Midlands Primary School TV Debut
ComputerXplorers after school cub leads the way in coding
Pupils from Holy Family Primary School in Small Heath Birmingham recently made their national TV debut on BBC Breakfast, to show how they are trailblazing the way in programming and coding thanks to technology education specialists ComputerXplorers.
The broadcast was about the introduction of the new Computing curriculum for English primary schools in 2014 which puts significant emphasis on teaching children how to write code. Pupils as young as five will be expected to understand what algorithms are and how to create and debug simple programs. Viewers saw that Estonia is already teaching coding at primary age and the Holy Family Primary School was presented as an example of a forward thinking UK school.
Holy Family Primary places great emphasis on Computing and has been working closely with ComputerXplorers to engage children of all ages in technology based learning to stay ahead of the game.
Said Pete Foley, deputy head teacher at Holy Family Primary School: “With the help of ComputerXplorers we are ensuring that our pupils develop an early understanding of technology and how to use it in every day learning. The children really enjoy the classes and I have been very impressed by the quality and high standard of work they have produced. Without even realising it they have tackled Computing issues not normally faced until secondary school – and had fun at the same time.”
ComputerXplorers has pioneered the introduction of programming classes for primary school children and pre-schoolers. Since 2006 the company’s programming and coding classes have inspired children to develop and broaden their computing skills.
Now the company has announced its first Programming for Primaries week to be held from 24-28 March. Explained Stephen Hall, director of ComputerXplorers “It may be a challenge for non specialist teachers in the Primary sector to deliver the new curriculum for computing and know where to go to find resources. The support is out there from a broad cross-section of the community and the Programming for Primaries awareness week in is designed to help spread the word to others about the wealth of resources available to teachers and children.”
It’s not too late for other schools to get involved before the national curriculum makes it compulsory for all schools in England from September. To take advantage of free workshops during Programming for Primaries week or for more information about ComputerXplorers visit www.birminghameast.computerxplorers.co.uk or contact Stephen Hall on 0121 386 3700 or info@birminghameast.computerxplorers.co.uk.
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