Find their path in IT

Python is a tool for creating programs of every purpose: computer games, blockchain, microblogs. Students gain practical skills in writing software code, develop algorithmic and systemic thinking, learn the fundamental concepts and rules of programming, solve arithmetic and logical problems, and create their own console games with a graphical interface. They learn the basic principles of the language: syntax, testing, object-oriented programming, Big Data and prototyping.

After the module, students will be able to

• Install Python on any computer and work with it
• Understand OOP principles and optimised algorithms
• Create a Telegram chatbot
• Create console games
• Understand how to optimise programs
• Work with the file system using Python

Soft skills: become financially literate.

JavaScript is one of the most influential programming languages of our time. We encounter it every day, sometimes without knowing it - the internet is what it is because of this language. It allows you to create dynamic, interactive user interfaces and is used in small projects and large applications alike. Students gain practical skills in writing software code and develop algorithmic and systemic thinking.

After the module, students will be able to

• Understand JavaScript theory
• Learn the basics of the language’s syntax
• Build up logical thinking and creative potential
• Create their own web applications

Soft skills: the basics of communication, constructive communication, and how to resolve conflict situations.

The module is taught in Blender, which is used on large-scale projects - the special effects for the film «Spider-Man 2» were created in it. Mastering the program is the first step towards understanding the world of three-dimensional technologies.

After the module, students will be able to

• Work in the graphics editor
• Understand the principles of creating 3D graphics objects
• Create animations
• Acquire useful technical and engineering skills
• Develop their own 3D objects and virtual worlds
• Write a film script and bring it to life by animating objects

Soft skills: set goals, achieve them, and manage time effectively.

Java is a strictly typed, object-oriented, general purpose programming language, and the standard for security and convenience. A great many banks use it in their software and many sites use it to write their backend. Its great advantage is that it is multi-platform: code written in Java runs on any device with a JVM. The module additionally covers Oracle’s Java program, and each student has the opportunity to receive the official «Oracle Java Learning Explorer» icon.

After the module, students will be able to

• Know how to work in an IDE, and the language syntax
• Improve logical thinking and creativity
• Write clean, readable code
• Use the OOP framework
• Hold a strong knowledge base in Java Core
• Write their own language structures - classes, methods and others
• Receive the official «Oracle Java Learning Explorer» icon

Soft skills: speak in public, and present themselves and their projects.

The student receives the basic knowledge and the skills needed to start a career as a tester (QA engineer). A good QA is highly valued on the market, because the quality of a product and its demand depend on exactly that knowledge and skill.

Hard skills

• Manual and automatic testing
• Quality control of software at every stage - planning, design, creation
• How to improve software and prevent defects from occurring
• Testing individual components and the entire product

Soft skills: analytical and logical thinking, concentration, the ability to think ahead and prevent undesirable situations, and creative potential.

Data Science is one of the areas of informatics that has flourished most in the last decade, and the basis of many of the conveniences the internet offers today. It is closely related to artificial intelligence, automated learning, big data, predictions and deep learning - the area where Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, IBM and Microsoft invest heavily. In this module students take the position of a real scientist-analyst who has a problem to solve, and work through the steps a data scientist takes, from obtaining the data and describing the problem to solving it.

After the module, students will learn

• Different methods of structuring data
• Different data types, with their advantages and disadvantages
• How a data set can be investigated, and what criteria to take into account
• Simple prediction algorithms - decision tree, Random Forest, SVM, KNN
• Statistical concepts for interpreting results
• Simple clustering algorithms - K-Means, DBScan - and their trade-offs
• Ways of displaying results, and simple chart types

Soft skills: work with information, manage attention, and understand your own task within collective work.

In this module students come to understand the C# programming language and create a desktop application using modern technologies and frameworks. If you want to design websites, build apps or create games, you will have no trouble finding work that requires C#.

After the module, students will be able to

• Understand the principles of C#
• Use Visual Studio
• Create programs in .exe format
• Develop games in C#
• Use C# and ASP.NET MVC to create fast, efficient applications

Soft skills: emotional intelligence - what robots do not have but we do, the ability to understand and control our emotions.

The student learns SQL (Structured Query Language) and uses it to build functional databases to a client’s request: a bank, an online shop, a news resource, a social network.

Hard skills

• Create a database on demand, in which data is convenient to store, search, update and delete
• Database maintenance and upgrade skills

Soft skills: build a work plan from a request, analyse customer needs, empathy, allocate a task against its deadline, plan time, and communicate.

The GreenFoot module puts the theoretical knowledge of Java to work in developing simple, interactive games. Throughout the module every theoretical concept is applied in practice while creating games, and every detail is visualised on the game stage.

After the module, students will be able to

• Apply their theoretical knowledge of programming in Java
• Create games on the GreenFoot platform
• Develop game design skills
• Animate and create their own game characters for their projects
• Understand the importance of testing and debugging, and how to identify and correct errors in their projects

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.