Task 7: Programming Practical Test

Task 7 is a supervised Unit 4 practical test. Students complete a short programming task under test conditions and show that they can construct, test, debug and explain a simple programming solution.

Assessment Details

Syllabus Focus

The test assesses practical programming content from Unit 4:

• characteristics of integer, real, Boolean and character data types
• naming conventions for variables
• source code and executable code
• sequence, selection and iteration
• syntax, run-time and logical errors
• data validation, test data and trace tables
• flow charts and pseudocode used to model and test algorithm logic
• internal and external documentation where relevant

Practical Test Structure

Students receive a short programming scenario on the day of the test. The task requires them to:

1. read the scenario and identify the required inputs, processing and outputs
2. create or complete a short algorithm using pseudocode and/or code
3. use variables, suitable data types and meaningful variable names
4. use sequence, selection and iteration
5. test the solution using normal, boundary and invalid data
6. complete a trace table for part of the algorithm
7. identify and correct syntax, run-time or logical errors
8. add brief documentation that explains important parts of the solution

Evidence

Students submit:

• the final source code file or approved programming environment export
• test evidence completed during the practical test
• trace table evidence
• brief comments or documentation explaining the solution

Conditions

• The task is completed individually under supervised test conditions.
• Students may use the approved programming environment provided by the teacher.
• Students may use the task sheet and any teacher-provided starter file or code segment.
• Students may not use unapproved internet resources, messaging, generative AI, copied code or another student's work during the test.
• Final evidence must be submitted through the LMS at the end of the test period.

Student Preparation

Students should practise:

• choosing suitable data types for scenario values
• writing clear variable names
• writing IF, IF ELSE and nested IF logic
• writing FOR, WHILE and REPEAT UNTIL style loops
• selecting normal, boundary and invalid test data
• using trace tables to check logic
• debugging small syntax, run-time and logical errors
• explaining how a program works in short, accurate comments

Command Words