Python in Primary School

The Digital Technologies subject is one of the two new Technologies subjects in the Australian primary school, F-6, curriculum. The Technologies subjects are now mandatory in Queensland State Schools, with other states soon to follow. These two subjects are not bolt-on subjects, but are to be integrated into the existing curriculum.

Let’s have a look at how we introduced Python into primary schools. We’ll go through how we take students on a journey from learning fundamental skills in a structured lesson to creative freedom, within limits, in building their own Python projects. We’ll have a look at how to delivery two projects that achieve Digital Technologies learning outcomes. One project is integrated with English learning outcomes and the other with Science.

Each term that we have implemented our Python program in primary schools we have learned many lessons. With quarterly feedback we refine our Python program regularly and learn from how our students respond to our lesson structure, discussions and activities. We are continually updating and refining our lesson plans. These lessons learned will be shared and explored.

Presented by

Emily de la Pena

Emily de la Pena, Founder of Coding Kids and Advance Queensland’s Community Digital Champion, is developing the next generation of coders, innovators and change makers.

After spending over a decade building a successful career in civil engineering, Emily now enjoys sharing her passion for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) with the next generation. She balances her time between empowering children to become technology creators and engaging with teachers and librarians to integrate the new Digital Technologies subject (i.e. computational thinking, systems thinking, design thinking, coding, and robotics) into their classrooms. Coding Kids run coding clubs at over 20 schools in South East Queensland and just recently finished a tour of regional Queensland including Indigenous communities.

Emily was awarded 40 under 40: Top Young Entrepreneurs Brisbane and shortlisted as a What’s on 4 Kids Awards Finalist. Emily has also been on 612 ABC Radio Brisbane discussing the value of learning to code in school.

You can follow Emily on Medium and LinkedIn.


Sponsors