Web Design Professional Course

We have planned to deliver 3 x 3 week (4hrs) after school club, 60 minutes per week for 20 children to develop their awareness of STEM, coding and careers in this area. We have planned to deliver three mini-projects during the twelve weeks to develop children's ability to code, think logically, problem solve and to work to solve challenges through their use of technology. Each project will use similar skills but be applied in a different context or tool. For example, we would like children to use our already purchased Lego Mindstorms to develop coding solutions to navigation problems. We aim to then build on this using Crumble coding devices combined with some basic DT, 3D printing and design with electronics work. The third project will be to develop a coding solution using microBits. The project will be repeated twice per academic year once equipment is purchased to enable this to become more sustainable. The planning of the problems and projects has taken into account the need to encourage our children who currently perceive computing and STEM to not be an interest or option. There is a focus on encouraging girls into this club.

Our content will be looking at computer coding, mainly scratch, BBC MicroBit and Insight Mr BIT. We will use computers and microbits for these sessions along with programable physical computing devises allowing pupils to see how coding can be used to operate everyday equipment. The goals of the event will be to inspire and spark an interest in coding and help pupils understand how code is woven into their everyday lives and how they can learn to take control of devises through code. The target group are pupils who have a basic understanding of code but are looking to develop this and then share their expertise with younger pupils to inspire them. Our event will be special as we will encourage both girls and boys and have dedicated sessions where we are able to develop the groups understanding of coding and physical computing that is not available under normal restricted timetables. The group will work towards offering their own event to other pupils who may not have considered coding as being so much fun or accessible. Some of our children do fall into the low income group and will be included in activities.

Jam Coding is going to run a series of 12 lunch clubs focused around our underserved and underrepresented children exploring game design. We intend to offer this to our Pupil Premium and SEND children who may otherwise not be able to access extra- tuition. The children will build their own game environments before coding sprites and obstacles in order to make a game of their own choosing. The workshop will focus on ensuring children understand key terms such as commands, events, algorithm, repeat loops and demonstrate how to use such elements. Children will develop their computational thinking throughout the course. Jam Coding synopsis for this course: “At Jam Coding, our goal is to help improve children’s digital skills . This game building workshop will teach children how to code and build their very own 3D computer game. Children will have fun creating interactive animations and games using visual coding. Working in teams, they will learn how to think logically and solve problems.” By using Jam Coding we are able to access their technology and expert Code Coaches. They will be holding a celebration week on the last where children are able to explore their peers work and will be given a certificate for their participation.