2Code for Foundation Phase Coding | Purple Mash Tools

2Code is Purple Mash’s interactive coding tool for primary schools. From first steps with block-based coding to creating games, stories and simulations, 2Code helps children develop their programming skills through guided lessons, challenges and creative projects. Find out how 2Code can support engaging, progressive coding lessons in The Foundation Phase.

What is 2Code?

2Code is Purple Mash's interactive, block-based coding tool that's designed to take children from their very first steps with programming to creating their own coded projects. With in-built lessons, step-by-step instructions and videos for students and teachers, challenges and solutions, 2Code helps make coding exciting for pupils and stress-free for teachers.

Key Features of 2Code

2Code is packed with features to make coding easy to teach and fun to learn. One fantastic benefit of 2Code is that it is included in a Purple Mash subscription so children only need one login, and all their work is saved to their Work Area. In-program features include:

• Drag-and-drop blocks perfect for beginner coders
• Different levels of the tool to ensure children do not become overwhelmed by too much on the screen
• Guided activities split into stages
• Step-by-step tutorials to guide children through new concepts
• Self-marking challenges to show progress
• Debug tool for children to get a deeper understanding of their code
• Real Code Mode so that children working at more advanced levels can see their code in JavaScript

How 2Code Supports the Computing Curriculum

2Code has been carefully designed to ensure a smooth learning progression. The units build progressively, so pupils cover key concepts like sequencing, selection, variables, and repetition at the right stage for their age group. Teachers can feel confident they’re meeting statutory requirements without having to plan every lesson from scratch.

Coding in KS1

For younger learners, 2Code offers a gentle introduction with simple block coding and engaging characters. Children can create short animations, make characters move, and explore cause-and-effect - all while building the foundations for future programming skills.

Coding in KS2

As pupils progress through the Foundation Phase, 2Code gradually introduces more advanced coding concepts. They’ll learn about variables, functions, and conditional statements before moving on to designing and coding their own games, stories, and simulations. This progression helps build confidence and independence in coding.

Children will be able to see their block code translated to JavaScript as well as complete debugging challenges and using Free Code to create their own projects.

Code with Confidence

Teachers can try out some of the 2Code activities with the Code with Confidence free pack. Inside the pack there's a wealth of resources, including:

• 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.

Share your code with us

However you use 2Code, we would love to see. You can share examples via our Instagram or Facebook pages with the #PMDLChallenge. All examples will be entered into our monthly draw to win a 2Simple goody bag!