ComputerXplorers to run free programming workshops in schools

School children in and around Manchester will get the opportunity to learn computer programming skills in ComputerXplorers workshops later this month.

The fun ‘Jukebox Joy’ workshops will be available to primary school children in Manchester, Salford, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport and Macclesfield as part of British Science Week, which runs from 8th to17th March 2019. Children will be able to use coding blocks to create a jukebox out of a Micro:bit mini-computer, connecting it to lemons, oranges and bananas to make music.

The Micro:bit is a small computer from the BBC that fits into the palm of a hand, and is designed to be an enjoyable introduction to the world of programming. The Micro:bit has 25 programmable LEDs, a USB connection, and light, temperature and motion sensors, and can be used for over 200 different activities.

The free sessions last two hours and form part of ComputerXplorers’ Programming for Primaries scheme, which was launched six years ago. Collaborating with British Science Week for the fourth year, the programme has currently reached more than 1,700 children and 100 teachers.

Griffin Cheng, Systems Analyst at computer franchise ComputerXplorers hopes that local schools will take advantage of the chance to give their pupils a beginner’s guide to programming: “Any parent or teacher will tell you that children learn best when they’re having fun. And we all know that STEM skills such as computer programming are vital for this generation of schoolkids. But their interest often wanes once they hit secondary school. So, we’re determined to do all we can to ignite children’s enthusiasm at a young age by showing them that computer programming is creative and exciting. Making music with fruit is a great and memorable way to do this.”

Aimed at children in years 4 to 6, the hands-on Jukebox Joy workshops go beyond simply teaching facts and instead encourage children to engage with the mini-computer individually. Spaces are limited, so interested schools should sign up as soon as possible at https://manchester.computerxplorers.co.uk/what-we-do/programming-for-primaries-activity-computerxplorers-free-coding-and-programming-workshop.