Four Python projects for your Code Club to try! 

We asked the Code Club team and friends to share their favourite Python projects and why you should give them a go in your club. There is a perfect project for everyone, from beginners to more experienced coders.

A young girl looking at a laptop, with an adult kneeling beside her.

Why Python? 

Python is the perfect next step from the block-based programme language, Scratch. It has a simple and easy-to-learn syntax (the structure of statements in a computer language), it is user-friendly and readable and is used by software developers across the world — which makes it perfect for Code Club members to explore! 

To get your Code Club members started with Python, all you need is a computer or mobile device and Trinket which lets you run and write code. You’re then ready to dive into our Python projects. 

Moving on from Scratch to Python 

‘Target practice’ is the second project in our ‘Introduction to Python: Variables, functions, and loops’ project path and provides a great starting point for getting stuck into learning Python. 

“One of my favourite Scratch projects within my code club has always been archery. To have a Python project that replicates that using text-based code is an excellent way for the attendees of my club to make the transition from block-based coding.”

Darren Bayliss, Seir Kieran Code Club and Kinnitty National School, Ireland

An arrow is being fired at a moving target circle.

Be still my beating heart! 

Getting that “Aha!” moment can really encourage a young person to explore Python further. 
Learn more about getting started with MicroPython, a Raspberry Pi Pico, and the ‘Beating heart’ project.

“This was my first project using a Raspberry Pi Pico and MicroPython, and I had a real sense of achievement when I made the LED light up! This is a great way to show the ‘real world’ impact of your code, and a fun way to continue your Raspberry Pi Pico progress.”

Isabel Ronaldson, Global Programme Coordinator

A heart illustration with an LED in the middle

Make a face and share it with the world! 

Experimentation is an important part of learning, which is why ‘Make a face’ is the perfect project to get creative with code and discover how you can use Python to explore generative arts. 

“I love the way you can make art with code in this creative project! It’s a great way to understand the design process, as well as showing how code can be super creative. Every project creates a completely unique coded face, which young people could enter to the Coolest Projects showcase, to share their creativity with the world!”

Helen Gardner, Coolest Projects Manager 

Frida Kahlo using geometric shapes

Creating secure passwords 

Initiating online safety discussions with your Code Club is important, so try using the Python project ‘Password generator’ as a conversation starter! 

“All the children in my club understand the importance of a strong password, but quickly run out of inspiration for creating them. They really understand the use of this project! I like it because it is easily simplified or split into sections for different pupils or times available.”

Tamasin Greenough Graham, St Paul’s C of E Primary School, England

An illustration of a laptop with a red cross through it.

Explore our free educational project paths

Whether your Code Club is just starting out with Python or is looking to explore other coding languages, we have something for you. 

You can find all the Code Club classics on our projects webpage or explore the project paths, where coders are guided through new coding and design skills to make things that matter to them. 

Have we missed your favourite Python project off our list? Share it with us on Twitter, using the hashtag #MyCodeClub.

The importance of equity in Code Clubs

The theme for this year’s International Women’s day is equity and how, when we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and inclusion.

Equity is important in Code Club, as it ensures that all children, regardless of their background, have equal access to opportunities and resources they need to learn and succeed in coding.

We’ve spoken to women who are involved in Code Clubs across the globe, to learn more about how they are working towards more equitable access to Code Clubs in their communities

Four girls huddled around two computers facing a wall. The girls are working on a Scratch project.
Club members in India, exploring Scratch

Creating an inclusive learning environment

Having equity in Code Club fosters a more inclusive learning environment, where all children feel valued and supported, leading to increased engagement and motivation to learn, as well as a sense of community and belonging.

In our 2022 annual survey, we learned that the proportion of the total number of young people who attend Code Clubs who are girls is 41.2%. We have work to do, but as a community we are actively looking to increase this.

In India, educator Madhusmita from Handidhua High School in Talcher understands the importance of encouraging girls to attend a Code Club and the positive impact it can have on their future.

Educator, Madusmita International Women's Day quote.“ The girls continuously blow me away, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. These girls will change their future and their entire household's future if they continue to do what they’re doing right now.”

Across the world, Code Clubs are free to access. Each week, when a young coder attends, they have access to our free 3…2…1…Make! path that gives them agency to develop their coding skills and create projects that matter to them. In turn, they will develop important coding skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. These are skills that they will use throughout their life. 

The importance of real role models

Positive role models, like Code Club educators, can help breakdown stereotypes and biases that could hold young coders back.

Role models from diverse backgrounds inspire young coders to pursue their passions and develop their skills. When a young person sees a role model who looks like them, it helps them feel seen, heard, and valued. It also gives them a real sense of belonging.

Kaye, from Code Club Australia, shares her thoughts on the importance of a role model and the learning a young person can gain.

Providing access to coding opportunities

We understand that there is still a digital divide between those who have access to technology and those who don’t. Breaking down this divide is a key mission at Code Club. We know that for young people to succeed in the digital age, we need to provide them with access to the right opportunities.

We’re working on doing this by creating a learning environment where coders can explore computing and are able to build skills, increase their digital literacy, embrace creativity, and spend time with real role models.

Code Club educator Fiona Lindsay has great aspirations for the young girls who attend her club in Scotland:

“My hopes are that girls will pursue their dreams and use coding as a tool for creation and innovation — not just be users of tech.

For girls to be more confident and feel empowered to be the leaders in the field of coding and have much more representation. For girls to be the drivers and instigators for new ideas and developments in code and to have the opportunities to lead the way for the future.”

A young girl sharing her laptop screen towards the camera. The screen shows a Scratch project.
Young coder, Joanne from Hillside Code Club, Scotland.

There is still lots of work to be done to make computing an equitable space. The research team at the Raspberry Pi Foundation has been exploring how we can encourage more girls to engage with computing through the Gender Balance in Computing (GBIC) programme.

This research will help us to support Code Clubs to give opportunities for everyone to come together and code.

On International Women’s Day, use the hashtag #MyCodeClub and share how you’re working towards making your club an equitable space for all.

Why is it important to cheer on learners’ coding achievements? We’ll tell you!

An important part of Code Club is celebrating learners’ victories — both big and small. 

By recognising the importance of achievements and what they mean to the young person, you can encourage them to further develop life skills such as resilience, independence, self-esteem, respect, and compassion. 

Why is it important?

Acknowledging success and hard work is a vital part of creating a safe learning environment. It creates a positive and supportive atmosphere where young coders can feel confident in their abilities and comfortable making mistakes that they can learn from.

Celebrating the achievements of young coders encourages and motivates them to continue developing their skills and explore other coding interests. It provides recognition for hard work and dedication, and can also be a source of pride that young people can share with their families. 

By highlighting the efforts of your club members, you not only raise the visibility of your Code Club, but you may inspire more young people to join or seek out other coding opportunities in your local area. Celebrating success can also drive your club members to advance their skills further, be confident to learn from others, and help build a community of peers who collaborate and share ideas. 

Where you can acknowledge effort in your club 

Within a Code Club setting there are many different ways that you can recognise the efforts made by young people. These can be big or small, so don’t wait for a huge milestone to be completed. The small successes are just as important too! 

You could positively reinforce activities in your club setting when a young person: 

  • Accomplishes something alone
  • Develops their coding skills 
  • Perseveres when tackling a challenge
  • Completes a task, project, or coding path
  • Shows creativity in their coding
  • Supports a peer to solve a problem
  • Leads by example, e.g. helps you set up and tidy away your club 

There are lots of ways you can then celebrate these efforts or achievements, for example:

  1. Print one of the many cool certificates on your club dashboard and present them in your club or in an achievement assembly 
  1. Run an end-of-term showcase, where learners can show their coding achievements to parents and carers
  1. Write an article for a school newsletter or link into a wider school recognition scheme, like ‘star of the week!’  

Never forget the importance of recognition, what it means to a child and the impact it can have on their development. Share how you mark the milestones in your Code Club by using the hashtag #MyCodeClub on Twitter and Facebook.