Python projects

Everything in one place: Helping beginners code with confidence with the Code Editor

We’ve been introducing a new way for creators to work on Code Club projects — one that keeps everything in one place, with no switching between tabs.

We’re building our Code Editor into Code Club projects, starting with Python, with more projects on the way. This free, online tool lets young people open a project and start coding straight away in their web browser.

We’ve designed our editor for learning — it provides a friendly environment with helpful features like syntax highlighting and error checking, so learners can focus on understanding their code as they write and run Python.

Screenshot of a coding project interface titled 'Python wild - Hop the frog', showing instructions to draw a frog using code on the left and a visual output of a lily pad in water on the right, with a green background.

Instructions and code, side by side

With our Code Editor, creators can see the project instructions and code side by side, which means:

  • No switching between tabs
  • No printing instructions
  • No split screens
  • Shorter instructions
  • Easier for creators to debug their code 

“The built-in Code Editor is a big hit. Having the instructions, code, and output all on one page is incredibly helpful — creators can see everything at once.”  – Tom Lund, Bootham School Code Club

New: Try our latest Python projects in our Code Editor

If you’re curious about what this looks like in practice, try running one of our new Python Bytes or Python Wild projects, all designed to run entirely in our Code Editor. They’re a simple way to see how having everything in one place helps learners stay focused and progress through projects.

A focused young boy working on a laptop, surrounded by other computers, with digital icons representing technology and creativity above him.

Python Bytes uses three playful, food-themed projects to make text editing approachable. Creators invent over-the-top dishes in Disgusting dishes, write a humorous shopping list in Gross groceries, and then subtly sabotage instructions in Recipe wreckers.

Python Wild brings a selection of wildlife to the screen while introducing graphics with Python. Creators draw an insect in Dot the bug, animate a slithering character in Wiggle the snake, and finish with a bouncy amphibian in Hop the frog.

“As we wrote these projects for the Code Editor, our aim was simple: remove the friction that can slow beginners down. When everything’s in one place, creators can try ideas quickly, recover from mistakes, and make progress with far more confidence.” – Marc Scott, Learning Team

What about saving creators’ work?

Creators can save their work to their Raspberry Pi Foundation account as they progress. Young people under the age of 13 will need permission from a parent or guardian to set up a Raspberry Pi Foundation account — we have a printable parental permission letter that you can share to make this easier.

What’s next for our Code Editor 

There’s more to come! We’re updating some of your long-time favourite projects for the new editor, alongside plenty of brand-new activities for creators to explore. Watch this space! 

Open and code instantly with our Code Editor: explore our Python Bytes and Python Wild beginner projects with your Code Club.

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.