Code Club Ākonga Spotlight: Building the Future, One Project at a Time
One of the best things about Code Club Aotearoa is seeing tamariki grow through the programme, building not only their skills but a real passion for learning. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on ākonga who are taking things to the next level, going well beyond the basics of Scratch and Python.
Meet Kip and Max, two young tech enthusiasts whose ambitious personal projects have taken over their weekly code club session and free time outside school hours!
✈️ Kip: Taking Flight with DIY RC Planes
For Kip, coding is just the beginning. A few months ago, he started flying drones digitally and discovered a new love for the thrill of flight. Now, he’s pushing his skills even further by building his own RC plane from scratch.
“RC planes are similar to drones, but much easier and cheaper to build. I’ve been learning a lot online and I’m excited to give it my best shot.”
Kip is deep in the world of electronics and aerodynamics; he’s researching parts, wiring up motors, connecting receivers, and figuring out how to power his creation safely and effectively. With a bit of help from YouTube and the knowledge he’s already built up, he reckons the project will take between 5 and 8 weeks.
But this is just the beginning:
“My next goal is to add a flight controller so the plane can auto-stabilise and show info like battery life. Then I want to install a camera and use a headset to see from the plane’s point of view while flying.”
Kip’s long-term plan? A future in electronics or software engineering. His journey so far is a powerful example of how curiosity and creativity can reach new heights at Code Club!
🛠️ Max: Designing and Building 4-Bit Computer by Hand
While Kip is building a remote control airplane, Max is putting his skills to the test with a build just as ambitious, a fully functioning 4-bit computer that can receive inputs, process data, output graphics, and respond in real time.
“This is my passion project. I think it will take me about 1 to 2 ½ years to finish because of how complex it is.”
Max is self-teaching through YouTube tutorials, learning all about manuals on logic gates, memory buses, graphics units and ALUs. He’s designing and wiring each part by hand using resistors, breadboards, and possibly an LCD screen.
“I’m going to need about 250 resistors, up to 600 2n2222 transistors, 12–20 breadboards, and other components. It’s a big build, but I’m committed.”
Once the computer is complete, Max has his sights set even higher: designing NPUs, creating a new programming language based on C and assembly, or exploring the frontiers of machine learning.
“I want to be a computer engineer designing CPUs. Hopefully, this is just the start.”
💡 Big Ideas, Bright Futures (thank you AWS)
Kip and Max are proof that when tamariki are given the tools and encouragement to explore tech on their own terms, amazing things can happen. Their stories highlight everything we love about Code Club! Curiosity, resilience, and the joy of building something that matters.
To our future engineers, designers, and innovators: keep dreaming, keep tinkering, and keep coding. The future is yours to shape!
Want to help tamariki like Kip and Max unlock their digital potential?
👉 Volunteer with Code Club or donate today