Primary Catalogue

In this animated programme, our character Sam shows students the basics of networking and data transmission. Engaging graphics are used to explain concepts clearly and visually, depicting how data is transmitted via cables and fibre optics, and why switches and routers are important. Students will also learn about binary, LANs, WANs, and why protocols are used. Show Less

This creative programme takes students on a journey as Kat teaches them about data storage and communication. Powerful visual diagrams and animations are used throughout, in order to aid students’ understanding of the concepts that are explored. Students will learn about the role of binary in communicating and storing data, the standard units for file sizes, ASCII, and the differences between a variety of audio and visual file types. Show Less

"Welcome to Faceschool" follows thirteen-year-old Toby as he is introduced to a strange world of social media where its users are face-to-face but behave as if they were online. With the guidance of Navigator Milly, Toby meets many unusual characters along the way and learns through their example, what behaviours to avoid, and what safety measures he can take in making sure his social media experience is a positive one. After meeting and getting past characters that include The Anybodies, Me-Me’s, Fakers, Copy-Creeps, Keyboard Warriors and Keyboard Sheep, Toby must resist the horrible Trolls in joining Milly at the hangout of the Navigators - smart social media users who know how to stay safe online. Show Less

Files are stored on a hard drive and are different sizes. In this clip, cartoon dinosaurs are used to demonstrate the size of files. It begins with bits that are made up of 1s and 0s. Eight bits make a byte, 1000 bytes make a kilobyte, 1000 kilobytes make a megabyte, 1000 megabytes makes a gigabyte and 1000 gigabytes make a terabyte. Show Less

How the Internet works is explained using the example of pigeons in their nests. All the pigeons, or computers, are connected together, and this is called a network. The rules of how the messages are sent are called protocols, and large messages are broken into small parts called packets. Each pigeon’s nest has a number called an IP address, and these numbers can be found on a domain name server which is like a computer address book. Students will also learn that it is the routers that send the message to the computer. Show Less

This episode takes a brief journey through time, showing how computers have changed over the years. From the mechanical calculator invented by Charles Babbage and programmed by Ada Lovelace, to Alan Turing’s algorithms which are still used in computers today, we see the evolution of what we know today as computers. We learn that coded messages were used during World War Two and the World Wide Web was invented in the 1990s! Show Less

There are many different elements that go into making a computer game: deciding on the type of game, designing the pictures, animating the characters and choosing what will happen. We learn about why it's important to make sure that the game gets progressively harder and rewards are given. The use of code and algorithms is explained. Show Less

Discover how search engines work through the example of a bear searching for honey in the woods. A search engine uses web crawlers to find information and send back a copy of each page. Algorithms are used to find the best match, and then the sites are ranked according to many factors, including how well the site is written, how frequently it is used and how popular it is. Students will learn that the algorithms are like the bees searching for the best honey. Show Less

Complex programming is introduced using an example of a kangaroo that needs to have a drink without being eaten by a crocodile. The kangaroo needed to check that the crocodile was not near the water before she had a drink and she needed more than one drink during the day. The kangaroo sequences steps that she needs to take to have a drink without the crocodile getting to her. She uses algorithms that include selection and a loop. Making sure that the steps are done in the correct order is important and so is repeating the algorithm. Show Less

This programme provides a basic introduction to animation, demonstrating how lots of pictures that are slightly different are put together to make it look as if a picture is moving. Pictures of a cat are shown in slightly different positions and when shown quickly one after the other, it looks like it is walking. Students will discover that animations can also be made using code! Show Less

This episode provides a basic explanation of what computer bugs are, describing them as mistakes in a computer program. A cartoon mouse and a robot demonstrate what computer bugs are. It also demonstrates the concept of bug-fixing in a simple and approachable manner. Show Less

Students will watch some examples of how computers are used day to day by ordinary people. They are used in shops, for taking photographs, in sport, for making music and films, to help us to learn, in aeroplanes and for going into space. What do you use your computer for? Show Less

The Internet is described as lots of computers connected to each other. Examples are given of devices that use the Internet, including tablets, laptops, consoles, phones and cameras. The differences between wired and wireless internet connections are briefly explained and some uses are given. Show Less

This episode offers a basic explanation of what coding is. In order to play games, do homework or talk to friends on a computer, programs are used. Computer programs are made using a special language called code, which is used so that the computer understands what to do. A cartoon mouse is seen programming another mouse on the screen to move forwards and backwards using words and numbers to demonstrate this concept. Show Less

Algorithms are described as something very simple but important. They are explained as instructions that are split into little steps so that a computer can solve a problem or get something done. An example of how to brush your teeth is demonstrated by a cartoon mouse and robot, and the process is broken down into simple steps such as: ‘take the lid off the toothpaste’ and ‘open your mouth’. Show Less

Variables are introduced using the example of a squirrel who wants to know where his nuts are buried, and how many he has. A variable is described as a special box that computers keep useful information in. There are two variables in the example - where the nuts are, and how many he has. Students will learn that when one variable is changed, the other automatically changes too. Show Less

After Tom Thomas’ friend, Kayta, leaves her mobile phone at his apartment, he wants to read her text messages. Simka and Nolik know it’s wrong and try to stop him from reading messages that aren’t his to read. He also learns that when the power is off, or if something is blocking the battery, the phone and texts will not work. Show Less