FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Author: SCRATCHPAD

Please feel free to contact us if you cannot find answers to your query.

Here we try to answer most commonly asked questions about Scratchpad, our approach and our kids coding classes, workshops & courses.

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHO SHOULD ATTEND SCRATCHPAD?

Scratchpad is for everyone from the age of 5 and older. Our belief is that if children are going to be exposed to smartphone and tablet/iPad use at home and at school from a very young age, then it is our responsibility to help them learn how to use technology to their best advantage.

We are not focussed on increasing the time that children spend on technology devices. Our role instead is to help them learn and create every time they turn a machine on. And the beauty of the Scratchpad approach is that this learning feels like play.

WHAT DO LEARNERS DO THERE?

At Scratchpad they’ll learn how to code, how to create games for smartphones and tablets, they’ll work on robotics projects – both individually as well as part of a group. We’re teaching them to use technology in a way that teaches them life and business skills – such as project management, time management, group dynamics, leadership skills, etc – rather than making them antisocial and working in isolation. As Thomas Suarez says so succinctly and simply, technology is about sharing knowledge. Thomas was creating iPhone apps at the age of 12 years old – you can watch a video of his fascinating Ted talk here.

Find out more details about our learning tracks here.

WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?

As well as being suitable for any age group over 5, Scratchpad is equally suitable for both girls and boys.

Gone are the days where technology was thought of as a masculine career or learning path. Scratchpad adheres to a belief that there are no such things as traditionally male or female subject areas – and our centre environment supports that.

For some interesting articles and video talks on how technology is used by young creative minds, both male and female, have a look at the links on our blog page.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

All our short term and holiday programmes are individually priced and listed along with the programme. Pricing details for our After School Programme can be found here.

HOW DOES IT FIT IN WITH SCHOOL LEARNING?

Scratchpad is not meant to be another after-school lesson that a child is forced to attend. And we don’t assign homework. Scratchpad works best when it is recognised as the creativity lab that it is – and that any extra “work” or “tinkering” that a child wants to do is because they’ve chosen to do it as part of a project they’re working on.

Children are assessed (please book in for a free trial and assessment) and placed in a program and level that best suits their interests and abilities. As a result, they will probably be in a mixed-age group. This in itself introduces another level of skill development that many children do not get at school – yet that is so important in the real world.

IS SCRATCHPAD OPEN DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS?

SCRATCHPAD operates all year round and is open during school holidays as well. We do run special holiday programmes where students can enhance their technology learning and take it further. If a student cannot make their regular session time, they can book a make up session.