What learning looks like
Ask the child to predict what an instruction will do before trying it. Many first-month activities use paper or simple examples rather than requiring a separate coding app.
Teaching is followed by examples, practice and a chance to save written or described practical work. Parents use the separate guide to review submissions.
Year 1: learning in Computing
| Week | Topic and learning goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Give precise instructions An algorithm is an ordered set of instructions for a task. |
| Week 2 | Find and fix a bug A bug is an error in instructions. |
| Week 3 | Create, save and find a picture Digital tools can create and store pictures. |
| Week 4 | Private information and getting help Technology is used at home, in shops and in schools. |
Year 2: learning in Computing
| Week | Topic and learning goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Trace a sequence Explore trace a sequence and explain your thinking. |
| Week 2 | Use repetition Explore use repetition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 3 | Choose with a condition Explore choose with a condition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 4 | Test data and protect information Explore test data and protect information and explain your thinking. |
Year 3: learning in Computing
| Week | Topic and learning goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Trace a sequence Explore trace a sequence and explain your thinking. |
| Week 2 | Use repetition Explore use repetition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 3 | Choose with a condition Explore choose with a condition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 4 | Test data and protect information Explore test data and protect information and explain your thinking. |
Year 4: learning in Computing
| Week | Topic and learning goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Decompose a drawing algorithm Decomposition breaks a task into manageable parts. |
| Week 2 | Use repetition to shorten instructions Repetition runs the same instruction group more than once. |
| Week 3 | Debug by tracing one command at a time Debugging finds and corrects errors. |
| Week 4 | Create a clear and private information card A digital information item should suit its audience and use reliable, relevant information. |
Year 5: learning in Computing
| Week | Topic and learning goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Trace a sequence Explore trace a sequence and explain your thinking. |
| Week 2 | Use repetition Explore use repetition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 3 | Choose with a condition Explore choose with a condition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 4 | Test data and protect information Explore test data and protect information and explain your thinking. |
Year 6: learning in Computing
| Week | Topic and learning goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Trace a sequence Explore trace a sequence and explain your thinking. |
| Week 2 | Use repetition Explore use repetition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 3 | Choose with a condition Explore choose with a condition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 4 | Test data and protect information Explore test data and protect information and explain your thinking. |
Year 7: learning in Computing
| Week | Topic and learning goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Trace variables and assignment A variable stores a value that can change. |
| Week 2 | Test selection at a boundary Selection chooses a branch using a condition. |
| Week 3 | Trace a counted loop Iteration repeats instructions while state changes. |
| Week 4 | Design tests and validate input Testing compares expected and actual behaviour. |
Year 8: learning in Computing
| Week | Topic and learning goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Trace a sequence Explore trace a sequence and explain your thinking. |
| Week 2 | Use repetition Explore use repetition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 3 | Choose with a condition Explore choose with a condition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 4 | Test data and protect information Explore test data and protect information and explain your thinking. |
Year 9: learning in Computing
| Week | Topic and learning goal |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Trace a sequence Explore trace a sequence and explain your thinking. |
| Week 2 | Use repetition Explore use repetition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 3 | Choose with a condition Explore choose with a condition and explain your thinking. |
| Week 4 | Test data and protect information Explore test data and protect information and explain your thinking. |
A real activity to discuss
Write an ordered algorithm for a square with sides of two grid spaces, trace it, identify a subtask and explain why the instructions must be precise. Note any example, hint or adult help used.
This Year 4 task shows how an activity connects to its learning goal. Each year group uses its own tasks and level of support.
Check understanding and plan the next step
Ask the learner to explain a choice or apply an idea again with less help. Review saved work alongside practice feedback. Completion ticks are not grades, and the first month is not the whole annual subject programme.
Updated 28 October 2026 · Asta Online School
See learning at Asta for details about learning with Asta.