Computer Science Education Week

Computer Science Education Week (CSEd Week) 2026 runs from 7th to 14th December.

What is Computer Science Education Week?

Computer Science Education Week (CSEd Week) is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hooper, and always falls in the week which includes her birthday: 9th December. This year the week runs from 7th to 14th December.

The annual program is dedicated to inspiring students to take an interest in computer science and develop and nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity.

This year, there is no theme and it is instead an 'Open House' - allowing teachers to explore what Computer Science and AI means for their students and how it affects them in their day-to-day lives.

The Hour of Code

A big part of CSEd Week was the Hour of Code, which started as a one-hour introduction to computer science designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science.

It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities, and has recently been renamed to Hour of AI - you can find out more here.

Coding for Primary Schools

Purple Mash has a whole range of tools and activities that you can make use of either for a lesson, the whole week and even throughout the year. We have highlighted our top three below:

2Code

2Code is a fun, visual way to introduce children to programming using block coding. Pupils start with simple tasks, like making a bubble float, and move on to more challenging activities as their skills grow – giving even the youngest learners the excitement of controlling what happens on screen.

With 2Code, you can also programme external devices:

• Purple Chip - programme your phone or device and turn it into a game controller!
• micro:bit - write code for the micro:bit and explore a range of projects to complete.
• Mai-Z the MouseBot - control Mai-Z using a micro:bit, guiding the MouseBot through mazes and paths.

2Go

2Go is a brilliant way to introduce programming concepts to younger pupils. It works like an on-screen floor robot, so children who’ve used Beebots or similar will feel right at home, and fans of Logo will recognise it instantly.

Pupils start by clicking arrows to move the turtle, with extra options in Settings to increase challenge. You’ll also find guidance and ready-made challenges using the search bar to support your lessons throughout the week.

Logo

A fantastic program to use during the week would be the solve The Time-Crimes of Logonator. Evil android Logonator has gone rogue. He is travelling through time, altering key events in history to suit his malign intentions. The only way to stop him is to repair the damage he has sown already, before it's too late. And the only people capable of this, your pupils. Are they ready? Watch the briefing here: https://youtu.be/0HA3g3092Xs

Free Code with Confidence Resource Pack for CSEd Week

Even if you are not a Purple Mash subscriber, you can try some 2Code activities for free during Computer Science Education Week, with the free Code with Confidence Resource Pack. Inside the downloadable pack you'll find:

• Interactive activities, plus teacher solutions
• Access to age-appropriate free code areas
• Front-of-class Powerpoint presentation
• Coding vocabulary posters
• Teacher explainer video all crafted to boost your confidence in teaching coding.

More Computer Science Education Week activities

Alongside the coding challenges, the Computing Science Week area is packed with engaging resources, including:

• Storyboards and writing templates
• Game reviews and planners
• Slideshows and activity ideas

Python in Pieces is also included with Purple Mash, helping pupils move from block coding to Python through guided lessons – ideal for those working at greater depth.

Not a subscriber? Register for a free 14-day trial to explore everything Purple Mash has to offer.

Coding for Secondary Schools

If you're looking for coding lessons for your Key Stage 3 pupils, then try Python in Pieces. It builds confidence in text-based coding by helping pupils move easily between block code and Python. Guided lessons and teacher solution guides support learners from KS2 into KS3, encouraging independence and progression.

To celebrate Computer Science Education Week, why not try a free lesson? 👇

Share your code with us

Whatever you do for CSEd Week, we’d love to see, You can share your work with us via Facebook or Instagram.