The BBC micro:bit in schools
25 November 2015
The BBC are encouraging schools to register to receive BBC micro:bit for your schools to encourage children to code.
The
BBC is asking for all schools to register to
receive BBC micro:bits at no cost to the school. All a school needs to do is to
register using the link on the website www.microbit.co.uk.
The
BBC in partnership with over 25 organisations is introducing the micro:bit into
schools to encourage a young generation of children to code. It is a small
codeable device that can be programmed using a variety of computer languages
that will be in increasing demand over the next twenty years. We have launched
the device with a wide range of resources to help teachers and children use the
device in the classroom. We think it will be transformation and so far the
response has been enormously positive.
As you may be aware the BBC and its partners are manufacturing one million BBC micro:bit devices and are intending to gift the BBC micro:bit to each and every Year 7 pupil across the UK early in 2016.
During the Autumn Term we are asking if schools and teachers can help us to
bring the BBC micro:bit to the classroom. We have collectively developed an
enormous range of resources to support the computing curriculum and to allow
the BBC micro:bit to become a part of the curriculum. The partnership have
developed a range of coding projects, ideas to get creative with design and
technology as well as inspiring a new generation of students to become more
familiar with programming computers and using code in a variety of languages.
The
first stage in bringing the BBC micro:bit to schools will be the gifting of
devices to your teaching staff. We are starting by sending three devices to
every school in the UK that has a Year 7. These devices should be used by teachers to help them to understand
the power of the BBC micro:bit and to becomes familiar with the huge range of
resources developed on the website. In order to ensure that schools do not miss
out, we are asking for your Academies to individually register for the BBC
micro:bit. This will ensure that the right name and address is used, and that
we have accurate numbers of students to base our distribution process upon.
We hope that you will also become enthusiastic about the potential for the
device in the curriculum and encourage all of your schools to register and take
an active part in the project.
To
register a school please either visit the homepage of the BBC micro:bit
at www.microbit.co.uk or click HERE. It would be easiest for each school to
register individually.
If you would like further information about the BBC micro:bit project
please email the
team.