At Key Stage 2, your child will be quite skilled in using ICT to organise and classify information, and in making use of text, tables, images and sound to present work. They will also be taught to use a sequence of instructions to control devices, such as robots, to achieve specific outcomes.

As your child progresses they will acquire more sophisticated communication skills by learning how to research and present information for different audiences.

Lesson examples

Intrigued as to what your child might get up to in ICT classes? Here are some lesson examples:

• Using a graphics package, year 3 children learn how to manipulate images. They use a range of tools to create repeated patterns for fabrics, wrapping paper and packaging.
   
• Year 4 pupils program a floor robot to draw the letter 'N' on a large sheet of paper. They record the sequence used to complete the task. They also learn how to undertake a similar task on a computer, using the programming language LOGO.
   
• As homework, a year 5 class produce a list of party food for the end of term party and visit the supermarket to find out what each item costs. They record the information in a spreadsheet and are taught how this could also be used to help with calculations.
   
• Year 6 pupils carry out research about a particular type of marble using the internet. In a subsequent lesson, they are taught how to refine their information searches. The pupils also learn how to cut and paste text, and how to save images from websites.

Help your child at home

• Together with your child, work out the route to and from school. Do this over a couple of days working out instructions such as ‘left’, ‘right’, ‘move forward 20 paces’ (be approximate!) ‘stop’ etc. Help your child to write down the instructions as if programming a robot. Record the information on your home computer if you have one.
   
• Teach your child how to programme the washing machine or dishwasher, change a plug and fuse, and record and respond to answering machine messages.
   
• Encourage them to try using art programmes on the computer.
   
• Ask them to describe the components and functions of electronic equipment.