Half term computer and coding course

Pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 attended Colfe’s first IT and Computing course over the Autumn half term break. The three-day workshop gave the group an opportunity to design and code their own Makeblock robot, whilst developing their knowledge of programming syntax.

The participants we given an introduction to Micro:bit coding by Mr Sycamore. They were then challenged to utilise external components to expand the Micro:bit capabilities. Pupils were put into teams to construct their own robots and programme them. Each team had to code their robot to perform different tasks – such as moving an object and making a sound – and by day three, they were all able to make them to traverse a maze with obstacles and challenges built into it.

Co-ordinator of ICT and Computing, Jill Li-Sue, commented “Computer Science skills are in high demand in every industry, so we are delighted at how enthusiastic pupils have been about this course. Our aim was to stretch their understanding in an analytical and practical manner; it was great to see the teams bonding, being creative, learning from their mistakes and succeeding. Even though the testing process was painstaking, the pupils got valuable insight into the issues real developers and programmers face.”