About Us: Pioneering Tech Education Since 2015

When did Code Clock begin?

Code Clock was established in 2015 as Northern Ireland's first-ever 'Summer School of Programming' developed to help young people learn how to program.

Where is Code Clock based? 

Initially based in two locations- Friends' School Lisburn and Queen's University- Code Clock focused on teaching programming concepts through block-based coding using Scratch, App Inventor, and Microsoft Make-code. Code Clock is very fortunate to host its showcase 'school' during the summer in the state-of-the-art Computer Science building at Queen's University, Belfast. We also run workshops from a number of other locations across Northern Ireland.

What programming technologies does Code Clock offer now?

The portfolio of services we provide has evolved each year to not only encompass platforms like Unity, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, SQL-Server and Lego Mindstorms but this year (2024) but also the introduction of new adult-focused IT workshops specifically designed for older students seeking to enhance their skills, change career, gain promotion or to simply up-skill to help them do their job more effectively.

We were also excited to introduce tech-based birthday parties to our roster. Tailored for young tech enthusiasts, we developed a range of birthday party packages which offer an unique and fun-filled way for young minds to explore and celebrate their interest in technology.

Why was Code Clock established?

In 2016 CCEA introduced a number of new qualifications which would dramatically change how 'ICT' lessons would be taught in secondary schools across Northern Ireland. 

At GCSE level, Digital Technology replaced the old GCSE ICT specification and A-level Applied ICT and ICT were phased out and replaced with A-level Software Systems Development and Digital Technology. While both these new qualifications provided more challenge to pupils, the programming pathway offered through GCSE Digital Technology and Software Systems Development represented a significant milestone in how students learn computing.

With both subjects focusing on developing awareness, skills and understanding in software development concepts,  students were finally being offered skill based qualifications in disciplines for which there was major jobs growth not only in Northern Ireland but around the world.  While there was considerable change in the GCSE and A-level qualifications, there was and still remains a huge gap in the curriculum provision to effectively support students in the transition from Key Stage 3 to GCSE.

The discipline of Computer Science remains almost non-existent below GCSE-level despite repeated attempted to foster more interest in programming in young students. We recognised the lack of opportunity for students to learn syntax-based coding and began offering workshops to younger kids in programming languages like Python, Java and C#.  

Are Code Clock planning to introduce any new services in the future?

We are dedicated to providing high-quality educational experiences for aspiring young programmers and tech enthusiasts and seek to continue evolving the services we offer in response to ever-changing technology. 

Explore the legacy of tech education with Code Clock – Where Innovation Meets Learning.