Designing robust programs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain why robust programming is important and use exception handling in Python to catch errors.
Key learning points
- When developing programs, the code needs to be robust to ensure there are minimal crashes.
- Exception handling can be used to ensure the code catches any errors and deals with them appropriately.
Keywords
Robust - a program that handles errors or unexpected input without crashing
Exception handling - code that catches and manages errors so the program doesn't crash
Common misconception
Exception handling fixes the error in the code or stops it from happening.
Exception handling does not prevent errors but allows the program to detect them and continue running by managing the error appropriately.
Teacher tip
Use real life examples learners can relate to — for example, entering the wrong PIN at a cash machine. Then link this to how programs can catch and handle errors to avoid crashing or giving incorrect results.
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
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the purpose of validation checks in a program?
Q2.What is iteration used for in validation?
Q3.Which of these is an example of validation?
Q4.What happens if validation is not implemented correctly?
Q5.What is a crash in a program?
Q6.Which of these is NOT a validation check?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a program called that can handle errors or unexpected input without crashing?
Q2.Match the example with the correct concept:
a program continues running after catching an error
code that detects and manages an error
a program stops working unexpectedly
a problem in the code that causes unexpected behaviour
Q3.Why does exception handling not fix errors in the code?
Q4.What causes a ValueError in Python?
Q5.What is a NameError in Python?
Q6.What causes a ZeroDivisionError in Python?
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Designing robust programs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 computer science lesson on: Designing robust programs, 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 Programming: iteration unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.