CODERDOJO IN SCHOOL HOURS

SCOIL Naomh Charthaigh / Castleisland Boys’ National School has just established a link to the truly global world of the Coderdojo Movement.

The CoderDojo movement is based on the belief that an understanding of programming languages is increasingly important in the modern world. That it’s both better and easier to learn these skills early, and that nobody should be denied the opportunity to do so.

They have built a global network of free, volunteer-led, community-based programming clubs for young people.

Apparently the boys are displaying enormous interest in the area of coding and, in fact, the school is ahead of the Department of Education guidelines which aim to make coding mandatory in all primary schools in the near future.

“Having used the Scratch programme for some time now we are looking to take our skills a little further by setting up Boys’ National School (BNS) Castleisland Coderdojo,” explained the school’s Principal, Marina O’Connor.

“We are possibly the first primary school in Ireland to open a Coderdojo initiative during school hours. That way all our children can avail of it.

“We have enthusiastic staff that are always looking for ways to help advance the learning of our pupils. We recognise that we are living in a cyber age where technology is a forerunner in improving learning and eventually culminating in successful careers and employment,” said Ms. O’Connor.

“Normally DoJos focus on children aged seven to 18. Our feeder school is Muire gan Smál Primary School. Boys transfer to us in second class so we at BNS are willing to share the magic with our little friends in the Presentation Convent Primary School and get them coding as early as possible.

“In this way there will be continuity in coding for the children. Parents from both schools will recognise the value of this as exposing the younger children to technological learning, and continuing it right through their primary school years with a definite plan, will lead to some amazing results.

“Also by sharing with the Presentation Convent N.S we will be helping towards leveling the imbalance that exists currently in the technology/ coding field. Capturing the interest of children both boys and girls from a young age will help to address those imbalances. Exiting times ahead!

“Silicon Valley could, in the future, be twinned with our schools, Castleisland Boys NS and Presentation Convent NS. Anything’s possible! Get coding with Coderdojo. Follow us on Facebook,” added the enthusiastic principal.