06 | PRIMARY AND SECONDARY NEWS
RECORD NUMBER OF KIDS NOW CODING
A record number of pupils are now learning to code with Rapid Router, the free primary coding resource developed by Ocado Technology and specialist ICT teachers. More than 14,000 schools,
pupils, teachers and even parents now regularly use the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 resource. The news comes as the biggest ever
update is launched – upper Key Stage 2 pupils can now use Rapid Router to learn Python programming language. This new skill paves the way for pupils to create a variety of applications including games and websites. Plus they can use it for data analysis and scientific computing, and programming embedded devices such as Raspberry Pi.
Tested on over 100 primary pupils, the update features:
✥ New levels: 59 new levels separated into five different episodes which are all closely linked to the computing curriculum. ✥ Introduction to Python: This episode introduces students to a coding language that is used by both academia and industry. This episode starts the process slowly, allowing pupils to use Blockly to solve levels. Then the Blocky is converted to Python so pupils can view and move through the process. ✥ Python advanced: This episode hides the Blockly, encouraging pupils to use the Python language they learnt in the previous episode. ✥ Limited blocks episode: 10 new levels which restrict the number of uses of each block to reinforce the concepts that have been introduced in the previous episodes. ✥ Procedures: This episode features seven new levels, introducing the concept of 'procedures'. Procedures are used in coding to separate code into smaller reusable pieces. ✥ Blockly brain teasers: This episode introduces the most advanced Blockly levels yet. Presented as 'brain teasers', these 12 levels exercise pupils’ understanding of the concepts, challenging them to solve tricky problems.
App initiative to be rolled out
Education technology charity Apps for Good, which teaches students to design and make problem- solving apps, has launched a fellows programme for its former students. Supported by Thomson Reuters, the
programme is open to all students who have completed the Apps for Good course and aims to give them the chance to further develop their skills. The programme was piloted with
around 100 students and will now be rolled out to the 25,000 students enrolled on the charity’s course this year. As well as continuing to develop their skills, students on the programme will be able to enter competitions, get careers advice and information, gain hands-on experience in business, keep in touch with industry experts and become an ambassador for the charity. Debbie Forster, managing director
at Apps for Good, said: “Each year we help students from all over the UK transform from consumers into creators of technology. Now we want to take that even further, giving students who have taken part in Apps for Good at their school the chance to continue to build connections with our communities of
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