Easter Trip to The Gadget Show

Carr Hill students had more to look forward to than a pile of chocolate eggs during the Easter holiday as they travelled down to the NEC in Birmingham for the 10th Anniversary of the hit channel five programme The Gadget Show.

The live show was delivered by the current Gadget Show presenters Jason Bradbury, Ortis Deley, Rachel Riley and Jon Bentley. There were also surprise appearances from some special guests which, combined with presenter stunts, audience participation and giveaways, meant Carr Hill students were provided with a show like no other.

The exhibition ran for five days with over 80,000 people attending including around 60 from Carr Hill. The exhibition was every fan’s dream with various stalls and stands at every turn, all of which featured new, innovative and entertaining gadgets and performances.

This gave students the opportunity to view the inventions of others, seeing first-hand the potential technology products of the future. Carr Hill pupils were impressed with the artificial pancreas, gadgets to protect cyclists and the latest Microsoft Apps, all of which were on display at the exhibition.

Year 9 student Fraser enjoyed the exhibition stating that going around the different stands was his favourite part of the day. He continued: “I am a big Gadget Show fan and have been watching for the last four years. I’m really interested in technology and attend the IT club at school every week. When I heard about this trip I couldn’t wait to go as I knew it would be great fun.”

Many students were drawn to the Game Zone which stage tested the pupils’ knowledge with multiple quizzes which were both challenging and enjoyable. The Jagex team gave students the opportunity to get a closer look at the battle between Autobots and Deceptions. The Plantronics Gaming Tournament Zone allowed students to play 1:1 Fifa 14 tournaments on the Xbox One and F1 13 on the PC.

Ciaran in year 9 was pleased to meet his favourite YouTube star Ali A at the event. Ciaran said: “Ali A does mind craft and I was so impressed when I met him at the Gadget Show as he was as good in person as one the videos I’ve seen. I also liked the live show with the presenters, especially the beginning of the show as there were loads of fire acts.”

Carr Hill also visit the Combat Ops zone which hosted by an armed forces team in a realistic setting. The experience used laser technology with the aim of the game being to keep your lives safe from those on the opposing team. The students played a number of games against each other before uniting and taking on the teachers, with the teachers coming out victorious, just.

IT Teacher Miss Gregson said: “It was a brilliant day and everyone had a fantastic time. It was really inspiring for the students to see new gadgets and learn about what those at the forefront of technology have planned for now and the future. The live show was a real highlight and the students enjoyed seeing the presenters on stage. All in all it was a great experience.”

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