Learning objective
- To explore how variables and if statements are used in Scratch by identifying their purpose in a game.
Success criteria
- I can find and explain how a variable
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National curriculum
Computing
Pupils should be taught to:
- Design,
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Cross-curricular links
None.
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Before starting this unit, check that the children can recall: Scratch is a block programming language. A loop is a coding tool used to repeat an instruction in a program. An algorithm is a series of instructions put in an exact order. Decomposition means breaking a problem into manageable chunks. Hand out the devices (one…
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Extended-mode explainer videos
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Extended-mode explainer video: For Windows
Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support
Should complete the Activity: Catch the doughnut: support version to structure the process of understanding the blocks; could verbally explain each block’s purpose.
Pupils working at greater depth
Should explain how the variables and if statements work together to control the game; could consider where variables and if statements are used in real life (e.g. traffic lights, online quizzes, etc.).
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: understanding what a variable is; recognising
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Vocabulary definitions
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condition
A rule that must be true before the computer decides what to do (e.g. pressing a key or touching a colour).
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decomposition
Breaking a big problem into smaller, easier steps to help solve it.
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In this unit
Assessment - Computing Y4: *New* Further coding with Scratch
Lesson 1: Exploring variables and conditions
Lesson 2: Using conditions and sensors
Lesson 3: Planning a game
Lesson 4: Programming a game
Lesson 5: Evaluating a game
Maintained by: Kapow Primary team
Last update: 8th July, 2025
