Exploring Software Models
Technology • Year Year 13 • 60 • 6 students • Created with AI following Aligned with National Curriculum for England
Teaching Instructions
complete the following table, replacing the second line with more in depth lesson plan stages
PREP TASK Foundation Knowledge - key knowledge, how you;ll check it, what to teach if they don't know Key Vocabulary Resources Needed TIME: Entry and starter TEACHRE: Entry and starter PUPILS: Entry and starter PURPOSE: Entry and starter Title:1 Time TIME: Phase 1 TEACHER: Phase 1 PUPILS: Phase 1 PURPOSE: Phase 1 Title:Phase 2 TIME: Phase 2 TEACHER: Phase 2 PUPILS: Phase 2 PURPOSE: Phase 2 Title:Phase 3 TIME: Phase 3 TEACHER: Phase 3 PUPILS: Phase 3 PURPOSE: Phase 3 Title:Phase 4 TIME: Phase 4 TEACHER: Phase 4 PUPILS: Phase 4 PURPOSE: Phase 4 Title:Phase 5 TIME: Phase 5 TEACHER: Phase 5 PUPILS: Phase 5 PURPOSE: Phase 5 Prep Book Task 1: Fill in missing stages of the Waterfall and Spiral models. Recap prior knowledge of software development methodologies through questioning. Address any gaps by reviewing the definitions and characteristics of both methodologies. Waterfall, Spiral, algorithms, stages, drawbacks, benefits. Mini whiteboards, markers, slides, laptops, quiz sheets. 5 mins Greet students at the door, provide starter tasks, and complete the register. Students silently complete starter tasks and get out planners and pens. Establish calm focus and recap prior knowledge to prepare for new content. Intro to Methodologies 10 mins Explain Waterfall and Spiral stages and use slides/diagrams for examples. Students take notes and ask questions. Introduce theoretical knowledge of methodologies. Comparison Activity 10 mins Facilitate group discussions to compare advantages and disadvantages. Students collaborate in groups and present findings. Encourage analytical thinking and teamwork. Writing Algorithms 15 mins Teach basic algorithm writing with pseudocode and flowcharts. Students solve given problems by writing algorithms. Build problem-solving skills. Application Task 15 mins Guide students to apply their algorithms to hypothetical scenarios following Waterfall or Spiral methodologies. Students demonstrate application through written explanations. Apply theory to practical problem-solving. Plenary 5 mins Recap methodologies and use an exit ticket or quick quiz. Students answer questions and reflect. Reinforce and assess understanding.
Exploring Software Models
Curriculum Context
Subject Area: Technology – Focus on Software Development
Key Curriculum Areas:
- A-Level Computer Science (OCR H446 or equivalent)
- Understanding development methodologies in solving real-world problems (aligns with computational thinking and software engineering outcomes).
Lesson Overview
This lesson focuses on exploring the Waterfall and Spiral software development methodologies in depth. Students will critically analyse these approaches, strengthen algorithm-writing skills, and apply knowledge to practical scenarios, following specific methodologies. Designed for post-16 learners, the lesson will integrate theoretical, collaborative, and practical components in alignment with the A-Level UK curriculum.
Lesson Plan Breakdown
| PREP TASK | Foundation Knowledge - key knowledge, how you'll check it, what to teach if they don't know | Key Vocabulary | Resources Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prep Book Task 1: Fill in missing stages of the Waterfall and Spiral models. | Recap of prior knowledge: Question students on their understanding of software development methodologies. Misconceptions or knowledge gaps will be addressed by revisiting the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of both methodologies using visuals and real-world examples. | Waterfall, Spiral, algorithms, pseudocode, flowchart, stages, iteration, drawbacks, benefits | Mini whiteboards, markers, PowerPoint slides, laptops, printed quiz sheets, A3 discussion posters, coloured pens |
TIME: Entry and Starter
| TIME: Entry and starter | TEACHER | PUPILS | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | Greet students individually at the door; give them a brief starter question to complete ("Describe one stage in the Waterfall Model"). Complete the register. | Students silently write responses in their notebooks, open laptops or take out planners and pens. | The starter ensures students shift into a focused mindset, while recalling and using prior knowledge to prepare for the lesson ahead. |
Title: Introduction to Methodologies
| TIME: Phase 1 | TEACHER | PUPILS | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | Present interactive slides visually breaking down both Waterfall and Spiral models step by step. Use colourful flowcharts to compare the models visually. Check for understanding through targeted questions (e.g., "Why does the Spiral model require iteration at every step?"). Write simplified definitions on the whiteboard. | Students take notes, copy diagrams (in their own style), and answer questions verbally. | Ground students in the theoretical knowledge, ensuring they understand essential concepts foundational to software development methodologies. |
Title: Comparison Activity
| TIME: Phase 2 | TEACHER | PUPILS | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | Divide students into pairs or a small group (depending on 6 students). Provide an A3 poster with two columns: “Waterfall Pros/Cons” and “Spiral Pros/Cons.” Facilitate a discussion and circulate to prompt deeper thought with questions like, “Which model would minimise errors in large projects?” | Students collaborate actively. They add their shared ideas to the poster, using coloured pens. One group member presents their output to the rest of the class. | Build analytical thinking to compare methodologies while fostering teamwork and communication — both vital A-Level competencies. |
Title: Writing Algorithms
| TIME: Phase 3 | TEACHER | PUPILS | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | Provide students a hypothetical scenario: "You are designing a system to manage a library's book inventory." Use this as a context to introduce basic algorithm-writing techniques in pseudocode and through flowcharts. Model an example algorithm step-by-step with class input (e.g., "If book not returned → send email reminder"). Encourage questions at each step. | Students work independently or in pairs to write their own pseudocode and flowcharts for solving a simplified version of the scenario. Example: book check-in/check-out system. | Develop precise problem-solving and algorithm-writing skills while connecting writing algorithms to real-world processes. |
Title: Application Task
| TIME: Phase 4 | TEACHER | PUPILS | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | Provide students with two unique hypothetical scenarios (e.g., "A gaming app update" or "A university course selection system"). Set the task: “Which development methodology (Waterfall or Spiral) would you use here and why? Justify your decision, then apply your chosen methodology to outline a solution.” Circulate to assist and challenge reasoning. | Students apply critical thinking to choose a methodology, write a clear justification, and formulate a methodology-specific solution (either through written paragraphs or a bullet-point plan). | Connect theoretical knowledge to practical contexts, enhancing problem-solving and encouraging deeper thinking about real-world application in software engineering. |
Title: Plenary
| TIME: Phase 5 | TEACHER | PUPILS | PURPOSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | Ask students to write a quick response to the question: "What is the biggest strength of the Spiral Model and its main trade-off?" Collect their answers on individual mini whiteboards or use an exit ticket. Alternatively, give a 3-question quiz on today’s content. | Students respond confidently based on their new understanding. Pupils self-check answers against group feedback or teacher corrections. | Reinforce learning by asking students to articulate key strengths/weaknesses of a methodology while simultaneously assessing their grasp of the day's content. |
Resources Required
- Technology: Laptops for algorithm-writing and practical application tasks.
- Visual Aids: Interactive slides, diagrams breaking down Waterfall/Spiral models.
- Handouts: A3 posters for group activities, pseudocode/flowchart guidance sheets.
- Other: Mini whiteboards, dry markers for starter/plenary.
Differentiation and Stretch
- For advanced students: Include an additional challenge to compare the Agile Model briefly during their application task, considering its relevance in modern industries.
- For weaker students: Provide partially completed flowchart or pseudocode templates to scaffold practical tasks.
Teacher Notes
- Maintain pace and engagement by keeping transitions between phases smooth. Use timers to keep activities on track.
- Link each phase explicitly to real-world job roles (e.g., software engineers, project managers) to ground the lesson in career relevance.
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