Following in the footsteps of the pioneering BBC Micro in the 1980s, the micro:bit is creating a new generation of digital innovators in the UK and around the world. The program has inspired a new generation to get creative with coding, programming and digital technology.
But why should you teach your child to code?
Well, firstly it may help set your children up for success in the future. Although coding is often associated with computing, it is actually a valuable exercise for most children. Coding not only helps improve mathematics and writing skills but also teaches valuable life lessons in problem solving and critical thinking.
Although home-schooling was challenging during Covid, that doesn’t mean that you should be put off home learning now that pupils are back at school. The earlier children learn to code, the better they are likely to become as an adult.
If this sounds interesting to you or your child, keep reading to find out how you can get started.
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1. Workshops and after school activities
ComputerXplorers (based in Manchester), offer workshops and classes targeted at primary school children. These classes are designed to be hands on sessions, for groups of children aged 7 and upwards and can be the perfect route into coding.
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What’s more, you don’t need to know anything about coding yourself – as the class leaders will do it all for you.
2. Online courses
Much like in-person workshops, a great way to learn to code is through online courses. Makecode is offering online courses, targeting middle school children. Aimed at turning virtually any pupil into an expert coder, the online courses on offer are a brilliant introduction to the world of coding.
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3. Your very own micro:bit
Of course, nothing stops you from just buying your own micro:bit and getting started trying out all its features if you are already tech-savvy. The micro:bit is a mini computer designed to inspire young people to get into technology and is relatively fun and easy to learn for both adults and children alike. There are plenty of resources online to help you get started on your own too.
After all, if kids as young as 7 can start coding and learning basic programming functions, then so can you! With technology an ingrained part of our life now, it’s only right it should be embraced.
Conclusion
Although home schooling may be over, it’s never too late to teach your children to code. To really help your child excel in mathematics, literacy and problem solving, you may be surprised art how useful coding is to your child’s development.
Teaching your child how to code can set them up for future success in school and in their career. Where you may be struggling to keep screen time down, why not turn this into a productive use of time by utilising games to help your child learn code?
Business
WeWork is closing its enormous office in Spinningfields, with tenants told to move out
Daisy Jackson
Co-working giant WeWork has announced the shock closure of its flagship space in Manchester, an enormous unit in the heart of Spinningfields.
Those who rent desks or offices within the space have been served notice to move out by the end of the month.
It’s understood that WeWork’s three remaining locations in Manchester are unaffected.
The US-based workspace company first moved into the 60,000sq ft unit at No.1 Spinningfields in 2017, offering flexible solutions to businesses of varying sizes.
But in the last few years it’s faced major financial difficulties, with WeWork eventually filing for bankruptcy in the States.
It was previously valued at $47 billion before its bankruptcy overseas.
On the closure of its huge Manchester office, a WeWork spokesperson said: “As part of WeWork’s efforts to achieve a sustainable capital structure and profitable business to serve our members for the long term, we have made the decision to stop operating at No1 Spinningfields in Manchester.
“We look forward to continuing to provide our members with flexible space solutions across our other locations in the city and the rest of the UK, which remains a key market for us.”
An email sent to tenants said: “After carefully evaluating our offerings in Manchester, we have made the decision to stop operating at WeWork No 1 Spinningfields… the move out will occur by 31 May 2024.
“We understand this may cause disruption to your business and are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.”
Have you been affected by WeWork’s Manchester closure? Email [email protected] who can help with central, flexible office spaces.
Business
Premier League agrees new spending cap after ‘majority of clubs’ vote in favour
Danny Jones
The Premier League has reached an agreement in principle on a new spending cap for all teams as the English top flight looks to replace the current Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Set to be installed from the 2025/26 season onwards once fully ratified, revised spending limits will placed on teams in the first division, the number for which will be calculated in relation to a multiple of the money earned in prize money and TV rights by the lowest-earning club in the Premier League.
If approved at the AGM (annual general meeting) this June, the new model will replace the existing PSR system under which multiple clubs have broken FFP and been charged with other breaches over recent years, with Everton and Nottingham Forest having already been deducted points this season.
Although 16 of the 20 Premier League clubs reportedly agreed to the newly proposed regulations, four clubs were not in favour, with Manchester City, Man United and Aston Villa all said to have voted against the decision, while Chelsea chose to abstain.
The new max-spending model is being referred to as ‘anchoring’ or ‘tethering’, which will take into account total amounts spent on buying players, weekly wages, agents’ fees and more.
If successful following a final vote in June and brought through the season after next, the aim is to curb the increasing financial gap between the top and bottom of the table by preventing things like big sponsorships which may otherwise see clubs assert massive spending power during transfer windows.
According to the Independent, cost controls will now “limit club expenditure on salaries, signing and fees to 85 per cent of total revenue” for those not competing in European competitions.
This comes after Premier League teams previously the latest UEFA rules that will see those playing in the likes of the Champions, Europa and Conference League only allowed to spend 70% of that revenue, given the added financial uplift from qualifying for these tournaments.
While 16 yeas were enough to see the initial vote move forward, it will only require 14 out of 20 clubs to agree to the rule change in June for the motion to be fully passed.
A Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) spokesperson said: “We will obviously wait to see further details of these specific proposals, but we have always been clear that we would oppose any measure that would place a ‘hard’ cap on player wages.
“There is an established process in place to ensure that proposals like this, which would directly impact our members, have to be properly consulted on.”