Explore Computing Apps

Swift Playgrounds

Best for KS1, KS2 and Secondary Students
Easily Accessible via the Apple App Store

Intuitive and very easy to use

This Apple app is not only intrinsically linked to the Everyone Can Code Apple Books , but it is also a window to all sorts of coding experiences. The app provides a platform for swift coding in all its forms. First-time coders can learn the fundamentals. More confident programmers can attempt challenges or play coding games. Swift Playgrounds and Swift coding can even connect to third party apps and devices like LEGO EV3, Spheros and so on. It’s a great resource with hundreds of coding possibilities attached to it.

ALEX

Best for KS1, KS2 and Secondary Students

Easily Accessible via the Apple App Store

Intuitive and very easy to use

For a more simplistic programming experience, ALEX is a brilliant app to explore. Young learners can create algorithms using a few commands that direct ALEX the robot across dangerous paths. The levels become increasingly difficult and require logical reasoning, computational thinking and problem solving from the player. What's more, when you've completed the levels, pupils and students can create their own levels to challenge others

Scratch Jr

Best for KS1 & KS2
Easily Accessible via the Apple App Store

Intuitive and very easy to use

ScratchJr is a streamlined version of the more convoluted web-based ‘Scratch’ programming app. Many schools have used Scratch as part of their computing curriculum in some form and so this app should be familiar ground for most young learners. The platform is easy to use and primarily focusses on block-based coding that enables children to build their own algorithms in order to make sounds or mobilise an onscreen avatar.

Whilst it doesn’t have the range of abilities that Hopscotch has, it does have a lot to offer, especially for a younger learner.

Code Spark

Best for KS1 & KS2

Easily Accessible via the Apple App Store

Straightforward and easy to use

There are many ‘game-based’ coding apps available on the App Store. However, many of them lean far too much on the game side of things. Code Spark does the opposite. The learners makes their way through levelled sections that increase in difficulty. Each section is cleverly linked to a different fundamental element of coding.

For example, earlier levels concentrate on ‘commands’ and ‘looping’ before it evolves on to ‘variables’ and ‘logical reasoning’. The most impressive aspect of Code Spark however, is how it tracks pupil progress. A teacher can create a Code Spark class and invite learners in via a code. As soon as the children join the class, the app collects assessment data. The data shows how far the pupils have got and how efficient their programming is. It's a coding app and assessment tool all rolled in to one.

Kodable

Best for EYFS & KS1
Easily Accessible via the Apple App Store

Straightforward and easy to use

Introducing very young children to coding and programming can be tricky. Difficult terminology and concepts eventually have to be learnt. However, Kodable is a great place to start. It offers an engaging platform with easy to use functions that can help even the smallest coders take their first steps.

The app itself is formulaic in that users follow simple lessons that increase in difficulty as they progress. Learners complete levels by stringing together blockchain commands to move their character from point A to B. Many apps follow this structure but Kodable can track progress at the same time.

A teacher or parent can create a class and invite their children in through a code. From that moment on, the app will record how far along the levels each child is getting. Overall, Kodable is a simplistic look at coding fundamentals with a built-in assessment tracker that can help support ongoing computing

Hopscotch

Best for KS1, KS2 and Secondary Students

Easily Accessible via the Apple App Store

Intuitive and very easy to use

Hopscotch employs block-based programming to help pupils bound algorithms and have onscreen avatars complete pre-determined tasks. The app contains games and fun activities but its main goal is to get children creating codes from scratch. Using Hopscotch children can create games, code stories, create art, programme moments and so on. The possibilities are endless.

If you need help with devices, training, or lesson plans, stay in touch and our Education team will assist you.

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