I didn't get a chance to experiment with programming a computer, or even understanding that programming was a thing, until I was in my early teens. These days, with calls for more Computer Science to be taught in schools, it's little surprise that Code Club was born.
The idea behind Code Club is simple: get children coding from an early age, specifically targeting 9 to 11 year olds. It's powered by volunteers who run their own Code Clubs after school, once a week.
Tom and I leapt at the chance to be a part of the project and registered our interest in becoming volunteers. We were fortunate enough to find a local school, Bathwick St. Mary Primary School, who, thanks to the tireless work and support of School Governor Victoria, allowed us to run the club for ten Year 5 students.
It's been a fantastic success. We've been pleasantly surprised at the pace the students are picking up the elements of programming through the graphical programming language, Scratch.
We made the (local) news!
So what are you waiting for? Start your own club and let us know how it goes!