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Topic title: Unit 2 Computational thinking, algorithms and coding

Year group: 11

When taught: September to May

What are we learning?

  • The principles and techniques of computational thinking.
  • The use of flowcharts and structure diagrams to design algorithms.
  • Programming fundamentals: use of variables, constructs and operators.
  • Producing robust and maintainable programs.
  • Testing and choice of test data.
  • Standard algorithms for searching and sorting.
  • Logic gates including truth tables and use of gate combinations to solve problems.
  • Features and facilities of programming languages and IDEs

Why is this important to know? 

  • The ability to solve problems by breaking down problems into composite parts is a key skill to coding successful solutions but also to solving problems that come up in life.
  • Programs must be usable and accessible by all and so it is important to understand the techniques available for developing code that will aid novice users, work for a range of inputs and be easy to update if needed.
  • Programmers need to understand the range of software and tools available so that they can select the best language and facilities for the problem they are solving.

Where does this link into our past and future learning? 

  • This links to KS3 topics where we learnt about abstraction, flowcharts and coding solutions.
  • Problem solving is a useful skill that can be used at home and in the workplace.
  • At KS5 coding skills will be developed to include user interfaces and object orientated code.
  • Understanding how code is developed can help our use of software applications.

How will we be assessed on this topic?

  • The Year 11 GCSE exam will include coding questions as well as questions on problem solving, choice of test data, tools to assist coding and software languages features.

What makes a strong piece of work in this topic?  What are teachers hoping to see?  

  • Independent problem solving and accurate coding.
  • Using key terms such as iteration correctly
  • Ability to discuss the pros and cons of various searching and sorting algorithms.
  • A willingness to develop their coding skills beyond the classroom

What key words are there in this topic

Quizlet – Computer Science – Click here.

What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?

What wider reading can be done on this topic?