Pupils at a Birmingham Primary School have been creating their own cartoons, animations and games with the help of computer franchise, ComputerXplorers East Birmingham.

Every Friday two Year 4 classes at Severne Primary School are given lessons in Scratch – a programming language used to create interactive stories, animations, games, music and event art.

Stephen Hall, franchise owner of ComputerXplorers Birmingham East, said: “The classes really grab the children’s attention and they get completely absorbed by what they are doing. Not only are their computer skills improving, they also develop other skills such as literacy, numeracy and problem solving.

“At the end of the 12 weeks we load the children’s work onto a website so they can share their achievements with their friends, family and the rest of the school.”

Peter Hopkins, Head of Severne Primary School, added: “We brought in ComputerXplorers to provide PPA cover and we’re so pleased we did. The children, teachers and parents are all delighted by how engaged the children are and how much they are learning. They really look forward to the lessons. I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to provide the children with an insight into the world of programming and I very much hope we will be able to continue working with ComputerXplorers in the future. Ideally, I would like all the children in the school to benefit in this way.”

ComputerXplorers provides children with the tools to grow and develop in the digital world. By learning fun subjects they are taught how to program, build and design using the latest software packages. Typical activities include designing and building rockets, learning how to use GPS technology, designing phone apps and creating animated movies.

Published: 4 September 2012

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