1. Subjects >
  2. Computing >
  3. Key stage 2 >
  4. Year 6 >
  5. Computing systems and networks: Bletchley Park and the history of computers >
  6. Lesson 3: Computers of the past

Learning objective

  • To recognise the importance of the history of computers and create a well-researched presentation.

Success criteria

  • I can explain the role of Bletchley Park
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National curriculum

Computing

Pupils should be taught that:

  • Use
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Cross-curricular links

History

Pupils should be

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

Recap and recall

Display the Presentation: Bingo – key vocabulary and hand each child a whiteboard and pen. Ask the children to divide their whiteboards into nine boxes and write one of the words from the presentation in each box.

Learning objective

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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

Mac

Windows

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

For pupils needing extra support

Could present their information in a Microsoft Word or Google document; should work collaboratively to decide on the key facts.

Pupils working at greater depth

Should choose how to present their findings and include opinions about each computer or computing hero’s impact on the world; should be encouraged to add hyperlinks to further information; could research two topics and persuade the audience that one was more influential than the other.

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Assessing progress and understanding

Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: understanding some of the key moments

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Vocabulary definitions

  • discovery

    Finding information or inventing something that was not known before.

  • invention

    A new device or process that solves a problem or makes something easier.

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In this unit

Assessment - Computing Y6: Bletchley Park and the history of computers

Lesson 1: Secret codes

Lesson 2: Brute force hacking

Lesson 3: Computers of the past

Lesson 4: Future computer

Lesson 5: Audio adverts

Originally created by:

Kapow Primary team
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Maintained by: Kapow Primary team

Last update: 12th October, 2025

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Lesson 2: Brute force hacking Previous Lesson
Lesson 4: Future computer Next Lesson

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