New
New
Year 3

Applying layout in desktop publishing

I can plan, create and use a template for a specific purpose.

New
New
Year 3

Applying layout in desktop publishing

I can plan, create and use a template for a specific purpose.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Creating an award cerfiticate requires planning.
  2. A template for an award certificate requires text and image placeholders.
  3. An award certificate requires text and image content that is specific to the award.

Keywords

  • Certificate - a special document that shows you have achieved something

  • Purpose - the reason why you are doing something

Common misconception

Creating a document, you will likely get it how you want first time.

It is common to take many attempts to create documents and make it the best possible. To make the best document, it is likely you will have to make many adjustments along the way.


To help you plan your year 3 computing lesson on: Applying layout in desktop publishing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

File needed for this lesson

  • Certificate templates blank 80.84 KB (PPTX)

Download this file to use in the lesson.

You may want to change the type of document you are creating, in order to make it more suitable to your pupils. Example could be flyers, newsletters or greetings cards.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Pupils will need access to a device with software that allows editing and formatting text. Examples in this lesson use Google Slides https://oak.link/google-slides and Canva https://oak.link/canva

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

5 Questions

Q1.
What is meant by ‘content’ in desktop publishing?

only pictures
just the title
Correct answer: text and images used in a document
only colours

Q2.
What is the purpose of using a template when creating a document?

to make the document harder to read
Correct answer: to help you start with a ready-made layout
to remove all images
to change the font size

Q3.
Put these steps in order for using a template to create a document:

1 - Choose a template.
2 - Add your own text and images.
3 - Adjust the layout if needed.
4 - Save your finished document.

Q4.
What is the word for a space in a template where you can add your own text or image?

Correct Answer: Placeholder, Place holder, placeholder, place holder

Q5.
What should you think about when choosing an image for your document?

Correct answer: whether it supports the information you are sharing
if it is your favourite colour
if it is the biggest image
if it is hidden

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Why is planning important before making an award certificate?

to finish as quickly as possible
to avoid using any images
to make it as plain as possible
Correct answer: to make sure it looks good and has the right information

Q2.
Which statement about creating documents is wrong?

Correct answer: You will likely get it right the first time.
You may need to make several changes to get it right.
Improving your work helps make it better.
It’s normal to make adjustments as you go.

Q3.
Match each step to its purpose:

Correct Answer:Plan your certificate,Decide what information and images you need

Decide what information and images you need

Correct Answer:Use a template,Start with a ready-made layout

Start with a ready-made layout

Correct Answer:Use placeholders,Show where to add text or images

Show where to add text or images

Correct Answer:Make improvements,Make your certificate better each time

Make your certificate better each time

Q4.
What is a certificate?

a type of food
a storybook
a shopping list
Correct answer: a special document that shows you have achieved something

Q5.
What do we call the reason for making a document?

Correct Answer: Purpose, purpose

Q6.
What should a template for an award certificate include?

only pictures
only text
Correct answer: text and image placeholders
no spaces for names