Primary extra-curricular computing clubs - expectations?

[amiableguest]

My DC's school is way behind the curve on the new computing curriculum. They hardly ever do any computing in school, and are very reliant on outside help when they do. Of course some children have done some at home or elsewhere, including my DC, and are generally a step ahead of the teachers, but many others haven't.

Anyway, the school has now (finally) introduced an after-school computing class. The company running it has a wonderful website with all sorts of activity options on it. But apparently our school has asked them to stick to something relatively basic (Scratch). Is that pretty much standard for primary clubs? I thought schools were supposed to do Scratch as part of the primary curriculum? As the school is doing a minimal amount, it feels like this club is aimed at compensating rather than adding something extra, but maybe my expectations are too high.

[user789653241]

Have you actually looked at what you can do with scratch?
My ds loves writing original code himself, but also loves using scratch as well.
Scratch can be a lot more than just basic, if you explore further.

[Tilapia]

My DC's primary school doesn't have an extra curricular computing club, so it sounds as if yours is ahead of ours!

Scratch isn't mentioned in the primary curriculum.

I think a lot of primary schools struggle with computing provision, because few primary teachers are experts (especially older teachers) and schools are so short of funds at the moment that they will inevitably focus on core subjects.

However, I do agree with you that if they've got an outside company to run it, they should let the company get on with it rather than placing constraints on them.

[user789653241]

And if you are looking for more advanced stuff for your child, it's better for them to do it online etc, rather than rely on school. Programming takes so much time debagging etc, I don't think advanced teaching fit in primary school club time.