This term, Rugby School Japan (RSJ) has given students in years 7, 8, and 9 the exciting opportunity to explore the world of programming through two dedicated Python workshops. The initiative, designed to develop both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities, ensures that every student has a chance to learn Python, one of the most popular and versatile programming languages in the world.
The workshops kicked off with the classic “Hello, World!” program, a rite of passage for budding programmers. Students began with an introduction to Python, covering its practical applications in the real world, before heading into the Computer Science Labs to apply their newfound knowledge. During the first session, pupils were introduced to Python’s Input function, using it creatively to generate personalized stories based on user input. They also built programs that calculated a user’s age in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, and months, derived from their date of birth. The students were also introduced to conditional statements (selection), which enabled them to create programs that could make decisions based on user input.
The second workshop session built upon these foundations, reinforcing earlier concepts while introducing new ones, such as iteration (loops) and lists. This session culminated in a project where students showcased their growing proficiency in Python.
Beyond its fun and engaging nature, Python is an incredibly practical language. It is widely used by major tech companies like Google, NASA, Spotify, and Netflix, and is a staple at universities and research institutions. As such, the skills developed in these workshops have the potential to open doors to future opportunities in technology and beyond.
The ultimate goal of the workshops is to empower students to become creators and innovators in the digital age, rather than just consumers of technology. By learning to code, RSJ students are gaining the skills needed to shape the future and contribute to the ever-evolving world of technology.
