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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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
Morrisons introduces new quiet hours to make stores less ‘overwhelming’ for shoppers
Emily Sergeant
Morrisons has decided to extend its popular ‘Quieter Hour’ across the UK to help make its stores less “overwhelming” for shoppers.
Introduced earlier this month to mark World Autism Acceptance Week, and in a bid to turn what can be a daunting task for many people into “a calmer and more enjoyable experience”, the supermarket chain has announced an extension to its already popular initiative by adding new ‘Quieter Hours’ during weekday afternoons.
In case you weren’t aware, Morrisons first introduced its Quieter Hour all the way back in July 2018, and has been welcoming people who may struggle supermarket shopping environments through its doors ever since.
The initiative – which initially took place between 9am and 10am on a Saturday, and for the first hour of trade on a Sunday – originally began as part of the National Autistic Society’s ‘Autism Hour campaign’, after it was found that some neurodiverse people, including those with autism, can find shopping in a supermarket “overwhelming”.
Morrisons has introduced new quiet hours to make stores less ‘overwhelming’ for shoppers / Credit: Morrisons
Supermarkets can lead many people to experience increased sensitivity to light and sound, such as loud music, bright lights, and busy environments, and in turn, this can cause anxiety or, in some of the worst cases, even physical pain.
But now, after the trial has proved to be so successful and well-received, Morrisons has made the decision to extended the initiative to weekdays too, as well as weekends – with ‘Quieter Hours’ now also running every week from Monday to Thursday between 2-3pm.
The company says the extension is all with the aim of “helping even more customers”.
During ‘Quieter Hours’, Morrisons stores operate lower levels of lighting, turn music and radios off, avoid making tannoy announcements, reduce movement of trolleys and baskets, and turn checkout beeps and other electrical noises down.
“The weekly shop can be a daunting task for those who may struggle with noises associated with it,” commented Charlotte Exell, who is the Business Sponsor of Ability at Morrisons.
“At Morrisons, we are always looking for more ways to support customers, and as the Quieter Hour is incredibly popular in our stores across the nation, we have listened to customers and will now help more shoppers in our extended times.”
Featured Image – Morrisons
Business
The BBC is looking for Manc entrepreneurs for a new series of The Apprentice
Emily Sergeant
Reckon you’ve got what it takes to be Lord Sugar’s next business partner?
The current 2024 season of The Apprentice might be coming to a close, but the show is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
In fact, there’s already a chance to apply for the next season of the hit TV show.
Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur with a business-savvy mind, someone who’s always just fancied themselves for doing well in the field, or you have a business idea that you think could be the next big thing, everyone is encouraged to apply for the new series – and the BBC is particularly calling on people from Greater Manchester.
Basically, as long as “you think you’ve got the talent and confidence to impress Britain’s toughest backer”, then the show’s producers are keen to hear from you.
A casting call on the BBC website reads: “Could you be his next investment? If you think you’ve got the talent and confidence to impress Britain’s toughest backer, the process starts here. The winning candidate will receive an investment and go into a 50:50 business with Lord Sugar. Fighting it out for his investment candidates will take part in twelve tough tasks to win one life-changing opportunity.”
There’s a few simple questions to answer as part of the initial process, but the two major ones where you’ll have your chance to set yourself apart from the rest are:
Why should you be Lord Sugar’s business partner?
What’s the most impressive thing you’ve ever done in business?
The BBC is looking for Manc entrepreneurs for a new season of The Apprentice / Credit: BBC
Applications are now open and close on 1 December 2024 at 23:59, with successful candidates set to be contacted for interviews in the new year.
Initial interviews will be taking place across the UK, and at least two dates have been pencilled for Manchester, Leeds, and/or Birmingham, with additional interviews to decide on the final candidates then set to follow in early 2025, and filming for the series due to takes place for 10 to 12 weeks from 7 April – 22 June 2025.
The Manc -
23rd January 2021 
