PATHWAY EXTENSION CLASS AUTUMN/SPRING 2023/24

Alongside the Core offering, our Fresher & Junior Groups will have a fantastic opportunity to attend a second session per week with us in addition to their core coding class. During Autumn term this 1hr class will teach your child how to work with Python, and in the Spring, students will learn Web based programming such as CSS Animations or Twine! Classes will be available on Wednesday or Thursday evenings & Saturday mornings.

Python - Autumn Term

Why should my child learn PYTHON?

Python is one of the most popular programming languages in the world. It's used in everything from machine learning to building websites and software testing. Python has created everything from Netflix’s recommendation algorithm to the software that controls self-driving cars! It’s also considered to be one of the easiest coding languages to learn as its syntax is similar to the English language.

CLASS CONTENT

After setting up your own programming environment, students will start building their confidence with simple exercises covering Python concepts. We start with block-based programming using Python turtle and then move up to text-based programming using Python in replit.com. The older students will start off with Pytch (Pytch is a bridge from Scratch to Python) before moving on to Pygame, a Free and Open Source python programming language library for making multimedia applications like games. They will learn concepts including;

  • Python basics

  • Functions

  • Conditionals & Loops

  • Data Structures

  • Object-Orientated Programming

  • & more!

 

Example

To register for this second stream of coding, please select the ‘Pathway Extension Class’ option from the dropdown at checkout.

Web Based Coding - Spring Term 2023

Why should my child learn Css & Twine?

CSS allows us to animate HTML elements without the use of JavaScript. Elements can be squashed, rotated, slanted, spun, stretched and bounced on the page leading to all sorts of interesting and fun things to happen on your website.

CSS helps a web page come to life - whether it's having a character move across the screen as the page loads or showcasing particular elements through the use of changing shapes and colours. Students in our Spring term will learn how to import ready to use CSS animation libraries enabling them to animate things like images, text and shapes, creating exciting visuals for their websites!

In the world of interactive storytelling and game development, Twine stands as a powerful and accessible tool that empowers anyone to create their own interactive narratives without requiring extensive programming knowledge. Whether you're a writer, educator, game designer, or simply someone with a story to tell, learning Twine can offer a multitude of benefits.

First and foremost, Twine is incredibly user-friendly. Its intuitive interface and straightforward syntax make it easy to grasp, even for those who have no prior coding experience. You can focus on crafting your narrative and designing interactive elements without getting bogged down in complex technicalities. This simplicity allows you to quickly prototype ideas and iterate on your story, giving you the freedom to experiment and refine your work.