Computer Science Python Turtle Scheme Of Work KS3

A complete KS3 Python Turtle programming scheme of work containing 5 lessons, assessment materials, homework, activities and sample Python files.

A free sample lesson of this resource is available here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-13658031

This fully resourced unit is designed to introduce KS3 students to the core concepts of text-based programming using Python Turtle. Across five structured lessons, students develop their understanding of key programming concepts through practical drawing and problem-solving activities.

The scheme contains 5 fully resourced lessons plus an assessment.

Each lesson includes:
• A complete lesson slide deck
• Lesson activities
• Homework
• Sample Python Turtle files
• Practical programming tasks

The lessons are structured using the PRIMM teaching approach — Predict, Run, Investigate, Modify and Make — helping students build confidence by first exploring and understanding existing programs before adapting them and creating their own.

The unit covers a range of essential programming concepts, including:
• Sequencing
• Debugging
• Variables
• Selection
• Iteration

Students develop their understanding gradually across the unit, learning how instructions are executed in sequence, how to identify and fix errors, how variables can store data, how programs can make decisions, and how iteration can be used to repeat instructions efficiently.

Python Turtle provides an accessible introduction to text-based programming because students can see the immediate visual effect of the code they write. This makes it particularly effective as a bridge between block-based programming environments and more advanced Python programming.

The resource is particularly suitable for KS3 Computing or Computer Science, including Year 7, Year 8 or Year 9 students who are beginning to develop their confidence with text-based programming.

The included assessment can be used at the end of the unit to check students’ understanding of the key programming concepts covered across the five lessons.

This scheme of work can be used as:
• A complete KS3 Python Turtle programming unit
• An introduction to text-based programming
• A PRIMM-based programming scheme of work
• A transition from Scratch or other block-based languages to Python
• A short half-term Computing unit
• Preparation for more advanced Python programming

The combination of slide decks, structured activities, homework and sample Python Turtle files means the unit can be taught with minimal additional preparation.

A practical and engaging way to teach sequencing, debugging, variables, selection and iteration while using the PRIMM approach to develop students’ confidence, independence and understanding of Python programming.