After-school coding at St Kents

Welcome to Code Champions and thank you for your interest in our after-school coding classes at St Kentigern.

We will be continuing with classes in 2023 and we invite you to join us.

We’ll be running a course across Terms 1 and 2, introducing students to some of the basic elements of computer coding, primarily using the Python programming language. (For more see What is Python and why do we use it?)

No coding experience is necessary. Most students will have done some coding in school class but there are no specific requirements to join us. This is a standalone course and students will learn all they need to know during our sessions to successfully complete the activities. (As they progress, they move on to more advanced activities and join students already coding with us.)

There are two things to note.

  1. Almost all the coding we’ll be doing is text based, in other words we write the code in letters and symbols, as opposed to using pre-coded blocks, like Scratch and Blockly.
  2. We will start from the basics with Python and, although we’ll also move fairly quickly, if your child has done a lot of work with the language already, it may not be suitable for them. (Please check with us.)

Ages, times and dates

Classes are for students in Years 4-7 from the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools. Currently these are on Wenesday and Thursday. Classes take place in the DVC – Design & Visual Communication Room (ground floor of the Specialist Building).

Timings are:

  • 3.20-4.15pm
  • 4.20-5.15pm

Provisionally, the dates are:

Wednesday:

  • Term 1 (8 weeks): 8, 15 and 22 February; 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29 March.
  • Term 2 (7 weeks): 26 April; 3, 10 and 31 May; 7, 14 and 21 June.

Thursday:

  • Term 1 (8 weeks): 9, 16 and 23 February; 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 March.
  • Term 2 (7 weeks): 27 April; 4 and 11 May; 1, 8, 15 and 22 June.
Python code for a random number gam

Kids of all ages can code but we have limited time and resources and, unfortunately, can’t accommodate everyone. If your child doesn’t currently fall into these age groups or timings/dates, please feel free to register below and we’ll keep you updated on future courses.

Cost

The cost for the full two-term, 15-week course is $540 per student. A computer, software and learning materials are provided. We suggest students have a pad and pen for notes, and they may prefer to use their own mouse (rather than use a trackpad). Other than that, all we need them to bring is an enthusiasm for coding!

Register your interest

To take the next steps in computer coding and extend your child’s programming skills, please submit your details below. (Enquiries will be processed in the order we receive them.)

Hopefully, this covers most things. If you have any questions or need further information, you can contact us at info@codechampions.nz. Otherwise, we can’t wait to get going again and looking forward to seeing everyone next term!

Code Champions November 2022