Programming: subprograms
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Why this why now
Having already developed confidence with sequences, selection and iteration, pupils are now ready to structure their programs more effectively. This unit introduces subroutines, showing how breaking problems into smaller, reusable parts. Pupils build on their earlier use of built-in functions by learning to write their own, helping them appreciate the importance of decomposition in programming. Crucially, this way of thinking by dividing complex challenges into manageable steps and is a valuable skill beyond computer science, supporting problem-solving across subjects and in everyday life.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils can create programs that use sequence, selection and iteration.
- Pupils have experience of designing algorithms for a given purpose.
- Pupils have used subroutines as part of block-based programs.
Threads
Why this why now
Having already developed confidence with sequences, selection and iteration, pupils are now ready to structure their programs more effectively. This unit introduces subroutines, showing how breaking problems into smaller, reusable parts. Pupils build on their earlier use of built-in functions by learning to write their own, helping them appreciate the importance of decomposition in programming. Crucially, this way of thinking by dividing complex challenges into manageable steps and is a valuable skill beyond computer science, supporting problem-solving across subjects and in everyday life.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Pupils can create programs that use sequence, selection and iteration.
- Pupils have experience of designing algorithms for a given purpose.
- Pupils have used subroutines as part of block-based programs.
Programming: subprograms
In this unit pupils will be introduced to structured programming. They will explore the differences between functions and procedures and use functions to return values in programs. They will be introduced to the concept of scope and how parameters can be used to reduce the need for global variables.
6 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Programming: subprograms unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our OCR secondary computer science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for OCR secondary computer science programmes.