This term, as a part of their Technologies unit, Year 4 students are participating in the Moonhack coding competition, an incredible global initiative that promotes digital literacy, real-world challenges and creative problem-solving. This competition not only enhances students' coding skills but also links directly to one of the most important issues of our time: sustainability.

Moonhack 2024 is designed to engage young minds with the chance to develop essential coding skills, and it also connects directly to our broader goal of Teaching for Understanding. Through this approach, students are not just learning how to code—they are gaining a deeper understanding of how technology can be used as a tool for problem-solving and making a meaningful difference in the world. By learning to code, our students will develop essential skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and resilience.

This year’s Moonhack theme aligns with a crucial issue: environmental sustainability. Our Year 4 students will be participating in the Micro:bit Talking Rubbish project, where they will learn to program Micro:bit devices to help reduce waste and encourage responsible rubbish disposal. This project blends technology with real-world applications, giving students the opportunity to explore how they can use their knowledge to tackle environmental challenges.

By linking the Moonhack project to sustainability, we are helping students grasp the importance of technology beyond the classroom. They will learn how coding can be applied to solve complex, real-world problems—skills that not only boost their digital competency but also foster critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of technology and environmental stewardship.

The Teaching for Understanding framework ensures that students are not just memorising facts or following instructions. Instead, they are engaged in deeper learning where they can connect their knowledge to larger ideas and practical applications. This year’s Moonhack project exemplifies this approach, as students learn to code with a purpose, developing solutions for waste management that could contribute to a more sustainable future.

We encourage you to ask your child about their experience with this project in their fortnightly Metaverse lessons. It is a fantastic way to see how they are applying what they have learned and thinking critically about the world around them.

We look forward to sharing the outcomes of this exciting learning journey!

Samantha Middleton | Digital Literacy Coordinator Prep-Year 6