Python Exercises for GCSE (9–1) Computer Science
10 engaging scenarios, each featuring original skeleton code and probing questions and tasks – specifically written for use with the new GCSE Computer Science specifications.
A hands-on, structured approach to mastering core concepts
Theory questions test students’ understanding of the skeleton code, while programming tasks challenge their ability to debug and develop the code further. Covers a large range of programming techniques using a variety of computer science themes. The varying complexities of the exercises make this resource perfect for use with GCSE classes.
"Gives valuable practice in debugging programs, arguably the most important independent programming skill that students need to develop – perfect preparation for their NEAs… This is a resource I’m looking forward to using, the overall idea, style and structure are excellent.” S Forsyth, Computing teacher & Independent Reviewer
Includes detailed, bullet-point mark scheme with complete code listings for all questions and tasks.
- Cross-referenced to the relevant GCSE Computer Science specification
- Paper and digital solutions (Python 3.5) for every task
- Error guide – 14 of the most common syntax and logic errors in Python are explained (with suggested fixes)
- Cheat sheet revealing the correct Python syntax (a useful reference, particularly for lower-ability)
Thoughtfully designed
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What do teachers say about this resource? (9834)
This is a focused and well-structured programming resource that effectively integrates assessment and challenge. It is thoughtfully designed to develop both coding ability and problem-solving skills in a way that is clearly aligned with AQA’s GCSE Computer Science requirements. The inclusion of real marks against each section is particularly valuable for formative assessment and tracking progress ... The clear separation into Section A (code modification) and Section B (code development) is a strength, as it encourages both comprehension and creativity. The use of familiar and interesting games like Hangman, Connect Four and Monty Hall adds an engaging layer ... This resource promotes deeper understanding by encouraging students not only to read and understand existing code, but also to improve and extend it — both critical skills at GCSE level. The wide coverage of key programming areas, including string handling, file I/O, and subroutines, ensures that students are applying theory to realistic tasks, building both confidence and fluency in coding ... The layout is clean and logical, with well-marked sections and clear indication of tasks and marks. The mark scheme’s integration into each challenge gives it the feel of a coursework-style task or mini-assessment ... It aligns very well with the AQA GCSE 8525 specification, particularly in covering key elements such as robust programming, use of subroutines, string manipulation, file handling, and secure programming techniques. Each challenge maps naturally to a topic area and could easily be referenced when preparing students for Paper 2 (Computational Thinking, Programming and Logic). The inclusion of written marks also reinforces the importance of annotation and explanation, as required in the specification ... [Would you purchase this resource?]
Absolutely. It offers a comprehensive set of activities that bridge theory and practical skills, all while being engaging and educational. It would be particularly useful for homework, revision, or classroom practicals ... This resource is ideal for project-based learning, mock practical assessments, or even end-of-topic consolidation tasks. It would also work well for cover lessons, revision weeks, or programming competitions. The variety of challenges means it could be used over a long period of time, with flexibility for different ability levels
I found this resource to be very detailed and comprehensive, making it highly valuable for teachers, especially those who are not specialists in the subject area. It offers strong support by providing thorough guidance and information ... I particularly liked the specification mapping, as it provides a clear overview that helps both teachers and students understand their learning journey. This feature adds valuable structure and clarity to the resource ... This resource offers a great level of challenge for students, encouraging them to engage deeply with the material. It facilitates a wide variety of learning opportunities, requiring students to decompose complex problems and develop thorough solutions. This process not only builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills but also provides students with valuable insight into what a career in software development might involve, as well as what further study in Computer Science entails.
Additionally, the set of challenges included in the resource is likely to thoroughly prepare students for their final examinations, making it both a practical and educationally valuable tool ... It aligns extremely well with the specification ... when I was an inexperienced teacher, I would have found it invaluable. It would have greatly helped shape my teaching approach and saved me a considerable amount of time, allowing me to focus on other aspects of the role ... this resource is thoughtfully designed and has strong potential to support both teachers and students, especially those new to Python or Computer Science. I appreciate the detailed specification mapping and challenging tasks, which add real educational value
What do teachers say about this resource? (9833)
Brilliant! ... well-thought through ... It allowed me to set Python homework to those who were struggling ... This is well-worth the money
This resource provides a well-structured set of 10 Python exercises geared towards reinforcing essential programming concepts for GCSE Computer Science students. The exercises cover a range of topics, from basic syntax and data types to more complex concepts such as loops, functions, and file handling. Each exercise is thoughtfully crafted, starting with clear instructions and helpful hints that guide students through the steps without giving away the solution ... A particularly strong point is the progressive difficulty across the exercises, allowing students to build confidence with each task. Early exercises focus on fundamental skills like variables, arithmetic operations, and conditionals, which are crucial for beginners. As students advance, they encounter more intricate problems that require understanding nested loops, writing custom functions, and managing data files. This variety ensures that students remain engaged while reinforcing both theoretical understanding and practical application ... Additionally, the resource includes challenge tasks that extend the core exercises, making it suitable not only for students who are consolidating their skills but also for those ready to tackle more complex problems ... This resource enhances students' learning of Python programming by providing a hands-on, structured approach to mastering core concepts. Through progressive exercises, students can reinforce foundational skills, such as using variables and basic operations, while also gradually tackling more complex topics like loops, functions, and file handling. The inclusion of example code and step-by-step tasks helps demystify challenging concepts, allowing students to learn by doing and building confidence as they complete each level. By presenting tasks that mimic real-world problem-solving scenarios, the resource encourages critical thinking and strengthens algorithmic skills, ultimately preparing students for GCSE-level programming and beyond ... The presentation of the exercises is well-organised, with each task presented alongside example code followed by breakdowns into Task A and Task B, each containing multiple subtasks. This layout is highly effective for learning, as it allows students to first understand the concept through a clear example and then gradually apply their understanding through increasingly complex steps ... Starting with an example code snippet allows students to see a working version of the concept, which can be a confidence booster and an essential guide for those less familiar with Python. Task A typically includes foundational questions that reinforce the basics, allowing students to practice and solidify their understanding. Task B then introduces more challenging applications, encouraging students to apply the initial concept in a slightly different or more advanced way, often with additional constraints or new requirements ... The subtasks within each main task are an excellent addition as well. They break down complex problems into manageable chunks, which helps prevent students from feeling overwhelmed. Each subtask serves as a stepping stone toward completing the main task, keeping students engaged and ensuring they build up their skills incrementally. Overall, this structure supports varied learning styles, guiding students through each level of difficulty in a logical and structured way ... This resource aligns well with the J277 OCR specification for GCSE Computer Science, covering key programming topics like data types, selection, iteration, and functions—all of which are essential components of the curriculum. The exercises ensure that students practice these skills through hands-on coding tasks, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge directly, as specified by the J277 requirement for practical programming experience. Additionally, the inclusion of file handling and problem-solving exercises helps prepare students for OCR's focus on real-world applications and algorithmic thinking, making this a comprehensive tool for meeting specification standards ... I really like this resource ... an excellent tool for GCSE students. Its clear structure, combined with the incremental difficulty of exercises, provides a balanced approach to learning Python and prepares students effectively for exam-style questions