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Year 10
AQA

Representing algorithms using flowcharts

I can create and represent an algorithm in a flowchart.

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New
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Year 10
AQA

Representing algorithms using flowcharts

I can create and represent an algorithm in a flowchart.

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Share activities with pupils
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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Algorithms can be represented by flowcharts.
  2. Flowcharts use symbols to visually represent logic and data.
  3. Developing an algorithm's logic before coding makes problem solving easier.

Keywords

  • Flowchart - a diagram that uses symbols to document the logic of an algorithm

  • Symbol - a sign, shape or object that is used to represent something else

  • Standardise - to make one thing the same as others of that type

Common misconception

A flowchart should always be created before writing a computer program.

For simple programs, a flowchart may not be needed and could add to development time. Sometimes the program code itself might be clear enough without a flowchart.


To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: Representing algorithms using flowcharts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage learners to relate algorithms to everyday activities that they may already understand. Then gradually get them to apply their understanding to new problems.
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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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the term to its definition.
Correct Answer:decomposition,breaking a problem into smaller parts
tick

breaking a problem into smaller parts

Correct Answer:abstraction,focusing on the important details
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focusing on the important details

Correct Answer:algorithm,a set of step-by-step instructions
tick

a set of step-by-step instructions

Correct Answer:computer program,executes the logic of an algorithm
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executes the logic of an algorithm

Q2.
What is computational thinking?
a way to memorise algorithms
a programming language
a type of computer program
Correct answer: a structured approach to solving problems
Q3.
What is the purpose of abstraction in computational thinking?
Correct answer: to focus on the important details of a problem
to break a problem into smaller parts
to create step-by-step instructions
to write a program in Python
Q4.
Which of these is not true about algorithms?
they are a series of logical steps
Correct answer: they are written in a programming language
they can solve problems
they can be implemented in different computer programs
Q5.
What is the system of rules that determines the flow of instructions in a process called?
Correct Answer: logic
Q6.
How can algorithms be represented?
as a flowchart
as a computer program
as a series of logical steps
Correct answer: all of the above

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a flowchart?
Correct answer: a diagram that uses symbols to document the logic of an algorithm
a set of step-by-step instructions
a programming language
a system of rules for instructions
Q2.
What is the purpose of a flowchart?
to write computer code
to replace algorithms
to create data structures
Correct answer: to visually represent the logic of a process
Q3.
Is it always necessary to create a flowchart before writing a computer program?
Yes, flowcharts must always be created before writing any program.
Yes, flowcharts replace the need for writing code.
No, flowcharts are only used for simple programs.
Correct answer: No, simple programs may not require a flowchart.
Q4.
What is the main advantage of using flowcharts?
they replace algorithms completely
they are easier to code than programs
Correct answer: they allow for visual representation of logic and data
they are written in programming languages
Q5.
What does standardising flowchart symbols achieve?
Correct answer: It makes flowcharts easier to read and understand.
It limits creativity in designing flowcharts.
It ensures flowcharts are written in code.
It makes flowcharts unnecessary.
Q6.
What is used in flowcharts to connect symbols and show the flow of the process?
Correct Answer: arrows, arrow, an arrow