MP meets new generation of Malvern’s brilliant brains

19th May 2014

MP Harriett Baldwin has met with the next generation of Malvern’s ‘brilliant brains’ after popping in to an after-school club which teaches computer coding.

The MP visited Malvern Wells Primary School to meet with pupils who attend a weekly extra class learning how to write computer code run by local IT expert Robert Bilsland.

Harriett was shown computer programmes which the children had designed and written during the hour-long session managed by teacher Matt Warne and Dan Cripps from the Chase High School who has volunteered to help out.

Harriett commented: “I first came across the code club initiative and Robert at an event at the Houses of Parliament and I was keen to come and see a club in action.

“It is great to see the next generation of brilliant brains and I am keen to spread the word locally.

“Code clubs are a great way to engage young people in computer programming and this is a great introduction – especially as the subject will be a compulsory part of the school curriculum from September.

“I hope that other local technology companies will want to get involved helping Robert and I will be spreading the word as I visit local businesses who work in this sector.

“I was also pleased to see girls learning coding too and I am eager to encourage more girls to learn theses skills in what has been male-dominated world.”

Robert Bilsland added: “Code Club is a network of volunteer-led after-school coding clubs for children aged nine to 11. It brings together volunteers and schools with projects that are designed to introducing children to the principles of Computational Thinking and coding.

“Learning coding also teaches children other skills such as breaking tasks down and step-by-step strategies for problem solving that can be easily transferred into other areas. Being able to run a Code Club is a very rewarding activity and one I would encourage others to do.”

Photos: Harriett Baldwin MP visits Malvern Wells Primary School after school coding club with Code Club volunteer Robert Bilsland.