Programming in Python 1 – COMING SOON

An Introduction to Foundational Programming Concepts

Programming in Python 1 course is the initial instalment of a trilogy designed to introduce Key Stage 3 (KS3) students to fundamental programming principles using Python. 

The course successfully meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Computing programme of study, covering the initial three stipulations:

1. Abstraction and Modelling: Students will learn to design and appraise computational abstractions that mirror real-world dilemmas and physical systems.
2. Algorithmic Thinking: Students will explore several pivotal algorithms underpinning computational thought, such as sorting and searching algorithms, and use logical reasoning to evaluate alternative algorithms for a single problem.
3. Programming Proficiency: Students will utilise two or more programming languages, including at least one textual language, to address various computational issues; they will make judicious use of data structures and design and construct modular programs that employ procedures or functions.

Course Structure

The course is structured into six comprehensive lessons:

• Lesson 01: Introduction to Input and Output Operations
• Lesson 02: Understanding Variables and Data Types
• Lesson 03: Mastering Selection Constructs
• Lesson 04: Implementing Repetition through Loops
• Lesson 05: Crafting Subroutines for Modular Design
• Lesson 06: Culminating Programming Project

Each lesson is supported by a PowerPoint presentation to facilitate instruction and a corresponding chapter in the student workbook for in-depth exploration.

Instructional Resources

• PowerPoint Presentations: Employ these for classroom instruction, illustrating the key concepts on a large display.
• Workbooks: Students should use these during lessons for guided learning and later for a more detailed individual study.
• Program Code: The resource pack provides a Sample code for each lesson. These Python scripts follow a systematic naming convention for easy identification and use during lessons.

Preparation and Homework

• Prep Work: Students will find prep work to complete at the end of each lesson. This ensures they are well-prepared to engage with the upcoming lesson’s content.
• Activities Booklet: A condensed workbook (27 pages) version containing all activities, homework, and end-of-chapter tasks is available. Centres may distribute this digitally via a secure, shared area or VLE.

Assessment Framework

• Homework: Assigned between lessons 2 and 3, homework is evaluated based on effort rather than scores to encourage thorough engagement.
• Programming Project: A comprehensive project that encapsulates the programming techniques taught. Students should expect to spend about two lessons on this project, which can also be assigned as homework.