Hampton School sees it as fundamental responsibility to give boys the skills, knowledge and safety guidelines to enable them to prosper in this world of ever advancing technology and maximise the potential that computers offer, both in education and for life beyond.
Computing and Coding is a brand new subject taught to First, Second and Third Year students at Hampton.
The aim of the course is to introduce the basic principles of Computer Science:
How do computer programs work?
How is a computer program put together?
Can we de-bug computer programs?
Can we write programs that are easy to use?
Can we write computer programs that will improve our daily lives?
Can we write computer programs that allow computers to interact with the real world?
At the start of the year, First Year students are taught basic computer literacy; how to use the school’s software packages, how to access their e-mail and documents, and how to use online resources. They are also given a basic introduction to some key iPad applications for recording notes and producing presentations. Later in the year, students are taught the ‘nuts and bolts’ of computer programming using Scratch (link:www.scratch.mit.edu). In Scratch, programming commands are built into drag & drop ‘blocks’, allowing students to put together some interesting programs without having to worry about syntax! Pupils are encouraged to work independently, designing simple animations and games; all the time learning by improving on their mistakes and by looking at example programs. There are also regular opportunities for pair programming. Students have the chance to work on co-curricular projects with subjects including Mathematics, the Humanities and Music.
In the Second Year, the focus is on introducing the students to computational thinking, through a series of problem-solving challenges. Again, the students work in Scratch, as well as Snap!, which is a more advanced version of the same language. Towards the end of the Michaelmas term, the students have the opportunity to put their programming skills to the test, working on a project to design their own computer game, completely from scratch!
In the second term, pupils learn to control simple robots using LEGO Mindstorms robots. The students learn how write programs to allow robots to detect events in the outside world and to respond accordingly. We spend some time studying the increasingly important role played by robots in the real world. Again, there is a strong emphasis on problem solving and pupils work through a series of challenges over the course of the term.
In the final term, students learn to design, build and test a simple application for a tablet device. Students use the MIT Application Builder, which is loosely based on Scratch. Again, this allows complex applications to be built without needing to conform to any syntax requirements.
Computing club runs at lunchtimes every Tuesday and Friday.
In Junior Coding Club, boys use Scratch and SNAP! code to write their own computer games and simulations. They also have the opportunity to design and program their own robots, using our LEGO Mindstorms kits. Boys are encouraged to work on their own or in pairs in a relaxed setting. They complete a series of challenges designed to put their computational thinking and problem solving skills to the test.
Follow the activities of the club on twitter @HamptonSch_CnC