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Browse by Grade: Year 1

United Kingdom · National Curriculum Attainment Targets

Year 1 Computing

An introductory course designed to build fundamental computational thinking skills through playful exploration and hands-on creation. Students learn to recognize patterns, give precise instructions, and use digital tools safely to express their ideas.

6 units·39 topics·Ages 5-6

01Algorithms and the Unplugged World

7 topics·Autumn Term

Students discover that algorithms are just sets of instructions used in everyday life. They practice creating and following sequences to achieve specific goals without using computers.

Everyday Instructions as Recipes

Students explore how simple daily tasks like making a sandwich or getting dressed are actually sequences of steps, focusing on the order and clarity of instructions.

Role PlayCollaborative Problem-Solving
Sequencing Daily Activities

Students practice ordering a series of picture cards to represent a daily routine, understanding the importance of logical sequence.

Stations RotationThink-Pair-Share
Finding and Fixing Errors (Debugging)

Students are introduced to the concept of debugging by identifying and correcting mistakes in simple physical sequences or instructions.

Problem-Based LearningThink-Pair-Share
Predicting Outcomes from Instructions

Students practice 'reading' a sequence of movements or actions to predict where a person or object will end up, developing logical reasoning.

Stations RotationCollaborative Problem-Solving
Creating Simple Algorithms for Movement

Students design and act out simple movement algorithms for each other, using directional language like 'forward', 'turn left', 'step'.

Role PlayExperiential Learning
Pattern Recognition in Sequences

Students identify and extend simple patterns in sequences of objects, sounds, or movements, a foundational skill for computational thinking.

Stations RotationThink-Pair-Share
Introduction to Loops (Repeating Actions)

Students explore the concept of repetition by identifying actions that happen multiple times and creating instructions that use 'repeat' commands.

Role PlayCollaborative Problem-Solving

02Programming with Floor Robots

6 topics·Autumn Term

Moving from unplugged activities to physical devices, students use floor robots to explore directional language and simple programming.

Bot Navigation Basics

Students learn the basic commands of forward, backward, left, and right to move a robot across a simple grid map.

Experiential LearningCollaborative Problem-Solving
Route Planning with Obstacles

Students design a path for a robot to follow, avoiding obstacles and reaching a target on a more complex map.

Project-Based LearningConcept Mapping
Robot Challenges and Debugging

Working in teams, students solve puzzles and navigate complex mazes using logical reasoning and debugging skills when their programs don't work as expected.

Escape RoomPeer Teaching
Using Sensors (Simple Inputs)

Students explore how simple sensors (e.g., touch, light) can provide input to a robot and influence its behavior.

Experiential LearningProblem-Based Learning
Creating Robot Stories

Students program robots to act out simple stories or scenarios, integrating movement and perhaps sound to tell a narrative.

Project-Based LearningRole Play
Introduction to Conditional Logic

Students explore simple 'if...then' concepts by programming a robot to make a decision based on a condition (e.g., 'if obstacle, then turn').

Problem-Based LearningSimulation Game

03Digital Painting and Creative Art

6 topics·Spring Term

Students use creative software to understand how computers can be used for artistic expression and to develop mouse or touch skills.

Exploring Digital Art Tools

Students explore different digital brushes, colors, and effects to understand how software tools mimic physical ones and develop fine motor skills.

Peer TeachingGallery Walk
Creating with Geometric Shapes

Students use pre-defined geometric shapes within a digital art program to build complex images like houses, cars, or animals on screen.

Gallery WalkStations Rotation
Digital Collages and Layering

Students learn to layer different digital images or shapes to create a collage, understanding the concept of foreground and background.

Project-Based LearningPeer Teaching
Saving and Sharing Digital Work

Students understand that digital work can be saved, retrieved, and shown to others, learning basic file management.

Peer TeachingMuseum Exhibit
Introduction to Digital Storytelling

Students use simple drawing tools and text to create a short digital story or comic strip, combining images and words.

Project-Based LearningGallery Walk
Exploring Digital Photography

Students use a digital camera or tablet to take photos, learning about framing, focus, and the immediate feedback of digital images.

Experiential LearningGallery Walk

04Grouping and Organizing Data

6 topics·Spring Term

Focusing on how we can label and sort objects based on their properties to make information easier to find.

Sorting Objects by Properties

Students identify different attributes of objects like color, size, and shape to group them, understanding classification.

Stations RotationCollaborative Problem-Solving
Creating Pictograms and Bar Charts

Students represent data visually using simple pictures or bars to count and compare items, introducing basic data representation.

Decision MatrixCase Study Analysis
Digital Data Entry and Display

Students use a simple computer program or spreadsheet to record and display information about the class or a collection of items.

Collaborative Problem-SolvingStations Rotation
Collecting Data: Surveys and Tally Marks

Students learn to collect simple data by conducting surveys and using tally marks to record responses, understanding data collection methods.

Inquiry CircleRound Robin
Interpreting Simple Charts

Students practice interpreting information presented in simple pictograms and bar charts, answering questions about the data.

Case Study AnalysisThink-Pair-Share
Data Storytelling: What Our Charts Tell Us

Students learn to tell a simple story or draw conclusions from the data they have collected and charted, practicing basic data analysis.

Project-Based LearningGallery Walk

05Technology in Our Lives

7 topics·Summer Term

Identifying technology in the school and home environments and understanding its purpose and impact.

Spotting Technology Around Us

Students take a walk around the school or classroom to identify various pieces of technology and discuss their functions.

Experiential LearningCarousel Brainstorm
Input and Output Devices

Students understand that they interact with technology by giving it instructions (input) and receiving a result (output) through various devices.

Think-Pair-ShareGallery Walk
Technology at Home and School

Students compare and contrast the types of technology used at home versus at school, discussing their different purposes.

Carousel BrainstormThink-Pair-Share
Smart Choices with Technology

Students discuss how technology can be used for good and the importance of balancing screen time with other activities.

Fishbowl DiscussionFour Corners
How Technology Helps Us Learn

Students explore various educational apps and websites, understanding how digital tools can support learning.

Experiential LearningPeer Teaching
The Future of Technology (Simple Ideas)

Students imagine and draw future technologies, considering how they might solve problems or make life easier.

Carousel BrainstormProject-Based Learning
Understanding How Devices Connect

Students learn that devices can connect to each other (e.g., a mouse to a computer, headphones to a tablet) and why these connections are useful.

Experiential LearningThink-Pair-Share

06Safety and Digital Citizenship

7 topics·Summer Term

Learning the basic rules for staying safe online and how to be kind and respectful in digital spaces.

My Digital Footprint Explained

Students understand that actions online can be seen by others and remain accessible, introducing the concept of a digital footprint.

Role PlayConcept Mapping
Asking for Help Online

Students identify trusted adults and learn when and how to seek help if something online feels strange, upsetting, or unsafe.

Role PlayFishbowl Discussion
Keeping Personal Information Private

Students learn about passwords and why certain information, like their home address or full name, should remain private online.

Case Study AnalysisCarousel Brainstorm
Being Kind Online

Students discuss the importance of respectful communication and behavior when interacting with others in digital spaces.

Role PlayPhilosophical Chairs
Recognizing Unsafe Content

Students learn to identify common signs of unsafe or inappropriate content online and understand what to do if they encounter it.

Case Study AnalysisThink-Pair-Share
Digital Balance and Wellbeing

Students reflect on the importance of balancing screen time with physical activity, creative play, and social interaction for overall wellbeing.

Four CornersHuman Barometer
Understanding Online Rules and Permissions

Students learn about rules for using online games or websites, including the importance of asking for permission from adults before accessing new content.

Role PlayPhilosophical Chairs