One is the video game phenomenon that took the world by storm and has enthralled millions through its sandbox game play and pure creativity. The other is a sci-fi film that defined the term blockbuster and created a whole cottage industry in special effects and merchandise. Together they are working to promote and encourage people to engage in programming. Code.org is a non-profit organization that seeks to encourage pupils in schools to learn the basics of coding and take up Computer Science, through offering themed coding lessons on its website. By using the Minecraft and Star Wars license it hopes to promote the skills required to code and create.

As a Computing teacher for many years this is definitely a step in the right direction, after the secretarial skills curriculum promoted in the 90's there is a severe lack of coding expertise and anything that encourages pupils to learn this in-demand skill is most welcome. I was playing the Minecraft and Star Wars Hour of Code sessions and found them to be highly enjoyable, progressing at a good pace with supplementary video help and guides to support those who need it.

The link is provided below and I will be using it in my after school computer club.

LINK- Minecraft and Star Wars Hour of Code

When you think of Barclays what do you think of? If it was fat cat bankers who ruined the worlds economy and got away with it then correct. But aside from that they do something for the community, apart from taking all our money or playing with foreign exchange markets illegally.

Barclays Coding Playground is a chance to attend coding sessions run by their experts. In their own words:

You rarely see it, but computer code runs our world. Everything from the website you’re reading to the traffic lights on our roads relies on the mysterious world of code. It’s even part of the national curriculum now, and learning what makes tech tick could give your kids a head start in the world of work.

Give them a helping hand by bringing them along to a coding session with our Digital Eagles – experts who’ll guide your children as they take on fun challenges that introduce them to the basics of coding.

Seems like a good opportunity for people to learn coding for free, it might just light the spark that children need. There are sessions across the country and simply by entering your postcode you can find the nearest session to you. Better than a kick in the teeth, or a overdraft fee of 30 quid!

LINK- Barclays Coding Playground