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
Manchester Airport releases statement after customer data stolen in ‘targeted’ cyber security attack
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Airport has released a formal statement after data was stolen from 8.7 million customers in a ‘targeted’ cyber security attack yesterday.
Manchester Airport Group (MAG) – which operates Manchester Airport, Stansted, and East Midlands Airport – said the cyber security incident happened at around 1pm yesterday (Thursday 27 August), and that the data seized from 8.7 million customers included email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations, and postcodes.
The data that was stolen related to car park, lounge and Fast Track bookings, and in-airport WiFi sign-ups, MAG stated.
It was initially confirmed that the system the hackers accessed did not hold customers’ bank or payment details, however, and that all other regular airport operations and customer parking continued uninterrupted.
Manchester Airport has now released a formal statement to reassure customers that they are taking the matter ‘extremely seriously’.
The statement reads: “Manchester Airport Group has been subject to a cyber security incident by an unauthorised third party.
“A quantity of customer data has been obtained that relates to car park, lounge and Fast Track bookings and in-airport WIFI sign-ups at Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports.
“We immediately contained the risk and have been working with specialist advisors and taking appropriate steps to protect our customers and systems. We have informed and are working with the relevant authorities, and at no point has passenger safety or aviation security been compromised.”
MAG insisted that the incident had not resulted in any ‘operational disruption’, adding: “Airport operations remain unaffected and customer parking services continue to operate normally.
“Neither MAG nor the system accessed hold customers’ bank or payment details. The data that has been accessed includes customers’ email addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations and postcodes.
“We would like to reassure customers that Manchester Airport Group takes the security of customer information extremely seriously, and we apologise for any inconvenience or concern caused.”
Featured Image – MAG
Business
Workers at major Manchester city centre hotel to strike this bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Workers at one of the most prominent hotels in Manchester city centre are set to strike this bank holiday weekend.
Workers at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel and its bar venue The Refuge, who are members of the union Unite, will take 24 hours of strike action on Saturday (29 August) in what is said to be a ‘long-running dispute’ over union busting.
The strike day chosen by the workers is the second day of this year’s Manchester Village Pride, and is historically the most lucrative day of the year for their employer.
This is because Kimpton Clocktower is located very close to the Pride Parade route, and for several years has been a very popular location for people attending the festival, and even runs a number of Pride events itself.
Unite says that for months now, workers at the Kimpton Clocktower – which is owned by InterContinental Hotels Group UK (IHG) – have been asking for formal union recognition to improve conditions after raising several issues with management, but IHG UK has refused this and instead ‘targeted’ the union for its actions.
Workers at a major Manchester city centre hotel are set to strike this bank holiday weekend / Credit: Rebecca Hope Photography (Supplied)
Previous strikes have already taken place this summer, apparently causing ‘financial hits’ to the business in the process – with the bar being forced to close early at several events as there were not enough staff to cover them.
“A strike on Kimpton’s most profitable day is entirely of its own making,” commented Unite regional officer, Alison Treacher. “Throughout this dispute, Kimpton Clocktower management have treated its loyal workforce with contempt and our members have shown they will not stand for it.
“There is still time to avoid this highly disruptive strike action, but that relies on IHG changing tack by listening to its members and giving them the union recognition they have long been calling for.”
This dispute is said to be the first ever hospitality strike in the North West.
Unite is currently running a petition demanding that IHG UK stop targeting union activists, recognise the Kimpton workers rights to have their grievance heard collectively, and support their union recognition campaign.
The Manc -
23rd January 2021 
