Learning Highlights

Throughout the Week, students explored how programming connects to everyday life and social challenges:

• Code Your Planet & Code Your Message: using micro:bit to design solutions that link technology with responsible environmental action and to share positive messages via animations and light effects.
• Code Your Emoji & Code Your Name: creative workshops showing how code can be a means of personal expression and communication.
• Communication Without Barriers: exploring how technology can bridge differences and support inclusion.

Introducing Artificial Intelligence

In AI-focused sessions, students were introduced to the basics of machine learning, pattern recognition, and the ethical challenges of AI. Through hands-on activities using simple tools for text, image, or emotion analysis, they learned to recognise both the potential and limitations of a technology that increasingly shapes our daily lives.

One of the most engaging tasks was the development of a virtual assistant—a school chatbot designed to communicate with users, ask questions, and provide answers on pre-defined topics. This activity combined programming with AI, logic, and communication, turning theory into practice. Emphasis was placed on the responsible use of AI, privacy protection, and understanding algorithmic bias.

Impact at Vukovar Gymnasium

Vukovar Gymnasium once again distinguished itself as one of the most active schools in Croatia, promoting inclusive, modern, and project-based learning through technology. Activities were carried out with the support of the EU Code Week initiative and within the framework of the Digital Ambassadors programme, encouraging students to become active creators of digital content and ambassadors of responsible technology use.

Sharing Good Practice Across Croatia

Beyond school-level activities, Sanja Pavlović Šijanović, Leading Teacher for the EU Code Week initiative in Croatia, participated in the national opening of EU Code Week 2025, organised by Profil Klett Publishing. The online event, held on 9 October 2025, gathered teachers, educators, and practitioners from across Croatia to exchange experiences and ideas on integrating coding into education.

In her presentation, “Computational Thinking Without Computers”, Sanja shared examples of good practice from Vukovar Gymnasium and demonstrated how core programming concepts can be integrated into various subjects and school projects in a creative, accessible, and engaging way—even without computers. The talk highlighted computational thinking as a key 21st-century skill that fosters logic, collaboration, and creativity.

Continuing to champion computational thinking and creative learning, Sanja also delivered “Codes, Ciphers, and Secret Missions” at a national webinar on 21 October 2025, likewise organised by Profil Klett. This interactive online event drew over 130 participants and presented practical activities linking cryptography, logical reasoning, and programming in education. Participants praised the session as inspiring, practical, and applicable across diverse educational contexts.

Code Week 4 All Challenge

The school also took part in the Code Week 4 All Challenge, an international initiative that connects organisers from different schools and countries into a joint alliance promoting programming and digital literacy. Through this collaboration, students and teachers at Vukovar Gymnasium joined a European network of enthusiasts who share knowledge, encourage cooperation, and amplify the message of the importance of coding.

Looking Ahead

EU Code Week 2025 at Vukovar Gymnasium showed how collaboration between students and teachers—fuelled by innovation, creativity, and technology—can power learning and inspire creation. By blending programming, AI, logical thinking, and creativity, the school reaffirmed its leadership in promoting digital literacy and preparing young people for a future where knowledge, ethics, and technology are inseparably connected.