New Revised NERDC Primary 4 Basic Digital Literacy Scheme of Work
The New Revised NERDC Primary 4 Basic Digital Literacy Scheme of Work provides teachers with a structured framework for delivering digital education to young learners.
This scheme of work was developed by the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC) in September 2025 to meet the demands of 21st-century learning. It covers essential topics from basic device handling to advanced concepts like programming, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
The scheme of work spans three academic terms, with each term containing 13 weeks of carefully planned activities. Teachers will find clear guidance on what to teach, how to teach it, and what resources to use. The curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on learning experiences that help pupils develop real digital skills they can apply in everyday life.
Each week builds on previous knowledge, creating a logical progression from simple to complex topics. The first term introduces foundational concepts like digital devices and their parts. The second term focuses on online safety and basic programming. The third term explores advanced topics including robotics and artificial intelligence.
This scheme of work aligns with NERDC’s outcome-based approach, focusing on what pupils can actually do rather than just what they know. Teachers will help pupils develop critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity alongside technical skills. The structure supports both individual and group learning activities.
The scheme of work includes designated weeks for revision, examinations, and breaks to ensure pupils have adequate time to master each concept. Teachers can use this document as their primary guide for planning and delivering effective digital literacy lessons throughout the academic year.
Table of Contents
Why This Scheme of Work Matters for Teachers
This scheme of work helps teachers deliver consistent, high-quality digital literacy education without extensive preparation time. The document provides ready-made lesson plans with clear objectives, activities, and resource lists for every teaching week. Teachers can follow the structured approach to ensure they cover all required content systematically.
The scheme of work breaks down complex digital concepts into manageable weekly lessons that Primary 4 pupils can understand. Each topic includes specific performance objectives that tell teachers exactly what pupils should achieve by the end of each lesson.
This clarity helps teachers assess learning outcomes effectively and adjust their teaching methods when needed.
Teachers benefit from the detailed activity descriptions that show both what they should do and what pupils should do during lessons. The scheme of work promotes active learning through group discussions, hands-on practice, and creative projects. This approach keeps pupils engaged while building practical skills they can use beyond the classroom.
The resource lists help teachers prepare appropriate materials before each lesson, reducing last-minute scrambling. Most resources are common items like computers, tablets, charts, and internet access.
The scheme of work also suggests specific software tools like Scratch, PictoBlox, and Mavis Beacon that enhance learning through interactive experiences.
General Objectives of the Primary 4 Basic Digital Literacy Scheme of Work
The scheme of work aims to develop pupils who can confidently use digital devices for learning and communication. Pupils will understand how computers and mobile devices work, including their parts and functions. They will learn to operate keyboards, mice, and other input/output devices effectively.
The scheme of work builds essential online safety awareness, teaching pupils to recognize and avoid digital threats. Pupils will learn to create strong passwords, identify phishing attempts, and respond appropriately to cyberbullying. They will develop good digital citizenship through understanding netiquette and inclusive content creation.
Pupils will gain practical skills in file management, content creation, and basic programming. The scheme of work introduces visual programming languages that make coding accessible to young learners. Pupils will create games, animations, and simple programs that solve real problems.
The scheme of work develops critical thinking and problem-solving abilities through robotics and artificial intelligence activities. Pupils will understand how technology shapes modern life and how they can contribute to technological innovation. They will work collaboratively on projects that require creativity, communication, and technical skills.
These general objectives support the broader goal of preparing pupils for lifelong learning in a digital world. The scheme of work recognizes that today’s Primary 4 pupils will enter careers that don’t yet exist, using technologies still being developed.
Building strong foundational digital literacy now gives them the flexibility to adapt and thrive in whatever future awaits them.
The objectives also emphasize values like respect, collaboration, and responsible technology use. The scheme of work doesn’t just teach technical skills but also helps pupils become thoughtful, ethical digital citizens who use technology to benefit themselves and their communities.
Overview of Primary 4 Basic Digital Literacy Scheme of Work Content Coverage
| Term | Theme | Topics Covered | Key Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | Foundational Computing Basics | Digital Devices, History of Digital Devices, Parts of Digital Devices, Peripheral Devices, Input Devices, Output Devices, Interface Customisation, File Management, Digital Content Creation | Pupils identify and use digital devices, understand device components, manage files effectively, and create basic digital content using MS Office tools |
| Second Term | Safety, Content Creation, and Programming | Safety and Protection, Safe Internet Use, Phishing, Cyberbullying, Inclusivity in Digital Content Creation, Basics of Programming, Programming a Game Environment, Coding with Scratch, Sketch with Block Coding | Pupils develop online safety awareness, practice ethical digital behavior, understand programming concepts, and create simple programs and games using Scratch |
| Third Term | Advanced Programming and Emerging Technologies | Sequence in Programming, Basics of Robotics, Robotics, Game Development with PictoBlox, Artificial Intelligence | Pupils apply programming logic, build and program robots, develop games with variables, and explore AI applications including face detection |
The scheme of work covers 23 distinct topics distributed across three terms, with 27 effective teaching weeks in total. The first term establishes fundamental knowledge about digital devices, their history, components, and basic operations. Pupils learn practical skills like customizing interfaces, managing files, and creating documents, presentations, and spreadsheets.
The second term shifts focus to responsible technology use and introductory programming. Pupils learn to protect themselves online through strong passwords, recognizing threats, and practicing good digital citizenship. They begin their programming journey with visual tools that make coding concepts accessible and fun. The scheme of work emphasizes inclusivity, teaching pupils to create content that everyone can access and enjoy.
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