JSS 3 First Term

Lesson objectives

By the end of the week, learners should be able to:

1. Recall the full curriculum across all three terms without notes.
2. Classify problems into computational and non-computational.
3. Apply computational problem-solving steps to a new scenario.
4. State why senior secondary work builds on junior secondary foundations.
5. Judge whether a given task is suitable for algorithmic solution.

Key vocabulary

• Senior review: consolidating knowledge across all terms before advanced work.
• Computational problem: a task amenable to an algorithmic solution.
• Non-computational problem: a task requiring manual or unstructured handling.
• Algorithm: a finite sequence of precise instructions solving one problem.
• Algorithmic solution: a procedure following an algorithm rather than intuition.
• Foundations: the underlying skills supporting advanced work.
• Suitability: whether a task fits algorithmic methods.

Common misconceptions

• "All problems need an algorithm." Many problems cannot be solved algorithmically; intuition applies instead.
• "Review means rereading." Review means testing and reapplying, not passively reading.
• "Advanced work ignores prior learning." Advanced work builds directly on prior skills.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: show the three-term title list and ask pairs to recall one definition each without notes.
2. Share the recalled definitions and check the ones missed for reteaching.
3. Introduce computational versus non-computational problems with worked examples.
4. Show how an algorithm solves a computational problem step by step.
5. Explain why senior secondary work builds on junior secondary foundations.
6. Close with the suitability task and exit question.

Student activities

1. Recall one definition per term without notes and note any misses.
2. Classify ten statements as computational or non-computational with a reason.
3. Apply computational problem-solving steps to a new scenario on paper.
4. Explain why senior secondary builds on junior secondary in one paragraph.
5. Judge whether a given task is suitable for algorithmic solution.
6. Answer the exit question in one sentence about algorithmic suitability.

Practical / learning evidence

A five-statement classification worksheet, a worked algorithm for one scenario, and a one-paragraph senior-review justification. Hand in both for marking.

Resources and preparation

Blank classification templates, sample scenarios and senior review prompts. Offline route: paper versions, no device needed. Display examples carefully and avoid exposing sensitive learner information.

Assessment for learning

Inspect the classification for correct categories and reasons. Check the algorithm for a sensible step sequence. Mark the justification for a clear foundation rationale. Flag any learner who claims every problem needs an algorithm.

Inclusion and homework

Provide the blank classification prefilled for learners who need scaffolding and allow oral completion. Extend confident learners with six more statements and a non-computational problem homework. Homework: name three areas where prior knowledge matters most for senior secondary work.