Refining code for a programming project
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and make improvements to refine code.
Key learning points
- Reviewing code means checking how well it works, how readable it is and whether it meets the functional requirements.
- Improving code may involve simplifying logic, breaking large sections of code into subroutines or correcting any errors.
- Code should be readable and maintainable, so that others can understand and work with it easily.
Keywords
Modularity - breaking software into independent, self-contained units or modules
Common misconception
A function and a procedure are the same.
A function is different from a procedure because it returns a value or values to the main program.
Teacher tip
This lesson assumes pupils have already developed a part-completed solution. If required, you can provide them with a sample solution at oak.link/stream-scheduler.
Equipment
Pupils will need access to a device that can edit and run Python programs. Examples in this lesson use the RPF Code Editor https://oak.link/python-editor
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which statement best describes a functional requirement?
Q2.What is the main purpose of validation in a program?
Q3.What is a key feature of a list as a data structure?
Q4.Put these steps in the correct order for processing data in a program:
Q5.Match each term to its correct description:
specifies what a system must do
ensures data meets criteria before use
stores multiple items and can change size
Q6.What is an output in a program?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main reason for reviewing code?
Q2.What word describes code that is organised into independent sections, making it easier to understand and maintain?
Q3.Which of these is an example of improving code?
Q4.What Python statement allows you to use functions that generate unpredictable numbers, such as for picking a value from a list at random?
Q5.Match each example to the correct concept:
breaking code into subroutines
a block of code that gives back a result
looking for errors and improvements
Q6.Which statement correctly explains the difference between a function and a procedure in programming?
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: Refining code for a programming project, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 computer science lesson on: Refining code for a programming project, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Python programming project unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.