in a real-world context. The skills they have developed are not just relevant for their academic growth but are also crucial for their future careers in a technology-driven world.
Year 8 student William S commented, "This experience has opened my eyes to the possibilities in technology. I'm excited about what the future holds."
The achievement of our students in the Victorian Coding Challenge is a shining example of what can be accomplished with passion, dedication, and the right educational environment. Plenty Valley Christian College is committed to nurturing these young minds, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their future endeavors.
The performances of our students in the Victorian Coding Challenge are not just wins in a competition; they are milestones in our journey towards academic excellence. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to their continued growth and success in future endeavors.
As we celebrate this success, we look forward to continuing our journey toward academic excellence, preparing our students not just for school, but for life.
Clarence Goh
Secondary Teacher - Maths, Digital Technology