KEY STAGE 1 - SUMMER SYLLABUS
PROGRAMING & CONTROLLING STRANDS
In the Summer Term we will be focusing on Programming & Controlling. There are four strands to this subject area, which are listed below. Many of the products we use to teach them, can be accessed from home.
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COMPUTING TOPICS
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In this strand we use Lightbot software. It is a coding challenge game; designed to introduce children to the fundamental concepts of programming in a fun way. There are a number of different versions available. These vary in difficulty, design and cost – none being over £5.00 and some even being free. |
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Apple App Store
- Lightbot Hour of Code (Age 4+)
- Lightbot Junior (Ages 4-8)
Google Play Store
- Lightbot Hour of Code (Age 4+)
- Lightbot Junior (Ages 4-8)
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In this strand we use Logo programming as an introduction to writing code, and syntax within coding. Logo educational programming uses geometry and simple commands based on words children will already know, such as forwards, backwards, right and left turns, and the angle of turn. The programs draw shapes using the commands written, so links with maths. J2Code is suitable for Y1 (Level 1) and Y2 (Level 2). The website can be used without logging in but work can’t be saved, I screenshot it. |
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Online (Free Webpages)
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 Steps (Quarter Turns) |
 Squares Pattern |
Apple App Store
Logotacular (Has build in tutorials): Free
Google Play Store
Turtle Draw: Free (untried)
| In this strand Scratch software is used as an introduction to coding with blocks, which are colour coded, i.e. Activation Blocks (Yellow), Motion (Blue), Looks (Purple), Sounds (Green), Control (Orange), End Blocks (Red). Algorithms are constructed using interlocking blocks. Scratch Junior app is suitable for Y1 to Y3. There is a website with activities that can be downloaded. |  |
Online (Free Resources)
- Scratch Junior: https://www.scratchjr.org/
Apple App Store
- Scratch Junior: Free
Google Play Store
- Scratch Junior: Free
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In this strand we start by looking at examples of simulations, and modelling, in order to introduce the children to the concepts of the Virtual and Physical Worlds. We then work on creating algorithms using software, and testing their effectiveness in the virtual world. When perfected these are then used in the physical world to program robots, to travel around floor mats that mirror those on screen. |
Online (Free Webpages)
- Bee-bot Emulator: https://www.terrapinlogo.com/emu/beebot.html
Note: This is a very simplified online version of the software we use in school. That being said, there are a number of different mats to choose from, all of which are cross-curricular.
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Apple App Store
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Google Play Store
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| Simulation/Model | Website Address | Description |
| Body Build Visualizer | http://bodyvisualizer.com/male.html | Used to model changes in weight, and exercise regimes. |
| Meteoearth | http://www.meteoearth.com/ | Real time weather modelling, which includes social media posting about what is happening globally. There is also a free app. |