How to use and get started with the BBC micro:bit - the next gen

micro:bit - the next gen

The BBC micro:bit – the next gen campaign aims to equip children with digital skills and includes free resources and teacher training that's available to primary schools across the UK.

The deadline for UK primary school teachers to sign up for a free classroom set of 30 micro:bits was Monday 18 December at 5pm. If you didn't register, micro:bits are available to borrow from some libraries - check with your local library for further information - and you can also purchase them for your school.

Read on to find out more about the training available for teachers so they can teach coding with confidence, along with information on a range of free classroom resources.

Coming soon: Primary school pupils will have the chance to get involved in a large-scale playground survey in the summer term. The development of exciting lessons and activities around this survey will introduce children to machine learning and working with digital data. Check back on 20th February to find out how your school can take part!

Please be aware that some of the links on this page will take you away from the BBC.

Two schoolgirls play rock, paper, scissors on the micro:bit — Image caption,
The micro:bit can be coded to play fun activities such as rock, paper, scissors.

What micro:bit teacher training is available?

Teaching primary school children about coding can sound daunting. That’s why our partners from across the nations will be providing regional training opportunities for teachers around the UK, all about teaching with the micro:bit.

Teachers can access free online and in-person training to help boost their confidence when using the micro:bit in the classroom with pupils and to help them get prepared for the upcoming school year.

Visit our teacher training page to find out more.

Teacher pointing to smartboard while smiling at her students with their hands up — Image caption,
Teachers can use the micro:bit and MakeCode website to teach primary school children about coding.

Did you know…?

The first micro:bit was launched in 2015 by the BBC and partners and afterwards the Micro:bit Educational Foundation was created as a global non-profit brand to support children, educators, and anyone who wishes to learn about coding.

Primary school children holding a micro:bit displaying a heart — Image caption,
Activities that can be coded on the micro:bit including a flashing heart.

What classroom coding resources are available for teachers?

As part of launch week, we released a video detailing the ins and outs of the micro:bit, that primary schools can watch in assemblies. Gamer FalseSymmetry features alongside Newsround’s De-Graft Mensah in the video that highlights some of the micro:bit’s exciting features and capabilities - Watch the BBC micro:bit assembly video

Alongside the video there are a range of free resources that will help schools to start teaching as soon as they receive their micro:bits. These include six getting started projects that have been created by the Micro:bit Educational Foundation.

The delivery of free micro:bits is taking place up until the end of March 2024 so while schools are waiting there is the opportunity to enhance coding confidence with Microsoft MakeCode. This software allows you to immerse yourself in the world of coding by having a go at programming a virtual micro:bit.

Did you know…?

Since 2015, 6.5 million micro:bits have been manufactured and an estimated 42 million children have been using them to learn digital skills in over 60 countries.

Where can I see the micro:bits on TV?

CBBC's Hacker T Dog wearing a micro:bit on his collar — Image caption,
Hacker T Dog is among the CBBC stars taking part in a special BBC micro:bit takeover week.

CBBC viewers got to see the micro:bit in action when Evie Pickerill and Newsround's De-Graft Mensah joined Hacker in the studio for a fun-filled week of games and activities as part of the September launch week.

There were also special micro:bit features in Blue Peter and Saturday Mash-Up, plus micro:bit appearances in The Football Academy, Bro's in Control and Lagging.

And it doesn’t end there… keep your eyes glued to your favourite CBBC shows over the coming months to see more surprise appearances from the micro:bit! Don’t forget to tell children to watch out for them and look out for teaching resources to accompany them.

Did you know…?

Some of the most ambitious micro:bit projects to date have included rotating a giant observatory telescope, turning on the lights on Blackpool Tower and even sending a micro:bit into the stratosphere. What will the UK’s school children come up with this time around?

Do children need a micro:bit to start learning to code?

As part of our BBC micro:bit – the next gen campaign, we’ve also launched a child-facing area of the site where children can practice to code at home using a virtual micro:bit that simulates programming on the device.

The Code Your Own Way page includes links to fun activities such as creating an electronic pet or programming a famous tune. Plus, there are links to related Computing content on Bitesize that is suitable for 8 – 11 year-olds.