Exploring Banksy Online

Lesson Overview

• Subject: Computing
• Year Group: Year 3
• Duration: 38 minutes
• Class Size: 30 students
• Curriculum Area: UK National Curriculum – Computing: Digital Literacy & Online Research
• Objective: Students will use the Internet to search for information about Banksy, developing their digital literacy and research skills while learning about a well-known UK artist.

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Understand how to use a search engine to find reliable information.
2. Identify key facts about Banksy.
3. Develop critical thinking skills to determine whether online information is reliable.
4. Learn how to summarise findings in a creative and engaging way.

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Required Resources

• Devices: Laptops/tablets (1 per 2 students)
• Internet access
• Projector/Interactive whiteboard
• Printed research prompts

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Discussion Question: Have you ever seen graffiti or street art? What do you think about it?

• Briefly introduce Banksy as a famous UK street artist.
• Explain that today, we will use the Internet to research Banksy and gather key facts about him.

Computing Skill Focus:

• Using a search engine correctly.
• Choosing reliable sources online.

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2. Research Activity (15 minutes)

Step 1: Show students how to conduct a simple, safe search (model using a projector).

• Demonstrate typing “Who is Banksy?” into a search engine.
• Guide them to focus on trustworthy sources (avoid opinions or incorrect information).

Step 2: Pair students and provide each pair with a specific research question, such as:

• Where was Banksy born?
• What type of art does he create?
• Why do people think Banksy is mysterious?
• Can you describe one famous Banksy artwork?

Step 3: Students search online and write short bullet-point answers.

• Encourage them to check multiple sources to confirm accuracy.

Teacher’s Role: Circulate, assist with searches, and prompt critical thinking:

• Why do you think this website is reliable?
• Does this fact appear on more than one site?

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3. Creative Task (10 minutes)

• Each pair transforms their research into a mini digital poster using a simple drawing or text tool (e.g., a basic design in a word processor).
• Students can include:
  • A fact they found interesting.
  • A drawing inspired by Banksy's work.

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4. Sharing & Reflection (5 minutes)

• Invite a few pairs to briefly present their research.
• Ask: What was the most surprising fact you learned?
• Recap key computing skills learned (safe searching, checking facts, collecting information).

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observing students’ ability to search effectively & select reliable information.
• Reviewing research notes for accuracy.
• Checking mini digital posters for creativity and fact presentation.
• Listening to reflections during class discussion.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Support for Struggling Learners: Provide pre-selected, safe websites. Use sentence starters for writing facts.
• Stretch & Challenge: Encourage students to think critically: Why does Banksy remain anonymous? Can you find different theories?

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Extension Activity

Encourage students to research another UK-based street artist and compare styles. Alternatively, they can create their own Banksy-inspired digital artwork using a simple paint tool.

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Teacher’s Reflection

• Did students successfully navigate online searches?
• Were they able to determine reliable sources?
• How well did they summarise and present information?
• What could be improved in future lessons?

This engaging computing lesson offers hands-on learning with real-world applications, preparing students for responsible and effective Internet use.