Year 6 Computing Scheme of Work

Programming for Real-World Problems

• –Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals, decomposing problems into smaller parts.
• –Use sequence, selection, repetition, and variables in programs.
• –Use logical reasoning to detect and correct errors in algorithms and programs.

• –Analyse a real-world problem, identify sub-problems using decomposition, and assign tasks within a group.
• –Create algorithm designs for each component using flowcharts and pseudocode before coding.
• –Build and test each component separately in Scratch, then integrate them into a larger program.
• –Conduct structured peer evaluation of finished programs against the original specification.

Data and Information

• –Collect, analyse, evaluate and present data and information.
• –Select, use and combine a variety of software to accomplish given goals.

• –Explore how data is represented in binary and understand bits, bytes, and file sizes.
• –Investigate how large organisations use data and discuss the ethical implications.
• –Collect and clean a dataset, identifying and correcting errors before analysis.
• –Present data findings using spreadsheets and charts to communicate conclusions clearly.

Networks — How Data Travels

• –Understand computer networks including the internet.
• –Describe how data is transferred reliably across networks using protocols.

• –Recap packet switching and extend to explore how lost or corrupted packets are re-sent.
• –Model the TCP handshake using a role-play: device A requests a connection, device B acknowledges.
• –Investigate encryption by encoding and decoding messages using a Caesar cipher and discussing why HTTPS uses far stronger methods.
• –Research a historical or contemporary event involving network security and present findings to the class.

Cybersecurity and Online Safety

• –Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly.
• –Recognise acceptable and unacceptable behaviour online.
• –Identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact.

• –Analyse phishing emails and explain the techniques used to deceive recipients.
• –Evaluate the strength of passwords and create a system for managing secure passwords.
• –Discuss malware, ransomware, and how devices can be kept protected.
• –Create a cybersecurity awareness campaign aimed at a younger year group.

Creating Media — Web Design

• –Select, use and combine a variety of software to design and create a range of content.
• –Understand that computers can be used to create a wide range of digital content.

• –Explore the HTML structure of a simple web page using browser developer tools to inspect elements.
• –Write a basic HTML page from scratch using heading, paragraph, image, and link tags.
• –Add a linked CSS stylesheet to control colours, fonts, and layout.
• –Evaluate the finished web page against accessibility and design criteria and make iterative improvements.

Computational Thinking

• –Apply their understanding of algorithms, decomposition, abstraction, and pattern recognition to a range of problems.
• –Design, write and debug programs that accomplish specific goals.
• –Use logical reasoning to evaluate solutions against given criteria.

• –Review and apply all four pillars of computational thinking (decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithms) to new problems.
• –Complete a series of unplugged and on-screen challenges that require selecting the right approach.
• –Reflect on computing learning across KS2, identifying areas of strength and areas for development.
• –Create a personal portfolio of computing work from across the year with written evaluations.