£1.3m to help more pupils crack coding

MORE pupils are set to learn about computer coding thanks to a new £1.3m funding boost from the Welsh Government, it has been revealed.

Education Secretary Kirsty Williams says she wants all pupils to have the opportunity to get involved in coding as the importance of digital skills continues to grow.

The Welsh Government aims to expand “code clubs” in every part of Wales. Approximately 300 clubs currently exist across the country.

There are currently around 1.5 million jobs in the digital sector in the UK, 400,000 of which involve coding. It is estimated that there will be 100,000 new coding jobs by 2020.

Ms Williams said: “Code is part of almost everyone’s lives. When we check out social media, access an app or computer we are using systems created through code.

“It is an essential building block of our modern world and I want to make sure as many of our young people have knowledge of it as they develop their digital skills.

“Through this £1.3m of new investment we are aiming to expand the number of code clubs in every area of Wales for learners aged 3-16 so that they can develop their skills which will be a vital part of thriving in our increasingly digital economy.

“We will work with teachers, the education consortia and others to help us crack the code for all our pupils.”

The plan to expand code clubs, called “Cracking the Code”, will have a specific focus on encouraging stronger relationships between business, industry and the third sector to support the development of coding skills.

Maria Quevedo, director of Code Club UK, said: “We’re excited to be working with the Welsh Government to give more children and young people across Wales the opportunity to attend a code club, and to learn about computing and digital making.

“Code clubs are a fun and engaging way to help the next generation develop these essential skills.”