Topic title: Python: Next Steps
Year group: 8
When taught: January to April
What are we learning?
At the end of this unit all pupils should be able to:
• Use data types correctly and convert between them when necessary
• Write programs that use a loop to repeat a section of code
• Write programs that use lists (known as ‘arrays’ in some languages)
• Create and call a function or procedure
• Find and debug syntax errors
• Look at a given section of code and describe its function
Most pupils will be able to:
• Select the most suitable type of loop (for or while) for a given problem
• Use counters correctly in conjunction with for loops
• Create a list and append or change elements of the list
• Explain the advantages of functions and procedures for reusable sections of program code
Some pupils will be able to:
• Use loops to populate, interrogate and print lists, using a counter as an index to an array element
• Devise their own functions and procedures to create a modular program
• Create a program that is easy to use, caters for user input errors, has explicit error messages telling the user what the correct form of entry is and produces output with suitable headings or explanation
Why is this important to know?
Learning Skills:
• Synthesis: Pupils will bring ideas together and create solutions to coding problems
• Problem solving when deciding how to solve a problem and why
Life Skills:
• Collaboration: on complex moral and ethical issues in computing
• Resilience: when debugging code in a text-based language
ICT Skills:
• Software: Using integrated development environments (IDEs) to code programs
• Using tutorials
• Split screen working
Literacy Skills:
• Digital literacy: Coding using text-based languages
• Vocabulary: Learning new vocab and learning how it links to other subjects (variable and integer)
Where does this link into our past and future learning?
Pupils are expected to have had some previous experience of Python programming, including basic inputs and outputs, converting inputs to numbers using the int() function, selection (if-elif-else
statements) and while loops. This unit follows on from the Year 7 topic – Introduction to Python.
Future learning topic: Python GUI
How will we be assessed on this topic?
• End of topic assessment – 40 questions all based on unit learning.
• This will also contribute to the end of year exam.
What makes a strong piece of work in this topic?
• Code is efficient, well-structured, and easy to read.
• Indentation and formatting follow Python rules and best practices.
• The student shows a clear understanding of control structures like loops and functions.
• Variables and functions are named clearly and meaningfully.
• The program meets the success criteria and may include extra features or enhancements.
• The student includes comments to explain more complex parts of the code.
• The code includes examples of iteration (loops), selection (if/elif/else), and possibly lists or functions.
What are teachers hoping to see?
• Confident use of loops (for, while) to repeat actions efficiently.
• Ability to decompose a problem into smaller parts using functions.
• Use of lists or other data structures to store and process multiple items.
• Logical problem-solving and clear algorithmic thinking.
• Evidence of planning (e.g., pseudocode, flowcharts, or annotations).
• Willingness to debug, test, and improve code based on feedback or results.
• Independence and curiosity – trying new things without being prompted.
What key words are there in this topic?
What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?
• Create a program that uses functions with parameters and return values.
• Write a program that works with lists and loops to store and search data.
• Build a text-based game that includes multiple options, scores, or inventory tracking.
• Use nested loops (a loop inside another loop) for patterns or calculations.
• Explore file handling (reading from or writing to a text file).
• Try using libraries like random (for randomness) or turtle (for graphics).
• Solve real-world problems or coding challenges from sites like CodeCombat, Replit, or Scratch to Python converters.
• Research and begin learning about classes and objects (OOP) – the building blocks of more advanced Python programming.
What wider reading can be done on this topic?
• CGP KS3 Computing Complete Revision & Practice
• Hodder Compute-IT: Student’s Book 1 – Computing for KS3
• Magazines Direct – The Python Book (10th Edition)
• PGOnline – Learning to Code in Python
What websites are linked to the topic?
• BBC Bitesize (Intro to Programming): https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zts8d2p/revision/1
• Website used for coding: https://replit.com
• Website used for tutorials: https://www.w3schools.com/python/default.asp
• Website to help theory: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zhy39j6
Careers
• Applications developer
• Big data engineer
• Cyber security analyst
• Data scientist
• Database administrator
• Forensic computer analyst
• Game designer/developer
• Information systems manager
• IT consultant
• Network engineer
• Software engineer
• Systems analyst
• UX designer
• Web designer
• Web developer
Extra Skills:
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Organisation
• Software Skills
Progression:
• Online tutorials
• GCHQ/Bebras competitions
• Coding clubs
• GCSE Computer Science
• A-level Computer Science
• University/Apprenticeship
• Work experience
