IT
Year 7 students have enjoyed getting their
hands on the new miniature computer
from the BBC, the MicroBit. These have
been provided free to all year 7s in the
country to encourage them to learn how
to write code. Initially, students have been
using them in their weekly Computing
lessons but will then be able to take their
MicroBit away to continue coding and
experimenting at home.
The tiny devices contain a processor, two input buttons and a grid of 25 LEDs for
display, along with a variety of on-board sensors to detect movement or light levels.
Students can then incorporate these features into apps or games they write for the
MicroBit, using a variety of programming languages from drag and drop block editors
to text -ased languages like Python and Javascript.
Students write their code using the BBC’s MicroBit website, then test
out their program using an on-screen simulation, before transferring it
to the actual MicroBit to play for real. This helps to show students how
computing devices need programmed code to make them work – from
their smartphone or tablet to the household appliances in their homes.
This is all part of the shift from the old ICT curriculum dropped a couple of
years ago to Computing, a combination of Computer Science, Information
Technology and Digital Literacy. Whilst students will still be taught how
to make use of computing devices and application software effectively
and safely, they will also gain an insight into how these devices work
and encouraged to develop programming skills, increasingly in demand
in this digital age.
James Hartridge, Lead teacher of Computing
Playing with the MicroBits is fun and coding them is even more fun – it’s fun education!
Daniel
I liked the MicroBit, although I found it difficult to code it at first. It’s fun to play with but you’ll need very good patience
to code the games.
Nicole
It’s annoying when you miss a capital letter in your code and it doesn’t work.
Georgia
I have loved using the BBC MicroBits as they have inspired me to think outside
the box whilst coding. I have had lots of fun with the MicroBits and I hope to get
better at using them.
Ben
Coding is really, really fun.
Kade
I liked the MicroBit because in my opinion it was actually quite easy to code
simple things and it’s nice to see things you’ve done in another way.
Alisha
Coding is good fun and an engaging topic that I enjoyed very much.
Leo
I found using MicroBits easy to understand and to program. I like coding with
MicroBits because there are lots of different styles that you can code with.
Jess
I’ve enjoyed the freedom of coding whatever I want.
Jolyon
Kooth is a unique, and free, online service that provides
vulnerable young people who have emotional or mental
health problems with support when they need it most. It was
developed to provide PCTs, local authorities and GPs with the
resource, expertise and support to provide help to young people
most at risk and, crucially, to prevent them from entering the
care system. When you sign up, you can choose an avatar,
which helps to keep you safe and anonymous. You can have a
'drop-in' chat with a counsellor or therapist, or book a one-to-
one session. Kooth is suitable for children and young people
aged 11 to 25. It can help with lots of different problems,
including family problems, eating disorders, loneliness,
bullying, anxiety and depression.
Sal Hinchcliffe, The Base
Kooth: on-line counselling
Here is what one of our KEVICC students said about it.:
KOOTH is extremely user-friendly. It doesn’t show who the
peopleyouare talking toare; youcan’t get anybadcomments
fromothers because the KOOTH workers check your messages
first. There are loads of other people’s strategies on there and
so many people to help. There are different articles about
different needs like self-harm, bullying and abuse. It’s really
helpful; you can get emails from KOOTH if you wish. You don’t
have to specify your
gender or preferences
and everyone is really
nice to you
.
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