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About the Workshop
Learners are taught about the history of codes and ciphers, from the work of Anne Lister through to modern computing.
Then in small teams learners will put their logical problem solving-skills to the test to break a series of codebreaking challenges! Every code they crack they will give instructions for the next challenge – make a mistake and they’ll be unable to move on! Starting with a scytale, then learners will work at their own pace to unlock the answers.
At the end of the session we will highlight the career links to code breaking and the skills they’ve developed, including data security, software developers, translators and more.
This activity goes well with:
Student Learning
Learner Outcomes:
To understand the difference between a code and a cipher
To learn about the history of codes and ciphers
To understand why we use codes and ciphers
To work as part of a team to complete a codebreaking challenge
Curriculum links:
Maths – Use the fundamentals of mathematics to solve a variety of problems
Design and Technology - Understand developments in technology, its impact on individuals and society
English – Following instructions, speaking, listening, sharing ideas and presenting
Computing – Can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems. Understand how instructions are stored and executed within a computer system
PSHE– Develop skills for future success
Skills Builder Framework Links:
Listening
Problem solving
Creativity
Staying positive
Teamwork
Aiming high
Logistics and Planning
Logistics and Planning:
Code Breaking requires a classroom space with a projector.
We ask that a teacher is always present throughout the activities, to support learner engagement and manage behaviour.
Workshops can be booked on their own and delivered on rotation throughout the day or delivered as part of a series of workshops,
where classes rotate between multiple activities.
Codebreaking
Groups of approximately 30 learners
Keystage 3 and 4
60 minutes