Get with the programme! LEP gears up for Solent Coding Day with string of fun activities for pupils

Solent LEP is encouraging schools to sign up for Solent Coding Day this December – a fun event inspiring young people to follow careers in the technologies of the future.

Pupils aged 9 to 13 will be able to take part in a series of free interactive workshops, all revolving around computer programming.

This year the LEP is also launching ‘Aqua’, a virtual character who will accompany teachers and students in the digital world as they work to build a platform-based game using the software Scratch.

For some of the young people taking part, it could be the catalyst to launch exciting careers in robotics, web and app development, ethical hacking, music production, or AI research.

Rachael Randall, Chair of Solent LEP, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting Solent Coding Day, where young people in the region will be invited to ‘unlock the code’ by learning and sharing programming skills.

“The event will offer an engaging platform where students in Years 5 to 8 can unravel the mysteries of coding in a fun and accessible way.”

“This will not only enthuse young people about the potential careers that coding can lead to, but will boost the region’s economy by creating a highly skilled talent pool for the future.”

Solent LEP has teamed up with the Digital Eagles team at Barclays Code Playground to deliver the workshops, which will cover topics in the Key Stage 2 and 3 computing curriculum.

They’re also scheduled to coincide with national Computer Science Education Week, which runs from 4th to 10th December.

• Schools can register their interest by signing up here.