Scratch is a visual programming language developed by MIT. Instead of typing code, you drag and snap colourful blocks together to build programs. Each block represents a programming concept — movement, sound, events, loops, conditions — and the blocks only connect in ways that make logical sense.
Scratch is the perfect starting point because it removes the frustration of syntax errors (forgetting a colon or misspelling a keyword). The focus stays entirely on understanding the logic of how programs work.
Scratch is used in Miss ICT Arcade sessions with learners aged roughly 8–14. It is ideal for children who are new to programming, learners who find text-based code overwhelming, home-educated children building digital skills, and anyone who learns better through visual and creative approaches.
The concepts in Scratch — loops, conditions, variables, functions (called "My Blocks") — are identical to the concepts in Python. The only difference is how they are written. Learners who are confident with Scratch can transition to Python with significantly less difficulty than those starting from nothing.
Each colour in Scratch means a different category. Learn the colours and you can find any block instantly.
Each colour is a different type of block. Learn the colours and you can find anything instantly.
Every Scratch project uses the same building blocks. Understanding these is the foundation for all programming.
Miss ICT Arcade Live sessions run every Monday and Thursday, 12:30–1:00pm. Maximum 3 learners per session — small enough to feel personal. Here are the kinds of projects learners build:
A character that moves, speaks, and reacts. Ideal for introducing events, sequences, and costumes — the building blocks of all Scratch projects.
Ask questions, check answers, keep score. Introduces variables, conditions, and user input in a familiar format that learners can share with their family.
A character that runs and jumps, collects objects, and avoids enemies. Brings in physics-style movement, collision detection, and score systems.
Scratch is completely free at scratch.mit.edu. You can make an account and save your projects, or just open the editor and start building immediately without signing in.
Miss ICT Arcade Live sessions have a maximum of 3 learners. This is a deliberate choice.
With 3 learners, Dee notices immediately when someone is confused, struggling, or disengaged. In a class of 30, that moment is often missed.
Many of the learners who come to Arcade benefit from a lower-stimulus environment. Three voices, not thirty. No time pressure.
One learner might be building their first animation while another is working on a full game. Both are supported in the same session.
Monday and Thursday, 12:30–1:00pm. Max 3 learners. £10 pay-as-you-go or 6-Session Pass available. Book a session below.
No. Scratch runs in any browser. For live sessions you need a stable internet connection and a device with a screen large enough to see the Scratch editor clearly — a laptop or tablet is ideal.
Approximately 8–16, but there is no strict limit. Sessions are designed around the learner, not a fixed curriculum. Younger learners work on animations and simple games; older or more confident learners work on more complex projects.
Yes. Sessions are structured so each one is a complete mini-project, not a continuation of a previous lesson. Joining at any point works fine.
Yes — book a single Pay As You Go session at £10 to try it out before committing to a 6-Session Pass.
A structured route from first lesson to confident coder
Build real games with sprites, levels, and scoring
Short missions to build specific skills between sessions
Live sessions, home packs, community