8. 2 Year 8 Python: 19 Interactive Lessons with a Built-in Python Editor (KS3)

A complete Year 8 Python course in one web page. Pupils code in a real Python editor, follow one step at a time, and get plain-English help when things go wrong. No logins, no installs.

19 one-hour lessons that teach themselves. Every lesson runs in a single web page with a real Python editor built in, so pupils can start coding straight away in Chrome. Built for schools where computing is taught by non-specialists, so no pupil misses out.

What pupils get

A real Python editor: turtle art, games, a text adventure, Hangman, Wordle and a live weather app
Every step read aloud, and error cards in plain English: what’s wrong, and how to fix it
Hints that point at the right line and explain the difference (“your loop starts at -10, not 30”)
A starter to recall last lesson, a plan before each project, and a summary to copy into their Google Doc

What teachers get

Lessons that follow a 7-stage learning cycle: Activate, Instruct, Model, Memorise, Guide, Practise, Reflect
Next only unlocks when the code really works, so no skipping ahead
Teacher mode, idle warnings, and 3 copies per lesson
No logins, no installs, no pupil data stored, so it works on shared PCs
Teacher Instructions and IT Instructions included

The 19 lessons

8.2 Introduction: In and out · Loops · Cutting strings · Data · Functions
8.4 Projects: Multiples · Guess the Number · Magic 8 Ball · Turn Turtle · Modern Art · Turtle Recall · FizzBuzz · Rock Paper Scissors
8.6 Bigger projects: The Big Adventure · Hangman · Wordle · Secret Agents · OXO · The Weatherman

In the download: the lesson page (one HTML file), a flyer, Teacher Instructions, IT Instructions and credits. Put it on a Google Site, your VLE, or a shared drive.

Made by Keith Smith, Head of Computer Science at Chenderit School, built in his own time for his Year 8 classes. If it helps you or your pupils, please leave a review. It tells me what to build next.