Sentinus will help your pupils take the first steps towards developing their digital skills through participation in highly engaging and enjoyable activities. See for yourself how quickly they get to grips with the process of controlling a range of devices using both GUI (drag and drop) and writing code.
Computer programming is becoming an increasingly important skill as Northern Ireland’s reputation as a centre of excellence for cyber security, financial technology and the creative and digital media sector. There will be lots of very rewarding career opportunities in future for young people who have a good range of digital skills.
The Sentinus programmes listed below will help your pupils develop important skills for the future and show that everyone can be part of the digital revolution. Sentinus supplies all the necessary equipment and does not need access to your school’s internet or the C2K system.
Codey Rocky
Codey Rocky robots provide an easy way for your Key Stage 1 pupils to learn programming in Scratch 3.0 and Python. They have 10 programmable electronic modules including Infra Red receiver/transmitter, LED display, light and voice sensors, speaker and gyroscope.
Codey Rocky robots allow children to learn about programming while they play and create, using mBlock, a software which supports both blocked-based and Python programming.
Programme Duration: 1 or 2 Half Day workshops
RoboCode
We offer a range of workshops which give Key Stage 2 pupils the opportunity to develop programming skills within the context of robotics. Using BoeBots, MBots or Macqueen Bots, they will be asked to programme their robots to complete some challenges. Using both GUI (drag and drop programming) and writing code, pupils will develop an understanding of key concepts in computer programming, as well as how to control their robot to complete tasks.
Programme Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours
FIRST LEGO League
FIRST LEGO League Challenge is a global STEM programme for teams of young people, to encourage interest in real world themes and develop key skills that are crucial for their future careers. Pupils work together to explore a given topic and design, build and programme an autonomous LEGO robot to solve a series of missions.Sentinus will visit your school for six weeks to engage your Key Stage 2 pupils in the building and programming of the robots to enable them to complete a series of challenges on a specially designed course. At the end of the programme there will be a challenge day when each of the teams competing to complete the challenges.
Programme Duration: 6 Half Day workshops
Meet MicroPython
Meet MicroPython aims to set young people on the path towards developing their digital skills for the future and inspiring them about careers in the IT sector. It will introduce your Key Stage 2 pupils to coding using the block editor (simple drag and drop programming) for the BBC Micro:bit and also move them on to learn how to code using MicroPython language.
Programme Duration: 1 or 2 Half Day workshops
Raspberry Pi Lending Library
Sentinus now operates a Raspberry Pi lending scheme for schools wishing to provide opportunities for students to further develop their coding skills.
When schools apply to the Raspberry Pi Lending Library they will receive 15 Raspberry Pi’s plus keyboards, small monitors and mouse devices. In use, each Raspberry Pi will need to be connected to a power outlet during operation. The lending period will normally be two weeks, but an extension may be possible if demand is low.
Sentinus can also offer support on the types of activities which can be carried out using the Raspberry Pi’s
NOTE: Your School will be responsible for collecting and returning all equipment in the same condition that you received it.
Sentinus Code Academy
Sentinus is establishing a Code Academy for primary schools throughout Northern 
Ireland which aims to help teachers and young people engage in computer programming activity and enhance digital skills.
Schools will be encouraged to set up a Code Club for which Sentinus will offer support by providing monthly webinars involving practical tutorials for teachers and pupils, ideas for practical coding activities and support to help develop coding skills. Schools will have the opportunity to access additional resources and other Sentinus STEM activities.
As part of the Academy, Code Clubs will be able to submit projects regularly, showcase their work by incorporating presentation and creative media skills, appear as the featured ‘School of the Month’ and get the opportunity to engage with local IT companies. By joining, your school will have the opportunity to reach Sentinus Code Academy Bronze, Silver or Gold level.