Lesson/week 3:

Flowcharts
KS4 - Programming
 Starter activity

Think, write, pair, share

This is a flowchart. A flowchart can be Start welcome

used to visually represent an algorithm or
program.
Output “Hello
Question . welcome
world!”

What do you think will happen when this

flowchart is executed as a program?
End End
 Starter activity

Think, write, pair, share

The code will output “Hello world!” on Main welcome

the screen for the user.

Output “Hello
welcome
world!”

End End

Hello world!
 Objectives

Lesson 3: Flowcharts
In this lesson, you will:
● Identify flowchart symbols and describe how to use them (start, end, input, output,
subroutine)
● Translate a flowchart into a program sequence
● Design a flowchart for a program

4
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

Flowcharts are used when designing Start welcome

programs.

They should be clear and precise, just Output “Hello

like your code. welcome world!”

Flowcharts are read from top to bottom.

End End
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

1 def welcome(): Start welcome

2 print("Hello world")
3
4 welcome()
Output “Hello
welcome
world!”

Start will be executed first as it is the

main program.
End End
Terminators (oval shapes) are used to
show the start and end of the program or
subroutines.
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

1 def welcome(): Start welcome

2 print("Hello world")
3
4 welcome()
Output “Hello
welcome
world!”

Arrows are used to show the flow of the

End End
program.

The arrow heads represent the direction

of the flow.
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

1 def welcome(): Start welcome

2 print("Hello world")
3
4 welcome()
Output “Hello
welcome
world!”

Welcome is referring to a subroutine call.

End End
A subroutine call is represented by a
rectangle with two lines at each side.
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

1 def welcome(): Start welcome

2 print("Hello world")
3
4 welcome()
Output “Hello
welcome
world!”

The subroutine is then executed.

End End
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

1 def welcome(): Start welcome

2 print("Hello world")
3
4 welcome()
Output “Hello
welcome
world!”

Subroutines are created in separate

End End
flowcharts that are linked via name and
symbol.
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

1 def welcome(): Start welcome

2 print("Hello world")
3
4 welcome()
Output “Hello
welcome
world!”

An output is represented using a

End End
parallelogram. This symbol is also used
for inputs.

Hello world!
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

1 def welcome(): Start welcome

2 print("Hello world")
3
4 welcome()
Output “Hello
welcome
world!”

At the end of the subroutine it will return

End End
to the main program. The same thing
happens with your flowcharts.

Hello world!
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

1 def welcome(): Start welcome

2 print("Hello world")
3
4 welcome()
Output “Hello
welcome
world!”

The main program will then resume.

End End
Or in this case, end.
 Activity 1

Flowcharts representing code

Start Output “Hello

Terminators are used for world!”
Input name
the start and end of subroutines or
programs. An input or output is represented by a
parallelogram.
Arrows are used to show
the direction and flow of the program.

Subroutines are
There are many more symbols that can be used
represented by a rectangle with two lines
with flowcharts, which will be introduced in the
welcome
either side. coming lessons.
 Activity 2

Use a flowchart to write a program

For the next activity you will be doing

some pair programming.

This is where you work in pairs and each

member is assigned a role of either the
driver or the navigator.

The driver’s role is to control the

keyboard and mouse, and type the code
into the correct places.
 Activity 2

Use a flowchart to write a program

The navigator’s role is to help the driver

by watching for any mistakes, reading the
instructions to the driver, and seeking
support if needed.

Both partners must contribute equally.

There will be opportunities to swap roles

throughout the activity.
 Activity 2

Use a flowchart to write a program

Use the ‘Translate a flowchart to write a

program’ to help guide you through the
pair programming activity.

Switch driver and navigator roles every

five minutes.
 Activity 3

Design a flowchart

After a demonstration of the software,

begin designing a flowchart for a maths
mind-reading trick.

Find the instructions in the ‘Design a

flowchart’ handout.
 Plenary

What are these symbols used for?

 Plenary

What are these symbols used for?

Terminator: To symbolise the start and

end.

Subroutine call: To symbolise a change

of flow in execution to a subroutine.

Input/Output: To symbolise data being

input or displayed for the user.
Next lesson

Next lesson, you will…

Learn how to use variables appropriately

in your programs

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