There is a lack of diversity in computer science and in the information technology sector of the economy, especially among women and underrepresented minorities. Lack of exposure and access to resources may be the main reasons for this disparity. The coding enrichment programme initiated by the Lars Windhorst Foundation seeks to address this imbalance by introducing students to computers and coding in a fun and interactive way. Another related issue, is the lack of qualified teaching computer science staff in schools. It is particularly difficult to recruit qualified teachers as many opt for entering industry instead of teaching. A common knock on effect is that computer science falls off the curriculum altogether.

The Coding Sphere launched in September 2019 at King Solomon Academy, with plans to expand the programme to more schools. The weekly classes are run by qualified teachers supplied to the school by the Foundation. The Foundation also donated laptop computers for King Solomon Academy as the school was lacking in equipment.

The sessions teach programming through the Python language. It is for absolute beginners and assumes no prior knowledge. Each session is centred around a small coding project that the students can complete in class, and students are encouraged to work together to solve problems. These small and independent coding projects are designed to highlight particular coding concepts.

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Thanks for all your support with coding, the students are loving it! Kelvin [the teacher] is brilliant, it is so good for them to be taught by such an expert. 

– Head of Careers and University Service, King Solomon Academy