About Us
We help kids learn the basics of coding and IT, with a particular focus on Python. We believe that anyone can code if they have someone to push them to be better, and we are determined to inspire a new generation of programmers.
Coding Club is a Regular Project of the University of Essex’s VTeam that runs all-year round. We hold 2 sessions per week, where we visit neighboring schools and teach students aged 10 to 11 how to code.
We are proud to make a difference in our community and create concrete, positive, social impact.
We are always looking for new volunteers to join us on our sessions.
Meet our team
What we teach
We teach kids the very basics of Python using the Micro:bit, which is a very accessible device for the age groups that we work with. We provide each student with a booklet made by us, which goes into detail about the learning tasks of each session, the codes that they will learn and how the code works. Each chapter of the booklet corresponds to 1 session, of which topics are listed below.
1
Meet the Micro:bit
Learn what each part of the microbit does, how to plug it in and connect it, run their first program
2
Buttons
Learn how to control what the A and B buttons do
3
Variables
Understand what a variable is, learn how to create, change and use variables in their program
4
Loops and timings
Learn about while loops and for loops, why they are important, and how to control them
5
Make your own images
Learn how to use the grid on the micro:bit to make custom images
6
Randomness and chaos
Understand the concept of randomness and make a program that outputs random answers
7
Radios
Understand how radios send messages and work in pairs to make a program that sends and forwards messages.
8
Sensors and movement
Learn how to program the micro:bit to detect horizontal and vertical movement
9
Sound and music
Learn that the micro:bit can play notes, create music using code
10
Games and reactions
Develop a reaction game using knowledge of loops, randomness and buttons
Our sessions & events
Volunteer with us
Do you like to teach? Do you know how to code?
Then consider joining us on one or more of our sessions!
Becoming a volunteer
Sign up on Gradintelligence and wait for your welcome email!
Get invited to a session and get ready to be picked up by a taxi at the pre-established meeting point
Complete the
Safeguarding Training
It's a short test to ensure the safety of the children you will work with, but don't worry! You can take it as many times as you want.
What do I need to know?
You do need to know the basics of coding, but there is no need to be an expert!
We use Python to code, but we are flexible and accommodating to any coding knowledge.
When do sessions run?
Our sessions are held every Thursday and Friday, from 2:30PM until 4:45PM, including travelling time.