More than 5,000 school children across Dorset have taken part in a week-long event aimed at inspiring them to pursue careers in computer programming.
Organised by Dorset Council, BCP Council and Barclays Digital Eagles, Dorset Coding Week brought together 49 schools, several home educators and 30 local tech volunteers, with support from 18 students at Weymouth College.
This year’s theme focused on internet safety, with children in years five, six and seven challenged to create a quiz that would help teach their peers how to stay safe online. Using coding software provided by Barclays Digital Eagles, pupils learned how to format, design and code their projects.
Ferndown Middle School teacher Melody Morris said the event gave pupils a chance to combine creativity with important life lessons. “By taking part in Coding Week our students have explored important digital safety messages while developing problem-solving and programming skills,” she said.
Now in its fourth year, the initiative has grown from a single-day event into a full week, reflecting the enthusiasm shown by schools and students across the county.
Councillor Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Economic Growth, said the joint effort with BCP Council has turned Coding Week into a truly county-wide success. He said it is vital to encourage more children to pursue science, technology, engineering and maths subjects so they can build successful careers close to home.
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