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KS2 Programming – Developing Solutions by Design

So first of all I will lay may cards on the table – I am a CS teacher working with pupils from KS2-KS5. And I reckon in my 25 years of teaching, I have fallen into any and all of the traps I am about to argue against. But I will offer some ideas about … Read more

KS3 – I’ve done Scratch

KS3 – I’ve done Scratch Yes, but can you code? Faced with that looming first lesson in programming for Y7, and either diving into text-based environments or revisiting those familiar blocks of KS2 scratch, I opted for a new approach before the lesson even started. With a wide catchment area and plenty of feeder primary … Read more

Scratch a Day – Code 1

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/778969346/

Is it Typing Time?

Three ideas to reduce typing time in class and focus on Digital Literacy A recent question on a social media post asked about having enough time to teach digital literacy with a oen comment rueing the speed of primary students' typing skills. Over the years, I have introuced a number of ideas which allow me to cover areas of digital literacy more efficiently, and in this article I will focus on typing time and alternatives to teaching touch typing in lessons.

A level Binary

From 2s complement to fixed and floating point decimal notation, I’m pleased to share a wide range of mini applications aimed at allowing students to play with, discover and manipulate binary numbers. Investigate the effext of shifting digits left and right on the value of the number and learn about normalising both positive and negative … Read more

MicroBit Joust

Introducing The Concept When I was in the scouts, we used to play wide games where a piece of wool was tied around your arm. This was your “life” and if someone managed to remove it, you were out. The principle was great, however, I am not sure it totally worked in practice. In 2012, … Read more

Making the Most of a Maths Subscription

Over recent years, a range of sites offering pupils the opportunity for practice of Maths skills have been developed. These range from sites focused on mental maths to those containing a full range of curriculum assignments to cover the objectives for each year group. This article discusses why I think these services have had little … Read more

Else…if I used blocks in other contexts beyond Scratch…

As I have been teaching Python to year 7s this term, as well as my KS2 teaching, it has struck me how many computational concepts I am having to teach, often for the first time for these students. Sometimes this is due to lack of any experiences with coding in the primary years, however, with … Read more

MicroBit Quiz System

A wireless LED quiz button system with sounds! A few years ago I found myself trying to judge who had put their hand up first in a house quiz competition at school. When they got it the answer wrong, I was then asked who was next. It ended up with staff all over the room … Read more

Binary Addition

One of the other tasks required for GCSE computer science is the ability to add two binary numbers up to 8 bits and consider overflow. But starting small might be better Hopefully this interactive will help. Starting Small In binary 12 + 02 = 12 (The little 2 denotes using binary or base 2) But … Read more

Binary Bytes to Hexadecimal Pairs

Binary is perhaps very simple at heart, but confusing at first when you have spent all your life dealing with ten digits instead of two. GCSE computing requires students to both understand binary and use it. In addition, an understanding of hexadecimal is required too. So here I hope to make life a little easier … Read more

Blast off with the Micro:Bit

Connecting, Installing and Creating Hardware SetUp – Computer/Laptop To get going you are going to need a Microbit, battery holder, two AAA batteries and a USB lead. These can all be bought as a pack from under £15. Do be careful about USB phone charging leads, which may not pass data as these pins aren’t … Read more

Holding Hands

Experiences of an educator being a supported learner So like many, I have bought technology and used it once, then moved on to the next thing. The Micro:Bit was a prime example of this, when back in 2016 I was introduced to this new technology in a classroom setting with a very prescribed “now do … Read more

Multiplication Checker

Check Multiplication calculations using this page. Click on the digits to change the question and answer. Click Check to see if you are correct, made a minor error or need to look more closely. Click here

Division Checker

Check a division problem including remainders. Click on the digits to change the problem and answer. When you think they are correct, check your answer. It will tell you whether you are correct, one digit is wrong or there are more errors. Click Here

Subtraction Checker

Check a subtraction calculation using this handy checker. It will tell you whether you are correct, have made a minor error and are incorrect. Click Here

Addition Checker

Check a column addition calculation and get feedback on whether you are right or wrong, and if you are just one digit out! Click Here

1,2,4 Quadrant Coordinates

Quickly plot coordinates in 1, 2 or 4 quadrants. Begin to understand negative coordinates. Click to position coordinateClick on a coordinate to make it disappearCoordinates automatically labelledDraw linesUndo last point or lineRefresh page to start again. Click Here

KS3 – I’ve done Scratch
KS3 – I’ve done Scratch Yes, but can you code? Faced with that looming first lesson in programming for Y7, and either diving into text-based environments or revisiting those familiar blocks of KS2 scratch, I opted for a new approach before the lesson even started. With a wide catchment area and plenty of feeder primary … Read more
KS2 Programming – Developing Solutions by Design
So first of all I will lay may cards on the table – I am a CS teacher working with pupils from KS2-KS5. And I reckon in my 25 years of teaching, I have fallen into any and all of the traps I am about to argue against. But I will offer some ideas about … Read more
Scratch a Day – Code 1
https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/778969346/
Is it Typing Time?
Three ideas to reduce typing time in class and focus on Digital Literacy A recent question on a social media post asked about having enough time to teach digital literacy with a oen comment rueing the speed of primary students’ typing skills. Over the years, I have introuced a number of ideas which allow me to cover areas of digital literacy more efficiently, and in this article I will focus on typing time and alternatives to teaching touch typing in lessons.
A level Binary
From 2s complement to fixed and floating point decimal notation, I’m pleased to share a wide range of mini applications aimed at allowing students to play with, discover and manipulate binary numbers. Investigate the effext of shifting digits left and right on the value of the number and learn about normalising both positive and negative … Read more