Micro:bit World Cup Penalty Shootout

Micro:bit World Cup Penalty Shootout is a Year 6 physical computing resource where pupils create a football penalty shoot-out game using Microsoft MakeCode and the micro:bit.

Pupils use sprites, coordinates, variables, inputs, selection, randomisation and debugging to build a simple but engaging World Cup-themed game. One sprite represents the player and ball, while another represents the goalkeeper. Pupils program button A and button B to shoot left and right, then use randomisation and collision detection to decide whether the shot is saved or scored.

The resource supports pupils to:

• understand the micro:bit LED grid and x/y coordinates

• create and use variables such as Score, Attempt and Dive

• use input events with buttons A, B and A+B

• apply selection using if, then and else

• test, debug and improve their program

• save and download their completed .hex file

This resource is suitable for upper Key Stage 2, particularly Year 6, and links strongly to programming, physical computing, algorithmic thinking and computational thinking. Although designed for upper Key Stage 2, it can be easily adapted for Key Stage 3 by extending the game logic, adding more complex scoring, using additional inputs, or asking pupils to design their own improvements.