Unit 6 — Python: A Real Look at Real Code. Not taught to proficiency — the goal is understanding, curiosity, and knowing where to go next.
Lesson 18 — Python: What's Under the Hood?
What you'll achieve: a working Python programme that asks for your name and age and prints a personalised message, shared via a Trinket link.
Trinket
print()
A command that displays text or a value in the output area.
input()
A command that pauses the programme and waits for the user to type something.
f-string
A way of writing text in Python that inserts a variable's value directly inside curly braces, e.g. f"Hello {name}!"
I Do
Same logic you already know from Scratch — "ask and wait", then "say" — just written differently. Trinket runs real Python in your browser, the same language used by professional software engineers. input() ALWAYS returns text, so to do maths with an answer (like adding 10 to an age) you must convert it with int() first.
We Do
As a class, type name = input("What's your name? "), run it, then age = int(input("How old are you? ")).
Add the final f-string message combining both, and run the full programme.
You Do
Build your three-line programme, testing after each line.
Change one thing in the message and notice how the output changes immediately.
What you'll achieve: a working 5-question Python quiz game on a topic of your choice, shared via a Trinket link.
Trinket
if / elif / else
A structure that lets a programme check a condition and do different things depending on whether it's true, partly true, or false.
Increment
To increase a variable's value by a fixed amount, often written as score = score + 1.
Template (code)
A partly-written programme with the overall structure already in place, where you fill in specific sections.
I Do
A scaffolded template is provided: 5 questions, each using input() then if/elif/else to check the answer and increment a score variable, plus a final message based on the score range. Use .lower() on the user's answer so "Paris" and "paris" both count as correct. Your job is to fill in original quiz content on a topic you know well.
We Do
As a class, remix the shared template and fill in one example question together, testing it works.
You Do
Choose your topic and replace each placeholder with your own real question, testing as you go.
Check the final score-range message still works correctly, then share your Trinket link.
Extension: add a "play again" while loop, or time.sleep() pauses for pacing.
What you'll achieve: a presentation, completed peer votes, and a "My Computing Year" reflection card.
Student's choice
GCSE Computer Science
A subject students in England can choose for GCSEs, covering programming, computer systems and theory in more depth.
T-level
A technical qualification, equivalent in size to three A-levels, including a substantial industry placement — Digital is one subject area.
Apprenticeship
A paid job that combines work with structured training and study, often leading to a recognised qualification.
I Do
Of everything you've built this year — AI projects, Excel reports, micro:bit builds, Canva designs, Scratch games, Python programmes — which ONE are you most proud of? Present it for 2 minutes plus 1 minute of questions. The class votes anonymously across four categories: Most creative, Most technically impressive, Most useful in real life, Most improved.
We Do
Organise the presentation order and agree the voting method.
Review the 1-minute question format together with one example question.
You Do
Present your chosen piece of work: what it is, why you're proud of it, what you learned.
Vote across the four categories, then complete your "My Computing Year" reflection card.
Before You Go
What did you learn today? Explain in your own words.
Exit Ticket
Optional — teacher's discretion, a light end-of-year recap.
BLC