Your chance to join Laticzone Code Club
Oldham schoolchildren are to receive free IT classes at Boundary Park thanks to a new initiative.
Latics has teamed up with Web Applications UK and Laticzone Study Centre to provide classes for children aged between nine and 13 years and will provide a superb grounding into the world of coding and IT.
The classes, which start later this week, are run from the Laticzone Study Centre at Boundary Park and take place on Thursday (6-7pm) and Friday (3.30-4.30pm).
The IT clubs are designed to introduce people into the world of coding and programming at a young age.
Web Applications UK are national leaders in this field and this is a great opportunity for the young people of Oldham to be involved in an exciting project that's new for the town in the unique and exciting setting of the football club.
The courses will bring together people from all over the town and all backgrounds and will be a great place to improve social skills and form new friendships.
Oldham Athletic's Sales and Marketing Executive, David Broadbent, said: "This is a really exciting project, not just for the football club, but also for the town in general.
"Web Applications UK are committed to IT education for people of all ages, and for the town's young people to be afforded this sort of opportunity, free of charge is a testament to their commitment to the town.
"Laticzone is the perfect venue to host the courses and students can expect to see Latics' players and staff popping into the classes. We'll definitely learn a thing or two."
Craig Dean, Chief Executive of Web Applications UK Ltd, added: "Coding is becoming an essential skill in our increasingly digital age. Web Applications UK, along with our IT training company The Centre of Excellence are keen to close the skills gap that exists both in our town and nationally.
"With Laticzone, we can ensure that local children are given the best possible opportunities to learn about software and web development from an early age."
Laticzone Study Centre Manager Suzy Chapman said: "I am thrilled that Web Applications UK are working with Laticzone Study Centre and Oldham Athletic Football Club.
"The new IT Club will be unique to Oldham and is a very exciting new programme. It is different to what Laticzone Study Centre usually offers so it is a fantastic opportunity for us to host these fantastic and exciting new opportunities.
Code Club is about fun, creativity and learning through exploring.
These days, young people quickly become experts in using technology. Code Club will show them how to create it. Through a range of tailored techniques, the students will learn the foundations of computer programming.
Reducing the highly technical subject to a fun activity, Code Club will provide a solid base of computer science knowledge.
It’s important to us that the students enjoy their time at Code Club. They should understand that they’re in charge of the computer, not the other way around.
Learning to code doesn’t only mean you can become a developer, it also strengthens problem solving skills and logical thinking while supporting key academic subjects such as science, maths and technology.
Q: What?
A: Free after-school club for children aged 9-13 interested in technology.
Q: Why?
A: Coding is fun and becoming an essential skill in the digital age!
Q: When?
A: Starting 26th September, every Thursday at 6-7pm and every Friday 3:30-4:30pm.
Q: Where?
A: Laticzone Study Centre, Oldham Athletic Football Club, Boundary Park, Oldham, OL1 2PA
Q: What is Laticzone?
A: Laticzone is a study support centre set up as part of the Playing for Success scheme in partnership with the Football Foundation, the UK’s biggest sports charity. It is an out of hours study centre which uses the club environment to motivate students. The centre is based at Boundary Park, the home of local football team Oldham Athletic.
Q: How will my child benefit from Code Club?
A: Learning the foundations of computer programming, all students will better understand how the technology around them works. For students with a keen interest in IT, this could mean getting a head start on their later studies. The sessions will also strengthen problem solving skills and logical thinking which support academic subjects such as science and maths.
Q: Who will be leading the Code Club?
A: Along with having a passion for IT education for young people, the Code Club tutor will be a professional trainer and a working developer from leading software company, Web Applications UK. We take child protection seriously so all our trainers have been subjected to criminal record checks by the government’s Disclosure and Barring Service.
Q: How much does Code Club cost?
A: It is absolutely free. Supported by a partnership between ourselves, Web Applications UK and Oldham Athletic, we are bringing Code Club to the young people of Oldham free of charge.
Q: Do I need to register my child in advance?
A: Yes, so we can make sure we have enough space please let us know if your child will be attending. You can do this by calling 0161 660 0730 or emailing info@waukce.com.
Q: How do I get there?
A: Laticzone is easily accessible by car, with onsite parking directly next to the centre which is attached to Boundary Park, OL1 2PA. Public transport is also available, with the route 402 bus stopping right outside. Other buses stop close by, we recommend you use the GMPTE journey planner if you’re unsure which bus is best for you.
For more information, contact us on info@waukce.com or 0161 660 0730.
Pictured are: Suzy Chapman, Laticzone Study Centre Manager; Kathryn Fielding, Web Applications UK; Jenny Warburton, Oldham Athletic Commercial Manager; David Broadbent, Oldham Athletic Sales and Marketing Executive; Shaun Austin, Web Applications UK Training Manager; Craig Dean, Web Applications UK Chief Executive; Natalie Bailey, Web Applications UK.