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Waterfall approach
Term Key terms bank Y12 SE Project
Also listed as: Waterfall
Definition
A linear approach where each stage (requirements, design, development, testing, installation, maintenance) is finished before the next starts, like falling water. Advantages: clear structure and documentation. Disadvantages: hard to change, late testing. Suits large, well-defined projects.
Example: Fixed requirements and a big government system suit Waterfall.
Found in: school notes.
Sequential, plan-driven phases.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Y12 SE Project.
Question types it can appear in
- Multiple choice: 2025 Q2 dropdown
- Short answer: Compare Waterfall and Agile
- Extended response: Use it as a supporting point linked to the stimulus.
Where it has appeared in the paper
The Software Engineering Project (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- 2025 HSC Q2 (1 mark): Software development approaches The Software Engineering Project (Part A) · 1 mark
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Study links
- Flashcard: Waterfall approach in The Software Engineering Project (Year 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Waterfall
- Key terms bank entry: Waterfall
- Notes: WAgile (hybrid) and Waterfall v Agile comparison (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
- Notes: Research and use the Waterfall software development approach, including logical… (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
- Notes: Research the WAgile software development approach, including understanding it is a… (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
- Notes: Waterfall (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
“A linear approach where each stage (requirements, design, development, testing, installation, maintenance) is finished before the next starts, like falling water.” Then apply it: Fixed requirements and a big government system suit Waterfall.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
- Identify: Recognise and name. (2025 HSC Q2 (1 mark): Software development approaches)
Technique for the question types
- Multiple choice: Read all four options, rule out wrong ones, pick one; no penalty for guessing so never leave blank.
- Short answer: One clear point per mark, use the stimulus and course terms, and answer the command word.
- Extended response: Plan with the command word, give a judgement or explanation supported by named details from the stimulus, use course terms and cover both sides when asked.
Common mistakes
- Use the term exactly as the syllabus words it, then link it to the scenario in the question; the 2025 feedback repeatedly rewards using the stimulus.
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: Agile approach · WAgile · Iteration workflow