About the Hackathon
A hackathon is:
The Bay Hackathon is a community event organised and supported by local schools, Eurobodalla Shire Council and the Eurobodalla Digital Network. It is open to all school students from Years 5 to 12. Unlike some hackathons, the focus is on learning, meaning that students do not need any prior knowledge or experience. However, those who already possess the skills can further themselves with the assistance of expert mentor.
If you have any queries about the Hackathon, check the frequently asked questions below or contact the principal of Batemans Bay High School, Greg McDonald, on 4478 3600.
- A gathering of designers, developers, tinkerers and thinkers
- A place to exchange ideas, socialise, unlock creativity and build something
- A part of a global phenomenon supported by governments, universities and corporations
- A day where capable students extend themselves under the guidance of mentors
The Bay Hackathon is a community event organised and supported by local schools, Eurobodalla Shire Council and the Eurobodalla Digital Network. It is open to all school students from Years 5 to 12. Unlike some hackathons, the focus is on learning, meaning that students do not need any prior knowledge or experience. However, those who already possess the skills can further themselves with the assistance of expert mentor.
If you have any queries about the Hackathon, check the frequently asked questions below or contact the principal of Batemans Bay High School, Greg McDonald, on 4478 3600.
FAQ
Does it cost anything?
Entry is $5 and is paid to your home school. Some schools may choose to subsidise entry.
How do I register?
Complete the form on the registration page.
When do registrations close?
Registrations close the Monday before the event. There may be places available for late registrations. Contact Batemans Bay High School on 4478 3600 if you missed the registration date.
Do I need to bring lunch?
No, lunch and snacks will be provided.
Do I need my own laptop?
It depends on the stream you would like to do, but it would be preferable. Using your own laptop allows you to install the software beforehand and continue to use it afterwards.
Do I need special software?
All of the applications required are open source or have free educational licensing.
Can I use a Mac?
Yes, the applications have Windows, Mac and sometimes Linux versions.
Where do the mentors come from?
The mentors are all volunteers and are either IT industry professionals or specialist secondary and tertiary teachers. All volunteers have completed a Working With Children Check.
I am in primary school. Can I join the Game Design (Senior) stream?
The Game Design (Senior) stream uses a more complex game engine called Unity. If you are already a competent user of Unity, this may be an option, but otherwise you are expected to working at a high school level.
I'm interested in technology but have never done anything like this before. Can I still attend?
Yes, there are no requisites other than interest and motivation.
I already know how to program/build robots/make web pages. Does the hackathon offer anything for me?
Everyone will create a project over the course of the day. If you believe you already have the basic skills, you can work closely with a mentor to create a more advanced project and learn new techniques.
I don't go to school. Can I participate?
Unfortunately, the Hackathon is only open to school students.
I work in IT. How can I offer my assistance as a mentor?
Great. Please contact Greg McDonald on 4478 3600.
Entry is $5 and is paid to your home school. Some schools may choose to subsidise entry.
How do I register?
Complete the form on the registration page.
When do registrations close?
Registrations close the Monday before the event. There may be places available for late registrations. Contact Batemans Bay High School on 4478 3600 if you missed the registration date.
Do I need to bring lunch?
No, lunch and snacks will be provided.
Do I need my own laptop?
It depends on the stream you would like to do, but it would be preferable. Using your own laptop allows you to install the software beforehand and continue to use it afterwards.
Do I need special software?
All of the applications required are open source or have free educational licensing.
Can I use a Mac?
Yes, the applications have Windows, Mac and sometimes Linux versions.
Where do the mentors come from?
The mentors are all volunteers and are either IT industry professionals or specialist secondary and tertiary teachers. All volunteers have completed a Working With Children Check.
I am in primary school. Can I join the Game Design (Senior) stream?
The Game Design (Senior) stream uses a more complex game engine called Unity. If you are already a competent user of Unity, this may be an option, but otherwise you are expected to working at a high school level.
I'm interested in technology but have never done anything like this before. Can I still attend?
Yes, there are no requisites other than interest and motivation.
I already know how to program/build robots/make web pages. Does the hackathon offer anything for me?
Everyone will create a project over the course of the day. If you believe you already have the basic skills, you can work closely with a mentor to create a more advanced project and learn new techniques.
I don't go to school. Can I participate?
Unfortunately, the Hackathon is only open to school students.
I work in IT. How can I offer my assistance as a mentor?
Great. Please contact Greg McDonald on 4478 3600.