Coding offers key to future tech skills

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Technology is fast changing the world we live in, so it is essential for schools to introduce young students to the skills and concepts they will need to succeed in the years ahead. 

“Research shows that many of today’s youngsters will be doing jobs no one has yet imagined,” says Dr Robin Lister, founding headmaster of Malvern College Hong Kong, which is set to open for students in primary Year 1 up to secondary Year 9 in late August 2018. “It is safe to assume, though, that technology will play a big part, so we have to prepare them for that through a combination of factual knowledge, problem-solving, and independence of thought.”     

With this in mind, the school invited BSD Code & Design Academy to conduct an introductory coding workshop on November 18, with one session for five- to seven-year-olds, and another for those aged eight to 12. It met with an enthusiastic response and gave children the chance to learn some of the basics, apply those skills to a practical task, and have some fun.

“Looking ahead, we intend to make coding part of the school’s co-curricular programme, besides incorporating the key elements in subjects like physics and maths,” Lister says. “It’s like learning another language. But it will be vital for anyone in IT, robotics, and much else, and fortunately young kids seem to have an in-built ability to do it.”  

Along with sports and drama, the range of co-curricular activities on offer will also include music – with plans for a jazz band and orchestra – interest-based clubs, mandatory debating, and chess, which is great for developing analytical skills.