Year 11 Algorithmic thinking

• Computing
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• GCSE

Year 11 Algorithmic thinking

You should be able to:

• Understand and apply abstraction, decomposition & algorithmic thinking
  
• Produce algorithms using flowcharts & pseudocode
  
• Interpret given algorithms and adjust or complete them
  

Design a Smart Classroom

Instructions

Imagine you're designing a system to monitor a classroom using sensors (e.g., temperature, noise levels, light).

Task:

• Write down five important pieces of information the system should focus on, and three things that are unnecessary and should be ignored (abstracted away).

Example:

• Keep: Number of students present, noise level, temperature, light level, CO2 levels.
• Ignore: What colour clothes students are wearing, the teacher’s name, brand of desks.

Plan a School Trip

Instructions:

Your class is going on a school trip. There’s a lot to organise!

Task:

• Break the task of organising the trip into at least 6 smaller sub-tasks.

Example Sub-Tasks:

• Decide on a location
• Get parental permission
• Book transport
• Arrange packed lunches
• Organise a timetable
• Assign teachers to groups

Example (in steps):

• Pick up the kettle
• Fill it with cold water
• Put the kettle on the base
• Press the button to boil
• Place a teabag in the cup
• Pour hot water into the cup
• Let it brew
• Remove teabag
• Add milk/sugar if needed
• Stir

Make a Cup of Tea (Algorithm Style)

Instructions:

• You’re programming a robot to make a cup of tea. The robot is very literal and needs clear, step-by-step instructions.

Task:

• Write down the algorithm (step-by-step instructions) for making a cup of tea. Be as specific as possible — the robot doesn’t know anything!

What is abstraction?

What is decomposition?

What is an algorithm?