Coding for Older Kids Summer Course, Idler Academy

A new generation of electronic gadgetry is proving to parents and children alike that technology and creativity needn’t be separate. This year Codasign’s summer course at The Idler Academy can teach your teens how to use programming and circuitry to their very own retro video game.

Coding Matters...

The value of programming proficiency in the modern world is becoming increasingly apparent both to parents and teachers, with the likes of Barack Obama promoting the “Hour of Code” in the classroom for children of all ages. And since any computer program is written in a programming language, it couldn’t be truer that the sooner our kids start, the closer they are likely to come to technological fluency.

How it works...

The class will build unique computer games using Python, a programming code. Unlike the simple, bright aesthetic of Scratch programming (which will be used on the coding course for younger children), Python looks the same a professional code -- think The Matrix. Though baffling upon first encounter, this system is simple enough to grasp with a little guidance. Not only will older children love the speed with which they can master this complex code, the learning process will also reveal a whole new way of creating and communicating -- much like being bilingual. 

Each day the participants will learn a new skill, such as how to design and input a game, how to move a character and how to customise graphics. 

If you would like to encourage your teen to do something  little more challenging and active than tapping an iPad screen, this course presents a fantastic opportunity to empower the next generation of budding Bill Gateses  to become not just a consumers but creators of their own technology.

The course is suitable for teens aged 12-16 and participants must bring their own laptop and install Python 3 beforehand. It is available to install here.

Book fast; there's only eight places available.