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Cracking Code Breakers (KS2)

Teacher’s notes and activities to discover the invention of Colossus in the Second World War.

Download full Cracking Code Breakers learning resource

01 - The GPO - The Heart of Communication

Learn how General Post Office engineers worked hard to build Colossus and discuss the skills needed to be an engineer.
02 - Tommy Who?

Learn about sending secret messages and work as a team to gather data and design a machine to solve a problem.
03 - Building Colossus

Learn about the original blueprint for Colossus, how to read a map, design a blueprint and make a scale drawing.
04 - Cryptic Messages

Learn how secret messages were sent using binary code and tapes, design a code and write a cryptic message.
05 - Cracking the Code

Learn how to decipher different codes and work as a team to translate a message from German.
06 - Digital Security

Learn about digital security, discuss how to protect our personal information and what makes a strong password.