For starters: Python
The programming curriculum we offer to children and their parents is based on our years-long experience. It consists of several stages, specified for various ages. We usually start with courses including block-based coding. For younger children (grades 0–2) we have the Adventures with Coding course, for older ones – a course on Scratch. The classes are great fun, but while they play, children also learn the essentials. During the courses for older pupils, we transition from block-based to text-based coding, and the first programming language our students learn is typically Python. Children from grades 4–6 can have their first taste of Python during the Interactive projects with Python course. Another interesting course in our offer for senior primary school grades is Programming in Python. So what makes Python such a popular programming language in the beginning of learning text-based coding?
Accessibility
Python is one of the most accessible programming languages. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its simple syntax, similar to the syntax of English. Python also features a reduced number of characters, so it is legible and easy to understand. This makes it a very simple language to use and learn, and writing and executing code in Python is much faster than in other languages.
Versatility
Python has various applications. It is used not only to create online applications, but also to write computer programs, analyse and visualise data, create websites, program hardware and much more. What’s even more interesting, it’s also a tool for programming artificial intelligence.
Flexibility
Python always allows programmers to try out something new. It doesn’t limit them to just some specific kind of applications. Such level of freedom and flexibility is not possible with any other programming language. So those who have mastered the basics of Python can apply them in practice, have a wide array of opportunities on their further development and career path.
How do we teach Python?
In the first semester students learn the basics. They begin with creating easy programs (from the simplest elements). At later stages they learn how to apply variables, conditions, mathematical operations in Python. Then they perform exercises on numbers and data (they learn what data type to use in Python and how to use it). Later we focus on practising, so that students can memorise what they’ve learned, and visualise and systematize their knowledge.
