A Level Computer Science Trip to the Google Offices

On the 9th December, the year 12 Computer Science students had the wonderful opportunity to spend a day in the Google Office, Tottenham Court Road. The workshop was organised for students from four different schools and provided students with insights into the possibilities of AI in application design.

Firstly, the students looked at image manipulation using Google Gemini Nano Banana and then quickly moved on to understanding the benefits of Cloud Computing and related certifications and their value add in a student’s profile. 

Next, Betty took the lead in introducing Generative AI. Using tools like Whisk and Flow, the students created 30-second videos, with projects ranging from an educational breakdown of the CPU’s FDE cycle to a creative snapshot of a day in Maidstone Town. They also got a glimpse of building a product from vision through to marketing with the help of code generator and publishing tools.

The group also had a fantastic opportunity to learn about apprenticeship roles at Google. They discussed how to prepare for the challenge, from selecting NEA coursework projects to crafting the perfect portfolio and earning relevant certifications. 

We wrapped up the day with a tour of the Google Office, checking out the impressive range of employee well-being stations—think large cafeterias, a game zone, and even a gym.

By the end of the day, the students walked away inspired by the potential of AI in application design and with a newfound understanding of how mastering programming fundamentals can open doors to creative possibilities.