Potential computerwhizzes at Oakgrove

Year 8 students from different schools across the Foyle Learning Community (FLC) joined Primary 6 and 7 pupils from as far afield as Limavady at Oakgrove College.

They took part in a ‘Coder Dojo’ day, with the aim of introducing younger students to computer programming.

Principal Jill Markham said: “There is a lack of programmers within the ICT industry and it is important that students get the opportunity to try it at an early age.

“We have introduced it into our ICT course at Key Stage 3 for next year and we saw this as an opportunity to invite other schools in to give them a feel for programming.”

The city’s first Coder dojo commenced several weeks ago at the Nerve Centre and it is hoped to expand the number of clubs to include various age groups in different parts of the city in the coming months.

Rosa McLaughlin from FLC said: “The start up of code rdojo clubs all over the city is part of a city response to the need to encourage young people to get interested in programming and hopefully take up study and work in this area.

“This is a massive area of growth with a shortage of programmers already in Derry and a need for many more, particularly as we develop our digital economy as part of the One Plan.”

Oakgrove College is looking forward to the Culture Tech Coder Dojo at the Millennium Forum on Saturday, September 1, 2012.

The event was supported by the Integrated Education Fund, encouraging people to work together, under its PACT Fund to Promote A Culture of Trust.