Wellard students build coding confidence

Wellard Village Primary School is preparing students for the future, using tiny technology to unlock big ideas.    

Delivered by Scitech, Alcoa Foundation Real World Digital Technologies is a one-term professional learning program to help teachers incorporate digital technology into daily teaching.     

As part of the program, Year 5 and 6 students at Wellard Village Primary School have been learning coding, using pocket-sized computers called micro:bits.  

Scitech Learning and Engagement Officer Stephanie Massara said the program focused on building teachers’ skills and confidence in teaching digital technology.   

“In an increasingly digital world, it’s important we equip students with the skills they’ll need to participate in everyday life and the future workforce,” Ms Massara said.   

“Teachers are often time poor and don’t always have the capacity to explore rapidly changing and evolving digital technologies in the same way that students do.      

“At Scitech, we encourage teachers to see digital technologies as an opportunity to co-learn with students – using their existing teaching skills to guide critical thinking and curiosity.  

“Digital technologies can also be incorporated into all subject areas. For example, students can create animations to develop storytelling skills, or use the micro:bit to code a simple step-counter to collect and analyse data and learn about healthy choices.”   

Year 6 Wellard Village Primary School teacher Natalie Earl said Scitech’s support had allowed her to confidently integrate digital technologies into her teaching.   

“Term 2 was all about exploring the micro:bits,” Ms Earl said.    

“The students used their technology and problem-solving skills to program them and trouble shoot when things did not work.   

“It was great to see them working together to solve problems and to teach each other – and me!”  

Year 6 student Jeremy Pabalan said the micro:bits were a lot of fun.    

“These tiny devices let me be creative as we have been exploring coding, electronics, and problem-solving with technology,” he said.    

“We have been designing games, like rock paper scissors, have made step counters, and are going to learn to create digital pets.”    

 Year 5 student Damien Manzano said the micro:bits were versatile.   

“[For example, controlling] the lights, playing music – but the best thing was the echo locator,” Damien said.     

“I had a great time experimenting with the code.”    

Ms Earl said that the students would continue to build on their digital technology skills and incorporate micro:bits into a project exploring early warning signs for natural disasters during Term 3.   

In 2025, Scitech is also delivering the Alcoa Foundation Real World Digital Technologies program to Medina Primary School, Orelia Primary School, Leda Primary School, River Valley Primary School, Waroona District High School and Yarloop Primary School.