YOUNGSTERS can now enter a dojo with a difference – a CoderDojo.
For every month, volunteers are running Tameside’s very own at Stalybridge’s West Hill School.
People between seven and 17 years old learn how to code, develop websites, apps, programs, games and much more at the sessions.
As well as the development side, there is also a social element as members meet like-minded people.
Those behind the scheme are looking for both new members and new volunteers to help operate the sessions after they received a grant from Action Together.
And there is just one rule – be cool. As they say: “Bullying, lying, wasting people’s time and so on is uncool, but having fun while learning new skills and creating projects with code is very cool.
“We aim to foster a fun learning experience in which the youngsters can showcase their projects.”
CoderDojo, part of a worldwide coding movement, puts a strong emphasis on open source and free software.
And members use their artistic skills designing characters and animations and developing skills to make computer games and robots.
The next CoderDojo session takes place on Saturday, March 5 from 10.30am until 12.30pm in the sports hall at West Hill.
Under 12s will need to be accompanied by an adult and equipment is provided but limited, so people bring their own fully charged laptop or Raspberry Pi is encouraged.
Anyone taking their own equipment is asked to install some or all of the Scratch, Python, Microbit and Arduino programs.