Learning objective
- To create algorithms that complete an unplugged task.
Success criteria
- I can begin to write commands in the
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National curriculum
Computing
Pupils should be taught to:
- Understand
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Cross-curricular links
English
Spoken language
Pupils should
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Pair the children and show the Presentation: What do you remember? Read the instructions aloud and click to enlarge the pictures to remind the children of the previous lesson.
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Extended-mode explainer videos
How to extend your display to view the lesson page and presentation mode simultaneously. Choose your operating system below to watch the video
If you need further support with extending your display,
please contact [email protected].
Extended-mode explainer video: For Mac
Extended-mode explainer video: For Windows
Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing support:
- Could use the Resource: Treasure map clues to support tracking steps when writing their algorithm.
- Could practise using arrow symbols or compass letters before writing their algorithm to secure their understanding of commands.
- Could rewatch the Pupil video: What is an algorithm? from Lesson 1: Dance algorithms before the start of the lesson to ensure they have a solid understanding of key vocabulary.
Pupils working at greater depth:
- Should identify where an algorithm is inefficient (for example, repeated or unnecessary steps) and explain how to improve it.
- Should generate more than one correct algorithm for the same map and explain why each one works.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding can:
- Write commands in the correct order.
- Identify whether
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Vocabulary definitions
-
algorithm
A set of commands that make a computer or robot do a job.
-
error
A mistake that stops instructions from working correctly.
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In this unit
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 27th April, 2026
Lesson 4: Building a program
Planning and building a program in MakeCode.
Lesson 4: Creating instructions
Learning that clear, carefully ordered instructions lead to successful outcomes.
Lesson 3: What are the compass directions?
Identifying the four compass directions and using them to describe the location of landmarks.
Lesson 4: Designing a pull-along toy
Drawing a design to adapt wheels, axle and base into a pull-along toy and starting...
