Year 4 Computing

Investigating how devices connect to each other to share information, starting with simple local networks.

Exploring the various ways the internet is used in daily life for communication, learning, and entertainment.

Exploring the role of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and routers in connecting homes and schools to the global network.

Distinguishing between the physical network (Internet) and the information system built on it (World Wide Web).

Using shared digital workspaces to create content simultaneously with peers.

Exploring different ways to communicate online, such as email, instant messaging, and video calls, and their appropriate uses.

Developing strategies to filter search results and evaluate the reliability of online information.

Learning about personal information, privacy settings, and safe practices for interacting online.

Understanding what an algorithm is and how to follow or create a clear set of instructions for a computer.

Creating simple programs using a sequence of commands to achieve a specific outcome.

Identifying patterns in code and using count-controlled loops to reduce repetition.

Introducing 'if/then' statements to make programs respond differently based on conditions.

Using geometry and loops to program a turtle or sprite to draw intricate patterns.

Systematically finding and fixing errors in programs that use repetition and conditions.

Introducing variables as containers for storing and changing information within a program.

Introducing different types of data (numbers, text, images) and how computers represent them.

Understanding how data can be collected repeatedly over a period to observe changes and trends.

Hands-on experience using simple sensors (e.g., light, temperature) to gather environmental data.

Learning to organize collected data into tables and simple spreadsheets for easier analysis.

Converting raw data sets into charts and graphs to identify patterns and anomalies.

Using the evidence gathered from sensors to propose solutions to local problems.

Exploring basic digital drawing tools and understanding pixels as the building blocks of images.

Learning the principles of animation by creating short sequences of moving images.

Using triggers such as mouse clicks and key presses to control digital objects.

Considering who will use a digital creation and making it easy and enjoyable for them to interact with.

Building a basic version of a project and improving it based on testing.

Learning how to save, export, and share digital projects with others, considering file formats.

Exploring basic elements of game design, such as rules, goals, and player interaction.

Understanding that sound can be recorded and stored as data on a computer, and played back.

Learning how sound is captured and stored as digital data.

Using software to manipulate sound clips and layer them to create a composition.

Exploring digital instruments and simple music composition software to create original tunes.

Understanding how video is captured and stored digitally, and basic concepts of video editing.

Understanding the legal and ethical issues around using other people's creative work.

Understanding the importance of acknowledging the original creators when using their digital work (images, sounds, text).

Learning to group objects based on shared characteristics and differences.

Creating simple decision trees using a series of yes/no questions to identify items.

Using simple digital tools (like a spreadsheet or a simple classification program) to organise information.

Learning to search and filter information within simple digital lists or tables to find specific data.

Exploring real-world examples of how computers help people organise and find information quickly (e.g., library catalogues, online shops).

Designing and building a simple branching database for a specific topic (e.g., types of plants, fictional creatures).

Understanding simple ways to keep digital information safe, like passwords and not sharing personal data.