MINI ROBO 1 and 2 - age 5-6

For this age group we start off with Botzees robots. The Botzees robot kit is an excellent tool for introducing young children to robotics in a fun and engaging way. Botzees combine hands-on building with app-based coding, allowing children to assemble their own robots and control them through simple coding commands. This process not only builds their understanding of robotics but also develops early computational thinking skills. By seeing how their code directly affects their robot's movements and actions, children gain a foundational understanding of programming logic, problem-solving, and sequencing. Botzees robots also encourage creativity, as children can experiment with different designs and functions, which promotes innovative thinking and reinforces their learning through play.

We then move on to Lego Bricq Motion. Using Lego BricQ Motion in our robotics clubs offers another exciting foundation for understanding the basics of robotics and engineering. Though the BricQ Motion kit doesn’t have programmable parts, it gives children aged 5-6 the essential skills needed for robotics by allowing them to explore forces, motion, and how different elements interact to create movement. Building simple models and observing how pushes, pulls, and gravity affect them help children grasp the mechanics behind how robots move and interact with their environment.

We wil have a brief introduction to the Lego Spike Essential kits towards the end of the year.

ROBOTICS - AGE 7-9

For this age group we use the LEGO Spike Essentials kits in Level 1, which provide a hands-on way to learn fundamental robotics and coding concepts. Throughout the session, the children explore the basics of building robots with simple moving parts, followed by programming commands to produce specific outcomes. They work on creating sequences, designing basic algorithms, and learning to debug simple programs, which introduces them to the logical flow of coding in an engaging way. Each activity is designed to build foundational problem-solving skills, giving them a strong base for future robotics learning.

ROBOTIC ENGINEER - AGE 9-14+

With this age group, children progress through the Level 1 and Level 2 curricula using both the LEGO Spike Essentials and LEGO Spike Prime kits. These kits offer a more advanced set of challenges suited to older children, involving complex robot construction, multi-step problem analysis, and algorithm design. Children work on projects where they identify a problem, design a series of steps (algorithm) to solve it, and implemented their solutions through programming. They also learn to debug their programs at a more advanced level, requiring them to think critically about their designs and programming choices. 

Moving Forward

Once older children are familiar with the kits, they then begin transitioning from block coding to programming in Python. This shift helps deepen their understanding of coding concepts and enhance their problem-solving skills.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to introduce a range of enhancements to our robotics offerings. We’ll be adding more competitions to keep the children motivated and challenged, and we’ll also bring in new tools like Micro:bits and Spheros to introduce them to different types of robotics and coding systems. These additions will provide variety and stimulate interest in different types of robotic technology, helping each child find areas they’re particularly passionate about.

PROGRESS DIARY

Your child has a progress diary that outlines the specific activities they’ve been working on, and they will bring it home at the end of each term. This diary details what they’ve accomplished and what lies ahead, giving you a direct view of their learning. You can easily map their activities to our learning outcomes which can be found on our website. Please can you ensure your child brings their progress diary back to the club at the start of each term.

A RELAXED AND INFORMAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Code Cadets offers a unique approach that sets us apart from traditional classrooms. We strive to cultivate a relaxed and informal atmosphere where children feel comfortable collaborating and working together. Within this supportive environment, our Cadet Hub platform allows children to explore independently at their own pace, with access to tutorials and guidance from tutors whenever needed. This collaborative setup not only encourages teamwork but also helps instil a genuine interest in learning, ensuring that the experience remains enjoyable and not overly structured—especially important for our younger children.