For almost a decade, our annual HakD hackathon has been a launchpad for student-led creativity and innovation. As its returns to Dulwich Pudong for another year, we explore how it reflects our overall approach to STEAM education.
At Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong, innovation is not just a buzzword—it is embedded in our curriculum, co-curricular activities, and the very fabric of student life. This commitment to future-ready learning is exemplified in HakD, our annual student-led hackathon that brings together young tech enthusiasts, problem-solvers, and creative thinkers from schools across the region.
Now a well-established tradition since its launch in 2017, HakD is a testament to the College’s dedication to fostering an environment where students can push boundaries, experiment with new technologies, and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
Open to students from Year 6 (Grade 5) and above, the event goes beyond coding and robotics; it is a dynamic space where collaboration, critical thinking, and ingenuity thrive. It also encourages real student leadership, with much of the weekend conceived and developed by a team of student Technology Ambassadors, supported by staff and of course parents.
Technology and collaboration at the heart of HakD
HakD embodies the essence of Dulwich College Shanghai Pudong’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) approach, which integrates various disciplines to prepare students for the complexities of the modern world. The hackathon format encourages participants to think across subject areas, bringing together knowledge of engineering, coding, and design to create innovative prototypes.
A unique aspect of HakD is also its emphasis on teamwork and collaboration. Students are paired with participants from other schools to form new teams, ensuring that they engage with diverse perspectives and develop essential communication and teamwork skills. This collaborative spirit mirrors the real-world tech industry, where problem-solving is often a collective effort.
A weekend of rocket-fueled hands-on creativity
This year’s theme, ‘To The Stars!’, inspired some 114 participants from six schools to design projects that push the limits of exploration, technology, and creativity. Whether through software development, hardware prototypes, or an innovative combination of both, teams were encouraged to harness their imaginations and technical skills to tackle the challenges presented.
Aarush G, Year 10
“Teamwork and collaboration have been key to organizing HakD. Through countless hours put in by the Tech Ambassadors, along with a few members of staff, we were able to prepare a very successful event and make sure that everything would run smoothly.”– Aarush G, Year 10, Technology Ambassador
To fuel their creativity, participants attended hands-on workshops on Saturday morning. These sessions covered a variety of cutting-edge topics and provided students with practical skills they could immediately apply during the hackathon. Armed with Arduino boards, Raspberry Pis, robotics kits, 3D printers, laser cutters, and VR equipment, students had all the tools they needed to bring their ideas to life and refine their prototypes.
Many of the workshops were also led by students, including a rocket workshop led by our Technology and Science Ambassadors in collaboration. Outside experts also contributed to the sessions, with a brain-computer interface session using Arduinos and sensors being a particular highlight.
The event culminated in a presentation, where teams showcased their work to judges and peers. Each project was evaluated based on creativity, functionality, and problem-solving approach, with the top teams earning the opportunity to present on the main stage before winners were crowned at the closing ceremony.
This year’s winning project, a collaboration between students from Dulwich Pudong and SAS Puxi, was a prototype rover that would survive the harsh conditions of the planet Venus. In addition, several special awards, Chong’s Choice and the Pioneering Spirit Award, further celebrated perseverance, bold challenges, and the joy of learning through effort, attitude, and fun.
Chase Y, Year 11
“These students were able to present their projects in front of like 10 or maybe even 15 plus judges. How well they did that and how well they expressed their flair, their creativity and their passion for the project was truly astounding for me,
Preparing students for a rapidly changing world
Yet, beyond the accolades and awards, HakD’s true success lies in the experiences gained by every participant. The event challenges students to think boldly, experiment fearlessly, and work collaboratively—skills that are not only essential in STEAM fields but also in life beyond the classroom.
Yet, beyond the accolades and awards, HakD’s true success lies in the experiences gained by every participant. The event challenges students to think boldly, experiment fearlessly, and work collaboratively—skills that are not only essential in STEAM fields but also in life beyond the classroom.
Dulwich Pudong’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation extends far beyond HakD. The College continuously integrates emerging technologies and artificial intelligence into its curriculum, ensuring that students develop the digital literacy and problem-solving abilities needed to thrive in the 21st century. Through initiatives like HakD, students gain hands-on experience with real-world applications of technology, laying a strong foundation for future careers in robotics, software engineering, and beyond.
As technology continues to reshape the world, events like HakD serve as invaluable platforms for students to hone their skills, build confidence, and imagine a world of possibilities beyond the horizon.
