Frequently Asked Questions
About Code Ninja
+ Why was Code Ninja created?
Every child is unique. They have different personalities, different interests and learn differently. Some pick up coding quickly. Others prefer to learn at their own pace.
That said, schools today continue to work largely on 1-size-fits-all model. Code Ninja was created to research this problem and offer parents an alternate way for kids to learn coding.
+ Is it a franchise and related to “Code Ninjas”?
Code Ninja is a Singapore grown school founded in 2016 by Seow Jin Kiat. It is not a franchise nor related to “Code Ninjas”, a coding school of a similar name based in the USA.
+ Do you have other branches beside 22 Havelock Road?
Nope. However, we offer both on premise and online classes.
+ Who are the instructors?
All our instructors are professional curriculum developers and have degrees (or higher) in Computer Science. For more on their profiles, “Meet the Team”.
+ What is the thought process for Code Ninja’s curriculum design?
The curriculum is designed around a Competency Based Learning System in which there are 5 Code Ninja Levels. Each level has a set of defined skills that we look out for and builds on top of each another to form a student’s foundation. This system is managed using the Code Ninja Passport we developed to record progress.
At each level and for each skill, we have mini-projects for students to learn, practice and master. The mini-projects, for which we have hundreds, are specially designed to spark interest and support an inquiry-based learning.
In short, we aim to:
- Have fun and spark interest
- Encourage practice
- Develop competency and mastery
Our goal for every student is to impart the core coding skills and confidence to become self-learners.
Curriculum & Classes
+ Do you conduct tests to evaluate each student’s skills?
We don’t. Kids attending our classes want to have fun and we work hard to spark their interest in coding. Instead, during class, our instructors informally evaluate the skills of the students as they work on their projects. The Code Ninja Passport is used to record this progress.
+ How many lessons does it take to complete Level 1 to 5?
On average, it takes a 12-year old with no prior coding experience between 24 to 36 months to complete all 5 levels. A student’s interest plays a big part in accelerating the learning journey. Projects are accessible online and we are encourage lots of practice (and fun!) at home.
+ Do students of different levels attend the same class? How do you customise the learning experience?
Students of different levels can attend the same class. The learning experience is customised using mini-projects. In some situations, different projects are given to different students. In other situations, the same project is given to different students but with different expected learning outcomes depending on their skills and understanding.
+ What is your class size?
Our maximum class size is 6.
+ What coding languages do you offer?
Just 2 flavours. Scratch and Python.
+ My son / daughter wants to learn Python but not Scratch. Can this be arranged?
Yes it can though we would start first with a Trial Class. We get lots of questions around the merits of using Scratch vs. going straight into Python. We believe Scratch is well suited to augment the learning process and ease the transition to a text code coding language such as Python. For more information, check out our “Scratch & Python comparison blog”.
+ My son / daughter has attended lessons at another coding school. Which Code Ninja Level does he / she qualify for?
We take 1 to 3 lessons to work out the Code Ninja Level of a student.
+ How do I know if my child has improved?
We provide weekly passport updates on your child’s progress which is benchmarked against our Code Ninja Learning Journey Roadmap. The passport updates can be discussed with the instructor or your child to also get a better understanding of what is covered in class.
+ What age do you accept students? My child is 7-8 this year.
Our students are between the ages 9 to 16 (Primary 3 to Secondary 4). We have taken students who are younger but would start first with a Trial Class.
+ What do students need to bring to class? Do they need their own laptops? What software is required?
For on premise students, laptops for Level 1 to 4 students are provided. Level 5 students require their own laptops. For online students, any computer purchased in the last 5 years with a browser will do.
+ Are private 1:1 lessons available for kids? Do you teach adults?
We offer private 1:1 online-only classes for students aged 9 to 16. Please contact us for further enquiries.
+ Why do you advocate regular weekly classes over coding bootcamps during school holidays?
At Code Ninja, we believe that proficiency and mastery is achieved through consistent effort over time. Of course, many of our students start learning coding during school holidays and choose to continue during the school term.
Scheduling & Pricing
+ How much do coding classes cost?
Regular classes can be purchased in packages of 4, 10 or 20. A package of 4 starts at S$265. You are free to utilise these as you deem fit. Come once a month, once a week, twice a week or even for back-to-back sessions!
+ Do you offer Trial Classes? How do Trial Classes work?
Our Trial Classes are $55. They are identical to a regular class. Please call or drop us an email for more information or to arrange.
+ How does your pricing and pass system work?
At Code Ninja, your children can join a class whenever there’s one scheduled! Most students find weekly classes optimal for their learning. Those who wish to progress faster can choose to attend classes more often. Students can also skip a class when they need to or make it up on a different day.
Just think of Code Ninja as a gym where you can pop in whenever there’s a class to work on your coding prowess! There are no special registration fees and the classes in any of our packages can be used for any level from Ninja Level 1 to Ninja Level 5.
Simple and flexible ☺
+ Can I reschedule or cancel coding classes?
Absolutely! Just let us know 24 hours before class begins.
+ When does the next coding course / term start?
The Code Ninja syllabus is unique in that each class features a different mini project for the children to work on. Depending on the proficiency level of the child, each child will commence and make progress at his or her own pace with the help of the instructor. Since each class is designed to be complete on its own, your child may commence to start learning coding by picking the next suitable time slot for him or her.
Still have questions?
Call or drop us an email by filling in the contact form below.