Booking is now open for an exciting course aimed at children with a love of computer programming.

The Code PLUS sessions, run by Derby Libraries, give nine to 14-year-olds the opportunity to improve their coding abilities and enjoy a range of fun STEM activities involving design and electronics. The next course will start on Sat 11 Nov.

Code PLUS runs alongside the free Code Club course, which will next take place in Mar 2024. The popular course concentrates on the basics of programming.

Bookings for Code Club will open soon.

Former Code PLUS attendee James Schaffer, who is now a volunteer with Code Club, made headlines when he was selected as a finalist in the 2023 Bafta Young Game Designers Awards – in the Game Making Award: 15-18 years old category – for his game Escape the Darkness.

The 17-year-old from Derby said taking part in Code Club and Code PLUS at Alvaston Library was a big part of his success.

He said:

I started Code Club in September 2017 when I was 11. It sparked my love for programming which has become a major part of my life. The club is a great introduction into programming and the staff and volunteers who run it make it fun.

I started programming more at home and took Computer Science as one of my GCSEs. Around that time I got into making computer games, this love for making games grew. I took A-Level computer science and entered a few of my games into competitions.

Recently I’ve volunteered at Alvaston Library and helped out there as a Code Club and Code PLUS volunteer. I'm sure taking part in the courses is a big reason why I'm where I am now.

The Code PLUS costs £40 for four, two-hour sessions on Sat afternoons. It will include building from coding using Scratch, using devices including Makey Makey, BBC micro:bit, robotics and Raspberry Pi, and experimenting with more advanced coding using Python to take their creations to the next level.

Sessions are between 2pm and 4pm on 11 Nov, 18 Nov, 25 Nov and 2 Dec. All sessions will take place at Alvaston Library, 1252 London Rd, Alvaston, Derby DE24 8QP.

For more information and to book, go to the Derby Libraries website or telephone 01332 647920