Aylesbury’s next generation of tech creators impress Mayor at Code Ninjas Discovery Afternoon

Families from across Aylesbury came together at the Bucks New University campus last weekend for special Code Ninjas Discovery Afternoon sessions, giving children aged 5 to 14 the opportunity to explore coding, game development and the future of technology.

The free event offered young attendees a hands-on introduction to the Code Ninjas Dojo, where they could build their own video games, experiment with exciting technology and discover how coding, artificial intelligence and game development can bring their ideas to life.

Hosted by the Code Ninjas Aylesbury team, the afternoon was filled with creativity, curiosity and plenty of enthusiasm as young Ninjas took on challenges, explored new technology and experienced the supportive Dojo environment first-hand.

A highlight of the event was a special visit from the Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Sherrilyn Bateman, who met the Code Ninjas team and saw the children in action as they explored the world of coding and technology on one of the sessions.

The Discovery Afternoon also marked the launch of Code Ninjas Aylesbury’s brand-new AI Academy curriculum for children. The new curriculum introduces age-appropriate AI and Machine Learning projects, giving young people the opportunity to develop an understanding of some of the technologies that are rapidly shaping the future.

The launch reflects the evolution of the Code Ninjas curriculum, which already covers coding, game development and STEM, while now expanding into AI and Machine Learning. Developed to be engaging and accessible for children, the new projects are designed to encourage creativity, logical thinking, problem-solving and curiosity.

The Mayor of Aylesbury, Cllr Sherrilyn Bateman, praised the programme and its latest curriculum development.

“I’m so impressed by the fantastic curriculum the team at Code Ninjas offer – including the brand new AI Academy which launched on Saturday. The Computer Science Club provides young people in Aylesbury with a unique and invaluable educational experience,” she said. “It’s clear that the Code Ninjas team is not just preparing our children for the future but also instilling crucial life skills that will benefit them in all aspects of life. I’m proud that our community has a space where children can not only become well-equipped for the future but also develop the essential skills that will serve them well in all walks of life.”

For parents and carers, the event provided an opportunity to discover more about the evolving curriculum, meet the Senseis and learn how Code Ninjas helps children develop skills that go beyond technology.

The CREATE programme is designed to help Ninjas build resilience, creativity, communication, logical thinking and problem-solving skills while progressing through a personalised learning journey at their own pace.

The Code Ninjas team said the event was a fantastic opportunity to bring local families together and showcase the next stage of its learning experience.

“Seeing children get hands-on with coding and technology is always incredibly rewarding,” said Robin Theakston – one of the directors of the Aylesbury location. “The launch of our new AI Academy curriculum makes this an especially thrilling time for Code Ninjas. We want children to understand that they can be creators of technology, not simply consumers of it, and to give them the confidence and skills to explore the opportunities ahead.”

The afternoon also gave families the chance to meet the friendly Senseis, ask questions about the programmes and experience the Dojo atmosphere for themselves.

With AI and Machine Learning now forming an exciting part of the curriculum, Code Ninjas Aylesbury is continuing its mission to prepare children for an increasingly technology-driven world while making learning fun, practical and engaging.

For more information about Code Ninjas, its programmes, and to find your nearest location visit www.codeninjas.co.uk