The objective of ‘Hour of Code’ was given real meaning when we were fortunate to welcome Jimmy Headdon, Technical Manager/Software Engineer of Team F1 McLaren to Farleigh this week.

The Hour of Code is a global movement designed to help demystify computer science and coding. “It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity, and by starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path”; a message heard loud and clear at assembly when Jimmy gave an insight into his work at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, where he manages all the technical aspects of car design, performance monitoring, and communications.

Whilst the children enjoyed their programming activities, Jimmy spent the morning in the IT suite talking to them about his job, inspiring them with tales of Formula 1 greats. He even brought in racing gear worn by Jenson Button, the helmet worn by Stoffel Vandoorne in the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, and Lewis Hamilton’s steering wheel from when he first became World Champion. The children were so impressed and Jimmy’s autograph was much in demand. Cool!