Computing: Lower Key Stage 2

Introduction to the concept of networks, learning how devices communicate. Identifying components, learning how information is shared and exploring examples of real-world networks. Options for both Google and Microsoft schools.

Building on the use of the ‘ScratchJr’ application in Year 2, progress to using the more advanced computer-based application called ‘Scratch’, learning to use repetition or ‘loops’ and building upon skills to program; an animation, a story and a game

Learning how to send emails with attachments and how to be a responsible digital citizen by thinking about the contents of what is sent. Options for both Google and Microsoft schools.

Assuming the role of computer parts and creating paper versions of computers helps to consolidate an understanding of how a computer works, as well as identifying similarities and differences between various models

Developing filming and editing video skills through the storyboarding and creation of book trailers.

Using the theme of a ‘Comparison cards game’ (based on the popular game, Top Trumps), to understand what a database is by learning the meanings of records, fields and data. Further exploration will lead to the development of the ideas of sorting and filtering. Options for Google and Microsoft schools.

Learning about online safety: ‘fake news’, privacy settings, ways to deal with upsetting online content, protecting our personal information on social media

Working collaboratively in a responsible and considerate way as well as looking at a range of collaborative tools. Lesson plans for both Google schools and Microsoft schools.

Using variables in coding. Options for both Google and Microsoft schools.

Children develop their research, word processing, and collaborative working skills whilst learning how web pages and web sites are created, exploring how to change layouts, embed images and videos and link between pages. This unit has options for both Google and Microsoft-based devices.

Editing the HTML and CSS of a web page to change the layout of a website and the text and images

Plugged and unplugged activities to develop the four areas of computational thinking

Researching and storing data using spreadsheets; designing a weather station that gathers and records data; learning how weather forecasts are made and using green screen technology to present a weather forecast. Options for both Google and Microsoft schools.

Learning how to navigate the internet in an informed, safe and respectful way