Barnesville School Offers Coding

Barnesville is now offering computer coding as an option in the Middle School Arts and Sciences rotation. The pilot program for seventh and eighth grade students uses an object oriented programming (OOP) language called “Swift Playgrounds” from Apple, designed for iPads.
Programming concepts covered in the class include commands, functions, loops, parameters, conditional code, variables, operators, types, initialization, and bug fixing. With these basic skills, students will be able to to take more advanced programming in high school. Developing basic coding skills on Swift Playground provides a foundation for coding in Xcode, the programming language professionals use to develop apps for the MAC and iPad operating system.
In addition to teaching coding, the class fosters skills like collaboration, organization, critical-path thinking, and breaking large problems down into small steps.
The Swift Playground app allows students to run programs they develop on their iPads and share them with friends. Video of programs can be posted on the web. Families who want to try it out on their own can download the free app, which is available on iPad 2 Air or newer models and requires IOS10.

Barnesville School of Arts & Sciences is an independent private school in Montgomery County, Maryland offering innovative preschool through 8th grade programs. Cross-curricular teaching encourages students to explore how subjects relate to one another, helping them to make connections that spark inquiry and deepen understanding. Small classes enable skilled teachers to engage each child in an academically challenging environment. Our 50-acre campus is our extended classroom, and we integrate nature into everyday learning.