41 primary school students have completed their six-week coding programme with colleagues in the Astronomy and Astrophysics group.

The programme ‘Coding with Sophie’ has been designed and run by Dr Rebecca Nealon and Dr Farzana MeruLink opens in a new window, with the aim to improve coding literacy and to inspire children to consider coding (and more broadly STEM) in their future, as well as empowering teachers and parents to support children in their coding journey. The opportunity to visit the University and meet real researchers aims to inspire children to believe that they can have a career in science, and that science is fun.

The year 4, 5 and 6 students from Manor Park Primary School, Coventry visited the university campus and colleagues at Millburn House as part of their programme. The Primary School is located very close to the University, and has a long standing relationship with the department and students have visited us many times before.

Ally Caldecote (Outreach Officer) who leads the department’s outreach activities says:

“We encourage children of all ages to explore the STEM related careers open to them. It’s valuable for the students to meet real life scientists and gain a window into their world and to help them navigate their future options.”

The sessions teach the students to learn problem-solving skills that they can apply to many other aspects of their education and encourages them to work together and support each other. The students challenged themselves within the tasks set by trying to find the best possible solution and all found coding exciting and enjoyable.

One of the sessions with the students was led by Astrophysics PhD student, Mairi O'BrienLink opens in a new window. Mairi tells us why being involved in outreach work is important to her:

“I really enjoy working with children in particular, as their enthusiasm for science comes through, and they are able to learn so much in a very short space of time. We have shown children that coding is accessible and fun, and that being a scientist is a career path that they can consider.”

The Coding with Sophie programme is a great way to show children from an early age that coding is accessible and doable for them, while at the same time giving them exposure to real life scientists. The programme is available for all primary school students. If you are interested, please get in touch with Dr Rebecca Nealon.Link opens in a new window