Initiatives for Schools

Initiatives for Schools

Promising Software Developer of the Year

We are excited to announce our new annual award to recognise the outstanding coding projects: Promising Software Developer of the Year.

This award is open to any secondary pupil who is studying Advanced Higher Computing Science in Scotland. We hope this award will help encourage more pupils, particularly female pupils, to pursue Computing Science at Advanced Higher level in secondary school and also inspire them to consider entering the tech sector after secondary school.

The recipient's name will be featured on the dressCode’s Roll of Honour list on our website. The purpose of the Roll of Honour list is to highlight the incredible talent that exists in schools in Scotland and also allows pupils to reference this achievement on future applications.

Pupils can submit their entry for the award using the form below.

Entry Form

FAQs

  • We are not requesting any of the source code, documentation, or any other materials submitted for your Advanced Higher Computing Science coursework.

    The award submission requires a short demonstration of your working project. This can be in various formats, such as:

    • A short screen recording

    • A brief annotated video

    • A voiceover accompanying a slide presentation.

    • A brief standalone presentation

  • Entries will be evaluated by an independent panel of judges based on the following criteria:

    • Creativity and Innovation: Originality of the project idea, unique approach to problem-solving, and the extent to which the project demonstrates creative thinking.

    • Technical Skill: The level of technical proficiency demonstrated, including the use of appropriate programming languages, algorithms, and data structures.

    • Real-World Application: The potential impact or real-world application of the project, and how it addresses a real-world challenge or need.

    • Skills Gained: The extent to which the project demonstrates the development of valuable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and computational thinking.

  • Yes, pupils can keep the award.

  • No, this award is an independent initiative by dressCode and is not associated with any educational institution or awarding body. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with any external examination or awarding body.

  • No, this award is an independent recognition of creativity and innovation in software development. It does not reflect the rigorous assessment criteria and standards set by SQA for the Advanced Higher Computing Science qualification. This award is not a substitute for, nor does it influence, the official grade awarded by SQA.

  • No. All project submissions will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and will only be reviewed by the designated judging panel. Only the names of the award winners will be publicly displayed on the dressCode Roll of Honour.

    We understand the importance of protecting your intellectual property and will not share any part of your project submission.