Coding
Explore the skills and careers that coding can develop.
Give students the opportunity to explore the careers coding can offer, the human skills it can develop, and how we can dispel coding misconceptions. Each lesson will take 60 to 90 minutes to complete. Don't forget to download the certificate once completed!
Explore coding
Why do people code? In this module, students will be given the opportunity to explore some of the less obvious careers that use code and the human skills that coding helps to develop. Students will also explore the gender stereotypes that still exist in tech, and why we must dispel these misconceptions.
Outcomes
Understand the different reasons why individuals choose to code
Explore some of the surprising careers that require coding skills
Discover some of the skills that are needed for a career that uses code
Challenge the misconceptions and stereotypes in code
Timing
| Section | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | The big question: Why code? Get students thinking about a career in coding and why individuals code. |
5 mins |
| Part one | The work that coders do Introduce less obvious coding roles and explore the societal impact of these jobs through a research task. |
10 mins |
| Part two | Benefits of coding Use this quiz to discover why people code and identify some of the related skills and related jobs. |
20 mins |
| Part three | Diversity in code Challenge potential misconceptions and stereotypes around what a coder 'looks' like and the impact of the gender gap in computer programming. |
20 mins |
Downloads
Download the module materials in PDF format, in English and Welsh.
Curriculum
See how this course relates to the curriculum in the UK.
Practice coding
With the rapid advancement of technology, new job opportunities are being created that may not have existed 10 years ago. With this the need for coding skills is becoming increasingly important. In this module, students will get to put into practise what they have already learnt in the Explore coding module through one of Microsoft's coding platforms.
Outcomes
Be able to apply key coding concepts
Create a working program through code
Reflect on whether coding concepts are inclusive to all abilities and minorities
Timing
| Section | Activity | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Part one | Practise code Using one of Microsoft's coding platforms, students will apply concepts covered in part one of the module to create their own programs. |
50 mins |
| Part two | Reflecting on code Students can reflect on the coding tasks they have performed, and whether they are inclusive for everyone. |
5 mins |
Downloads
Download the module materials in PDF format, in English and Welsh.
Curriculum
See how this course relates to the curriculum in the UK.
Apply coding
Take your student's coding skills to the next level by applying them in projects, lesson plans, learning paths and more.
Join Imagine Cup Junior
Imagine Cup Junior is a global competition with events and lesson plans that gives students the opportunity to design original solutions and help solve social, cultural, and environmental issues using the power of AI, coding and big data.
Explore Minecraft challenges
With Minecraft: Education Edition you can deliver highly creative projects that encourage students to solve everyday problems and celebrate communities through code.
Learning paths
Microsoft Learn has over 80 hours of free task-based, interactive learning content to help student's build skills with Microsoft products. They can even use this learning to achieve certifications.
Further coding skills
MTA certifications can help students understand fundamental technical concepts, assess and validate core technical knowledge, and enhance technical credibility in coding.
Download the certificate
Celebrate success! Download and print the certificate to show student's they've completed the module.