from TKI

This achievement standard involves using advanced programming techniques to develop a computer program. 

The assessment activity requires that the students develop a computer program in an appropriate programming language that is well structured and tested.

Example might include a fast-food ordering system, a quiz program or an interactive game.

Any programming language is acceptable as long as it allows student’s programs to include:

• variables storing at least two types of data (e.g. numeric, text, Boolean)

• sequence, selection and iteration control structures

• input from a user, sensor(s), or other external source(s)

• output of some description

The step up from Level 1 is the requirement for students to program using advanced programming techniques which are clearly specified in the Standard, and to test and debug the program effectively.

Student programs must demonstrate two or more advanced programming techniques may include:

• modifying data stored in collections (e.g. lists, arrays, dictionaries)

• defining and manipulating multidimensional data in collections

• creating methods, functions, or procedures that use parameters and/or return values

• responding to events generated by a graphical user interface (GUI)

• non-basic string manipulation

• using functionality of additional non-core libraries.

 This guide may be helpful during the teaching and learning programme to provide a structure for students to use during the development process:

• identify the input information

• identify the output information

• identify any constants, if necessary

• identify any indexed data structures, if necessary

• determine what calculations are necessary.

• develop a modular structure for your program

• define the functions identified

• create a comprehensive set of expected, boundary and invalid cases for testing the program.

• write, test, debug and refine your program.