CPD programmes (IO2), Training Resources

Getting started with a Code Club!

A training plan written by Jen Hughes for Taccle 4 CPD

These resources are designed to be used by teacher trainers or for teacher CPD courses. We have tried and tested all of the Taccle workshops with teachers across Europe as part of the Taccle projects.

Here we share our aims, objectives, and resources. You are free to use and repurpose the materials under the cc license at the bottom of the site.

Target audience:

  • New or potential Code Club leaders (Primary age)
  • Managers of organisations organising code clubs

Aims:

To equip potential code club leaders with the skills and knowledge they will need to establish and run a coding club for primary school age children.

Objectives:

At the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe different models of coding clubs and different rational underpinning their operation
  • Discuss the equipment, materials, resources, staffing and premises requirements for a coding club.
  • Calculate the costs of running a coding club, prepare a list of capital and recurring expenditure and potential income.
  • List the legal and good practice requirements including DBS, insurance, safety, safeguarding and data security, AUP etc
  • Explain how achievements in a coding club can be recognised and rewarded
  • Describe different pedagogical approaches to helping children learn to code
  • Recognise and respond to the needs of children across the ability range
  • Say where they can get further help and support.

Outline programme:

Day 1: Getting started

Session 1.  Why coding clubs?

  • What is a coding club and why do we need them?
  • How did it all start?
  • Types of coding clubs – e.g school based, community or voluntary organisation based, private or stand- alone clubs
  • Frequency and duration of activities – weekly meetings, code camps, participation in local, national or international events
  • Target audience – inclusive, selective, open

Session 2: Money

  • Funding – what does it cost? Expenditure and Income
  • Session Premises – space, connectivity, internet and network access
  • Staffing – who? (teachers, volunteers, parents etc) expertise, different roles
  • Resources – IT equipment, other materials, BYOD
  • Marketing and advertising
  • Pricing models

Session 3: Legal requirements and good practice

  • Insurance
  • Legal issues
  • Safety, safeguarding, data security, AUP
  • Sharing equipment

Session 4:  Accreditation and recognition

  • Open Badge schemes for children and young people
  • Accredited training for staff

Day 2:  Delivering Content

Session 1: Types of programme

  • Hobby based vs complementary vs supplementary curriculum
  • Links to Computing /ICT curriculum /DCF
  • Working in tandem with schools /ICT co-ordinator /class teachers

Session 2: Programme delivery

  • Computing unplugged
  • Tangible User Interfaces
  • Robots
  • Graphic programme environments
  • Coding languages

Session 3:  Inclusivity and differentiation

  • Provision for less able children, more able and talented children and the geeks!

Session 4:  Support and training

  • Sources of help and advice
  • Training opportunities
  • National and local initiatives
  • Networks

Duration
The course could run over 2 days (9.30 – 3.30) which can be run as a block, as stand-alone days, 4x morning only or over 4/5 evenings.

Materials cost
All equipment and material will be provided but participants are encouraged to bring their own devices if they would prefer digital copies.

Format
The training will be based mainly on groupwork using case studies, mini-projects, role play and other interactive methods.