Year 6

NC: Pupils use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact. 

We started Year 6 with a strong Online Safety focus to reinforce our WHA Safeguarding and to ensure we we were using our Values online and becoming Good Digital Citizens. We used the Be Internet Legends resources to be Sharp, Alert, Secure, Kind and Brave.

NC: 

Pupils select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information

Pupils use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output

Pupils use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs 

In Autumn 2 we focused on Computational Thinking and used the PBL topic of Crime & Punishment as a starting point.

We used logic to research and make a Quiz, testing ourselves and each other.

We then made a decision tree based on the consequences of committing crimes in different eras which again relied on thinking logically.

We used logic, and followed instructions to create the algorithms to make a swipe game and road crossing game.

NC: Pupils design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts

Pupils use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output

Pupils use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs 

In Spring 1 we took our previous learning on logic and algorithms and built a series of systems using Crumble circuit boards. Working in groups of 2 or 3 we had to collect all the materials we needed, then build the circuit paying close attention to positive and negative. We had to insert batteries then create an algorithm and send the code to the Crumble. If it did not work we had to error check it and debug the system. Over the half term we built the following systems:

• a light circuit triggered by a button.

• a light circuit with programmed light sequence.

• a system with a motor with random variables and used our DT skills to make a pointer so it was like a 'lucky eight ball'.

• a system with two motors and create a protype vehicle.

NC: Pupils use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact. 

In Spring 2 Year 6 investigated Blogging in order to become better Digital Citizens, put into practice our good Values, learn how to use Social Media and improve our communication skills. We discussed our rules and what the Do's and Don'ts were. These included:

• keeping personal information private

• proper formal language, as if it was our English Books

• being kind, supportive and positive

• limit the use of emoji's - more words than symbols!

• no spoilers

• nothing rude, offensive, age inappropriate

• avoid politics and religion as they were controversial and could lead to arguments

We then made our own blogs within Purple Mash, a safe and contained environment. Once they were approved they could be seen by the rest of the year group and comments and responses could then be added. 

NC: design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, including controlling or simulating physical systems; solve problems by decomposing them into smaller parts

Pupils use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output

Pupils use logical reasoning to explain how some simple algorithms work and to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs

Pupils understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the world wide web; and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration 

In Summer 2 We started a new topic on Microbes using the e-Bug resource. We used the prior learning from PBL Topic of Staying Healthy and looked at the 3 main types of microbe: virus, bacteria and fungi and their features. We enjoyed designing our own microbe using knowlege and imagination. We then went on to model and simulate the physical system of mold growth or how fungi might spread. We used Scratch to create an initial image then code how it spread. We then went on to look at networks and how a virus could spread both in terms of a population and through computer networks. We also build a model to simulate this in Scratch combining our knowlege of Computing and Science.