Introducing Primary Pupils to Programming
The James Kane Foundation is supporting Lurgan Junior High School (LJHS) to deliver the Think. Code. Create project, providing up to 450 Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils from 11 local primary schools with hands-on experience of coding and digital technology.
Led by LJHS Head of ICT, Matthew Lavery, the project will deliver practical programming workshops using the BBC Micro and Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. Pupils will learn foundational coding skills through creative activities, including programming their own smartwatch and designing and developing a playable video game.
The workshops will help pupils develop computational thinking, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills while introducing programming concepts such as sequencing, loops, variables and event handling. By creating their own digital products, pupils will have the opportunity to put these skills into practice in an engaging and accessible way.
Each participating pupil will also receive a BBC Micro:bit to take home, encouraging them to continue experimenting with code beyond the classroom.
Through Think. Code. Create, LJHS aims to build pupils’ confidence in digital technology, nurture an interest in STEM and inspire more young people to consider further study in Computer Science and Digital Technology, helping prepare them for future education and career opportunities in a growing digital sector.
The project will benefit up to 450 pupils from Ballinderry, Bleary, Carrick, Dickson, Donacloney, Kings Park, Lurgan Model, Maghaberry, Maralin, Moira and Waringstown Primary Schools. Our next generation of coders!
Image credit: BBC Micro:bit
