The purpose of coding in industry is to produce a clearly defined set of results. At best, a programmer’s coding is not only logical but also translucent - it can be understood by colleagues. Is this the kind of thinking sought via the apparently much desired coding within schools initiative (“A basic approach to programming”)? If so, what’s wrong with stressing such step-by-step problem-solving skills in maths or English? Clever software and high-tech gadgets could be deployed to encourage that approach, but they are not essential. Most pupils will not become coders.

Neil Richardson, Kirkheaton, West Yorkshire.