Introduction to programming

This Key Stage 3 introductory lesson teaches students that computers follow precise instructions and introduces the basics of Python.

Starter: Students act as a human computer, following precise instructions and comparing them with a vague instruction.
Programming: Students learn that programming means giving a computer clear instructions.
Python: Introduced as a programming language used to create programs, games and applications.
print command: Students learn how to display text using print(), including the use of brackets and quotation marks.
Syntax: Students learn that programming has strict rules and that small errors can stop code working.
Activity: Students identify correct and incorrect Python code.
Plenary: True/False questions check understanding of programming, syntax, strings, capitals and code order.
Key takeaway: Computers do not guess; they execute instructions step by step and exactly as written.