Sequence 4 — Fundamental Data Structures

Arrays, records, files, Abstract Data Types (ADTs), queues, stacks and dictionaries. Provides the data organisation skills needed before searching and sorting. AQA 4.2.1–4.2.6, 4.2.10, Lessons 15–21.

Introduction to Data Structures

  • Define a data structure
  • Explain why different data structures exist
Lesson ready

Single- and Multi-dimensional Arrays

  • Explain how arrays store collections of data
  • Access and manipulate array elements using indexes
Lesson ready

Fields, Records and Files

  • Distinguish between fields, records and files
  • Explain how related data is organised
Lesson ready

Abstract Data Types (ADTs)

  • Define an Abstract Data Type
  • Distinguish between an ADT and its implementation
Lesson ready

Queues

  • Explain FIFO processing
  • Perform enqueue and dequeue operations
Lesson ready

Stacks

  • Explain LIFO processing
  • Perform push and pop operations
Lesson ready

Dictionaries

  • Explain key–value data storage
  • Create and manipulate Python dictionaries
Lesson ready