This is Cambridge’s first school speed coding event. With 15 minutes at each pod and their own coding ‘passport’ to get stamped, enthusiastic Code Clubbers have the chance to try out Scratch, Python and BASIC on Raspberry Pis and historic machines from the 1980s. They’ll have a go at Sonic Pi and Python Minecraft, and get an awesome goodie bag to take home too.
This exciting schools initiative, which is being supported by established technology sector companies Raspberry Pi and ARM, will help local children from Years 5 and 6 learn about computers and computer literacy, and gain skills so they can better understand the digital world.
Lance Howarth, CEO of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, says: ‘Our children are growing up in a digital age, where technology pervades every aspect of our lives. We need to ensure our children are equipped to participate fully in this future, not only as consumers of content from the internet, but to understand how technology works and can be put to use to change the world around them. Learning the basics of coding is the first step on that journey. ”
Mike Fish, Head of Over Primary School, co-ordinated Coding Extravaganza! with Pete Gaynord of Histon and Impington Junior School. ‘You don't have to be a coding whizz-kid to join in,’ he says. ‘We’re keen to make the session accessible to all Year 5s & 6s in our schools who want to take part.’ He points out that from September 2014 the national curriculum is changing* and primary schools will be introducing coding and computational thinking into the classroom. ‘This event makes coding happen in a fun, dynamic environment, with children leading the way – it’s as much a learning curve for the teachers as for the children.’
Local primary teachers and other educators are invited to come observe the event, and talk to staff of the 11 schools** about how they teach code.
* See the changes to the Computing Curriculum from September 2014
** Local schools involved in Coding Extravaganza: Over Primary, Histon and Impington Junior, Oakington C of E Primary, Fen Drayton Primary, Swavesey Primary, Cottenham Primary, Swaffham Bulbeck C of E Primary, Orchard Park Primary, St Luke’s C of E Primary, Girton Glebe Primary, Hatton Park Primary.
The Centre for Computing History is a pioneering educational charity and computing museum that opened in Cambridge in 2013. Its core purpose is to increase understanding of developments in computing over the past 50 years through exploring the social, cultural and historical impact of the Information Age. It is open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 10am to 5pm.
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For further information and images, please contact Jane Phillimore or Elaine Symonds at the Centre for Computing History on 01223 214446.
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