For the Computing Non-Examined Assessment, learners work independently on a problem of interest over an extended period with the aim of improving programming skills and knowledge of computer science. To support our learners’ progress through this project, they have been working under the mentorship of leading employers from Morgan Stanley. This mentorship has offered industry and insight throughout the project.
Being the perfect demonstration of industry led blended learning, it is fitting that this story be told by some of the employers, learners and staff involved in this project...
Alan- Computing Teacher
What skills do learners have to demonstrate for the NEA?
When undertaking this project, learners engage in computational thinking. They are required to evaluate problems and then come up with solutions by applying computational thinking skills, which involves decomposition and abstraction, algorithmic thinking and pattern recognition.
Can you think of any notable projects that some of the learners have undertaken?
We've got learners developing complex games with 3D engines within the games. We've also got learners that are engaging with API's and taking data from servers and exists other sources. One of our learners is taking real time weather data and incorporating it into their app and then using their solutions make decisions based on that information. We also have learners developing trading platforms, which then works with other API's and real time data. Projects undertaken by our learners are ones that you would normally see in industry.
API stands for Application Programming Interface. In the context of APIs, the word Application refers to any software with a distinct function. Interface can be thought of as a contract of service between two applications. This contract defines how the two communicate with each other using requests and responses. |
Learners have been given a lot of freedom with this project. What was the thinking behind that decision?
This project offers a great opportunity for learners to develop their programming skills and investigate problems that they'd like to solve. By giving learners freedom, they have an opportunity to look at different technologies to solve problems and also have a vested interest in their own project. By being invested in their project, learners yield better results.
Why did you decide to get Morgan Stanley to support our learners with this NEA?
It offers a really good opportunity for our learners to experience and engage with industry whilst doing their studies. Morgan Stanley is a leading Investment Bank, with huge software development departments. For our learners to be able to have this perspective, input and experience in their project is a huge benefit.
Gleb- year 13 Computing Learner
What did you most enjoy about this project?
The initial part of creating and developing my ideas, being able to have that sort of blue sky thinking and just tumble over ideas, make drafts, do something and then decide to do something else. During this idea development stage, I did sketches and drafts of what each idea would look like. That was definitely the most fun part.
What was the biggest challenges of the project and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge was, as you may expect, actually having to sit down and code everything and make my ideas work. I initially had a very ambitious idea for my project, it would be a new messaging app, but the main selling point was that it was highly customizable. As I was going through the features and developing it further, I realised that the scope for that project was just way too big. To overcome this, I went back to one of my other ideas that I had, which was a puzzle game that would refresh daily, and you only had one shot to do it.
Dennis Year 13 Computing Learner
How did Morgan Stanley support you throughout this project?
I used Morgan Stanley’s help for back test results; they pointed out when there were issues that I hadn't realised. As I programmed the project myself, I see everything how I programmed it. Morgan Stanley mentors were able to offer the perspective of the user’s experience. As well as providing advice as professional developers, they also served as stakeholders for the project, which meant that they could provide very valuable advice in terms of the project itself.
What are your career aspirations and what role does computing play in that?
I want to be a game developer- to go university and possibly do game development programming. I'm also interested in programming itself not just game development. It can also include other things like software development, web design and so on. As the world is becoming more digital, I believe programming is the future.
LDE helped me do that by teaching me how to do some basic coding and gave me this project to complete, which helped a lot since I was given the freedom to do what I wanted to and explore game development further whilst also completing my assessment.
Josh Higher Degree Apprentice at Morgan Stanley
How are Morgan Stanley supporting our learners through this project?
We have been helping them with their projects by answering any questions, trying to get them to think more deeply about their ideas and supporting with error handling or solving problems with the developer's perspective in mind.
What stands out to you from working with our learners?
Their attitudes towards learning new things and picking up new software has been very good. Also, I haven't worked with much gameplay, so this has been a really good experience to see how those who have chosen to programme games for their project are making them.
What advice would you give to these learners?
I think biggest thing is the willingness to learn. Willingness to learn is what most employers are looking for. If there is a new technology, if there is something that an industry is using, try your best to adopt some of those technologies and look to find ways to implement it in your own projects. Analyse and research and be proactive.