Abstraction is one of the 6 key concepts of computational thinking and is the process of simplifying complex information to give only the amount required . When we are asked how old we are, we give our answer in years not in years, weeks and days or just in days. When writing shopping lists, we might write fruit & veg understanding that this r [..]

An algorithm is a step by step process by which a desired outcome is achieved. Algorithms can be constructed using words, images, symbols, or a programming language.  We all use algorithms on a daily basis, when classes line up for assembly, when we follow a cooking recipe or when build lego models or IKEA furniture. When creating their own algori [..]

The computers and the connecting hardware (wifi access points, cables, fibres, switches and routers) that make it possible to transfer data using an agreed method (‘protocol’).  Computers and wireless devices that are connected to the same server and the hardware that allows these connections (wifi access points, cables, fibres, switches route [..]

Computational thinking allows us to develop skills and techniques to help us solve problems effectively, with or without the aid of a computer.

When we program computers to achieve outcomes that are not on the screen but on an attached device we are using control. This might be programming motors or a set of lights to come on in a certain sequence. Control also involves using devices connected to the computer to sense conditions and execute programs when these conditions are met. Pedestria [..]

A structured set of binary numbers, representing digitised text, images, sound or video, which can be processed or transmitted by a computer.

When a program doesn’t achieve the desired outcome it is because we have not instructed the computer correctly. The mistake we have made is referred to as a bug; the process by which the bug is located and corrected is know as debugging. A risotto recipe which instructs one to add 2 tbps of salt will not produce the delicious meal that was expect [..]

Decomposition is one of the 6 key concepts of computational thinking and is concerned with breaking a problem or a system down into its parts. Pupils have plenty of experience of this in primary schools: they partition numbers when adding; they plan settings, characters and a 5 part plot before story writing, they identify materials, equipment a [..]

The materials that pupils produce or view when they are using computer devices are known as digital content. These can be text based documents, images, podcasts, graphic models, videos, animations or multimedia presentations in which several of these are combined. The children in our classes have been producing digital content for a while, we just [..]

Evaluation is one of the 6 key concepts of computational thinking and is concerned with making judgements, in an objective and systematic way whenever possible.