On Monday 18th September, Computing GCSE students travelled to Bletchley Park in Milton Keynes to visit the National Museum of Computing (TNMOC). TNMOC is home to the world’s largest collection of working historic computers.

The trip allowed students to explore the museum and gain an immersive insight into the evolution of technology as well as delving into the rich history of computing.

During their visit, students had the opportunity to learn about the fascinating world of computing history, starting with the Turing-Welchman Bombe and Colossus machines from the 1940s. These early computers played a pivotal role in World War II code-breaking efforts and were instrumental in deciphering encrypted German messages. 

Following on from this, students explored the large systems and mainframes that dominated computing in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. These massive machines were used by organisations and institutions to process vast amounts of data, revolutionising industries such as banking, aerospace, and scientific research.

They were particularly fascinated by the exhibits highlighting the birth of mobile computing and its subsequent impact on society. They learned about the development of smartphones, tablets, and the creation of the internet, which have become integral parts of our daily lives; discovering how this revolutionary technology has transformed communication, business, and entertainment on a global scale.

We hope the trip serves as a solid foundation for future studies in computing and inspires them to pursue a career in computing.

Mr S Paget

Head of Computer Science