a.3.4 simple and compound data structures
Organise your code like a pro. Master the essential building blocks of data storage, from simple static arrays to dynamic lists and complex multi-dimensional grids.
Imagine trying to organise a library by throwing all the books into a giant pile. Nightmare, right? You need shelves, sections, and a system. Data structures are exactly that for your code - ways to organise data so you can find and use it easily. We start with the basics like arrays (fixed lists of items) and records (grouping details like a student's name and age together). Then we level up to more complex structures like 2D arrays (perfect for game grids) and dictionaries, which let you look up data using a unique key, just like finding a definition in a real dictionary.
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This section maps the progression of Simple and Compound Data Structures, tracing the pedagogical journey from foundational physical categorisation in early years to advanced memory management and User-Defined Types (UDTs) at Key Stage 5. It establishes a rigorous 1-to-1 alignment between theoretical grouping concepts and practical programmatic implementation. By explicitly connecting abstract structures—such as 2D arrays and dictionaries—to their underlying memory allocation and Big O efficiency, this mapping ensures students move beyond syntax to become architects of scalable, memory-efficient software systems.
Last modified: March 20th, 2026
