Software firm teams up with Brackley school to get kids into coding

A Brackley-based software business linked up with Magdalen College School to run a series of coding workshops to arm young people with vital digital skills for the future.
Magdalen College School pupil Seb Hirons with some of the coding that was being taught at the sessions. NNL-161202-165125001Magdalen College School pupil Seb Hirons with some of the coding that was being taught at the sessions. NNL-161202-165125001
Magdalen College School pupil Seb Hirons with some of the coding that was being taught at the sessions. NNL-161202-165125001

The three-session programme was run by CSfD (Computer Systems for Distribution) for Key Stage 3 pupils between January 27 and February 10.

The sessions consisted of several different tutorials conducted by CSfD software experts which began with a Star Wars tutorial where pupils could create their very own Star Wars game.

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Further on in the sessions, pupils were shown how code is really written and given the opportunity to continue their learning at home by registering on the websites used in the lessons.

Laurence James, ICT teacher, said: “We are thankful for the generosity of a number of businesses in helping to share exciting real-life applications of computer science with our students.

“Magdalen College School is proud to offer a comprehensive Computer Science curriculum, equipping students with essential skills for the 21st Century in an innovative and exciting way.”

The workshops have been inspired by the global Hour of Code initiative initially launched in the UK in 2014 by Prime Minister David Cameron.

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The programme has seen a large uptake from businesses and organisations from all over the world.

Peter van der Merwe, Chief Executive Officer at CSfD, said: “Learning code teaches both creative and logical thinking and will have an important role to play in the future, not just in the lives of those who want a career in computer science.

“Our culture at CSfD is very much focussed around wanting our staff to make a difference. The younger generation is our future workforce so it is befitting to be extending our ethos to the students in our local area.”

Becci Worrod, Customer Relationship Manager at CSfD, arranged the sessions at Magdalen College School after being inspired by Hour of Code.

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She said: “We need to address the skills gap to ensure that in years to come we have competent and innovative programmers and testers to move the country forward. It is easy to find extra-curricular activities for kids if they are musical or into sport, let’s harness the desire to get into coding!”

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