Oxford’s newest coding studio helps students go back to school with a bang
On the 4th of September, Code Ninjas welcomed coding fanatics and video game lovers alike into their new studio, on Magdalen Road, for an exciting back-to-school event. The business, launched by local dad Howard Lee-Smith, develops children’s passion for technology while also teaching them valuable STEM skills.
There’s no doubt that back-to-school season can be exciting for some children but challenging for others. Whether it’s new classmates, new teachers or new subjects — there’s a lot of ‘new’ to get used to. However, the brand-new coding studio’s back-to-school event certainly made the transition into the new academic year for the children of Oxford a little easier.
“It was amazing to have such a great reaction from the local community to our back-to-school event. We’ve had positive feedback from everyone that came along and are so excited for what the future has in store,” said Howard. “The event allowed children to connect positively with technology, be inventive and to share their ideas and creativity with the world – all of which has got their minds back into the swing of things just in time for schools opening back up.”
The new coding studio supplements all the hard work schools are doing by allowing students – or ninjas – to take an adventure from the classroom to the Code Ninjas dojo. Howard said, “At Code Ninjas, we teach kids how the technology they use every day works in a fun, safe and inspiring environment. Ultimately this helps them develop a greater understanding of technology and its practical applications. Our flexible coding programme also benefits parents with convenient drop-in hours on weeknights and weekends. In the Code Ninjas studio, ninjas work through a colour-coded programme to earn wristbands - or belts - just like in martial arts. 'Belt-up' ceremonies mark a ninja's graduation to the next level.”
Code Ninjas is the fastest-growing kids coding brand in the world, with hundreds of other like-minded business owners, like Howard, launching their own kids coding locations across the US, Canada and, since 2019, the UK. Code Ninjas is a much-needed digital hub for tech-loving kids living locally and will help the children of Oxford catch up to coding.
A parent attending the event with his sons said, “I’ve never seen my boys so motivated to leave the house. Code Ninjas is such a fun place and has clear educational benefits. I love the martial arts theme and the idea behind the belts – it’s innovative and a breath of fresh air from the ‘normal’ after-school activities offered to kids. It’s such a great setup here.”
One mum attending the event with her daughter said, “The whole concept behind Code Ninjas is brilliant. It’s my daughter’s favourite place. I also have the opportunity to share her learning experience with her through the parent portal, which is great.”
To sign up or find out more about Code Ninjas, visit: https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/oxford-oxf-uk