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      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

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      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...