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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe repetition.

      Key learning points

      1. Repetition can be seen in everyday tasks.
      2. Sequences have patterns which repeat.
      3. Count-controlled loops are used to produce specific outcomes.

      Keywords

      • Pattern - a design or sequence that repeats

      • Repeat - something that happens multiple times

      • Count-controlled loop - a chunk of code that repeatedly runs a section of the program a certain number of times

      Common misconception

      Repetition is only about numbers and how they are repeated.

      Repetition means any repeated action, not just counting (e.g., brushing both sides of your teeth).

      Teacher tip

      Repeating commands are called �loops�. Loops can be repeated indefinitely, or a set number of times - the latter are called �count-controlled loops�, and will be used in this lesson. Use examples such as repeated moves in dance routines to illustrate repetition a set number of times.

      Equipment

      Pupils need access to a device with software that can execute Logo programs. Examples in this lesson use FMSLogo https://oak.link/fms-logo

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is an algorithm?

      Correct answer: a precise sequence of steps to solve a task
      a random set of commands
      a type of program
      a debugging tool

      Q2.
      What is the purpose of a program?

      Correct answer: to complete a task using a set of instructions
      to move the turtle to its home position
      to debug errors in a program
      to create random commands

      Q3.
      What is the role of a screen turtle?

      to debug the program
      Correct answer: to draw and move when given commands
      to create algorithms
      to check syntax errors

      Q4.
      What does debugging involve?

      writing new commands
      planning an algorithm
      moving the turtle
      Correct answer: finding and fixing errors in a program

      Q5.
      What command turns the turtle 90 degrees to the right?

      Correct Answer: rt 90

      Q6.
      What command moves the turtle forward by 100 steps?

      Correct Answer: fd 100

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the terms with their purposes.

      Correct Answer:repetition,saves time by reusing code

      saves time by reusing code

      Correct Answer:pattern,helps identify repeated sequences

      helps identify repeated sequences

      Correct Answer:count-controlled loop,repeats tasks for a specific number of times

      repeats tasks for a specific number of times

      Q2.
      What is repetition in programming?

      a loop that only counts numbers
      a way to fix errors
      Correct answer: a repeated action or task
      a method to draw shapes

      Q3.
      What is a count-controlled loop?

      a loop that repeats a task until a condition is met
      Correct answer: a loop that repeats a specific number of times
      a loop that only works with patterns
      a loop that fixes errors in the program

      Q4.
      Why is repetition useful in programming?

      It makes the program easier to read.
      It removes errors from the program.
      It ensures the program will run faster.
      Correct answer: It saves time by avoiding writing the same commands multiple times.

      Q5.
      Put these steps in order to use a count-controlled loop:

      1 - set the number of repetitions
      2 - write the commands to be repeated
      3 - run the loop

      Q6.
      What command makes the turtle draw a square by repeating a forward movement of 100 steps and turning right?

      Correct Answer: repeat 4 [fd 100 rt 90], repeat 4 [rt 90 fd 100]

      To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Patterns and repeats, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...