Programming for beginners

In this module children learn the basics of robotics. They learn to control and program robots, what a robot is made of and how it works. They work with Dash & Dot and Sphero - real robots that teach children to program in the form of a game.

After the module, children will be able to

• Program the robots
• Understand better how a robot works
• Know the basic concepts of programming - cycles, iterations, conditions and others
• Bonus: teamwork

ScratchJr is a tool that teaches children the basic skills of programming, as well as creative thinking and systematic reasoning - even if they cannot read yet, because the instructions are pictures you drag together.

After the module, children will be able to

• Create their own personalised games in ScratchJr
• Apply the laws of mathematics and physics inside a game
• Learn animation
• Invent and develop a character
• Bonus: basic programming - variables, cycles, logical sequences

In this module children immerse themselves in an exciting world of construction and creativity using the famous LEGO® building blocks. They learn to build and construct with LEGO® components, as well as basic programming. Our experienced instructors help children unlock their creative potential and teach them the basics of engineering through play. Each lesson is filled with new challenges, projects and fun activities that stimulate the imagination and develop programming and engineering skills.

What the student will learn

• Engineering basics: model design and understanding of mechanisms
• Problem thinking: developing creative solutions for tasks
• Creativity and design: creating unique designs and developing artistic skills
• Collaboration and communication: teamwork and the exchange of ideas
• Confidence and autonomy: developing self-reliance and self-confidence

We study the sequential and cyclic algorithms with Code.org, Scratch and Minecraft - the step-by-step and repeating instructions programs are built from, learned inside a world most children already know.

Hard skills

• Knowledge of basic programming
• Creating games and animations in the Scratch environment
• Solving puzzles with programming in Code.org
• Familiarity with the different aspects of the Minecraft world
• Soft skills: Children learn to spot patterns, solve problems step by step and stay patient when their first solution does not work.

We learn to program our own projects, games and animations on the computer. We take the idea, make a plan for creating the game, application or robot, implement it, and present it to the other children.

Hard skills

• Working with the Tynker platform
• Writing a plan for creating a project
• Implementing that plan step by step, through to the final result
• Soft skills: Children learn to plan ahead, make decisions and keep working towards a goal. Presenting the result also helps them speak with confidence.

We learn to let fantasy go and, with the help of the web tool Tinkercad, create a 3D model of our own universe with its unique inhabitants.

Hard skills

• Working with the Tinkercad platform
• Creating a 3D model of any object
• Soft skills: Children develop spatial awareness, attention to detail and creative confidence as they turn an imagined world into a 3D model.

Impact Academies Amsterdam offers technology courses for children and teenagers aged 5-17. The programme is divided into age-appropriate levels, from IT-Intern for younger children to IT-Expert for teenagers.

We recommend a course based on your child’s age, experience and interests. Whether they enjoy games, robotics, design, artificial intelligence or programming, we will help you find the most suitable group.

No. Beginners are welcome. Children with previous experience can join a more advanced group after we assess their current knowledge and interests.

Depending on their age and course, students explore coding, robotics, game development, artificial intelligence, web development, graphic design, 3D modelling and digital literacy. They also develop communication, teamwork, creativity and presentation skills.

Our lessons are practical and project-based. Children learn by creating their own games, animations, websites, applications, robots and digital projects, not simply by listening to theory.

Classes are taught in both Dutch and English. English is especially important in technology, so children naturally develop their language skills while learning IT. At the same time, every child can ask questions and receive support in whichever language feels most comfortable.

Classes take place once a week, and each lesson lasts two hours. The exact day and time depend on the group you choose.

We work with small groups of usually 6-8 children, allowing each child to receive support and personal attention. A group may occasionally have up to 15 children.

All equipment needed for the chosen course is included in the price, including laptops, tablets, robots and LEGO®.

We are very aware of children’s screen time, and this is exactly why we created these courses: to help children learn how to build with technology, not just consume it. Lessons combine focused computer work with teamwork, creative exercises, presentations, energising activities and other screen-free moments.

Yes, we offer free demo lessons so your child can meet the teacher and future classmates, explore what we do, and see how they can create their own project using technology.

Yes, joining after a course has started is possible. Contact us so we can evaluate the options and find the most suitable group for your child.

Parents and children have access to their own online account. Children can view study materials and homework and track their projects, while parents can follow their child’s progress.

Please let us know as early as possible. We will always try to find a suitable catch-up solution, depending on the course and available space, but a replacement lesson cannot always be guaranteed.

Please contact us before registration and tell us about any learning, health or accessibility needs that may affect participation. We will discuss what support may reasonably be provided and whether the selected group is suitable.