2023-24

Summer 1

Computer Science: Programming

Year 6 - Micro:bit accelerometer programming

Hardware: BBC Micro:bit

Software: Microsoft MakeCode 

Year 6 have begun to explore the endless possibilities of the Micro:Bit: tiny computers that can be programmed using block-based coding. So far, the classes have deployed their knowledge of conditional selection and looping to write programs that respond to inputs like button presses. 

This is a great bit of programming from Sophia that has been saved in her Computing Portfolio. Here you can see that Sophia has successfully used a forever loop in conjunction with if else statements to create a state where the Micro:bit is constantly checking to see whether button A or B are being pressed. If button A is pressed, it will display "Hello" 3 times, and if button B is pressed, it will display the heart (as the emulator shows). This is a strong application of Year 5's key skills. 

Spring 2 

Information Technology: Data

Year 6 - Spreadsheets 

Software: Google Sheets

The children of Year 6 have done a brilliant job exploring how to enter and manipulate data on a spreadsheet. Basic formulae and Google's AI tools were also deployed to crunch figures more efficiently. 

Here, Lena has used the formula = A1 * B1 to multiply two cells together to generate column C. Once one value was found, Sophia clicked and dragged to apply an iterated formula to the rest of the values. 

Spring 1

Computer Science: Programming A

Year 6 - Using variables in games

Software: Scratch (block-based)

Year 6 have been adding variables into programs to keep track of certain values - in this instance 'score'. A variable is simply a space assigned in a computer's memory - we can think of it as a container. As a program runs, the contents of these containers can change. 

Isabeau has challenged herself to keep track of multiple elements in this game using four variables - 'losses', 'wins', 'all my losses' and 'all my wins'. 

In the above code snippet, we can see that when the ball touches the paddle, 1 gets saved into both the variable 'wins' and 'all of my wins'. Notice below, when you reset Isabeau's game with the green flag, only wins and losses are reset to zero. This way 'All of my wins' continues to count points across successive games. Here, Isabeau has demonstrated a strong understanding of potential variable permanence as well as the complex flow of her program. 

Autumn 2

Information Technology: Creating Media

Reception

Reception have been exploring the technology in their new classrooms. They have been using their Smartboards to make marks and answer questions, and have started to use iPad applications like 'Doodle Buddy' to draw pictures. 

Year 1

Year 1 have been learning all about word processing, focusing primarily on 'Google Docs'. With support, children have begun logging into Chromebooks and opening up browser-based software. The children have also explored which fingers are most appropriate to use for certain keys. 

Year 2

Year 2 are using technology to take and edit photographs. They discussed composition and subject focus before using the iPad's camera application take pictures of their environment. They have also considered whether to take photographs in landscape or portrait mode to best accommodate their subject. They will be moving on to introductory photo editing via 'Pixlr'. 

Year 3

Year 3 are exploring stop-motion animation, first with post-it note flipbooks and then with the iPad app 'Stop Motion Studio'. Children have explored the app together and have thought carefully about image composition and animation quality. 

Year 4

Year 4 are editing audio this half term. They are using the browser-based application Soundtrap to record and edit their content. They are aiming to develop a podcast about their learning for Radio Drake. 

Year 5

Year 5 are developing vector images with 'Google Drawing'. They have discovered how to make and manipulate basic shapes and colours, but will go on to explore layering and effective composition. 

Year 6

Year 6 have been analysing high-quality websites and trying to get a sense of the medium's core functions. They have begun to plan and build their own sites using 'Google Sites'.