Computer science is the study of computers and their application. Computer science is interesting because many things in everyday life use computer science including mobile phones, microwaves and traffic lights.
An aspect of computer science is coding, which is the ability to program a computer to carry out instructions. These instructions are usually very simple and require adding numbers together and moving data from one place to another.
The ability to code is a very worthwhile skill to have because it changes people from being consumers of technology to creators of it. There are claims that coding should be added to reading, writing and arithmetic as a core ability for every student from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Of particular interest for Ashfield Public School is that coding is a way of thinking that develops problem solving skills. Coding requires thinking in both concrete and abstract terms. Coding fits in well with the mathematics syllabus which is about developing, exploring and connecting mathematical concepts, choosing and applying problem-solving skills and mathematical techniques, communication and reasoning
Ashfield Public School recognises Computer Science Education Week each year which celebrates the transformative role of computing and the need to bolster computer science education.
The week is also a call to action to raise awareness about the importance of computer science education and its connection to careers in computing and other fields.
As part of Computer Science Education Week all students at Ashfield Public School, from Kindergarten to Year 6, participate in the Hour of Code.
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics.
https://hourofcode.com/au