Python

**Introduction** Python is a high level programming language with a syntax very similar to written English. Because of this, and the wide variety of resources on it available, it makes it an ideal language to teach in VCE Information Systems. It is listed as an approved programming language for this subject (http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/correspondence/bulletins/2010/June/vce_study.html#4).

**Why Python?** Python provides a great introduction to programming for people who have no prior programming experiences. There are a number of reasons for this: Finally, Python does what the course aims to do, that is, teach the basics of programming such as variables, program flow, input, output, etc., without burdening the student with irrelevant low level considerations such as including headers and compiling.
 * Easy syntax. Not as strict or complex as languages such as C++ or Java,
 * Easier to understand by just reading, similar to pseudo-code.
 * There are a lot of resources available online for learning Python, especially in relation to new programmers. ([])
 * Easier to debug. This is especially important for those with no programming experience.

**Resources** Because Python is commonly used as an introductory programming language, there are a lot of resource available which are aimed at people who have never programmed before.
 * One of the best places to find resources on anything to do with Python is official website, specifically the documentation section - []
 * Resources related specifically to teaching Python to High School students is also available, such as:
 * [] - This site contains a lot of information, ranging from programming basics such as number systems used in computing, all the way through to tips on how to teach Python.
 * [] - Resources from the Python wiki, specifically aimed at people who have not programmed before.
 * [] - A course to teach programming to middle year students, includes a lot of worksheets covering many topics.