On Friday 10 July, 30 Year 11 pupils from the Werner-von-Siemens-Gymnasium, accompanied by two teachers, visited the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics (IM). The pupils gained practical experience in programming, gained valuable insights into university life and got to know both the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics and the OTH Regensburg campus.
First, under the guidance of Professor Schildgen, they programmed the BBC micro:bit, a compact single-board computer designed specifically for learning programming and electronics. For every task successfully completed, each participant received play money, which could be used to unlock more difficult challenges.
This created an exciting competition in which creativity and programming skills were key. Prizes included the audiobook “Sprachkurs Java” by Professor Schildgen, pens with smartphone holders and takeaway coffee mugs. The pupils clearly enjoyed the competition and proudly accepted their prizes.
To find out more about life as a student, the pupils also took part in a campus tour led by members of the IM student union, whilst enjoying glorious summer weather. This allowed them to get to know the campus and, at the same time, gave them the opportunity to ask the students questions about their studies and everyday life at university.
One pupil said: “I’d never been to the campus before and had never met a professor. Professor Schildgen was really friendly and made everything so interesting.”
Gillian Schimming
