News, updates and featured projects from our coding clubs!

World Creativity and Innovation Day: Unleashing Imagination with Code

This week we celebrated World Creativity and Innovation Day and, with that in mind, we want to share some of the ways in which learning to code can also lead to the development of strong creative skills.

How To Get Started With Minecraft Mod Worlds

Now that we've seen A Minecraft Movie we want to keep the fun going by exploring, building, and mining just like Steve! That's what Minecraft Mod Worlds is all about...

Neurodiversity Celebration Week: How We Make Coding Accessible

It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week and here at The Code Zone we want to shine a light on why we think combining gaming and coding can be hugely beneficial for neurodivergent children.

International Day of Awesomeness

You might not know it, but on the 10^th of March every year, it’s none other than International Day of AWESOMENESS! We wanted to show off some of the most mind-boggling and generally awesome projects our members have made, to not just celebrate a day dedicated to awesomeness, but also their hard work and creativity!

It's Meet the Mentor Week

Today we have six of our newest mentors with me: Charlotte, Comfort, Jacob, Jordie, Lewis, and Musa, all ready to answer some questions and tell us all about some of their favourite things!

Back to Basics: What is Coding?

What actually IS coding? We talk about it all the time, and it’s very important to make the world go around, but we get so caught up in doing code, we sometimes forget to explain what it even is! So put on your learning caps, and let’s figure it out together.

Half Term Game Jam Round Up

We still have the rest of the week left of our Game Jam but we have already seen some AMAZING entries from our talented young coders that we couldn't wait to share them. So here are some of our mentor's favourite Game Jam games in no particular order... 

Women in Coding - We need YOU

We’re always striving to get more girls involved with our clubs and making awesome games – we’ve got some amazing members of all genders, and they all deserve the same chance to learn code, show off their games, and of course earn some sweet XP points. 

Virtual and Augmented Reality Safety

We have started using Virtual and Augmented Reality in our clubs, but there are a few things to be aware of.

The Next Game Jam is Coming

Are you ready to take part in a new coding challenge? We’ve finally left January behind which means half term is around the corner - that means it’s time for another Game Jam at The Code Zone!

Top 5 Do's and Don'ts of Online Safety for Children

We spoke to our wonderful mentors and here are their top 5 do's and don'ts of online safety for children.

International Day of Education: AI And Education

Friday the 24th marks International Day Of Education; this year's theme centres around AI and its uses in education which is something we at The Code Zone are very interested in!

Welcome to Minecraft Mod Worlds

As 2025 comes rolling in, with it has come an absolutely fantastic new aspect of the Code Zone that we’re thrilled to tell you all about; Minecraft Mod Worlds...

What to expect from: Game Dev Academy

We have a plethora of different mentors, clubs and resources to help you get started on your coding journey. So in this blog, we wanted to give you a rundown of what to expect from our Game Dev Academy, our latest new way of learning to code for flexi-learners. 

Look back on 2024 for The Code Zone

It is coming to the end of 2024 and whilst the fire is still blazing and the Christmas tree lights are still twinkling, we want to take a moment to reflect on all the amazing things that happened at The Code Zone this year

Winter Game Jam 2024: The Game Before Christmas

Only one week left until Christmas! And you all know what that means... it is time for another Code Zone Game Jam!

Christmas Gifting: The Tech Way

We've rounded up some super cool gift ideas for kids who love everything to do with computers, tech and coding! 

Fun Coding Activities for Computer Science Education Week

This week at The Code Zone we’re taking part in Computer Science Education Week! The goal of this week is to encourage and inspire children of all ages to learn and get excited about computer science.

Encouraging Computer Literacy at The Code Zone

Why we believe it’s so important to be computer literate and what we’re doing to encourage computer literacy in our young coders!

Coding and Futuristic Tech

 So what does the future of coding and technology look like? At The Code Zone, we want to help children with their coding skills to become the innovators of the future!

All About: Game Dev Club Modder

Here at The Code Zone, we have two distinct yet similar clubs for our members: Hacker and Modder. We thought we’d take a little bit of time this week to talk to you a little more about the latter of the two, our Modder clubs!

Empowering our coding members to Choose Respect for Anti-Bullying Week

Monday 11th November 2024 marks the start of Anti-Bullying week and, this year, the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) have embraced the theme of 'Choose Respect' which The Code Zone full-heartedly supports and endorses.

How The Code Zone is Bridging The Digital Skills Gap

If you checked out our socials last week, you may have noticed that here at The Code Zone we were celebrating some really, REALLY exciting news; it was announced that we are the global winners of Xero’s Beautiful Business Fund in the Upskilling For The Future category!

Halloween Video Game Villians

To really celebrate our game jam and the spooky season, we wanted to compile a list of some of the coolest, scariest video game villains out there!

Mid Game Jam Round Up

but the question is....did you look under the bed?

We’ve already seen so many incredible games, and we’re only halfway through! That’s why we wanted to take a moment to show off some of these incredible spooky Halloween inspired games. Here we go, in no particular order…

A Game Jam is COMING!

I bet you're wondering what theme we've come up with this time?....well let's find out...

It’s here, it’s there, it’s everywhere: Coding is all around you!

We’re going to be talking about the ways that coding sneaks its way into things we use every day, to really get an idea of how much we rely on it. Prepare to have your mind boggled, baffled, and I dare say even bamboozled, as we pull back the curtain on everyday coding!

Surprising Coding Careers

at The Code Zone we love video games so we often talk about how learning to code is really useful for a career in gaming - but what if you don’t want to be a game dev? This week we wanted to take a closer look at some of these careers and the way that our clubs can be the first stepping stone for a child that is interested in pursuing them later in life!

What To Expect From A Code Zone Taster Session

Here at The Code Zone we offer one free session to give you a nice look at what you can expect from our online sessions!

Summer Game Jam Round Up!

Game Jam Season is coming to a close – let’s wrap them up!

Back To School: Coding As An Extracurricular Activity

As we turn our calendars over to September, you may be looking for some new after school clubs for your children to get involved in.

Game Dev Club: Mascot Mayhem Mid-Game Jam Showcase

Well hey there, coders and parents! Last week was the first week of our current GAME JAM – which, if you weren’t aware, is a two-week long opportunity for our members to make their VERY OWN, CUSTOM GAMES based around a preselected theme, and share them with all their fellow members.

Histories of Video Game Mascots

This week marks the start of our second Game Jam for the summer, and our theme this time is MASCOT MAYHEM! We’ve decided to mark the start of the Game Jam with a fun little dive into the history of the biggest video game mascots, so buckle in as we travel back in time to learn a little more!

Game Jam: Mascot Mayhem Theme Reveal

Exciting news everyone! It’s still the summer holidays so here at The Code Zone we’re launching our second summer Game Jam!

Game Dev Club: Mid Game-Jam Showcase

Last week was the first week of our current GAME JAM – which, if you weren’t aware, is a two-week long opportunity for our members to make their VERY OWN, CUSTOM GAMES

Game Jam Summer 2024: Honey I Shrunk The Code Zone

The summer holidays have officially started which means our next Game Jam is imminent! It starts on Monday July 29th, and we can’t wait to start coding!

Coding Over The Summer Holidays

As we reach the end of July we know that everyone is getting excited for the summer holidays! The break means lots of fun is to be had, but it also means there’s a change in routine. You may be wondering - how can I keep up with my coding over the summer? That’s where we come in!

Women in Coding

During June we had the pleasure of celebrating Pride Month by drawing attention to some great LGBT coders throughout history who have changed the world for the better. This week, we’ve decided to do a similar sort of thing, to focus on another group of coders who have contributed just as much through history – women!

Game Dev Club: What is it all about?

Our Mission: To Get More Girls into Coding

At The Code Zone, we believe that anyone and everyone should have access to learning to code regardless of their gender or background. Which is why we want to discuss the research done by King's College in London in regards to female students studying computer science.

Game Dev: Hackers – Midweek Showcase

Well hey there, coders and parents! Our weekly game this week is ‘Parcel Panic’ – a game that’ll have you multitasking, matching colours, and scoring points like nobody’s business!

Coding is for ALL – Celebrating the Diverse History of Computer Science

This month is Pride Month, and so here at The Code Zone we want to bring some attention to some amazing LGBTQ+ coders throughout history who have made our lives so much more amazing with their inventions and ideas. We believe coding is for all people, and the history of computer science shows that this works out in the world’s favour!

Meet our Mentors

We're shining a light this week on our Mentors! Read all about them including their fave pokemon!

Showdown Game Jam Round Up!

Our May Half Term Game Jam has come to an end! Find out what's been happening in our clubs and from our coders!

Mid Week May Game Jam Update

Howdy Y’all! Our game jam is in full swing here at The Code Zone and I’m here to tell you where we’re at!

The impact of AI on learning to code

A question that we're asked at least 20 times a week, "Will AI make tech and coding jobs redundant?"

Spring Game Jam 2024

May Half Term means a brand new Game Jam with a brand new theme! Ready to get playing?

The Spring Game Jam 2024 is set to launch on May 24th and will run all the way until June 7th so it’s almost time to saddle up and start coding - we’ll see you there!

Fun & Friendship, how our clubs support children’s mental health!

This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and so here at The Code Zone we wanted to draw attention to some of the ways both our excellent mentors and club members support each other, to create a positive environment for coding.

The Code Zone's Reaction to the Online Safety Act

Technology companies will have to take more action to keep children safe on the internet, following the introduction of the Online Safety Act.

Why Children Thrive in Coding Clubs with Mentors and Peers

Simplify coding education for children with inclusive online coding clubs led by STEM-certified mentors.

Scratch and Python Coding for Kids

Discover how learning to code can empower kids with valuable skills for life.

Protect Earth in this new Hackers game! 🌎

Its your job to protect the world from Asteroids! Lets see what hacks our coders have made!

STEM Learning at The Code Zone!

Discover where STEM learning is applied to our coding curriculum in our online code clubs!

Game Jam Round up | Egg-cellent Adventure!

What an Egg-citing end to the Spring Game Jam 2024!

Spiral Learning | The best way to learn Python

Discover the best approach to learning Python for children!

The Top 5 Programming Languages for Kids to Start Coding

Discover which programming languages are best for children to start learning code!

Introducing The Code Zone's new Mentor team!

It's April, it's time to find a new way to build the mentor team!  Previous attempts with AI have not gone well...can man's best friend help?

In Person Code Club | Join the Best Code Club in Cambridge!

Looking for a fun, interactive after school club for your child? Want your child to learn valuable skills in tech and coding while having a blast? Cor do we have a club for you!

Modders Club Game of the Week | Phantom Foray

Mentor Calum discusses the newest game of the week for Modders!

Why Non-Tech Professionals Should Learn Code

Coding isn't just for programmers; its for everyone! 

Hackers Club takes to the skies in Air Attack!

We're flying into Game Dev Club Hackers, Game of the Week!

Coding is for Everyone: Breaking the "Geeky" Stereotype

 Let's explore how coding has shed its geeky image and why it's a valuable skill set for the modern era.

Why children should learn to code with Scratch

Easy to use, colorful and engaging? What's not to love about this beginner friendly coding programme?

Paint Battle: A Splatoon Inspired Game

Gather round for this week's Modders game round up!

Navigating the Digital Landscape: Tips for Parents and Kids

How to prepare children for the digital landscape online. 

Game Jam Round Up: Don't Go Outside!

Starting 2024 off with a Big Ol' Game Jam!

Hacker's Featured Game | The Asteroid Field

Ground Control to Major Tom... there's a lot of asteriods out here!

The Code Zone Responds to the Telegraph

Kids SHOULD learn to code and here's why!

5 Benefits of Children Starting to Learn Code at age 6!

There are many benefits to learning code, even as early as age 6!

Santa's Little Helper

For our final game of 2023, we are playing Santa’s Little Helper

Santa’s Coming to Town

Ant here again from the Code Zone to give you all a quick catch up on our festive antics last week in our Game Dev Clubs.

Minecraft Round Up - Let's mod a functioning Door Bell

This week we are continuing our 'Redstone Contraption' series and are coding door bell - DING DONG!

Top 5 Code Platforms for Kids | From Beginner to Advanced

Which platforms are best for your child to start learning code? 

Modders: Kitchen Chaos

This week in Modders, we have a brand new game called ‘Kitchen Chaos’

Minecraft Round Up - Let's mod a TNT Rocket Launcher

This week we are continuing our 'Redstone Contraption' series and are coding an EXPLOSIVE TNT Rocket Launcher!

Hacker Highlight: Deep Sea Diver

We are starting this week strong with our latest game: Deep Sea Diver.

Minecraft Round Up - Let's mod a TNT Launch Pad

This week, we are continuing our 'Redstone Contraption' series and we are making a BIG impact with our latest mod: TNT Launch Pad!

National Coding Week: Robot Rivals

Celebrating National Coding Week with a Game Jam!

Hacker Highlight: Sword Thrower

Finishing off this week strong with our latest Game Dev Club Hacker Game: Sword Thrower!

Minecraft Round Up - Let's mod a Redstone Rubbish Chest

This week in our Minecraft Mod Club, we are continuing our 'Redstone Contraption' series

Cops & Robbers

Zombies and Scientist!

Minecraft Round Up - Let's mod a Redstone Door

In our Minecraft Mod Club, we are starting a brand new mod series called 'Redstone Contraptions'

Hacker Highlight: Ace Pilot

See Arabella's AMAZING Ace Pilot Game below - full of colour and her own mods 

Minecraft Mod Club: Our Top 5 Minigame Mods

Top 5 favourite Minecraft Minigames

The Importance of Balance Between Struggle and Support

Learning to tie your shoes sucks. It’s difficult....

Minecraft Round Up - Let's mod a Gliding game!

In this week's Minecraft Mod Club, we are continuing our Minecraft Mini Game Series by coding and modding our very own gliding game.

Strange Sports Game Jam

We're back with another game jam to round out the holidays!

Tunnel Traversal

We are back in Modders Club again today and we are working on Tunnel Traversal!

How Older Games Can Help us as Game Makers: The Legend of Zelda

Why are older games worth playing? We take a look...

Minecraft Round Up - Let's Play On Rails Archery

In this week's Minecraft Mod Club, we are continuing our Minecraft Mini Game Series and playing On Rails Archery:)🚂

Arch Enemy

What a day we've had here at The Code Zone!

What is Learning Through Play?

By Jaz - The Code Zone Mentor!

Elemental Powers Game Jam

We all hope you are enjoying your time off at half term! Are you ready for this half term's Game Jam event, Elemental Powers.... 

Minecraft Round Up - Let's Play Monster Arena

In this week's Minecraft Mod Club, we are continuing our Minecraft Mini Game Series by coding our very own Monster Arena Game!

Colour Run

We are back in Game Dev Club and this week our hackers are playing 'Colour Run'.

Game Jams - what are they and why are they important?

You’re probably asking ‘what on earth is a game jam?’ Well don’t worry! I am going to tell you.

Minecraft Round Up - Let's Play Dropper

In this week's Minecraft Mod Club, we are continuing our Minecraft Mini Game Series by coding our very own game of Dropper!

Evolution Game Jam

We all hope you are enjoying your time off at half term! Are you ready for this half term's Game Jam event, Evolution...

Bin It

The latest on all the mods and hacks available this week to test your kids' coding skills!

A look into The Life of a Female Computer Science Student

By Becky Shepherd (Mentor, Game Dev Club)

Minecraft Round Up - Let's play Spleef

In this week's Minecraft Mod Club, we are continuing our Minecraft Mini Game Series by coding your own Spleef Arena!

Shadowy Shootout

We are back at it again this week modding our Shadowy Shootout game

Why learning to code through games is a good approach

Children live and breath games regardless of their age; whether that be playing a game of tag on the playground or booting up their Nintendo Switch to play Roblox

Minecraft Round Up - Let's make our own Archery Range

In this week's Minecraft Mod Club, we are continuing our Minecraft Mini Game series and coding our very own game of Archery Range

Coding for Grown-Ups

Since 2019, The Code Zone has been inspiring passion for coding in people of all ages.

Jetpack Jumper

Another week, another Scratch game for our GameDev Club members - this time we are playing Jetpack Jumper!

Minecraft Mod Club Round Up - Let's Take the Castle 🏰

We are shaking things up in our Minecraft Mod Club!

How is Coding linked to the Curriculum?

In 2014, changes to the national curriculum were made specifically in ICT to help with the introduction of coding to children, replacing ICT with ‘Computing’.

Look out - it's a SHARK!

This week at The Code Zone, hackers are playing GameDev Club's latest game 'Shark Attack'.

Minecraft Round Up - Let's go Pig Fishing 🐷

Welcome back to another Minecraft Mod Club 'Let's Build' episode with Jaz and Calum. This week, we will be coding a new theme for this term: Minecraft Mini Games!

Welcome Back to Game Dev Club!

We are making a bold come back with Battle Tanks!

Half Term Coding Fun!

A little round up of what happened over May Half Term!

Minecraft Round Up - Let's Build an Automated Melon Farm 🍉

It's time for another Minecraft Mod Club 'Let's Build' episode

The Code Zone for Grown-ups - it's coming!

You asked...it's coming...we just need something from you...

Did someone say Pizza?🍕

The Code Zone's latest idle game: 'Click For Pizza'

Game Jam 2023: Hopping Mad Week 2

With Easter behind us we are diving straight back into the nitty gritty of picking up coding skills and ideating our own games in the Game Dev clubs.

Game Jam 2023: Hopping Mad Week 1

Our Game Jam is Back this Half term!

Introducing LOLclub

Today, we're excited to announce the release of our newest club , "LOLclub"!

The Wall of Doom Game Jam

Happy half term everyone - we hope you're relaxing, chilling... and coding! Are you ready for this half term's Game Jam event?

Can you 'Dodge It'?

A quick overview of what happened in our Game Dev Club!

A week of Flyie Drone...

Read all about what our children have been creating in our Game Dev Club!

Minecraft Mod Club: What's it all about?

Kids Love Minecraft....so let's make it education & fun!

Can't Stop Moving Game Jam

 We've had a great time watching our Hackers and Modders taking part in our recent game jam "Can't Stop Moving"!

Christmas Gifting: Our Top Gifts of 2022

It's that time of year, and we've made a super simple guide on the gifts that are loved and recommended by our mentors themselves!

Take a look and give the gift of coding this Christmas!

"You Are The Monster" Game Jam Halloween 2022

During October Half Tem we opened up our doors for yet another Game Jam! After the success of the Summer ones, our children were fuelled and ready for another week of hacking!

"You Are The Monster" Game Jam - Modders Halloween 2022

During October Half Tem we opened up our doors for yet another Game Jam!

Game Jam 2022 - It's Dangerous To Go Alone, Take This" Day 5

The end of a great summer of phenomenal Game Jams!

Game Jam 2022 - It's Dangerous To Go Alone, Take This" Day 4

In today's game dev clubs we've seen some unique stuff whether that be the Batculator (which actually works perfectly)

Game Jam 2022 - It's Dangerous To Go Alone, Take This" Day 3

We've had some quite technical hacks and interesting visual changes today inside of Storm Survival!

Game Jam 2022 - It's Dangerous To Go Alone, Take This" Day 2

The theme is "It's Dangerous To Go Alone, Take This". What "this" is, is up to you...

Game Jam 2022 - It's Dangerous To Go Alone, Take This" Day 1

The theme is "It's Dangerous To Go Alone, Take This". What "this" is, is up to you. Get jamming and good luck!!

The Floor Is Lava Game Jam

Last week we had our first of this Summer's Game Jams, a free event for all members where the children were given a theme (The Floor is Lava) and had to come up with their own game or animation, and wow did they come up with some amazing ideas!  We've selected a few (below) and our mentors have done a round up.  Have a watch below!

Game Jam 2022 - Day 5

Last day of the floor is lava Game Jam 

Game Jam 2022 - Day 4

A little catch up with what's been going on in the online Game Jam today! Day 4

Game Jam 2022 - Day 3

A little catch up with what's been going on in the online Game Jam today! Day 3

Game Jam 2022 - Day 2

Day 2 and the Game Jam is in full swing! What's been happening so far?

Game Jam 2022 - Day 1

Day 1 of our very first Game Jam yesterday and we saw loads of children join us online to start work on their "The Floor Is Lava" themed game!

The Live Stream with Tom & Ant - Pirate Palaver

Tom and Ant take a look at last week's game, Pirate Palaver and some of the best hacks from the game!

The Live Stream with Tom & Ant - Asteroid Attack

Weekly round up from the 22nd June - join Tom & Ant on our live stream talking all things coding!

Welcome to the Circus 🎪

New term means fun new badges to earn!

We've been nominated!!

4 Reasons Why Coding Is Essential Today

Coding is slowly becoming a crucial part of society, and we can’t continue without it, but why?

The Mecha Bots are here

Easter has passed through and we're in to a brand new half term! 

April 25th Weekly Round Up

It was a Frog Feeding Frenzy this week at the code zone!

April 17th Weekly Round Up!

First of all I would like to wish everyone a happy Easter and/or Ramadan on behalf of all of us at the Code Zone!

Ant's Weekly Round up 10th April

Hold the Fort had some amazing creativity involved!

Tom's Round up 3rd April

Everyone loved this week's game Scaredy Crows - but what's coming up next?

Dell's Weekly Round up March 27th

We hear from one of our newest mentor's Dell, on what sounds like an eventful week of fun & games!

Tom's Round up March 13th

A little recap on Jungle Run plus what's coming next week!

Holly's Round Up March 6th

Another busy week training new mentors & new clubs!

Tom's Round up 27th Feb

Diving into what's been happening in the week @ The Code Zone!

Stars in Spring

A new term has begun and we're heading out of the snowy season and in to Spring where there are tonnes of stars to collect over the next 6 weeks!

The Live Stream - Sky High Speedy and Race-A-Round

"You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become in to the villain"

The ZoneBot will live forever!

We declare the Winter Olympics 2022, open!

Join us here at The Code Zone for two weeks of cool Winter Olympics coding projects!

To kick things off, we present to you the Opening Ceremony!

Tom's round up Jan 23rd

A big welcome to new teammates, a quick update of the hacks from last week, and the game coming up this week in the Game Dev Club!

Holly's round up Jan 16th

Have you heard of a Unimouse?  Well...this week we discovered it in one of our Game Dev Clubs!  Read more...

The Live Stream with Tom and Holly - Paint Battle!

Hellooo!! Tom's finally worked out how to say "hello" and Holly's a....sponge... in this weeks round-up of the game dev clubs and this week's hack "Paint Battle"

January & the Winter Warriors badge

Our new years week is over and we're back into the swing of things.  Here's an update of the last week from Tom, a round-up of last week and kicking things off this term with a new badge for you to get! 

Happy New Year!!

We hope you've had a great Christmas - welcome back for another fun-filled term of tech and coding.  Check out the new years badge as well!

The Live Stream - Reverse Tower Defence?!

It's our last one before Christmas and the festive hats are out!  Tom and Holly talk tower defence, and this week's game dev club challenge - building a reverse version of the game, where you are the runner!

Holly's Roundup Dec 19th

Holly gives us a round-up of the last week in the clubs, some featured projects and a sneak peak in to what's coming up next week!

The Live Stream with Tom and Holly - Whackamole

Our first ever live stream!  And a festive one to kick things off...are you ready for Holly's surprise?  And is your project featured this week?

The Codey Smart Speaker

5 Women Who are Changing the World Through Tech

In an industry dominated by men, these women are carving out their own path.

And the world is all the better for it.

Why Should Children Learn to Code?

STAY AHEAD - LEARN TO CODE

Screen Time Doesn't Have to be Scary

With the pandemic pushing us further online, it’s more important than ever that we understand screen time and the effect it can have on our children – both positive and negative.

Virtual Coding Club Launches as Pandemic Wipes Out Children’s Activities

The Code Zone has launched a virtual coding club in response to Covid-19 safety measures wiping out children’s after school activities.

November Build Battle

It's coming!  Are you ready?

This month's theme - DINOSAURS 

Tech Start-Up Launches UK-First Coding Format for Youngsters

The Code Zone has launched in the UK, plugging Britain’s coding skills shortage with an interactive virtual club for youngsters aged 6 to 14.

Women And Girls in Coding

Lucy Woodhead on her experience as a woman in coding, and why diversity in the technoloy sector starts with our children's education.

The Code Zone Secures Funding

The Code Zone Secures funding for new online platform from Innovate UK

Virtual Reality Safety

We have started using Virtual Reality in our clubs, but there are a few things to be aware of.

The Origins of The Code Zone

The Code Zone was formed to fill a gap, to overcome gender and diversity barriers in code and to boost lots of other soft-skills in children.