St Patrick's Primary School trials pocket sized computers for the BBC

This is an archived article from 19 September 2023. 

Children at St Patrick's Primary School in Troon have been filmed by the BBC as part of the CBBC channel's 'Micro:bit Next Gen launch'.

The children from P5-P7 have been using pocket-sized computers called micro:bit's to enhance their digital skills.

The BBC has filmed their efforts and will feature the school on some of their hit shows such as What's in the Box, Wuzzle and Awesome Drawsome.

The tiny computers have been designed to make coding fun and inspire children to consider careers in sectors such as cyber security, programming, or creative design.

Teacher Amanda Pickard who is also the Digital Learning Development Officer for South Ayrshire Council said: "I was really impressed with the children, it did not take them long to get creative with their micro:bit projects. These compact learning tools are the building blocks for careers in prototyping, coding, and machine learning to name but a few. It's really important that children are given the chance to develop these skills as early as possible."

Lynsey May, Head Teacher at St Patrick's Primary School said: "The children were amazing, and I was really proud of their efforts. Through these initiatives they are not just building digital skills but also learning the importance of STEM subjects. The team working also gives them the opportunity to develop transferable skills such as communication. It's crucial that learning reflects the world beyond the classroom and the importance of digital technology in our daily lives."

The BBC Next Gen project plans to offer 30 free micro:bit computers to every primary school in the UK.