THE WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGISTS EDUCATION
Race To The Top Coding Competition
T he competition , run as a partnership by Northamptonshire County Council , the University of Northampton , Code Club and WCIT , seeks to improve the teaching of computer coding and to develop Northamptonshire pupils ’ technology skills .
Students across Northamptonshire were invited to put their computer skills to the test and create a game or an app with an energy-saving theme , which they then submitted their entries by uploading a two-minute video to YouTube about their design .
Team Sparky from Park Junior School in Wellingborough won the Year 4 to 6 category with their game which challenges players to fix solar panels on the school roof as they degrade over time , while the winner of the Year 9 category was Team Syntax Error from Kettering Buccleuch Academy for their app which tracks household energy consumption .
The competition , also part sponsored by the WCIT Charity , forms part of Northamptonshire ’ s Race To The Top school improvement strategy , which identifies that pupils are currently underperforming in science , technology , engineering and maths ( STEM ).
Clapton Common Boys Club
Practical Parenting Course
C lapton Common Boys Club was set up as a ' foundation for recreation ' for young Jewish disadvantaged boys in the inner London Boroughs of Hackney and Haringey . Focused on tackling the high levels of local gang and youth crime , they serve 300 local boys , offering participation in extra-curricular activities and opportunities to develop their talents and interests in a constructive way .
In 2015 they applied to the WCIT Charity for funding towards the IT equipment much needed to run their “ Practical Parenting ” course . After running a community open day , inviting local people , teachers and head teachers to share ideas and ways to offer training and support in the area of SEN education , 90 % of participants were in favour of training courses for fathers .
The aim of the course was to improve the lives of vulnerable families by strengthening the parenting role of the ‘ often absent ’ father via training sessions to teach fathers how to parent effectively , to understand the importance of their role and demonstrate how they can be more present for their children . It was hoped the
Michael Hoddy , of WCIT , said : ” We are pleased to have played our part in this competition and are delighted to see such a good selection of inspired entries from the Northamptonshire schools taking part . “ The competition matches WCIT ’ s focus and interest in helping improve educational attainment and encouraging digital fluency amongst pupils and students from all ages and backgrounds .”
Dr Jon Hall , Chairman of the WCIT Education and Training Committee , added : “ Our best chance of a bright future is inspired children who can code . Our thanks go to the teachers and volunteers who , through Northamptonshire ’ s Code Clubs and this competition , have inspired these technology-gifted girls and boys .”
Contributed by Liveryman Mick Hoddy
Contributed by Malky Liebenthal
project would enable the parents and their children to re-establish the bonds of familial love in a preventative measure to avoid family break-down , abuse , parental apathy and provide for healthier more positive futures for children ( avoiding involvement in crime , drugs ).
The WCIT Charity gave a grant of £ 1,000 towards the IT equipment and the course was run in summer 2015 with 89 % of fathers , surveyed in August 2015 , agreeing that they felt more confident as a father as a result of their participation . All fathers surveyed agreed that they enjoyed taking part in the programme , highlighting its combination of formal learning and informal play / relaxation as key to this enjoyment . Low-income fathers reported an increase in parenting skills ( setting boundaries , patience , handling conflict , confidence , etc …) as a result of the parenting programme .
“ I had the time to listen to my son ’ s questions and he felt special with the time given to him , we really gained from each specialised activity , especially the speakers and communication card game with ideas to talk about ” Father , survey , October 2015
“ I find that my father has opened up to us . Hearing that he was also cheeky at times gives me a little push . I know where I get it from !” Son , survey , October 2015 .
Staff observations provide a plethora of examples of the ways that fathers have gained confidence in being a parent and greater skills , alongside growing understanding of their importance as a figurehead for their sons .
“ The greatest learning was the positive energy point , many parents seemed eager to begin working on this area . They see an obvious improvement in each of their children and they continuously imbue it into their children ” Trainer , training diary notes , 2015
All school stakeholders surveyed agreed that the project is unique , ground-breaking and much needed in the community ( 92 % strongly agreed ). All would recommend the programme to other teachers / schools .
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