Press release: For immediate release

• Frog code competition, Code.IT, launches ahead of school curriculum changes that will see coding taught to all 5-16 year olds for the first time
   
• Code.IT to further support this year’s Government backed Year of Code events, by offering support for teachers, and providing a fun and engaging way of introducing code into the classroom
   
• Winners will get the opportunity to bring their ideas to life with a real developer – gaining valuable work experience and exposure to real life code

Today the leading education technology provider Frog launched a nationwide competition to inspire thousands of students and teachers to get involved in the power of coding.

Code.IT is open to all UK primary and secondary schools, and will be launched at a time of major change in the importance of coding and computer science in the school curriculum. From computing replacing ICT in all schools, to this year’s Government-backed Year of Code campaign, there has never been a more exciting time for young people to engage with computer science.

As a major part of Education Secretary Michael Gove’s school reforms, he has singled out the transformative impact coding can have on young people’s future prospects: “One thing we can be certain of is that the acquisition of coding skills, the ability to think computationally and the creativity inherent in designing new programmes will help prepare all our young people better for the future.” The launch of Code.IT will arm a whole generation of school leavers with vital coding skills to secure jobs in a burgeoning technology sector.

The competition will give students and teachers the chance to code FrogLearn themes, widgets, and games to improve individual learning and lesson planning. Students of all ages can apply, and will be broken down into 5 categories in line with key school stages, with an extra category for teachers. Entries will close on 23rd May, and a winner from each category will go through to the grand finale at the annual Frog Conference at the ICC in Birmingham on 24th June. Winners will be invited to present their ideas and spend time with a real developer to perfect their creation.

Commenting, Gareth Davies, Managing Director at Frog, said:

“The changes to the ICT curriculum are an exciting opportunity to get pupils excited about the power and potential of computer science.

“It is vital that we make the most of this by supporting teachers to transform the way pupils across the country learn ICT, ensuring that a whole generation of school leavers will be armed with the right skills for the 21st century.

“We are therefore delighted to launch Code.IT, which will give students and teachers the opportunity to make lessons more fun and engaging, while equipping pupils with the know-how to compete in an increasingly competitive job market.”

Notes to Editors:

About Frog

Frog is one of the UK’s leading education technology solution providers. We are passionate about using technology to improve school performance and make learning fun. We work with primary and secondary schools across the world to help them engage students and raise education attainment.

We have 14 years of experience in developing technology that improves learning and engages pupils. Our technology is used by 12 million students, teachers and parents worldwide, and we have a 94% client retention rate.

For more information please see www.frogtrade.com.

ENDS