Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

Programming project: subroutines I

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can use a project brief to design a solution.

Key learning points

  1. A project brief specifies what the requirements of a program are.
  2. A structure chart is a diagram used to design the structure of the subroutines required for completing a program.
  3. A flowchart is a visual representation of a program.

Keywords

  • Structure chart - a top-down diagram used to design the structure of the subroutines required for completing a program

  • Flowchart - a visual representation of an algorithm or program

Common misconception

A project brief is a set way to solve a problem.

A project brief outlines the requirements of a system, but there may be many ways to solve the problem. The brief explains what needs to be solved, not how.

Teacher tip

Project scenarios should be changed to better suit the interests of your pupils. Having a better understanding of the context will make it easier to understand the scope of the project.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Lesson video

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
A structured approach means breaking down a problem into smaller .

Correct Answer: subroutines

Q2.
An is a name for a variable or subroutine

Correct Answer: identifier

Q3.
An describes how a subroutine will interact with the main program.

Correct Answer: interface

Q4.
Which of the following is included in an interface?

Correct answer: identifier
constant
Correct answer: parameters
function
Correct answer: return value

Q5.
A structure chart is used to

identify the variables in a program
demonstrate the program flow
Correct answer: decide the hierarchy for the program

Q6.
A flowchart is used to

identify the variables in a program
Correct answer: demonstrate the program flow
decide the hierarchy for the program

4 Questions

Q1.
The project specifies what the requirements of a program are.

Correct Answer: brief

Q2.
What should be used if a subroutine needs to pass a value back to main program?

Correct answer: return value
subroutine
parameters
variables

Q3.
What is the name of the following flowchart symbol?

An image in a quiz
terminal
process
Correct answer: decision
subroutine
input/output

Q4.
What is the name of the following flowchart symbol?

An image in a quiz
terminal
process
decision
Correct answer: subroutine
input/output

To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Programming project: subroutines I, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...