What's New this Term...

We know it's tough finding the time to find out about all the new and exciting resources we create, so each term we put together a blog to show you the very best of what’s new across the 2Simple product range.

There's lots of change on the horizon for the world of education this term, with new guidance and evolving expectations for teachers to navigate. At 2Simple, we're here to support you every step of the way and are constantly adapting and evolving for the classrooms of today.

See all of our updates in this short video:

Computing

The 2Simple team have been busy this summer, updating tools and creating new resources for computing:

REFRESHED AND REFINED: Computing Scheme

The Purple Mash computing scheme has been refreshed to reflect curriculum changes, digital trends, new software and teacher feedback. Updates include reorganised units (with some added, removed or moved), optional introductions to Purple Mash in every year group, new programming units for external devices, Knowledge & Skills checks, self-review questions, and more teaching videos.

Online safety is now taught through 2BeSafe, as a golden thread woven throughout the curriculum.

Units for Autumn Term are available now, with all other units being released by Christmas.

UPDATED: Developing Tray

Developing Tray has been upgraded to deliver a more engaging experience for both teachers and children.

Developing Tray is a game that draws children into making guesses and assumptions on a piece of text. It encourages work not just on a word level but on a sentence and whole text level.

By playing the game the children develop a range of skills that help to build the strategies needed to improve their reading ability.

UPDATED: 2Investigate

2Investigate, the database tool, was also updated in July and now features three modes to support learners of all levels:

• Card Mode (Classic)
• Table Mode
• Advanced Table Mode

It is also possible to add larger datasets to 2Investigate, ensuring teachers and students do not have to limit themselves!

UPDATED: 2Question

2Question, the tool which enables children to learn about and create their own branching databases, was updated in July with a brand-new look and new features. It allows simplified and guided database creation with a step-by-step setup and helpful hints and prompts along the way.

COMING SOON: Purple Mash AI Add-On

AI is coming to Purple Mash! Schools will soon have the option to add an AI feature to 2Quiz, enabling teachers to create curriculum-aligned quizzes in minutes. You can find out more about it here.

To help schools ensure they are using AI safely this term, we have also created a Free AI Pack for schools which includes Risk Assessments, Guidance, Key Actions and Acceptable Use Agreements for staff and pupils.

English

Grammar for Writing Resources

There is now a whole scheme to support the teaching of grammar for Year 1-6. The scheme includes slides, Purple Mash activities and worksheets as well as a Teacher Guide.

Lessons can be searched by either theme or subject area within each year group

Oracy Resources

Purple Mash now includes resources to teach Oracy skills in the classroom. Included are:

• Oracy Videos
• Oracy Activities
• Talking Prompts

These resources work well alongside all our debate topics and templates which you can find inside the Let's Debate folder.

EYFS

NEW: Chip - Cody's New Sibling

Users of Mini Mash may have spotted a new Mashcot: Chip is Cody's younger sibling and is here to show younger learners all the great fun they can have inside Mini Mash!

Next time you log in to Mini Mash, see if you can spot where Chip is in the classroom area!

Live Lessons

This term, we introduced Live Lessons! Two Live Lessons were hosted and the recordings uploaded to YouTube for all teachers to use:

• Animation with 2Animate
• Podcasting with 2Cast

They were a fantastic success, and one has already been planned for this term: Creative Coding with Free Code.

Shop

Books

Merchandise

New merchandise is regularly added to the 2Simple Shop. Recently added items include:

• Purple Mash Wall Planners
• U-Fill Refillable Purple Glue Sticks
• Cody Pencil Stationery Set