Building numeracy skills through coding
Why coding is an essential literacy of increasing importance.
Building numeracy skills through coding
The preparation of pupils for life is our core purpose. Coding is an essential literacy of increasing importance, and it supports development in other areas of learning.
Pavel Malik, Assistant Head & Director of Digital Learning at Radnor House Sevenoaks, explains how learning coding from Key Stage 2 develops numeracy skills and makes maths more engaging and relevant.
- Coding and Logic
While logic is an essential skill for success in maths, it is also important in coding. Conditional logic, sequencing and reasoning are integral to the process of coding, and less intimidating and challenging to acquire when it can be applied practically.
- Real World Relevance
Coding helps by bringing mathematical functions to life, allowing us to interpret them through a visual outcome. The algorithm, sequence or logic associated with computational language can foster creativity into building an app, game, robot etc, manifesting maths skills into something relevant and exciting.
- Problem Solving
An important part of learning is understanding that mistakes do not mean failure. Coders must use problem-solving techniques in the creation of their models, using trial and error testing to find the solution. This mindset encourages creativity and resilience too, important skills in any facet of growth.
- Confidence
Learning to code can allow maths haters to look more favourably on the subject, boosting confidence in a coder’s own mathematical ability once they realise they are using maths concepts in their coding and are having fun with it!