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Flowcharts

FoundationHigherAQA

Understand Flowcharts for GCSE Computer Science with this free worksheet and full mark scheme — Foundation and Higher exam-style questions with worked answers for AQA GCSE Computer Science (8525). Flowcharts represent algorithms visually using standard symbols for input, process, decision and output.

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These worksheets and mark schemes are original, written for Virtus Academy and checked against the current AQA specification. Every worksheet comes with a full mark scheme.

Foundation

WorksheetFoundation · PDFMark SchemeFoundation · PDF

Higher

WorksheetHigher · PDFMark SchemeHigher · PDF

Topic overview

A flowchart represents an algorithm using standard symbols joined by arrows showing the flow of control.

Five symbols are required. A rounded rectangle, or terminator, marks the start and stop. A parallelogram represents input or output. A rectangle represents a process such as a calculation. A diamond represents a decision, with two arrows out labelled Yes and No. Arrows show the order in which steps are carried out.

The diamond is where marks are most often lost. It must have exactly two labelled outputs, and the question inside must have a yes or no answer. Writing a calculation in a diamond, or leaving the arrows unlabelled, is the most common error.

Revision notes

The five symbols

Rounded rectangle (terminator): start and stop.

Parallelogram: input or output. Rectangle: a process such as a calculation or assignment. Diamond: a decision. Arrows: the flow of control between symbols.

Using the decision symbol

A diamond must contain a question with a yes or no answer.

It must have exactly two arrows leaving it, each labelled Yes and No. Putting a calculation in a diamond, or leaving the outputs unlabelled, loses marks.

Loops in flowcharts

A loop is drawn by having an arrow lead back to an earlier point in the chart.

The decision diamond controls whether the loop repeats or exits. Every path must eventually reach a stop terminator, or the algorithm never ends.

Key points

  • Flowcharts use standard symbols.
  • A rounded rectangle marks start and stop.
  • A parallelogram is input or output.
  • A rectangle is a process.
  • A diamond is a decision with two labelled outputs.
  • Arrows show the flow of control.

Worked examples

Example 1

Name the flowchart symbol used for a decision and state how many arrows leave it. [2 marks]

Working

A diamondname the symbol
Two arrows leave it, labelled Yes and Nostate the number and labelling

Example 2

State the symbol used for each of the following: reading a number from the user, adding two numbers. [2 marks]

Working

Reading a number: a parallelogram, used for inputgive the input symbol
Adding two numbers: a rectangle, used for a processgive the process symbol

Example 3

Explain why every path in a flowchart must reach a stop terminator. [2 marks]

Working

A path that does not reach stop means the algorithm never finishesstate the problem
so the program would continue running indefinitely rather than producing a resultexplain the consequence

Common mistakes

  • Putting a calculation inside a diamond.

    Diamonds contain yes or no questions only.

  • Leaving decision arrows unlabelled.

    Both must be labelled Yes and No.

  • Using a rectangle for input.

    Input and output use a parallelogram.

  • Forgetting the stop terminator.

    Every path must reach one.

Exam tips

  • Learn all five symbols and their uses.
  • Label both arrows leaving a diamond.
  • Check every path reaches a stop.
  • Use a ruler and draw symbols clearly.

Key terms

Flowchart
A diagram representing an algorithm using symbols.
Terminator
The rounded rectangle marking start and stop.
Decision
The diamond symbol with two labelled outputs.
Flow of control
The order in which steps are carried out.

Related topics

Written and reviewed against the current AQA specification. Spotted an error? Let us know.