• Urban Academy 625 pupils in Milton Keynes
• Ofsted rating: Outstanding
• FSM: 34.9%

Review rating:

Average rating across all Purple Mash reviews: 4.2/5

Extremely useful and a great introduction to coding

How well does it match the curriculum?

Reasonably: It’s good enough for the money, but needs some additional resources

Simple steps for basic coding and easy to follow and review. Easy access and a range of levels available

How well does it support adaptation for different groups of pupils?

Reasonably: Essentially there’s enough for most pupils but there isn’t enough extension or challenge. Higher level need more challenges

More challenge at the higher level and a link to some real word applications needed. Perhaps Minecraft or something similar.

How well does it engage and motivate pupils?

Reasonably: We can’t use it too often or for too long

Easy to follow instructions and can access both at school and at home. They can submit work online. Fell like they are actually coding

How well supported is it by any included formative assessments?

Reasonably: There is some formative assessment included, but its usefulness is a bit limited

Very simple assessment when marking

How well does it support planning?

Reasonably: Mostly we can use it without an unreasonable amount of effort or additional resource requirement

Simple to set and a range of levels. Easy to include in homework and to give feedback either when in class or on marking

How well does it support home use / independent learning?

Reasonably: It could be used at home or independently, but pupils would need some extra support or resources

How would you rate it for value for money compared to similar resources?

Well: It’s worth the money and effort to introduce – more so than many similar resources I’ve seen

Needs more challenge at a higher level with links to real world applications so the pupils can see the value

Would you recommend it to a colleague in a similar school to yours? 9/11

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