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Home > Training for Schools > An Introduction to PYTHON Programming
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Course Code : SC-05
Course Dates
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course dates currently offered
Course Fee
£149.00

An Introduction to PYTHON Programming
for Primary Schools (SC-05)

Context / About PYTHON

The National Curriculum for Computing sets high expectations for the teaching of PROGRAMMING in primary schools.  Many schools are using SCRATCH as a way of teaching pupils to learn how to code using the concepts of programming.  However, SCRATCH is a unique programming environment in that it is based on developing code to primarily control SPRITES on a screen, is very visual and graphical and uses blocks to enable users to construct their code.  Very few programming languages in the real world use this approach as most programming languages rely on text commands which must be written using a specific syntax (a special way of writing the code).  There are many programming languages that use text-based commands.  A popular programming language in schools, particularly secondary schools, is PYTHON.  Python is known around the world as an accessible and versatile programming language and is used by small and large companies to develop their IT systems. 
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Course Overview

This one-day (9.30am - 4.00pm) course is designed to provide delegates with an introductory knowledge of programming in PYTHON.  Delegates should be familiar with programming concepts  and have used another language, e.g. SCRATCH, to create simple programs that perform simple tasks, including the use of repetition, selection, variables and operators. (The course Programming Concepts for Primary Schools is a good starting point for those unfamiliar with programming concepts and ideas).

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at:
  • those who want to develop an understand of a text-based programming language
  • primary school Computing (IT) Leaders in schools
  • primary school teachers, especially Year 6 teachers who may want to extend their pupils' programming skills via a unit of PYTHON programming to show differences in programming and in readiness for secondary school
  • teaching assistants who might support programming lessons in school
  • anyone with a general interest in programming
Content / Programme
This course takes place over one day (see below for timing and lunch arrangements) and during that time, delegates will learn:
  • about the PYTHON programming language
  • some of PYTHON's unique coding rules and syntax, e.g. importance of indentation and the use of colons:
  • how to sequence lines of code
  • about the different types of data and variables that can be used in PYTHON
  • how to display data items, including combined data (e.g. combined text strings and numbers), on the screen
  • how to achieve repetition for different purposes and in different ways (for and while loops)
  • how to use SELECTION to determine which aspects of code are run according to conditional statements (if ... then ... else)
  • how to use variables, data sets and operators
The course content will mostly be taught using the ONLINE version of PYTHON which is publicly available.  Delegates will have an opportunity during the day to work through various scenarios and tasks with the support of the tutor.
Assessment and Qualification
The course is not assessed or part of a qualification, although delegates will be given a 'Certificate of Completion' and a self-assessment to track their progress during the day and encourage thinking about future learning.

Location, Timings and Facilities

  • The course will take place at our Trafford Park Centre, details of which can be found here.  The Centre has a free car park and is accessible by public transport, including Metrolink Tram (Village stop on the Red Line).
  • The course will start at 9.30am and finish at 4.00pm.  There will be a break of 30-45 minutes during the day (usually about 12.15pm) for lunch).
  • Drinks (tea, coffee, water) will be provided on arrival, during mid-morning break and after lunch.
  • Lunch is not provided.  There are plenty of shops very close to the centre offering a range of lunchtime food.  Delegates can, of course, bring their own lunch.  There is a small eating space at the centre. 

Course Fees and Payment

  • This course can be booked by telephone (0161 848 9173) or via our Course Booking Form (select course SC-05 and your preferred date)
  • The cost of the course is £149.00
  • Payment can be made by Invoice/BACS or via email link/card.  Once we have received and confirmed your booking we will send you an invoice which will include a link to the payments system and our bank account details and the reference you should use for payment.
  • If we do not have enough enrolments (we would normally expect a minimum of 3-4 participants) to run this course, we may offer you another date or a full refund if you have already paid the course fee.