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Subjects

Art and design Computing Design and technology French Geography History Music Physical education Spanish Religion and worldviews RSE & PSHE Science Wellbeing

Lesson 1: What is an algorithm?

Understanding what an algorithm is by using a set of instructions to dress a doll.

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Learning objective

To understand what an algorithm is.

Success criteria

I can explain

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National curriculum

Computing

Pupils should be taught to:

Understand

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Cross-curricular links

English

Writing – composition

Pupils

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Before the lesson

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Lesson plan

Recap and recall

As this is the first programming unit in Key stage 1, there is no knowledge to recap with the children. In EYFS (Reception), the children may have learnt: Following and giving simple instructions is important in computing. Instructions should be followed in the correct order. To program a Bee-Bot with simple commands and to fix…

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Adaptive teaching

Pupils needing extra support

Could use a pre-cut version of the Activity: Doll and clothes; could use the algorithm written by the teacher and change only one step during the Main event.

Pupils working at greater depth

Should be given more blank cards from the Activity: Crossing the road cards to add more steps to their algorithm.

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Assessing progress and understanding

Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: writing clear algorithms; considering the different

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Vocabulary definitions

algorithm

A clear set of instructions to carry out a task.
instructions

A list of commands and directions on how to do something.

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