Coding for Kids and Teens in Dubai with Clevered.pdf

For coding for kids and teens growing up in Dubai today, learning to code isn’t just an extracurricular—it can be a strategic investment in their thinking, creativity, confidence and future opportunities. With providers such as Clevered offering well-structured, age-appropriate, project-based coding programmes, families have a strong option to consider.

By starting early (visual/block coding), progressing into text-based languages and real-world projects (for teens), children can develop skills that go well beyond technology—they develop logical thinking, problem-solving, creative expression and digital citizenship.

1. Coding for Kids and Teens in Dubai with Clevered



Introduction: Why Coding Matters Now
In our rapidly evolving digital world, coding is no longer just a niche skill—it’s becoming a
foundational literacy. For young people growing up in today’s environment, understanding
how software, algorithms and automation work can make a real difference in how they
learn, work and create.
For children and teens in a forward-looking city like Dubai—where innovation, startups,
smart infrastructure and technology hubs are gaining momentum—starting early with coding
can (a) build essential thinking skills, (b) open up opportunities and (c) empower them
to create technology rather than just consume it.
That’s where Clevered comes in: a learning platform (and physical presence) in Dubai that
offers structured, age-appropriate coding and STEM programmes for kids and teens. In this
piece, we’ll explore what Clevered offers, why it’s a good choice in Dubai, how the
programmes are structured, what to look out for, and tips for selecting the right coding
pathway for your child.

2. Why Choose Dubai for Kids & Teens Coding Education
Technology landscape in Dubai
Dubai has been positioning itself as a regional technology and innovation hub—through
smart-city initiatives, support for startups, and educational emphasis on STEM. For young
learners, this means exposure not just to classroom learning but to a broader ecosystem
where technology matters. For example, Clevered’s blog emphasises:
“Teaching kids the fundamentals of
technology isn’t just a passing fad; it’s
becoming a crucial life skill.”
Thus, the local context supports younger
learners to engage with true -world
applications of coding and digital skills.
Early skill building & thinking
Coding isn’t just about writing lines of code—it helps build logical reasoning, problem-
solving, and computational thinking. According to Clevered:
“When kids dive into coding, they’re doing
more than just entering commands on a
computer. They’re honing essential skills
like problem-solving, logical reasoning, and
creativity.”
These capabilities help beyond
computing—they support STEM subjects
(science, maths), design thinking, and
creativity.
Future-proofing

3. As automation, artificial intelligence, robotics and software-integrated systems become
more pervasive, children who start early have an advantage. They can shift from being
passive users of technology to active creators. Moreover, in Dubai’s competitive education
and career environment, coding becomes a differentiator.
About Clevered – What They Offer
The brand & mission
Clevered is positioned as an innovative ed-tech provider focusing on children and teens, in
Dubai and the Middle East, with programmes in coding, data science, AI, and project-based
learning.
Their philosophy: not just learn code, but think like a coder, build tangible projects, and
prepare for future pathways.
Programmes & curriculum highlights
Here are some of the key programmes and features of what Clevered offers (with
adaptation for kids/teens):
 Junior Data Scientist Program – for ages approximately 10-17; covers Python,
data analysis, visualisation, mini-projects.
 General Coding For Kids – for younger learners, transitioning from visual block
languages (e.g., Scratch) to text-based languages. As noted in their blog:
“Kids tend to begin with basic games
or animation … through
environments such as Scratch or
block programming … before
advancing to more complex
languages like Python or HTML.”
 AI & Robotics Labs – for more advanced students, combining Python, machine
learning, robotics and hardware kits. For example, their “AI Coding Lab” includes
modules like machine learning, robotics using Raspberry Pi/Arduino.
Pedagogy & learning style
 Project-based learning: Students build games, apps, websites, data visualisations,
robots—so they create tangible output rather than only theory.

4.  Age-appropriate progression: Younger children use visual programming and
game-based tasks; older teens move to text-based languages and real-world
applications.
 Small groups / personalised: Particularly for data-science tracks, small batch sizes
are emphasised (6-8 learners) to maintain quality.
 Online + in-person flexibility: While Dubai physical presence is leveraged,
online/live sessions are also available, giving families flexibility.
 Certification & tracking: Students may receive certificates (e.g., “Junior Data
Scientist Certificate”) and platforms to track progress.

Program Pathways: Age, Courses, What Kids/Teens Learn
Here’s how you can think about the pathways for different age groups via Clevered in
Dubai:
Age 6-9 (Young Coders)
 Introduce coding via visual, block-based languages (e.g., ScratchJr or Scratch)
 Focus on storytelling, animations, simple game logic, sequences, loops
 Goal: build computational thinking, algorithmic thinking, creativity
 Project examples: animated stories, simple game characters, drag-and-drop coding
 Benefit: low entry barrier, fun, engaging, builds confidence
Age 10-13 (Junior Coders)
 Transition into Scratch, HTML/CSS, and introductory Python
 Build more structured projects: games with logic, simple websites, beginner apps
 Emphasis on logic, conditions, loops, functions, variables
 Project examples: interactive web pages, games with scoreboards, simple
animations
 Benefit: deeper engagement, linking coding to real-world projects
Age 14-17+ (Teen Coders / Pre-University)
 Use text -based languages: Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS,
possibly Java/SQL depending on track
 Introduce data science, machine learning, robotics, AI (for advanced)
 Build portfolio-worthy projects: apps, web platforms, data analysis, robotics control
 Project examples: a data visualisation dashboard, simple chatbot, robotics task, app
with backend
 Benefit: strong preparation for university studies in CS/engineering, internships,
competitions
Why Clevered Stands Out in Dubai
Several factors make Clevered a strong option for coding education in Dubai:

5. 1. Local relevance + global standards
Their curriculum is aligned with international frameworks while being adapted for the
Dubai/Middle East context. For example, their AI Lab module is aligned with ISTE
and UNESCO guidelines.
2. Focus on future-oriented topics
Rather than only teaching a language, they incorporate data science, AI, robotics—
areas that are highly relevant in the current and future job market.
3. Flexibility and formats
Given school commitments, extracurricular pressures, travel, holidays in Dubai, a
flexible format (online/live/in-person) is an advantage.
4. Project-centric & confident output
By building real projects, students get to show rather than only tell. That builds
confidence, portfolio content, and motivation.
5. Preparation for tech ecosystem
With Dubai’s innovation climate, kids who learn coding early may connect with tech
clubs, hackathons, competitions, internships—Clevered emphasises this exposure.
Practical Considerations: What to Check Before Enrolling
If you’re considering enrolling your child in a coding programme with Clevered (or a similar
provider) in Dubai, here are some practical points to inspect:
 Age group and entry level: Is the programme suited for your child’s current level?
Does it start at a beginner level?
 Language & tools used: For younger kids, are tools like Scratch used? For older
kids, what languages (Python, JS) and frameworks are taught? Are they up-to-date?
 Class size & teacher quality: Smaller groups allow for more attention. What are the
instructors’ credentials and experience in teaching children/teens?
 Project outcome: What will the child produce by the end? A game? A website? A
robot? Does the programme emphasise output?
 Flexibility & schedule: Are there weekend/after-school classes? Online options for
times when travel/school may conflict?
 Progress tracking & certification: Is there a way to track the child’s progress? Will
they receive certification or a portfolio piece?
 Support & community: Will the child have access to follow-up challenges,
hackathons, peer groups, mentorship?
 Alignment with interests and future goals: If your child is curious about game
development, robotics or data science, choose a track that reflects that.

6.  Cost and value: Understand cost vs content vs duration. Does the programme
provide long-term value or only a short introduction?
Sample Programme: How It Plays Out
Let’s walk through how a sample path might look at Clevered in Dubai—from initial entry to
more advanced learning.
Step 1: Free trial / orientation session
You book a demo class for your child to experience the teaching style and tools. (Clevered
offers such trial sessions.)
Step 2: Beginner module (e.g., Ages 8-10)
 Tools: Scratch or block-based environment
 Duration: ~8–12 sessions (say, 1.5 hrs each)
 Projects: Animated story, simple game (click character, collect stars)
 Outcome: Learner sees immediate result, shares game with family/friends, gets
certificate/badge
Step 3: Intermediate module (Ages 11-13)
 Tools: Scratch + HTML/CSS or introductory Python
 Duration: ~10–15 sessions
 Projects: Interactive website (html/css), more complex game logic (scores, loops,
conditional events)
 Outcome: Learner builds portfolio piece (game + web page) and understands major
programming concepts (loops, functions)
Step 4: Advanced/Teen module (Ages 14-17)
 Tools: Python or JavaScript + optional robotics/AI kit
 Duration: ~12–20 sessions
 Projects: Data visualisation project, app with backend, robotics sensor control,
chatbot
 Outcome: Learner has tangible project, maybe participates in hackathon, gets a
“Junior Data Scientist” certificate or analogous credential. (Clevered offers such
certificate)
Step 5: Ongoing learning & community
 Access to network of peers, coding challenges, online resources
 Opportunity for mentorship, competitions or internships
 Path to further learning (university CS, start-up experience)
Benefits Beyond Coding

7. While the technical skill of writing code is important, there are broader benefits your child
will gain from engaging in well-designed coding programmes like those at Clevered:
 Improved academic performance: Logical thinking and algorithmic problem-solving
translate into better maths/science performance. Clevered’s blog notes this effect.
 Confidence & creativity: When children build something themselves (a game,
robot, web page), they gain pride, ownership and confidence.
 Resilience & iteration mindset: Coding teaches that failure isn’t final—debug,
iterate, refine. That is a valuable life-skill.
 Digital literacy & citizenship: In a world of increasing technology use, children who
can understand how systems work are better equipped. Clevered emphasises
teaching responsible digital citizens.
 Portfolio for future opportunities: For teens, showing a project, participating in
hackathons, having an independent app/game can help with university admissions
or internships.
 Entrepreneurial mindset: Coding fosters the idea that you can build solutions—this
encourages problem-solving, innovation and creativity.
Case Study / Success Stories
While specific names might not be publicly detailed, Clevered’s provenance suggests some
real-world outcomes:
 A teen in Dubai built a Python-powered expense-tracker app for a school cafeteria
using the Clevered lab tools.
 Students have participated in regional AI hackathons via Clevered’s labs and won
awards.
 Parents of younger children with coding classes report that their child’s interest
shifted from just playing games to making them (via coding) after starting classes.
These kinds of stories help illustrate how coding education can translate into creative
outcomes.
What to Expect in Terms of Logistics, Cost & Attendance
In Dubai’s context (and specifically for Clevered or similar providers), here are some
logistical considerations:
 Class timing: Weekend sessions, after-school hours. Online or in-person depending
on your child’s schedule.
 Batch size: For optimal learning, smaller groups (6-10 for younger kids, maybe 4-8
for advanced modules) are ideal.
 Duration: Modules might span 6–12 weeks (for intermediate/advanced tracks) or
shorter for introductory ones.
 Tools/Hardware: For basic coding, a laptop is sufficient. For robotics/AI modules,
kits like Raspberry Pi/Arduino, sensors may be needed (sometimes provided by the
institute).

8.  Cost: Varies widely—depending on level, format (online vs in-person), duration.
Always check what is included: equipment, materials, project portfolio, certification.
 Certifications: Many programs offer certificates of completion, badges, or even
recognition aligned with Dubai’s educational accreditation (e.g., KHDA) though you
should verify for each course.
 Location & access: If in-person, check the centre’s location (e.g., Jumeirah, Al
Barsha, Dubai Silicon Oasis) for convenience.
 Free trial/demo: A good provider will allow a trial session so your child can
experience teaching style, interaction and see if it fits them. Clevered offers trial
classes.
Tips for Parents: How to Support Your Child
To get the most out of a coding programme (such as with Clevered) it helps if parents also
support the process. Here are some tips:
 Encourage curiosity: Ask what your child built, what they found challenging, what
they want to build next. This encourages ownership.
 Allocate time for practice: Coding skills improve with regular practice. Even 20-30
minutes weekly (or more) can help.
 Celebrate mistakes: Encourage the mindset that bugs/faults are part of the
process. This reduces fear of failure.
 Create a supportive environment: Provide a quiet space, good internet access, a
suitable device. For younger kids, ensure they’re not distracted.
 Link to real world: Talk about apps/games your child uses and ask how they might
build something similar. This makes the learning concrete.
 Encourage sharing: If your child builds something, encourage them to show it to
friends/family. Pride boosts motivation.
 Observe balance: Ensure coding doesn’t become the only extracurricular—balance
with sports, arts, rest.
 Long-term view: Don’t treat it as a one-off course but part of a progression. Ask the
provider what the next stage is (e.g., moving from game development to web apps).
 Explore further possibilities: Once comfortable, consider hackathons,
competitions, peer groups—this broadens the learning beyond the classroom.
Potential Challenges & How to Mitigate Them
While coding education has many positives, there can be challenges. Being aware of them
helps:
 Motivation drop: After the excitement of a first module, some children may lose
interest. Mitigation: ensure the pace and content remains engaging, project-based,
and aligned with their interests (game building, apps, robotics).
 Mismatch of level: If the class is too basic or too advanced, the child may feel
bored or overwhelmed. Mitigation: Choose the right starting level; speak to the
provider about assessment/trial.
 Too much screen time: Heavy coding/online sessions can add to screen burden.
Mitigation: balance with offline tasks, robotics, hands-on activities.

9.  Cost vs value: Some programmes may be expensive but not deliver depth.
Mitigation: check outcomes (what projects child builds), instructor credentials, class
size, support after class.
 Follow-through: After finishing a module, if there isn’t a clear pathway to next stage,
momentum can fade. Mitigation: Ask the provider about longer-term tracks,
advanced levels, community.
Why Start Now (Especially in Dubai)
 Early exposure advantage: Children who start coding early (age 8-13) can build a
strong foundation, which accelerates later learning (age 14-17) when they move into
more serious projects/tech.
 Growing ecosystem: Dubai’s technology and innovation scene is growing—so
being comfortable with technology, coding and digital creation gives your child a
head start in local context.
 Future career relevance: Whether your child becomes an engineer, designer,
entrepreneur or works in a non-tech field, digital fluency and problem-solving skills
will be beneficial.
 Increasing competition: As more children engage in coding, starting early ensures
your child doesn’t fall behind and remains competitive in school, university
admissions or internships.
 Empowerment: Coding enables kids to build their own games/apps/solutions and
gives them an identity as creators, not just consumers of technology.
How to Take the First Step with Clevered
1. Visit Clevered’s website and look for their Coding for Kids / Teens section.
2. Book a free trial class to see how your child responds to the teaching style and
environment. (Clevered emphasises this option).
3. Discuss with your child which track interests them (game development, web apps,
robotics, data science) and review the modules.
4. Consider scheduling (weekend vs after-school), format (online vs in-person), and
duration.
5. Ask about how progress is tracked, what project will be delivered, what happens
after completion (next stage).
6. Confirm cost, what’s included (software/hardware/outcomes), and
cancellation/transfer policies.
7. Support your child through the module (see tips above) and check regularly on what
they’re building.
8. Celebrate their achievements—buildings, apps, games—all count as milestones.
For coding for kids and teens growing up in Dubai today, learning to code isn’t just an
extracurricular—it can be a strategic investment in their thinking, creativity, confidence and
future opportunities. With providers such as Clevered offering well-structured, age-
appropriate, project-based coding programmes, families have a strong option to consider.

10. By starting early (visual/block coding), progressing into text-based languages and real-world
projects (for teens), children can develop skills that go well beyond technology—they
develop logical thinking, problem-solving, creative expression and digital citizenship.
If you’re looking for a programme in Dubai that combines local relevance, flexible formats,
skilled instructors and meaningful outcomes, Clevered is certainly worth evaluating. The key
is finding the right fit for your child’s age, interest and pace—and then supporting them to
make the most of it.