11-year-old triumphs in national coding contest and captures the attention of Microsoft

Even before embarking on his coding journey, 11-year-old George Hawthorn had a passion for tech. Thanks to the guidance and support of Code Ninjas High Wycombe, he has transformed into a confident and skilled coder. Now, his talents are being recognised as George becomes one of three lucky winners in a national contest – organised in partnership with Microsoft MakeCode.

Code Ninjas High Wycombe, the leading provider of coding education for kids in the community, is dedicated to igniting your child’s curiosity and fostering creativity – a steadfast commitment that saw them launch their groundbreaking Prodigy Program this summer.

Unlike traditional coding programs, the Prodigy Program does not just teach coding – it empowers young Ninjas with strong coding skills and deep insights into the real-world tech industry. This aligned perfectly with George’s long-standing interest in tech, providing him a valuable opportunity to explore and excel in the tech world he loves.

George’s journey with Code Ninjas High Wycombe began when he took part in a Roblox developer holiday course, which sparked an instant love of coding. “George has Autism and ADHD and suffers with high levels of anxiety,” said George’s mum, Cathryn. “He often hesitates to try new things, especially when he doesn’t know anyone. However, he’s always been passionate about technology and understanding how things work. We knew the Prodigy Program would be the perfect fit for him.”

The supportive and inclusive environment provided by Code Ninjas High Wycombe, combined with the engaging and stimulating Prodigy Program, has enabled George to thrive in an industry he has long been fascinated by. “Everyone at Code Ninjas High Wycombe has been incredibly welcoming and accommodating. George immediately felt a sense of belonging and acceptance. It’s a fun, safe and encouraging space.”

The Prodigy Program’s emphasis on creativity and resilience has profoundly impacted George’s problem-solving skills. “George spent a whole session figuring out why something wasn’t working and kept going until he found out what it was and corrected it,” explained Cathryn. “This experience has not only improved his problem-solving abilities but also boosted his confidence.”

Even while on holiday, George’s enthusiasm for coding remained undiminished. “During our recent trip to Turkey, George was jotting down codes from YouTube videos – eager to implement them in his Roblox projects once he came home. Code Ninjas High Wycombe has truly helped him come out of his shell, and he’s now even looking forward to IT coding lessons as he starts secondary school.”

As one of the lucky winners of this year’s Prodigy Program, George won a Microsoft Surface Pro 9 and an exclusive virtual tour of the renowned Microsoft headquarters – AKA Minecraft HQ!

Commenting on George’s achievement, Code Ninjas High Wycombe owner Robin Theakston said, “We are immensely proud of George’s dedication and achievements through the Prodigy Program. His story is a testament to the power of coding education in transforming young lives.”

To find out more about Code Ninjas High Wycombe, visit https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/high-wycombe-bkm-uk