Codebreaking Workshop

A practical hands-on workshop tailored to the needs of all children.

Aims

On entry to the classroom, black boxes with numerous locks were visible – the children were immediately hooked and itching to find out more.

The 1.5-hour workshop began with a fascinating short discussion introducing the origins of code breaking. This was followed by a 45-minute pupil-led activity to complete a series of maths questions (decided prior to the visit) relating to the topics taught during the year. Each answer was another step closer to cracking the code on the locks.

During the activity individual children were called to ‘Spy School’ where they became a ‘specialist’ and trained in a specific codebreaking skill, which they later used in activity 2 to crack a further 4 codes.

The children were engaged throughout the morning and there was a definite buzz in the classroom as they worked fast to be the first to open their box. Teamwork played a huge part and it was great seeing the children take on roles and responsibilities to enable them to crack the codes, with some children going into covert action and spying on each other. 

Background

King Edward's Witley Head of Sixth Form, was invited to run a codebreaking workshop for Grayswood Primary School Year 6 pupils.

Resources

One King Edward's teacher and staff from Grayswood School.

Pupil Involvement

The whole of Grayswood Primary Year 6 pupils.

Frequency

First event of this kind but the school is keen to organise this again.