Problem solving
Develop computational thinking skills, algorithmic design capabilities, and systematic problem-solving strategies essential for digital production and software development.
Foundation Level Content
This is a foundation level content area that provides essential skills for all other T-Level Digital components. Master these concepts early as they underpin everything else in the qualification.
Content Subtopics
1.1 Computational thinking
Purpose and use of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, algorithmic design. Apply each technique to analyse problems and represent decomposition with diagrams, flowcharts, code, or structured text.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Decomposition techniques for breaking down complex problems
- Pattern recognition and abstraction methods
- Algorithmic design principles
- Problem representation using various notation methods
1.2 Algorithmic design
Ways to express algorithms: flowcharts, structured descriptions, code. Control with sequence, selection, iteration. Determine purpose, outputs, errors, translate between notations, and design working algorithms.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Algorithm expression methods (flowcharts, pseudocode, code)
- Control structures: sequence, selection, iteration
- Algorithm analysis: purpose, outputs, potential errors
- Translation between different algorithmic notations
1.3 Strategies
Top down, bottom up, modularisation. Root cause analysis: five whys, FMEA, event tree analysis. High level problem solving cycle: define, gather, analyse, plan, implement, review, and judge suitability of strategies.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Problem-solving strategies: top-down, bottom-up, modularisation
- Root cause analysis techniques (5 whys, FMEA, event tree)
- Problem-solving cycle: define → gather → analyse → plan → implement → review
- Strategy evaluation and suitability assessment
Learning Resources
Assessment Information
Problem solving skills are assessed through the core component written examinations, typically featuring scenario-based questions requiring computational thinking application.
Ready to Start Learning?
Begin with subtopic 1.1 (Computational thinking) and progress through each area systematically. Problem-solving skills are fundamental to success in all other T-Level Digital components.