From Code to Coasters: Inspiring future innovators at Thorpe Park

Thorpe Park leisure resort was transformed into a vibrant hub of curiosity and creativity on 7 October, as 10,000 students from across the region gathered for ‘STEAM 2025’, a careers event aimed at igniting passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths.

Among the crowd, seven Microsoft volunteers played a pivotal role in bringing the event to life, demonstrating the company’s commitment to education and social inclusion.

Organised by ACS International Schools, STEAM 2025 offered students aged 8 to 18 the chance to take part in hands-on activities, from trying on a space suit to watching demonstrations on flashpoint testing for fuels.

Each activity earned the youngsters stamps that could be exchanged for rides on Thorpe Park’s famous rollercoasters.

Triptych of scenes from STEAM 2025 event at Thorpe Park — Microsoft volunteers helped demystify AI for lots of young students at Thorpe Park

For the second year running, Microsoft volunteers were at the heart of the action. Led by Stefan Atanasiu, the team (Philip Williams, Laura Osborn, Maya Hoang, Thom McKiernan, Oliver Gulich, and Simon Weise-O’Connor) welcomed more than 1,000 students to their stand. The team’s mission? To demystify artificial intelligence (AI) and spark creativity through coding.

Real or not?

The Microsoft team’s ‘AI: Real or Not’ Challenge invited students to test their skills at spotting AI-generated images and videos. The activity opened young eyes to the ease with which modern AI can create photorealistic content and the importance of building trustworthy, secure, and ethical technology.

Volunteers shared insights into Microsoft’s approach to responsible AI, encouraging students to think critically about the digital world around them.

Creative coding

Alongside the AI challenge, the team ran ‘Vibe Coding Mini-Workshops’ using GitHub Spark. Students designed new games and improved them throughout the day, responding to prompts and unleashing their creativity.

Screenshot from a game created by students at the STEAM 2025 event in Thorpe Park — Screenshot from a game created by students with the help of Microsoft volunteers at the STEAM 2025 event

The first game was an ‘endless-clicker’ featuring a flying sausage dog with lava traps, speed powers ups, achievements and more. The second was a rollercoaster simulator that eventually became a multi-level game of skill with alien enemies, realistic graphics, and a leader board, as participants developed the ideas throughout the day.

The Microsoft team said the energy was infectious, with volunteers and students alike inspired by the possibilities of technology.

Giving back

For the volunteers, the day was about more than just teaching tech skills – it was about giving something back to the community and empowering the next generation.

“One thing I really value about working at Microsoft is the ability to take time to volunteer and help our future leaders learn and be inspired,” said Philip Williams, Senior Cloud and AI Architect.

The event exemplified Microsoft’s philosophy that giving digital and AI skills to young people is key to building a brighter future for them and the UK economy.

As the rollercoasters whirled and the stamps piled up, the impact of the day was clear: students left with new skills, fresh inspiration, and memories that will last long after the rides ended.

With STEAM 2026 already on the horizon, Microsoft’s volunteers say they are eager to return, ready to help even more students discover the excitement of science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths.