Algorithms and programs
Year 3 · Computing
Give clear instructions, solve problems and use technology safely.
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Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Selection and repetition: IF and REPEAT in programs
Is “if it is raining, take an umbrella” selection or repetition? A free KS2 computing game about IF statements and loops, with a printable sheet.
Play Selection and repetition: IF and REPEAT in programs
Learning about algorithms and programs
In this Year 3 computing collection, you can practise Selection and repetition: IF and REPEAT in programs. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.
Talk it through
Ask your child to predict an outcome before testing it. When a prediction does not match the result, change one thing at a time. Safety games rehearse decisions, but children should still ask a trusted adult when something online worries them.
Ask: “What would happen if you changed one step?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.
Selection and repetition: IF and REPEAT in programs
Programs are built from three main ideas. Sequence means instructions are carried out one after another, in order. Selection means the program makes a choice: IF something is true, THEN do this, ELSE do that. Repetition means instructions are repeated, using a loop such as REPEAT 4 or REPEAT UNTIL. The National Curriculum asks Key Stage 2 pupils to use all three in their programs.
Try an example: Is this selection or repetition? “If it is raining, take an umbrella.”
You only take the umbrella if something is true. It is a choice.
Show the answer
Selection.
What to look out for
Thinking “repeat until” is selection because it checks something. It does check a condition, but its job is to keep going round. It is a loop, so it is repetition.
Read the full Selection and repetition: IF and REPEAT in programs guide
Practise away from the screen
- Play “Simon says” with IF rules: “If you are wearing blue, jump.”
Curriculum connections
These games support selected practice connected to Computer science in the National Curriculum in England. The programme groups requirements by key stage; the year shown here is our suggested practice placement. A game covers selected examples, rather than assessing every requirement.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with algorithms and programs?
Start with Selection and repetition: IF and REPEAT in programs. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.
Does this cover everything taught at this level?
No. This collection brings together the games currently available for this learning area. It supports selected skills and does not replace the full programme of study or practical teaching.