Linking Computing and English

Due to their precise nature, skills taught in Computing have clear potential in Maths, Science and Design Technology. This crossover benefits all subjects involved, adding depth to the work done in other subjects and giving children the chance to use their Computing skills. But are there opportunities for links between Computing and English, where children's primary focus is to develop their ability to express themselves and appreciate the English language?

Let's begin by reminding ourselves of the three strands of Computing, according to the English national curriculum. These are:

• Computer science,

• Information technology,

• and Digital literacy

Computer science concerns understanding how computers work, including through the logic of programming. Information technology presents children with opportunities to use computers creatively to generate new content. Digital literacy teaches children to use technology safely, positively and responsibly.

We will consider each strand, and opportunities for linking Computing to English, showing that this crossover is not only beneficial, but essential for effective teaching in both subjects.

Computer Science

One links between English and Computing exists where children are asked to read and make predictions about sections of code. Children can read sections of code, before translating it into either 'pseudocode' (English that is nearly code), or standard English. Doing so is an opportunity for them to notice conventions within coding, form their own ideas, as well as practise their reading and inference skills.

Conversely, children can start with ideas written in standard English about how things might work. This could be for physical systems, websites, apps or games. They can then translate these algorithms written in standard English into pseudocode, or code.

Asking children to explain how things work benefits both their understanding of technology, as well as their ability to use target language in an explanation. Before using software like Flowol 4 with children, I would ask them to verbally explain how they think a system would work.

Information Technology

The creative requirements for the information technology strand of computing offer crossovers to creative subjects like English. As part of their creative composition work in English lessons, children can analyse and create writing for blog posts, podcasts and websites. They can write scripts for short films and documentaries about topics, again based on prior analysis of examples.

Computer games are full of language, from character dialogue, to instructions, to advertisements and promotional materials for the games themselves. Having designed a computer game, children could use English lessons to analyse and write their own computer game text and dialogue. Adventure-style games are a perfect opportunity for this, whether the games are block-based and made using Scratch, or text based games using Python. It is true that most primary computing would avoid text-based languages, but children by Year 6 should be able to cope with modifying the 'print' and 'input' functions within Python, as well as using a simple conditional structure, as in the example below. Once children have made their games, there are further opportunities for writing as children create their game boxes and promotional materials.

Filmmaking is a medium with so much potential for use in schools. For children to produce effective films, they must consider their story or message shot-by-shot. They will need an awareness of basic types of camera angles, including establishing shots, cutaway shots, close ups, medium shots and long shots. They will also need to understand that the same actions can be shot from multiple points of view, before these are combined in the editing process. The Across Asia Youth Film Festival (link to website) features some inspiring examples of media work produced by children.

How does filmmaking match with primary English objectives? The national curriculum states, 'Spoken language underpins the development of reading and writing.' Children who use apps like Puppet Pals to record short films will rehearse and develop the language they need for effective composition. Older children will analyse film scripts, speeches and dialogue before composing their own work to be used in their own filmmaking. This will include production of storyboards, where children will carefully select language and stage directions.

Asking children to write for a cause can be an effective motivator, particularly if their work will receive an audience. At this point, I need to mention the incredible 'Apps for Good' project (link to website here). In terms of children being engaged through doing meaningful, creative work with technology, I cannot recommend this project highly enough. Children are tasked with producing an app using the block-based environment in code.org, which they also produce a promotional video for. This project has potential for links to writing in English, as well as science, geography and other subjects.

Digital Literacy

Exploring literature relating to online activity, is a good way of addressing reading objectives in English, as well as some of the digital literacy objectives in Computing. 'How to be More Hedgehog' by Anne-Marie Conway and 'Emmy Levels Up' by Helen Harvey, as well as 'Chicken Clicking' by Jeane Willis are books that deal directly with digital conduct and the implications.

Beyond literature, opportunities for discussing digital literacy in English include discussions and modelling of technology including graphics design, online content creation and use of AI. All of these can lead to fascinating discussions which benefit work and understanding in both English and Computing.

Concluding thoughts

In Computing and Digital Learning for Primary Teachers, I made the case that links between subjects benefit them both. I think this is particularly true if a balance can be achieved between teaching and practising skills, and working towards an exciting final project. Please feel free to share ideas of ways in which you have incorporated computing and digital learning into English!