What kid doesn’t want to learn how to build video games, drones and robots with their friends? Thanks to a brand-new children’s coding studio in Edinburgh, budding technology buffs are putting their passion for coding first as they train to become real-life coding ninjas!
This exciting new business is the first of its kind to open in Scotland, with 400 Code Ninjas locations already operational across England, the US and Canada.
The team bringing the new venture to our nation’s capital is Mark Higgins and Dacre Purchase. Mark, who has over 25 years’ experience in IT and 10 years’ experience running his own technology company will run the business with Dacre Purchase; Executive Director of various successful businesses building ventures including renewable energy industry.
Being joined by the long-term friends and business partners to deliver this exciting coding curriculum is studio manager Suzy Enoch – professional actress and circus performer!
“There’s nothing quite like Code Ninjas in Scotland,” said Suzy. “As someone who’s quite literally come from the circus, I wouldn’t have expected to be excited by coding and technology.
“But Code Ninjas is giving kids from all walks of life the opportunity to get involved with something they have a pent up passion for and love. I’ve seen some real parallels with Code Ninjas and my background in performance, as we aim to enrich every aspect of our ninjas’ development, including cooperation, their cognitive skills and their confidence.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s swinging from a Trapeze or putting the last part of code on a page. If it gives kids the chance to express themselves and to have a sense of accomplishment, developing digital literacy in a fun environment then we as adults and mentors should be doing everything we can to encourage it!”
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital literacy to families and has created an influx of children passionate about technology and computers, with Mark and Dacre already putting together a waiting list for prospective ninjas.
It is because of this that they are planning on opening a second location to meet the high demand for classes.
“We knew there was a market for Code Ninjas in Edinburgh but to already have so much interest is brilliant. We can’t wait to continue growing and give more kids the opportunity to express their passion for tech!” explained Mark.
At Code Ninjas, tech mentors are called Code Senseis® and kids are called ninjas. The brand’s fun, relaxed approach is something that helps kids ease into their learning experience. Instead of exams and grading, ninjas rise up the ranks through earning different coloured wrist bands – just like belts in martial arts.
Kids aged 5-14 will be found cooperating and learning alongside friends by building robots or even developing apps and games in a completely parent-free dojo!
Mark added: “As well as developing these important life skills, kids need to be able to express themselves away from their parents, as they haven’t been able to do so during the pandemic.
“The dojo puts kids in real-life problem-solving situations which, away from academics, are vital to their all-round development. We want kids to be able to see the other side of what they consume so freely on a daily basis, and what technology can do on a much larger scale in the future.”
Ninjas can attend up to two sessions a week and at times that are convenient to the family, with no need to attend sessions on the same day or time each week.
The Code Ninjas Edinburgh team will be hosting a grand opening party at their Morningside base on Saturday 23rd October, welcoming the local community to celebrate with games, entertainment and a slice of yummy cake.
To find out more about Code Ninjas’ grand opening party – and to book your place! – visit:
https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/edinburgh-mln-uk
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