Computer programming is becoming more relevant in the lives of young people. Algorithms and coding are the main focus of computer programming and therefore Junior Jam covers this subject in depth with our iProgram courses for Primary School Children on the iPads. Our PPA cover sessions will give pupils the knowledge they need to cover the curriculum and gain a head start before high school. We cover classes from Early Years & Foundation Stages with rProgram, all the way up to Year 6 with iProgram Level 4.

The foundation of programming is making sure that objects are in the correct place for the program to work. Therefore, in our EYFS course ‘rProgram’, the introduction to programming is shape games, such as dragging the correct pathway to the level for an animal to get to their habitat. They then advance to using arrows to allow the character to advance. They also learn how technology has advanced and what we might use programming for in the real world

iProgram Lite Level 1 - iCode is for key-stage 1 where pupils will learn how to program characters to complete levels, the focus will be on following instructions in order to complete a task. They will eventually advance to making basic shapes using algorithms.

After Lite Level 1 the pupils advance to iProgram Lite Level 2 - iFunction where they recap what they have learnt already. This will be followed up by creating pictures using various shapes, all done by using algorithms to program characters to create the shapes. Creating short animation stories using Scratch Jr is the final task in this Level.

iProgram Level 1 - iLogic is the first level that key-stage 2 will complete. Not only will they learn what an algorithm is and the importance of them in everyday life, they also learn a few more advance techniques such as repeats, conditionals and variables. They will use these techniques to complete challenges, create many different shapes and patterns on the iPads and also attempt to solve a real Rubik’s cube using algorithms.

The uses of programming can be endless in the modern day and one of the most common uses is in the entertainment industry and is used to create video games. In iProgram Level 2 – Advanced iFunction, pupils will take the skills learnt in Level 1, build on them and use them to create their very own arcade games complete with fully a functioning score board. They will be tasked with creating Frogger (Crossy Road) & Space Invaders. They will then have the opportunity to play each other’s games, give feedback and improve their own as they see fit.

If a program has been coded wrong, it will not work. Pupils will learn importance of giving the correct instructions in order to make something work correctly in iProgram Level 3 – iDebug. They will be tasked with correcting algorithms that are wrong in order to make the program function in the intended way. They will then use this knowledge to create an endless runner arcade game from scratch with minimal direction. Finally, they will be introduced to the basic written coding language, JavaScript.

iProgram Level 4 – iDevelop is based on the written programming language of JavaScript. Pupils will use what they learnt in all the levels so far and translate them to JavaScript in order to complete levels of a game. They will also use JavaScript to create their own version of the classic game Rock, Paper, Scissors. They will be able to add extra entries into the game and change the existing ones. They will be able to code who can win, for example, they could make it so that Rock beats Paper if they would like that to happen.

All the iProgram courses give more than enough computer programming knowledge to cover the curriculum while also remaining easy to understand, engaging and fun for primary school pupils of all ages.

-Luke