Marischal College this week played host to a hi-tech competition for secondary schools aimed at tackling problems in their communities using new technologies.

Project K, which has been running since 16 November last year, reached its thrilling climax with four secondary schools – Hazlehead, Aberdeen Grammar, Cults and St Machar – going head to head with their pupil-designed ‘Apps’ in the final.

The eventual winner was Aberdeen Grammar School with their City Now app. The winning ‘App’ will now be further developed, either independently or part of the ‘City Lab’ initiative. All the pupils who took part have a guarantee ‘goodwill’ offer of job experience places to further develop their skills.

Spokesman for regeneration councillor Ross Grant said: “Well done to all four competing schools for their hard work and fantastic ideas over the last 10 months. Pupils, some 30 in all, and school staff alike have worked alongside Council staff on several workshops to make their ideas a reality.

“Project K is a great way of getting young people to think about their communities and the issues affecting them while also developing their problem solving skills to address a particular challenge by designing an ‘App’.

“As well as developing the ‘App’ the pupils are developing their own skills and confidence in problem solving, collaborative working, presenting and relationship building all of which will stand them in good stead for the future.

Project K is part of the council’s ‘Being Digital’ strategy and is aligned to several priorities for young people in Aberdeen City Council’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan aimed at promoting children as the city’s future, developing empowered, resilient and sustainable communities and increasing the number of young people in education employment and training to help ensure a skilled workforce.

Project K is also in keeping with the spirit of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.

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