This Computing video supports teachers in introducing how binary can be used to represent text through the ASCII code system. It explains the historical need for a universal computer language in the 1960s and how ASCII – standing for American Standard Code for Information Exchange – was developed to meet that need. By assigning each of the first 128 binary combinations to a character, number or control symbol, ASCII allowed different computers to communicate using a shared language. The video also introduces hexadecimal as a more compact way to represent binary, breaking down complex eight-bit codes into manageable pairs.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Computing scheme of work – videos. It builds teacher subject knowledge and confidence in helping children understand how binary is used to encode real-world messages. Teachers are supported in explaining ASCII through classroom activities that show how text can be converted into binary and sent, for example, from the Mars rover back to Earth. This lesson consolidates prior learning across the unit and gives pupils the opportunity to apply their binary knowledge in a meaningful and engaging context.

Computing, Upper key stage 2, Year 5, Data handling: Mars Rover 1, Lesson 5: Using binary – text