Series 10
Algorithms

Computational thinking, representing algorithms with pseudocode and flowcharts, searching algorithms, sorting algorithms, and how to evaluate efficiency - every exam board, every topic.

8 lessons 25 downloadable PDFs Approx. 8–10 hours AQA & OCR pseudocode
All pseudocode lessons include a board toggle - switch between AQA and OCR syntax. Edexcel & CIE coming soon.
8 Lessons
1
Computational Thinking
Abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition and algorithmic thinking - the four pillars that underpin every algorithm.
Core concept No pseudocode
2
Representing Algorithms
Flowchart symbols, pseudocode conventions and how to move between the two notations.
Pseudocode Flowcharts AQA / OCR toggle
3
Sequence, Selection and Iteration
The three fundamental building blocks of every algorithm - IF statements, FOR loops and WHILE loops with full worked examples.
Selection Iteration AQA / OCR toggle
4
Linear Search
Check every item one by one - how it works, full pseudocode, trace tables, and best/worst/average case analysis.
Searching Trace table AQA / OCR toggle
5
Binary Search
Halve the search space each time - the algorithm that only works on sorted data but is far more efficient than linear search.
Searching Trace table AQA / OCR toggle
6
Bubble Sort
Compare adjacent pairs and bubble the largest to the end - the sort algorithm examiners ask about most. Full pass-by-pass trace included.
Sorting Trace table AQA / OCR toggle
7
Insertion Sort and Merge Sort
Build a sorted portion one element at a time (insertion), or divide and conquer to merge sorted halves (merge). Both with full pseudocode.
Sorting Divide & conquer AQA / OCR toggle
8
Comparing and Evaluating Algorithms
Best, worst and average case analysis. When to choose linear vs binary search, and bubble vs insertion vs merge sort.
Efficiency Comparison Exam technique
Algorithms Exam Questions
Exam-style questions covering the full series - multiple choice, short answer and extended response, all with mark schemes.