
Rock, Paper, Scissors Coding Lesson – Sequence, Selection, Loops & Variables (KS3/KS4 Python) – 2026 Updated
Bring core programming concepts to life with this engaging Rock, Paper, Scissors Python project. Designed for KS3 and KS4 Computer Science, this lesson guides students step-by-step through building a fully working game while mastering sequence, selection, iteration, variables and sub-functions.
Perfect as a clear introduction to structured programming or as a fun consolidation lesson reinforcing prior learning.
What Students Will Learn:
- Apply sequence to structure programs logically
- Use selection (IF / ELIF / ELSE) to compare choices and determine outcomes
- Implement loops to repeat the game and add replay functionality
- Create and manipulate variables
- Build sub-functions to organise code and reduce repetition
- Handle user input and basic validation
- Test and debug programs independently
What’s Included:
-
Teacher version with clear explanations and modelling steps
-
Student worksheet (guided and independent versions)
-
Fully completed example Python program
-
Step-by-step build process for each stage of the game
-
Extension challenges:
- Add a scoreboard
- Create a best-of-three mode
- Extend to “Lizard & Spock”
-
Printable and digital-friendly Word/PDF files
-
Structured to fit one lesson (with optional extension into two)
Why Teachers Choose This Resource:
- Excellent project for teaching Sequence → Selection → Iteration in context
- Easy to scaffold and differentiate
- Compatible with all Python environments (IDLE, Replit, Thonny, VS Code)
- Students complete a polished mini-project they feel proud of
- Ideal for lessons, cover work, homework or revision
Suitable For:
- KS3 Computer Science
- KS4 GCSE (OCR J277 / AQA / Edexcel)
- Coding clubs and enrichment
- End-of-unit project lessons
- Homework and retrieval practice
An engaging, structured coding project that builds real programming confidence while reinforcing core GCSE concepts.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
This resource hasn't been reviewed yet
To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it
Report this resourceto let us know if it violates our terms and conditions.
Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.