Children attending weekly Saturday morning coding and robotics sessions in Bradley Stoke are learning valuable skills which could see them join the next generation of computer game programmers or robotics engineers.
The volunteer-led ‘Scratch Code 4 Kids’ sessions are held at Church of Christ the King in Mautravers Close (off Brook Way) and are aimed at children in Key Stages 1 and 2.
The group offers one-hour sessions starting at 8.30am, 9.30am and 10.30am, with an open session between 11.30am and 2pm.
Sessions may include:
- STEM-based activities, including very basic electronics
- Practising eye to hand coordination using a mouse and keyboard
- Robotics – using Bee-Bot and Blue Bot
- Learning about helicopters and drones
Extensive use is made of Lego WeDo, a primary education resource developed for younger primary school pupils as an introduction to control technology and programming using robotics, and Raspberry Pi credit card-sized single board computers.
The sessions, which are free to attend, are run entirely by volunteers, with parental support. There is, however, a requested donation of £8 per child per month, to cover the costs of room hire.
Taster sessions are offered and a waiting list is maintained at times when places on the regular sessions are unavailable.
Advance booking is essential, via scratch.code4kids@gmail.com
• For more information, visit the Scratch Code 4 Kids website.
Photo: Class tutor Theo van der Heiden gives guidance to some youngsters at a special Halloween-themed code club session.
This article originally appeared in the November 2018 issue of the Bradley Stoke Journal magazine (on page 42). The magazine is delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH (except August), to ALL 8,700 homes in Bradley Stoke. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
