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Programming Unit Roadmap

Year 11 Digital Technologies – AS92004

This roadmap shows: - what we are learning - why it matters - what evidence you are expected to produce

Programming is assessed on understanding and explanation, not just working code.


Phase 1: Programming Foundations (Week 1)

Focus

  • What a computer program is
  • Input → Process → Output (IPO)
  • Sequencing and order of instructions

Key Ideas

  • Computers follow instructions exactly
  • Order matters, even if code “runs”
  • IPO helps structure thinking before coding

In-Class Evidence

  • IPO diagrams
  • Written step-by-step logic
  • Explanations of program flow

Assessment

  • Formative Assessment 1: Program Logic & IPO
  • Includes MCQs and written reasoning

Phase 2: Program Structure (Week 2)

Focus

  • Variables and stored data
  • Clear sequencing
  • Readability and structure

Key Ideas

  • Structure shows clear thinking
  • Messy code is harder to verify and debug
  • Someone else should be able to follow your logic

In-Class Evidence

  • Annotated pseudocode
  • Variable explanations
  • Reordered or corrected logic examples

Assessment

  • Structure questions embedded in formative tasks
  • Teacher checkpoints on clarity and explanation

Phase 3: Control Structures (Week 3)

Focus

  • Selection (if / else)
  • Iteration (loops)
  • Combining control structures

Key Ideas

  • Selection chooses between paths
  • Iteration repeats actions
  • Many bugs come from incorrect conditions

In-Class Evidence

  • Plain-English conditions
  • Loop reasoning without code
  • Identification of logic bugs

Assessment

  • Formative Assessment 2: Selection & Iteration
  • MCQs + applied reasoning

Phase 4: Testing & Debugging (Week 4)

Focus

  • Testing types (normal, edge, error)
  • Debugging process
  • Iterative improvement

Key Ideas

  • A running program is not automatically correct
  • Testing shows understanding
  • Small, explained fixes matter

In-Class Evidence

  • Test tables
  • Error classification
  • Explained fixes

Assessment

  • Formative Assessment 3: Testing & Debugging

Phase 5: Summative Theory Verification (Week 5)

Focus

  • Holistic understanding of programming
  • Explaining logic without code
  • Transfer to unfamiliar scenarios

Assessment

  • Summative Programming Theory Assessment
  • MCQs
  • Diagrams
  • Scenario-based reasoning
  • Reflection

This assessment supports and verifies your AS92004 programming submission.


Phase 6: AS92004 Programming Assessment (Weeks 5–6)

Focus

  • Independently develop a small Python program
  • Demonstrate structure, logic, and testing

Evidence Required

  • Planning or pseudocode
  • Intermediate versions
  • Final program
  • Reflection and explanations

You must be able to: - explain your code - justify decisions - modify it live if asked


End Goal

By the end of this unit, you should be able to: - explain how your program works - show how it was developed - prove the work is your own