Bletchley Park and the history of computers

Exploring code-breaking at Bletchley Park, historical figures in computing, the evolution of computers, designing a computer of the future and creating an audio advert.

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

Unit outcomes

Pupils who are secure will be able to:

  • Explain that codes can be used for a number of different reasons and decode messages.
  • Explain how to ensure a password is secure and how this works.
  • Explain the importance of historical figures and their contribution towards computer science.
  • Present information about their historical figures in an interesting and engaging manner.
  • Develop an idea for a computer of the future and create a simple design.
  • Produce a simple audio advert with simple edits, which demonstrate an understanding of how to use the software.

Suggested prior learning

Computing systems and networks: Search engines

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Lessons

Lesson 1: Secret codes

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Lesson 2: Brute force hacking

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Lesson 3: Computers of the past

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Lesson 4: Future computer

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Lesson 5: Audio adverts

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Key skills

  • Learning about the history
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Key knowledge

To know:

  • The importance of
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Key vocabulary

acrostic code

audio advert

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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

  • Scratch (website) ×1
  • Google Slides As needed
  • Microsoft Powerpoint As needed
  • TinkerCAD ×1
  • TwistedWave. ×1
  • Devices with internet access ×15
  • Sticky notes
  • A4 paper ×30
  • Microphones or devices to record sounds ×15
  • Large space ×1

The equipment below is optional
  • Headphones ×30
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Related content

    Resources

Unit resources

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Computing

Knowledge organiser: Computing Y6: Systems and networks: Bletchley Park and the history of computers.

Aimed at pupils, two pages providing key facts and definitions from the unit '*NEW* Computing systems and networks: Bletchley Park…

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Computing

Vocabulary display – Computing Y6: Bletchley Park and the history of computers

A display version of the key vocabulary from the Bletchley Park and the history of computers unit.

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Subject resources

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Cross-curricular opportunities

History.

Mathematics: Number – number and place value.

RSE.

English: Writing – composition.

Design and technology.

Suggested next steps

Data handling 1: Big Data 1

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