Computer coding is now a compulsory subject for the youngest learners from grades 1 to 7 at Christel House South Africa (CHSA). In line with global technology trends, coding is becoming a basic literacy requirement in the digital age.
Understanding the fundamentals of technology will be essential to securing a job in the future. That’s why Christel House employs a dedicated coding teacher with each grade receiving one hour of coding per week. Thanks to Dell Technologies, the school has a one-to-one student to device ratio, allowing each learner to code on their own tablet during lessons. “Teaching a child at an early age how to code facilitates critical thinking,” says Carol Kriel, Junior School Principal, CHSA. “It helps with problem solving, instills a love for mathematics and helps students become more ‘future proof’ in a changing global environment. We’re introducing them to the world of computer science, which will enable them to be fully prepared for the 2030 workplace.“ Many of the CHSA high school students are eager to pursue a career in coding and software engineering. The school also offers Robotics as an extra-curricular subject in both the Junior and High School and have participated in the National World Robotics Olympiad since 2017. “We believe that, now more than ever, it is paramount that impoverished youth are equipped with the critical skills needed to bridge the digital divide and step into a 21st century society where they can have equal opportunity to succeed,” says Kriel.