Coding and STEM

Coding and STEM workshops and activities

We offer a range of coding and STEM themed activities and workshops for a range of ages from early years, families and adults. To find out what's available please visit our What's On page.  

We also deliver sessions to students and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) sessions for teachers. CPD workshops help improve delivery of engaging cross-curricular computer programming lessons. You can find out more about our offer for Schools on our Digital sessions for children page. 

Code Club

An after-school coding club for young people aged 9 -14 years. 

Code Club works as a community of volunteers, educators, and partners to run free after school coding clubs.

At the club sessions, young people use free, step-by-step project guides specially created by the Raspberry Pi education team.

Club organisers provide support to help the young people progress through projects, to create games, animations, and web pages using Scratch, Micro: Bit, Python, or HTML/CSS. 

Here are some free learning resources from Code Club: https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/codeclub 

Code Club at Gateshead Central Library takes place on Thursdays 5-6pm. Spaces are limited. For more information, please contact digitalteamlibs@gateshead.gov.uk 

Coderdojo

Dojos take place in public, accessible spaces such as libraries, community centres, and even cinemas. Some venues provide equipment for kids and teens (Ninjas) to use. Dojos are run by amazing, supportive volunteers who give their time to support kids and teens. Here are some free learning resources from Coderdojo: https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/coderdojo 

Gateshead Library Coderdojo runs every second Saturday of the month 10:30-12:30 

Laptops can be provided for use during the session if needed 

Free: Tickets published on Gateshead Eventbrite two weeks before the event.

Get coding with Micro:bits

With LEDs that can scroll messages or display pictures, programmable buttons and motion detectors, you can code the Micro:bit to do all sorts of things, from music to robots to games. And you can borrow them free for up to 3 weeks with your library ticket (8 years and over).

Inside the box is the Micro:bit, USB cable and a battery pack.

Don't worry if you don't have a computer: you can program the Micro:bit from an app on your phone or tablet and download the code via Bluetooth. Micro:bits are available from Birtley, Blaydon, Central, Chopwell, Crawcrook, Leam Lane, Pelaw and Wrekenton Libraries. Just ask the staff for more information.

Getting started with the Micro:bit

You can borrow a Micro:bit on your library ticket for up to 3 weeks. Please make sure that you return all three items in the box: the Micro:bit, USB cable and the battery pack.

We recommend that you download and read the Micro:bit safety guide (opens new window)

Other sites you may like to visit for inspiration:

Quick guide to Micro:bit (opens new window) Using the Micro:bit in 5 easy steps. Downloading your code. There are also projects, games to code and lessons ideas on this official Micro:bit website

Guide to mobile and tablet apps (opens new window) Code from a smart phone or tablet and Bluetooth to the Micro:bit

Get started with coding (opens new window) Get started with coding with this tutorial

Code Club projects (opens new window) 

Kitronic "getting started" guide (opens new window), projects and resources, explanation of coding blocks