Grade: Rising 6th - 9th grades

Date: Aug. 5 to Aug. 8, 2024

Meets: Monday through Thursday, 9 AM to 12 PM

Cost: $470 early bird pricing; $495 after March 31

Instructor: Tony Pound

Course Description

In the Introduction to Programming in Python course you will learn how to correctly use data types and variables to store data. You will also explore how to manipulate strings and use conditional statements effectively. The course will then cover While and For loops, based around the development of an advanced number guessing game. The course will then cover functions, lists and file handling, through the development of a trivia challenge game. Finally, you will have the opportunity to create a game of your choice using the Pygame library and gain exposure to object oriented programming and building graphical user interfaces. Throughout the course, you will learn the value of the iterative process of debugging, testing and refining your work. 

Instructor Bio

Tony has been teaching computer science at The Branson School since August 2016. He currently teaches classes in web design, Java, Arduino, Python and iOS mobile application development. He holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Psychology and Computing from the University of Plymouth and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Bath. Tony previously worked for a leading cellphone company in England as a software developer and team leader from 1998 to 2005 prior to becoming a computer science teacher. He was chair of computer science at Priory Community School in North Somerset, England from 2006 to 2015. Tony lives in San Francisco with his wife and new son and enjoys cycling, golf and snowboarding.