‘Code Clubs’ – everything you need to know, and how to get involved!
This edition of the blog talks about the increase of ‘Code Clubs’ across Leeds and the UK, and what you can do to get involved!
What is a code club?
Code Club is a nationwide network of free volunteer-led after school coding clubs for children aged 9-11. As at 1 October 2015, there are 3,033 Code Clubs in the UK where over 42,000 kids are learning to code.
What happens at code clubs?
We create projects for our volunteers to teach at after school coding clubs or at non-school venues such as libraries. The projects we make teach children how to program by showing them how to make computer games, animations and websites. Our volunteers go to their local club for an hour a week and teach one project a week.
Each term the students will progress and learn more whilst at the same time using their imaginations and making creative projects. Terms 1 & 2 use Scratch to teach the basics of programming. Term 3 teaches the basics of web development using HTML and CSS. Term 4 teaches Python and so on.
What’s going on in Leeds?
As part of the Leeds Digital Strategy, we hope to position a Code-Club in Primary School in Leeds. There are 30 active Code Clubs in Leeds – out of a total of approx 220 primaries.
Why do we need your help?
Currently 20 schools are ‘looking’ for a volunteer – that is, they’d like to run a Club but are waiting for someone to get in touch to help them run the club. We are looking for volunteers from Leeds digital businesses to populate these places and help promote enjoyable coding for the programmers of the future. Our aim in Leeds is to have Code Clubs in every school. We need your help!
How can I get involved?
There’s a meet-up for the Code Club community in Leeds on Wednesday 21 October at 5.30 pm to say ‘thank you’ to volunteers, teachers and club hosts and ‘welcome’ to new members. The fantastic people at the Test People are hosting this meet up at their offices at Albion Place, Leeds. More details and registration on Eventbrite – http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/code-club-leeds-meet-up-tickets-18839203565
Where can I find more information?
Everything you need to know about Code Clubs can be found at: https://www.codeclub.org.uk. Two particularly useful links within the website are https://www.codeclub.org.uk/start-a-club – if you would be interested in hosting a club and
https://www.codeclub.org.uk/start-a-club/volunteers – for everything you need to know about becoming a volunteer.
