Code Cracking Cryptographers in Year 5

 This half term in Year 5, we are cryptographers!

Cryptography is a method of protecting information and communications through the use of codes, so that only the intended recipient can read and process it. Over the half term we will be looking at encrypting and decrypting information using a range of different codes and how this is relevant in the world of computing. 

We started this week with semaphore. Semaphore is a simple code for converting letters and numbers using  two flags - one in each hand - held in different positions. The children used the semaphore alphabet and their flags to communicate messages to each other across the playground. They also tried passing messages along a chain, in the same way that information is passed across the internet between routers.

"I enjoyed creating messages but it is a very slow method of communication as you have to do it a letter or a word at a time." - Sophie

"It was tricky to spell out my name but I did it!" - Christopher

If you'd like to give semaphore a try for yourself, the alphabet is below. All you need are two flags, or you can just use your arms!