Our Python course allows students to explore how this real-life coding language works. Students learn how to write programs using text, and apply their coding knowledge to build quizzes, draw graphics, run simulations and more.

Introducing Python

Our Python course can be accessed through the dropdown menu of the navigation bar or through the Learn, Create, Glossary links on the Coding homepage.

The Learn homepage provides an overview of the scope and sequence of lessons in this course. around specific topics. These lessons can be navigated through the left-hand menu or by scrolling through the list of lessons.

Python Lessons

Each lesson in Python creates a self-guided experience for pupils through a series of scaffolded tasks. Lessons always begin with an Introduction to the concept as the first step.

As pupils progress through each lesson, they are introduced to coding concepts and vocabulary in the Solve steps.

Hands-on tasks are provided to allow pupils to practice using text to code. These tasks support the development of computational thinking skills such as logic and sequencing.

Each lesson's step includes three sections:

• Instructions: Written explanation of the task(s) for this Lesson step that appear in the top half of the screen. Specific vocabulary may include a link to pop-up definitions.
• Code: Space where pupils will add and manipulate coding elements. When pupils have finished a task or created their own code, they select Run to test.

• Output: Code that is correct will display the results in this panel. Errors in coding will appear at the top of the panel.

• Console: Errors in coding will appear in the console panel, denoted but the exclamation sign symbol at the bottom of the screen.

A final step for a lesson might be Build. This step offers a creative opportunity for pupils to apply everything learned in the lesson. Pupils make decisions about how to use the coding elements provided.

Debugging and Test Your Skills Lessons are provided at the end of most Levels to allow pupils additional practice in applying what they have learned in previous Lessons.

Debugging Lessons give pupils the opportunity to practice using their coding knowledge to fix errors.

Test Your Skills Lessons allow pupils to apply their learning through a series of steps that include specific coding challenges.

Support Resources

Supporting resources are provided for most Python Lessons. Each Lesson includes multiple Help Videos. These videos provide a tutorial to support pupils as they progress through each step. The Help Videos can be accessed from each step of the Lesson. *Note: Help Videos are not included in Debugging and Test Your Skills Lessons.

Teachers can also access a Lesson Plan that is connected to each lesson. Lesson Plans can be found on the Introduction step of each Lesson or from the list of all Lessons on the Python homepage. *Note: Lesson Plans are not included in Debugging and Test Your Skills Lessons.

Lesson Plans are downloadable, printable pdfs that include learning objectives, success criteria, key vocabulary, key questions, and strategies to support pupils as they move through the steps of the lesson.

Python 'Create' Area

The opportunity to 'free code' and develop an app is provided through the Create area.

Selecting Create from the Python homepage allows students to develop an app outside of any restrictions or structure provided in the Learn lessons.

By selecting New App, students will be directed to a 'Free Code' space that allows them to practice using all they have learned through the Python Lessons.

Students enter their code into the Code area. Their code can be downloaded to be worked on offline. Code can also be uploaded from external sources for use in their own app.

Run validates the code that pupils have entered. Code that is correct will display the results in the Output panel. Any errors in coding will be shown in the Console panel.

The students' creations can be saved to their files, or easily shared with their teachers or classmates.

Python Glossary

Selecting the Glossary from the Python dropdown menu or homepage provides access to an interactive menu of vocabulary terms specific to that coding language.

Glossary terms are presented in a scrollable alphabetical list that provides each term and its meaning. A navigable grid of letters allows you to jump to any section of the list by selecting a letter. Only letters that have associated Glossary terms can be selected.

Additionally, Glossary terms are included in lessons and are identified as interactive through their colour and underlining.

Selecting a Glossary term within a Lesson generates a pop-up definition at point-of-use.