ICDL Coding Principles (ICDL) study plan

ICDL Coding Principles · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Coding Principles

Define the core coding-principles vocabulary (algorithm, sequence, selection, iteration, variable, function) in your own words
Trace a short given algorithm step by step and record the output at each step
Identify which constructs (sequence, selection, iteration) appear in five short code snippets
Build a one-page glossary you can quiz yourself against

A one-page glossary plus traced outputs for five snippets, self-graded against a written answer key

Week 2

Write pseudocode for three everyday procedures (e.g., making tea, checking a password) using sequence, selection, and iteration
Convert pseudocode into a simple flowchart or numbered step list
Explain why a given algorithm terminates and identify its inputs and outputs
Spot and fix one logic error in a flawed step-by-step procedure

Three pseudocode solutions with flowcharts, each annotated with inputs, outputs, and termination reasoning

Week 3

Apply decomposition to break one large problem into at least four sub-problems
Design test cases (normal, boundary, invalid) for a small procedure
Distinguish syntax errors from logic errors in sample snippets and state how each is found
Explain the role of variables and data types in storing and updating values

A decomposition diagram plus a test-case table with at least six cases and expected outputs

Week 4

Recognize and construct patterns and simple rules from sequences of numbers or shapes
Apply abstraction by removing irrelevant detail from a described scenario
Compare two candidate solutions to the same problem and justify a choice with stated criteria
Solve three logic/sequence puzzles while writing down your reasoning steps

A written reasoning log for three puzzles plus a one-paragraph comparison of two solutions

Week 5

Write algorithms that use loops and conditionals to process a list of values
Trace a loop with a counter and predict the final value after a set number of iterations
Identify off-by-one and infinite-loop errors in given loop descriptions
Represent the same algorithm as pseudocode and as a step list

Four loop-and-conditional exercises with traces and corrected versions of two faulty loops

Week 6

Combine coding principles with problem-solving: design a solution for a multi-step scenario using decomposition and iteration
Evaluate a solution against its test cases and record pass/fail results
Explain trade-offs between two valid approaches (e.g., clarity vs. efficiency in steps)
Refactor one solution to be clearer without changing its output

One end-to-end scenario solution with test results table and a short refactor note

Week 7

Complete a timed mixed set of coding-principle and problem-solving practice questions
Review every missed item and write the underlying rule you got wrong
Re-attempt missed items after a 24-hour gap and track improvement
Explain each core concept aloud in under one minute without notes

A timed practice set scored, plus an error log with rules and a re-attempt score

Week 8

Review your error log and glossary, focusing on the weakest three areas
Take a full-length timed mock covering both domains and record per-domain accuracy
Re-teach two concepts by writing a short explanation for a beginner
Finalize a one-page formula/construct cheat sheet for exam day

Full mock exam score report with per-domain accuracy and a final one-page cheat sheet

Week 2: Can write and trace pseudocode using sequence, selection, and iteration with at least 80% self-graded accuracy

Week 4: Can decompose a problem and justify a solution choice; scores at least 70% on a self-made mixed quiz

Week 6: Completes an end-to-end solution that passes all designed test cases and explains its trade-offs

Week 8: Scores at least 80% overall on a full-length timed mock, with no domain below 70%