KS3 Small Basic: Lesson 3 – IF, ELSE & Conditions (Dyslexia-Friendly Logical Thinking)

• Fully resourced, dyslexia-friendly KS3 Computer Science lesson introducing IF statements, ELSE logic and condition-based decision making in Small Basic.

• Includes a complete PowerPoint, structured worksheet and fully guided coding tasks using the FREE online Small Basic compiler.

• Accessible formatting: pastel backgrounds, clear layout, and a dyslexia-friendly font style to support all learners.

• Students learn:

  • How IF statements work in real programs
  • How to write and fix IF and IF/ELSE structures in Small Basic
  • What logical symbols mean (=, <>, <, >)
  • How programs make decisions based on conditions

• Hands-on coding activities:

  • Run and explain a starter program to develop computational thinking
  • Complete a logic symbols table and apply them in real code examples
  • Debug broken IF statements, reinforcing resilience and problem-solving
  • Implement IF/ELSE structures that perform different outcomes
  • Use conditions to trigger jokes, messages, and branching program behaviour

• Challenge tasks for higher-ability students:

  • Modify code to create multiple “knock knock” jokes
  • Add nested IF/ELSE structures for deeper understanding
  • Use math.GetRandomNumber(3) to randomly choose one of three jokes
  • Expand to multi-part interactive programs

• Assessment and evidence:

  • Students take screenshots of each completed stage
  • Written explanations included for conceptual understanding
  • Debugging tasks demonstrate mastery of logical reasoning

• Lesson objectives:

  • Understand how IF and ELSE statements work
  • Write programs that behave differently depending on user input or logic
  • Implement multiple conditions to expand real software behaviour

• Ideal for KS3 Computing, coding clubs, cover lessons, or as a foundation for Python IF/ELIF/ELSE later in the curriculum.

This lesson makes learning logic fun, accessible and highly engaging—perfect preparation for real programming.