CAS Conference 2025: From blocks to text
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Last edit: 30 October 2025
In this practical session, Prof Berry begins with a consideration of the affordances and limitations of block-based or visual programming languages such as Scratch and Snap!. He explores some of the challenges that young programmers face when first encountering traditional, text-based languages such as Python. Participants share their strategies for supporting pupils with this transition during Key Stage 3. Prof Berry discusses some approaches, and demonstrates a range of programming tools and environments which can make this transition easier, and help pupils develop their knowledge and skills in text-based programming. Please bring a laptop, and stories to tell about how you've helped pupils take this step.
- Prof Miles Berry , University of Roehampton