Refreshed scheme (2026)

Programming 2: BBC micro:bit

Investigating how to program the BBC micro:bit by creating interactive projects using sensors, variables and conditional statements.

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  1. Subjects >
  2. Computing >
  3. Key stage 2 >
  4. Year 5 >
  5. Programming 2: BBC micro:bit

Please note

This unit uses the BBC micro:bit, which is supported by the Micro:bit Educational Foundation and MakeCode, an online coding platform developed by Microsoft.

Unit outcomes

Pupils who are secure will be able to:

  • Explore and test simple programs on the micro:bit.
  • Predict and describe how code will work before running it.
  • Plan and create animations using LED displays.
  • Use inputs, variables and conditions to build interactive programs.
  • Create programs that react to sensor data, such as pedometers and weather checkers.
  • Create a program that responds to real-time sensor readings.
  • Test, debug and evaluate programs by identifying and fixing problems.

Suggested prior learning

Programming 1: Scratch: Music

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Teacher video: Exploring the BBC micro:bit

An introduction to the micro:bit.
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Lessons

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Lesson 1: Tinkering with BBC micro:bit

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Lesson 2: Programming an animation

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Lesson 3: Programming a pedometer

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Lesson 4: Using the temperature sensor

  • To create a real-world program using a sensor, input and a conditional statement.

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Lesson 5: Debug and evaluate

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Key skills

  • Making links between different
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Key knowledge

To know:

  • Code may sometimes
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Key vocabulary

conditional statement (Y5/6)

condition (Y3/4)

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Equipment list

Equipment needed across all lessons in this unit.

This list does not include equipment which is usually readily available in the classroom (e.g pencils, A4 paper etc)

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Full equipment list for the subject

Quantities marked × will update. Items without quantities are unaffected

  • BBC micro:bit ×15
  • Digital device (internet-enabled) ×15
  • BBC micro:bit ×15
  • BBC micro:bit ×15
  • Sticky notes
  • Large space such as a hall or playground. ×1
  • BBC micro:bit ×15
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Related content

    Resources

Unit resources

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Computing

Knowledge organiser – Computing Y5: *New* Programming 2: BBC micro:bit

Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the unit ‘BBC micro:bit’.

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Computing

Vocabulary display – Computing Y5: New BBC micro:bit

A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'BBC micro:bit'.

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Subject resources

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Teacher coding skills videos

A comprehensive range of coding skills videos which explain and demonstrate key coding concepts. These videos are designed to both guide and support teachers who find the programming component of the computing curriculum challenging, whilst also acting as a refresher for those more confident in their subject knowledge.
Understanding variables in coding
Understanding debugging in coding
Understanding repetition and loops
What are algorithms?
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Cross-curricular opportunities

English: Spoken language.

Physical education.

Mathematics: Measurement.

Science: Working scientifically.

 

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