Code Ninjas – getting kids code-ready from September!
Like it or not, we have become somewhat dependent on virtual technology over the last 18 months. As a result, the population of child gamers and computer-buffs alike has skyrocketed. Outside of online meetings and learning there lies an exciting world of coding; the all-important skill needed to be at the cutting edge of development, arming children with the best chance of getting ahead in an ever-changing technical world. While the national curriculum in the UK hasn’t quite caught up with this, children’s extra-curricular coding studio Code Ninjas is helping to focus these new-found passions for gaming into computational thinking skills. Parents and kids are being invited to their back-to-school event taking place on Saturday 4th September to get a taster of these vital skills.
Schools do their best to deliver what is expected of them by the national curriculum but in a field which is so important, the poor representation of coding education is a concern to many parents. Code Ninjas is changing that, by providing daily martial-art-themed sessions of games-based computer code tutoring, welcoming ninjas aged 7-14 from around Oxford into their dojo to start the academic year on a high.
Code Ninjas, based on Magdalen Road, is run by local dad-of-two Howard Lee-Smith who firmly believes that extracurricular learning is a vital experience for the development of children. “We want to help children have fun learning after such a frustrating and limiting 18 months. As they are becoming more confident, independent and savvy with technology, we as parents should be making every effort to develop thinking and problem-solving skills, as we would if they developed a passion for sport, music or any other extracurricular activity.”
Howard decided to open Code Ninjas – the first kids coding studio of its kind in Oxfordshire - after realising the importance of coding from his own children’s experience. Working as an architectural lighting designer, he understands the importance of having digital literacy, especially as a child in the 21st century. “Parents have worries about encouraging their children to pursue something that they don’t necessarily have a good understanding of. But in the digital age, coding and digital literacy is something employers consider a crucial skill and will undoubtedly set them apart in the job market in the future. Relying on school delivery of this subject alone, I realised, is rather hit and miss. So, in creating a space dedicated to developing this area of learning specifically, I envisage Code Ninjas becoming a local educational community asset for everyone to have access to and benefit from.
“The pandemic’s lockdowns will have a permanent effect on how we approach and utilise technology going forward. Code Ninjas helps kids make the most out of screen time while also developing their independence and confidence. Through opportunities like our back-to-school event, more and more kids will be able to benefit from having a great understanding of technology and its practical applications,” explained Howard.
Children attending Code Ninjas classes see improvements in their problem-solving ability, critical thinking and STEM skills in a safe, fun environment. Code Ninjas’ programmes benefit parents as much as their kids, as classes are flexible and can work around tight routines with convenient drop-in hours on weeknights and weekends.
For more information or to sign up to the free back-to-school event visit: https://tinyurl.com/c7jbj4
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Editor’s notes:
For more information or to speak with Howard, contact Jacob Turner at Rev PR on 07730 727475
Images available: Howard and his son and Ninjas taking part in activities.