Programming with Python – Unit Overview
Course: 12DGT
Year Level: Year 12 (Level 7 – NCEA Level 2)
Unit / Module: 01_Programming
Aligned Standard(s): AS91896 – Programming with Python
Lesson Context: Unit overview — links to individual topic notes
Estimated Time: ~12 weeks (5 weeks prep + 7 weeks assessment)
1. Purpose of These Notes
These notes exist to:
- explain programming concepts clearly and precisely
- support teacher-led instruction and independent practice
- provide a reference students can revisit
- reinforce correct terminology and thinking about code
These notes are not a substitute for writing code or debugging practice.
2. Key Concepts (Overview)
This section lists the non-negotiable ideas students must understand by the end of this unit:
- Variables store data. A variable is a container with a name that holds a value. The value can change.
Video: Python Variables and Data Types
- Control structures (loops and conditionals) direct program flow. Code does not always run top-to-bottom; decisions and repetition allow programs to adapt.
Video: Python If Statements and Loops
- Functions break problems into smaller, reusable pieces. A function packages code so it can be called multiple times without repetition.
- Algorithms are step-by-step solutions to problems. Before writing code, you plan the logic.
- Testing and debugging verify correctness. Programs must be tested systematically; errors are normal and expected.
- Data structures organize information. Lists and dictionaries store collections of related data efficiently.
Video: Python Lists and Dictionaries Explained
- Iteration (loops) and conditionals enable user input and decision-making. Programs that respond to input are more useful than hard-coded solutions.
If students cannot explain these ideas in their own words AND show them in working code, they have not mastered the topic.
3. Topic Notes
This unit is split across individual topic notes. Read each topic in order — each one builds on the previous.
| # | Topic | File |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Variables and Data Types | 2_variables_and_data_types.mdx |
| 2 | Control Flow: Conditionals | 3_control_flow_conditionals.mdx |
| 3 | Control Flow: Loops | 4_control_flow_loops.mdx |
| 4 | Functions | 5_functions.mdx |
| 5 | Algorithms and Pseudocode | 6_algorithms_and_pseudocode.mdx |
| 6 | Data Structures: Lists and Dictionaries | 7_data_structures.mdx |
| 7 | Testing and Debugging | 8_testing_and_debugging.mdx |
Work through these in order during the prep phase. Return to specific topics when preparing for the assessment.
4. Assessment Overview (AS91896)
This unit leads to an internal assessment worth 4 credits at NCEA Level 2.
What you will produce
| Evidence item | Description |
|---|---|
| Source code | A Python program solving a real-world problem |
| Test evidence | At least 3 test cases per major function |
| Debugging evidence | Comments identifying errors and how they were fixed |
| Design documentation | Pseudocode or flowchart showing pre-code planning |
| Reflection | Written statement covering what worked, what was difficult, and what you'd improve |
Grade expectations at a glance
| Grade | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Achieved | Basic program works; some control structures used; minimal testing and documentation |
| Merit | Functional program; appropriate use of structures with justification; testing and iteration evident |
| Excellence | Well-structured, efficient code; design decisions explained; systematic testing; insightful reflection |
Missing evidence items are the most common reason for not achieving. Complete all five items.
5. Programming Workflow
Before writing a single line of code, plan. After writing code, test and debug. This cycle repeats until the program is correct.
The loop between Code → Test → Debug is normal. Professional programmers spend more time in this loop than anywhere else.
6. External Resources
A full list of recommended resources is in each topic note. Key tools used throughout this unit:
- Replit – https://replit.com – Write and run Python in your browser without installing anything
- Python Tutor – https://pythontutor.com – Step through code line-by-line to see exactly what is happening
- Automate the Boring Stuff with Python – https://automatetheboringstuff.com – Free textbook; chapters 1–6 match this unit
- Real Python – https://realpython.com – In-depth guides on every topic in this unit
7. Key Vocabulary
Students are expected to understand and use this terminology accurately:
- Algorithm: A step-by-step procedure to solve a problem.
- Variable: A named storage location that holds a value; the value can change.
- Assignment: Storing a value in a variable using
=. - Comparison: Checking if two values are equal using
==, or comparing with>,<, etc. - Conditional: An
if,elif, orelsestatement that makes a decision based on a condition. - Loop: A block of code that repeats; either
for(fixed number) orwhile(until a condition is false). - Function: Reusable code packaged with a name; takes parameters and may return a value.
- Parameter: A variable that a function accepts as input.
- Return value: The value a function sends back after it finishes.
- List: An ordered collection of values stored in a single variable.
- Dictionary: A collection of key-value pairs where you look up values by a meaningful key.
- Index: The position of an item in a list (starting at 0).
- Pseudocode: Human-readable text describing an algorithm before coding it.
- Syntax: The rules and format of a programming language (e.g., Python requires colons after conditionals).
- Bug: An error in code that causes it to behave incorrectly.
- Debugging: The process of finding and fixing bugs.
- Testing: Running code with known inputs and verifying the outputs.
- Edge case: An unusual or extreme input (e.g., negative numbers, empty lists) that tests robustness.
- Iteration: Repeating a process; often refers to loops or gradual refinement.
- Documentation: Written explanation of what code does and how to use it; includes comments and README files.
End of Programming with Python – Unit Overview