Digit<all> Newsletter / October 2024

Another month, another set of workshops! Digit<all> is excited to be using the The Didcot Powerhouse Fund grant to bring sustainable computing workshops to Didcot Library. Recently, 40 eager 7-11 year-olds had a blast learning to code with a micro:bit, using it to monitor moisture and nutrients for their plants ??

This autumn, we’re launching coding workshops in primary and secondary schools across Didcot. By the end of the year, we’re aiming to inspire 280 young people and 160 adults with the power of coding! Although we’d love to, we can’t always run face-to-face workshops so please do check out (below) our live code along we’ve got planned for CodeWeek.

Code Along EU Code Week

Code Week is on the horizon, running from 14-27 October 2024; we have new resources and events to help you engage and hopefully inspire young people! If you’d like to run some sessions yourself please have a look at the resources we have on offer, there’s new activities including a micro:bit data science activity on noise pollution.

You can also take part in our live code along happening during CodeWeek for anyone in y4-6. We have three code alongs including a conkers game, birdwatch activities and coding for climate action. All using micro:bits.

If you’d like to take part, fill out this form and we’ll send you the details!

Charity Times Award

We were shortlisted for charity of the year! Although we didn’t win (that went to Sal’s Shoes, please check out their amazing work) it was certainly an honour to be at the event and take some time to reflect and celebrate. It was also a humbling experience to spend an evening with so many people, doing so much good. As always, those of you who attend our sessions, download our resources and support what we do are a contingent aspect of the work we do. I hope you’ll believe me when I say a glass was raised to you on the night.

Discover Computer Science

Discover Computer Science is a sustained engagement programme which currently has four online sessions that will offer students in-depth investigations of topic areas outside of the school curriculum, combining mathematical and computing theory with interactive exploration.

The initiative wishes to encourage better representation of black and female students in Computer Science and joint schools at the University of Oxford, and other higher education institutions. As such there’s a criteria but one that’s well worth investigating on behalf of some of your students.

Arduino

We don’t talk about Arduinos very often but that isn’t to say we don’t love them! For many young people, they’re an inspiring gateway into the world of physical computing and smart devices and are no doubt responsible for a huge amount of career choices. This new bundle from Arduino is a great introduction to the Internet of Things, if you have some departmental budget spare, or some students who would like an independent challenge this is a great option.

Volunteer With Us

Can you help the charity support young people and their digital futures?? We're launching a new volunteer newsletter that provides opportunities for you to get involved in your school or local community.? To receive this, head over to: https://www.digitall.charity/volunteer

Newsletter by Matthew Hewlett , Community and Education Lead