At St Catherine’s, technology is not just a subject — it is a mindset.

Across Key Stage 3 to the IB Diploma Programme, students are encouraged to explore how creativity and technology come together to solve real-world challenges. Through lessons, projects, and experiences that stretch their curiosity, they learn to design purposefully, think critically, and use technology as thoughtful creators.

In the Classroom – Building Strong Foundations

Our Computer Science and Design Technology courses form the foundation of technological learning at St Catherine’s. In class, students gain a strong grounding in computational thinking, systems understanding, and design methodology. These subjects emphasise analytical thinking, problem-solving, and the responsible use of technology — equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to navigate and contribute to an increasingly digital world.

Beyond classtime, lunchtime sessions provide tailored opportunities for students to refine their skills, seek guidance, or explore new interests in a relaxed, supportive setting.

Design Technology Lunchtime Sessions (in the Design Technology Lab)

• KS3 (Wednesdays 12:40–13:20)
• KS4 (Thursdays 13:20–14:00)

Computer Science Lunchtime Sessions (in the Computer Science Labs)

• KS4 (Fridays 11:40–12:00)

Competitions and Events – Bringing Learning to Life

From the classroom to national and international arenas, students are given opportunities to test their skills, challenge themselves, and collaborate with peers.

St Cats Hacks 2025 — Where Ideas Come Alive

Our annual hackathon, St Cats Hacks 2025, will take place on 29–30 November with students taking part in one of five competitions, including: Minecraft World Building, Lego Mindstorms EV3 Sumo, Hack the Box (Cybersecurity), Robot Line Racing, and the Main Coding Competition. With five unique challenges and major prizes to be won, St Cats Hacks offers an engaging opportunity for students to apply what they have learned in a dynamic, collaborative setting. Click HERE to register!

From Desks to Space — Inspiring the Next Generation of Innovators

This year, St Catherine’s is participating in the From Desks to Space programme — a national initiative connecting students with cutting-edge fields such as Space Science, Microelectronics, Bioinformatics, Robotics, and Artificial Intelligence. Through this collaboration, students will:

• Design real experiments to be sent to the International Space Station and AWS cluster satellites,
• Analyse the data returned from orbit, and
• Even receive their own photos of Earth from space.

It is a remarkable chance to bring science and imagination together, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and teamwork.

Parents interested in their child taking part can complete the registration form HERE.

Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) — Coding for Challenge and Growth

Students in Key Stages 3 and 4 have the exciting opportunity to participate in the Canadian Computing Competition (CCC) on Thursday, 19 February 2026. This engaging coding contest helps students develop problem-solving, logical thinking, and creativity while tackling real-world challenges in a supportive environment. Parents who would like their child to participate can register their interest HERE.

Co-Curricular Clubs – Innovation in Action

Outside class, lunch sessions and competitions, St Catherine’s also offers unique clubs that give students the freedom to explore, create, and innovate.

MIT Fab Lab — From Idea to Reality: The MIT Fab Lab is an after-school programme where KS3 to IB students bring their design ideas to life — from initial concept to fully realised prototype. Rooted in the spirit of Meraki — creating with passion, curiosity, and care — the Fab Lab provides access to 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and electronics kits. Students learn to translate ideas into tangible solutions, developing both technical and creative confidence.

World Robotics Organization — Engineering for a Smarter Future: For students passionate about robotics and innovation, the World Robotics Organization offers a platform to design, code, and build intelligent robotic solutions. This year’s focus — “From Human to Artificial Intelligence” — challenges teams to address global issues across Sustainable Agriculture, Clean Energy, Smart Transportation, and Cultural Heritage. Through this process, students learn to innovate with purpose, guided by teamwork, curiosity, and care.

Girls Can Code (KS3): Tuesdays (12:40–13:20) in the Computer Science Labs. A new initiative inspiring girls through programming, game and web design, teamwork, and creativity — no experience needed, just curiosity. Parents may register their child’s interest HERE.

Investment Club – “Future Funders” (KS4): Wednesdays (13:20–14:00) in Computer Science Lab 2. An engaging space for students to explore stocks, bonds, and financial literacy through practical, hands-on projects.

Technology with Purpose

At St Catherine’s, every opportunity — from coding challenges to design studios — is part of a broader learning journey. Students learn not only how technology works, but how to use it meaningfully to shape their world.

Whether they are designing prototypes, coding robots, or reaching for the stars, our learners are developing the creativity, confidence, and curiosity that define tomorrow’s innovators.