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pptx, 3.38 MB
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html, 20.75 KB

KS3 Computer Science – Arrays & Indexed Data in Small Basic (2026 Updated) | FREE Online Compiler | Dyslexia-Friendly

A fully resourced, dyslexia-friendly KS3 Computer Science lesson introducing arrays, indexed data storage and list manipulation in Small Basic.

Includes a complete PowerPoint, structured worksheet, model answers and hands-on coding tasks using the FREE online Small Basic compiler — no installation required. Designed with dyslexia-friendly formatting: pastel backgrounds, streamlined layouts, clear fonts and high-contrast code examples.

Students learn:

  • What an array is and how it stores multiple values under one object name
  • How to index arrays (Name[1], Name[2], etc.)
  • How to print, modify and update array elements
  • How arrays are used in real programs (shopping carts, contacts, menus)
  • How loops and arrays work together to create dynamic lists

Practical coding activities:

  • Run and analyse starter code to understand how arrays store values
  • Explain array syntax and how data is retrieved using an index
  • Compare two styles of array access and understand why structure matters
  • Build a simple database storing name/age information using arrays
  • Add new elements such as phone numbers and additional attributes

Challenge tasks (ideal for higher ability and extension):

  • Add a “Phone Number” array index and expand with user-defined fields
  • Wrap the program inside a WHILE loop so the user can request data until typing “quit”
  • Allow the user to add new array elements dynamically
  • Create a full Shopping List program:
    • Users enter items one by one
    • Items are stored in ShoppingList[index]
    • The program counts and stores the number of items
    • When complete, the program prints the entire list

Assessment and evidence:

  • Students take screenshots of working code for assessment
  • Explanation boxes ensure understanding of array operations
  • Tasks progress from guided practice to independent programming

Lesson objectives:

  • Identify and use array objects in Small Basic
  • Modify and retrieve array elements correctly
  • Use loops and arrays together to solve real programming problems
  • Build structured programs that store multiple pieces of data

Perfect for:

  • KS3 Computing
  • Programming introduction courses
  • Enrichment or coding clubs
  • Preparation for Python lists, dictionaries and loops

This lesson makes arrays accessible, visual and engaging — building the confidence students need to create real data-driven programs.

Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up to 14%

A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.

Bundle

KS3 Small Basic – Complete 7 Lesson Programming Scheme + Bonus Game Project (Dyslexia-Friendly PowerPoints & Worksheets)

KS3 Programming Scheme – Microsoft Small Basic (7 Lessons + BONUS Game Project) (2026 Updated) | FREE Online Compiler | Dyslexia-Friendly A complete, fully resourced 7-lesson KS3 programming scheme using Microsoft Small Basic and the FREE online editor — now upgraded with a BONUS Rock–Paper–Scissors game project. Every lesson includes a dyslexia-friendly PowerPoint, differentiated worksheets, model solutions, scaffolding and screenshot-evidence sections for assessment. Ideal for specialists and non-specialists. Zero installation required — perfect for ICT suites, laptops and Chromebooks. =========================================== LESSON BREAKDOWN ================ Lesson 1 – Starting Small Basic (Objects, Operations & Properties) Students run their first program and explore how operations and properties change output. Lesson 2 – Variables, Concatenation & Calculations Students define variables, perform arithmetic and calculate areas of shapes using formulas. Lesson 3 – IF, ELSE & Nested Conditions Learners debug logic, build branching programs and create interactive joke generators. Lesson 4 – FOR Loops, WHILE Loops & Randomness Students master iteration, countdowns, loop conditions and random number operations. Lesson 5 – Subroutines & Calculator Builder Students create Sub…EndSub procedures and develop a fully working calculator application. Lesson 6 – Arrays & Lists Learners build mini-databases using arrays and create a functional shopping list program. Lesson 7 – Full Revision Challenge Six structured programming challenges revisiting sequence, selection, iteration, subroutines, arrays and randomness. =========================================== BONUS LESSON 8 – Rock–Paper–Scissors Game Project ================================================= A creative final project where students build a complete Rock–Paper–Scissors game using: • Random number generation • IF / ELSEIF selection logic • User input • Validation and replay structure Students will: * Collect user input * Generate a computer choice (1–3) * Use IF logic to determine the winner * Display clear outputs * Extend with loops, scoring systems or advanced rules Perfect as a capstone project, assessment task or end-of-unit celebration lesson. =========================================== KEY FEATURES ============ • Uses the FREE online Small Basic editor (no installs required) • Dyslexia-friendly design throughout (accessible fonts, calm backgrounds, low clutter) • Differentiated challenges in every lesson • Screenshot-evidence tasks for easy assessment • Covers all KS3 programming fundamentals: * Sequence * Variables * Selection * Iteration * Subroutines * Arrays * Randomness * Input and output =========================================== WHY THIS BUNDLE? ================ This is a complete half-term programming scheme with no installation issues, clear step-by-step explanations and built-in assessment opportunities. Teachers value the clarity and structure. Students enjoy the creativity, game-building and challenge tasks. Excellent preparation for Python at KS3 or GCSE Computer Science.

£14.99

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