Coding Club

“I was terrified of Python!” – How Harry became a Code Club youth mentor

Every Thursday after school, the Code Club at Dame Allan’s Schools, Newcastle upon Tyne, England, becomes a space where young people can experiment, solve problems, and learn together. But for 14-year-old Harry, it’s also become an opportunity to lead, teach, and inspire others.

Harry first joined Code Club in Year 7 with some experience of Scratch and a love of “all sorts of computer-y things”. Over the years, he explored everything from Sonic Pi and web design to AI and machine learning. But one challenge stood out.

“The worst part for me was when we were introduced to Python,” Harry says. “I was so scared of text-based coding! I ended up learning it and it went OK!”

Now, just a few years later, Harry is leading sessions and supporting creators to learn Python as a Code Club youth mentor.

A student is standing in front of a large touchscreen display, writing code for a simple choice adventure game. The screen shows a Python code snippet with instructions for the game, including a welcome message and player choices. The student is wearing a blue sports outfit and appears engaged in the lesson.

Taking the leap into mentoring

Harry’s journey into mentoring started when he spoke to Code Club leader and computer science teacher, June Raines, about staying involved as he got older.

“She suggested that I could help out a bit as well,” Harry explains. “I thought it sounded quite fun, so I decided to give it a go and use it for my Duke of Edinburgh volunteering too.”

What began as helping other members soon developed into planning activities and running sessions.

“When I first started helping, I felt a little useless and that I wasn’t helping enough,” he says. “That inspired me to actually run my own sessions!”

Today, Harry helps lead the club every week, teaching coding concepts, supporting creators when they get stuck, and making sure sessions stay fun and engaging.

A student working on a computer screen displaying a Python programming interface with various project suggestions, including a password generator.

Building a club shaped by young people

A typical session starts with a quick game before creators dive into projects and activities. Harry regularly asks club members for feedback through surveys, which helps him shape future sessions around what they enjoy most.

“I try to tailor the sessions to what they like,” he says. “That helps keep it fun and engaging for them.”

One of Harry’s favourite things to teach has been Python — the same language that once felt intimidating to him.

“Some of my best sessions were probably when I taught them Python!”

For Harry, the most rewarding moments come from seeing younger creators grow in confidence.

“The best moment was when a new creator finally got his rock, paper, scissors game working,” he says. “I was so happy for him!”

Illustration of a computer screen displaying a pink brain at the center, with hands representing 'rock' and 'scissors' on either side and thought bubbles for creative ideas.

A Star Club success

This year, Dame Allan’s was recognised as a Star Club — a group of amazing clubs that help Code Club and its community grow and develop. They show what it takes to run a successful club, from sharing their knowledge to helping us test new projects. 

“It felt great!” Harry says. “To know that the Raspberry Pi Foundation recognised our club as an amazing example of their Code Clubs was really nice.”

June believes Harry has played an important role in creating the club’s relaxed and supportive atmosphere.

“The students really enjoy having Harry lead the club,” she says. “They see it as less of a lesson and more of a collaborative coding session.”

Looking ahead

Harry already has plans for the future. He hopes to continue leading coding activities at school and is currently learning Dart and Flutter (Dart is the programming language, and Flutter is the toolkit that helps turn that code into apps) in his own time. He’s also keen to introduce new technologies and projects to future Code Club members.

His advice for other young people thinking about becoming a Youth Mentor?

“Give it a go! What’s the worst thing that could happen?”

From being nervous about Python to teaching it himself, Harry’s story shows how Code Club can help young people develop not just coding skills, but confidence, leadership, and the chance to help others discover a love of technology too.

A student in a school uniform using a power drill to assemble a robotics project, focused on the task at hand.

For a little more support, or if you’re open to mentoring others, you can also join a Code Club. Check our website to find a club near you and become part of a like-minded and welcoming community.

Bring environmental topics into your Code Club

Did you know World Environment Day has been marked by the United Nations since 1972? It takes place every year on 5 June to raise awareness of the environmental challenges facing our planet.

It’s a great opportunity to give young people space to explore the issues that matter to them, and to see how technology can be part of the solution, while building skills and sharing their ideas about the planet

A cheerful cartoon panda holding a recycling symbol in one hand and a globe in the other, set against a bright yellow background with clouds.

Coding for creativity, conversation, and change

Our ‘Protect our planet’ project collection is designed to do just that — encourage exploration, spark discussion, and support learners at every level.

Whether your club includes beginners or more experienced coders, there’s something for everyone to create, experiment with, and make their own.

A young man and a girl collaborate on a project at a computer, pointing at the screen. The words 'Make your ideas' are prominently displayed with light bulb graphics.

Projects to try in your club

Here are a few projects you can explore with your learners:

Green goals
Create an animation while learning about the United Nations’ environment-focused Sustainable Development Goals.

Save the shark
Build a game to help a shark survive plastic pollution, highlighting the impact of waste on ocean habitats.

Electricity generation
Create a data visualisation using real-world data to compare how countries generate electricity.

Explore the full project collection in your Code Club.

Meet creator April! 

April is a creator from Code Club Australia, and invites you to try ‘Drone planting’ — a beginner Scratch project inspired by real drones used to restore forests and bushland lost to fires in Australia.

Through the project, young people can explore how technology can help tackle real-world environmental challenges.

Starting the conversation in your Code Club

Code Clubs are a great space to start conversations about issues that matter to young people, and to explore how technology can help address them.

The ‘Protect our planet’ projects are a great conversation starter. You could ask your learners:

  • What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the natural world?
  • What small actions can we take to help the environment?
  • How could technology be used to solve environmental problems?

You might also:

  • Encourage learners to create a project about an issue they care about
  • Support them to share their ideas through storytelling and design
  • Give them time to reflect and discuss their perspectives
Young people in a classroom engaged in a coding session, with several raising their hands to answer questions. A teacher or mentor is seen in the foreground, wearing a 'Code Club' shirt.

World Environment Day isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about giving young people the chance to explore, create, and be heard.

Inspire your learners to take action — explore the ‘Protect our planet’ project collection and start building projects that make a difference.

Spooky sprites, creative coders, and growing confidence: A Code Club story from Maine

At Veazie Community School in Veazie, Maine (USA), Code Club is more than an after-school activity — it’s a creative space where young people explore, experiment, and grow into confident makers.

Code Club mentor Adrián Arias Palomo has been running the club for several years, and along the way has seen everything from spooky Scratch projects to former club members heading off to college with coding skills they still use today.

A group of children and an adult pose together in front of a screen displaying 'VCS CODE CLUB.' The children, showing various hairstyles and playful expressions, participate in a coding club activity.

Projects that spark excitement

Some projects just click — and for Adrián’s club, timing and theme can make a big difference.

“The Scratch Ghostbusters project is always a hit around Halloween,” Adrián says. “I’m consistently impressed by how motivated creators become when the theme is spooky.”

The project’s success isn’t just about ghosts and ghouls, though; its open-ended nature gives creators plenty of room to express themselves. By choosing their own sprites and customising how their projects behave, learners can make something that feels truly their own.

Creators often also have varied making styles and preferences, and Adrián has seen this variety play out in his club sessions too. For example, a version of the Mandala Scratch project proved especially popular with young people who enjoy more artistic, visual work.

Two children with green hair sitting in a library on blue couches, each using a laptop. Shelves of books are visible in the background.

When young people surprise you

Ask any Code Club mentor, and they will tell you that some of the best moments happen unexpectedly. Adrián experiences those sorts of moments regularly.

“They are constantly surprising me with their creativity,” he says.

One standout example came while creators were recreating the classic Google Chrome Dino game using Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. One creator decided to redesign the sprites to make their own unique and creative version of the game. You can try it yourself here.

And in Adrián’s experience, the surprises don’t stop when young people leave the club.

“I’ve also been pleasantly surprised when young people who are no longer in Code Club share games and projects they’ve continued to work on independently,” Adrián explains. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow into confident, independent coders.”

With the Code Club having been established at the school for several years now, some of Adrián’s earliest creators have finished their schooling and are now in higher education or work. For Adrián, seeing that long-term impact has been one of the most meaningful parts of running the club.

Lessons learned along the way

One of Adrián’s biggest takeaways is the importance of listening.

“Giving young people more agency and a voice in what they want to learn truly pays off,” he says.

By tailoring learning to young people’s interests, the club has expanded its range of activities, covering more projects and technologies. Learners have explored physical computing with micro:bit and Circuit Playground Express, experimented with interactive storytelling using Bitsy, and dived into puzzle game design with PuzzleScript.

That flexibility has benefited everyone — including Adrián himself.

“I have learned a lot along the way!” he adds.

Support from the wider school community has also had a big impact. Adrián is quick to acknowledge the role of a flexible, encouraging environment.

“I’m very fortunate to work in a small, supportive school that values this kind of flexibility. A special shout-out to Principal Timothy Tweedie and librarian Martha Shannon for their support and for allowing us to use such a wonderful space.”

Two children in a library sitting on a blue couch; one is reading a book while the other uses a laptop, with large windows showing snow outside.

Whether it’s spooky Scratch games, fun pixel dinosaurs, or creators continuing to code long after they have left the club, Adrián’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when young people are given space, support, and a voice in their learning.

Want to start your own Code Club?

If you have been inspired by Veazie Community School, learn how you can start a club in your community today.