Lessons in computer coding 'teach logic in the same way as Latin'

Children can learn logic and discipline by studying computer programming, in the same way they do by learning Latin, a London headteacher said.

Millan Sachania, head of Streatham and Clapham High School, said transferrable skills such as sequential thinking, logic and discipline can be taught just as well through both subjects.

The girls school was celebrating women in technology today by holding its own “Ada Lovelace day”.

Ada Lovelace, the daughter of Lord Byron, is regarded as the first computer programmer after she developed the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine in the 1840s.

Dr Sachania said: “In our modern society the power of technology can’t be ignored. Coding brings together all of these skills [logic, discipline and sequential thinking] in a very relevant way. It is difficult stuff that stretches pupils in all sorts of wonderful ways.”

He described the lack of female presence in the technological world as “a great shame” and said Ada Lovelace day would encourage young women to take STEM subjects (science technology engineering and maths).

“The jobs of interest and influence will be in this area. I want our pupils to have a genuine choice about what field they go into and have no areas that are out of bounds for them,” he added.