Yoiks! is a computer game designed to help young children develop maths skills through play. It is based on 300 characters - bugs - which, having escaped from inside the circuits, munch through data stored in the computer, destroying systems. The task is to seek out these bugs and direct them to their correct place in the recycle bin.

The program allows children to develop problem-solving skills, setting their own targets through the various levels of the game. Pupils working at level B maths could complete part of the program but it is more suitable for level C or above. They use number ordering and matching skills to win, going through steps in logical order dictated by the colour or shape of the bugs.

Instructions for loading the game are confusing. There is a video of how to play the game but this does not come up straight away; there are a few activities first, which is very frustrating for the first time player.

Initially, you cannot gain access to the controls but must keep working to solve the first problems on your own. This can be off-putting. It is based on trial and error, with not a lot of help available, just the computer voice repeating “You almost made it. Try again.”

Success can be a long, slow process. If you make a mistake early on, you must go through the whole process in that particular game before starting afresh. However, you can decide to play for a short period and save the game until later.

Some children will need encouragement to keep going, while others will become determined not to let the bugs beat them and have a lot of fun trying to outsmart them.

It is useful to have a partner to go through the game with first, as two can have useful discussions about strategies to try next. Remembering what was already tried and keeping notes are useful moves to develop.

Anna Clarke is acting headteacher at Good Shepherd Primary, South Ayrshire