KS3 Small Basic: Lesson 4 – Going Loopy! (FOR Loops, WHILE Loops & Randomness)

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.