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Oshawa Parents’ Guide to Extracurriculars in 2025: What Ontario’s Coding Curriculum Means—And Local Options to Try

If you’re choosing after-school activities in Oshawa, you’re balancing fun, cost, commute, and real-world skills. Since Ontario added coding to Grades 1–8 math, many parents ask: Do we need a separate class? Here’s a simple guide to what changed at school—and how to pick a local program only if it fits your child and schedule. Ontario+1

What actually changed in school

  • Coding is now part of math in Grades 1–8. Kids learn basic algorithms, sequencing, and simple programs tied to math problems. DCP Education

  • It’s meant to build problem-solving, not turn every child into a software engineer. Teachers use age-appropriate tools (e.g., block coding). ontariomath.support

What this means for families: you don’t have to add a class. Consider extracurriculars if your child enjoys tech, needs extra practice, or prefers project-based learning.

How to choose an extracurricular in Durham

Start with goals: confidence, teamwork, creativity, or tech fluency. Then check:

  • Fit with schoolwork: Does it reinforce math/coding concepts from class? 

  • Small group & progression: Look for clear levels and projects your child can show off at home.

  • Convenience: Proximity to home/school and options on weeknights or weekends (Durham traffic is real!).

  • Balanced week: It’s fine to pair coding with sports, art, or music so kids get movement and creativity.

Local options parents keep shortlisting 

 

  • Real Programming 4 Kids – Oshawa. In-person classes & camps; game-style programming for kids/teens. realprogramming.com

  • OBOTZ Robotics & Coding – Oshawa North. Robotics, drones, electronics; trial classes available. obotz.ca

  • MakerKids – Oshawa & Durham Region. Coding, Robotics, Minecraft; small groups and project showcases. MakerKids+1

  • Ontario Tech (UOIT) – Youth Camps. Seasonal camps including beginner Python (virtual and on-campus variants by year). Ontario Tech University

  • Engineering for Kids – Durham. Hands-on STEM with programming/robotics units; classes and camps. Engineering For Kids®

  • Algorithmics – Oshawa (online). Structured online courses with platform-based practice. oshawa.alg.academy

  • Municipal & community programs. Check City of Oshawa Rec and regional youth listings for general after-school options (sports, arts, leadership) if you’re building a balanced week. City of Oshawa+1

Tip: Not sure whether to choose coding now? Try a one-time workshop or camp first. If your child asks to continue, move to a weekly program.

For parents comparing multiple activities

  • If your child needs movement: Keep soccer/swim as the anchor; add a short coding block in winter months. Municipal rec calendars can help you avoid overlap. City of Oshawa

  • If your child loves building: Robotics or Minecraft modding can be a gentler on-ramp than “pure coding.” MakerKids

  • If you want academic tie-in: Pick programs that reference Ontario’s math expectations (Grades 1–8) so classroom learning connects to projects. Ontario

FAQs 

Is coding required in Ontario elementary schools?
Yes—coding expectations are embedded in the 2020 math curriculum for Grades 1–8. Ontario

What ages can start extracurricular coding?
Many local programs begin at Grades 1–2, with block-based coding and robotics, then progress to text-based languages. MakerKids

Do I have to choose coding over sports or arts?
No. Treat coding as another creative/analytical option that can complement sports or music, not replace them. (See municipal rec for non-tech picks.) City of Oshawa

Bottom line

Ontario schools now introduce the basics of coding. Choose extracurriculars only if they fit your child’s interests and your family logistics. If you do, look for small groups, visible projects, and a clear path from block-based to beginner text coding.