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Spark · Builders Primary–secondary · real code

The Spark · Builders curriculum

Typing code instead of dragging blocks unlocks real power. Builders learn Python and the web from the ground up — writing programs from a blank file and understanding every line they run.

6 units225 guided hours3 terms · one school yearCambridge Level 2 (foundation–intermediate)
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The course at a glance

6 units · 225 guided hours

The full curriculum, top to bottom. Tap any unit to open its detailed record.

Built from first principles

Reasoning before tools, evidence before opinion

Typing code instead of dragging blocks unlocks real power. Builders learn Python and the web from the ground up — writing programs from a blank file and understanding every line they run.

  1. Problem
  2. Understanding
  3. Reasoning
  4. Design
  5. Implementation
  6. Testing
  7. Reflection
  8. Improvement

Every unit runs the loop, then goes round again — deeper each time.

7 CBE core competencies

Assessed across every unit, not taught as an add-on.

Communication & collaborationCritical thinking & problem solvingCreativity & imaginationCitizenshipDigital literacyLearning to learnSelf-efficacy

Values

Threaded through projects and peer review.

IntegrityResponsibilityRespectExcellenceUnityPatriotism

Pertinent & contemporary issues

Deliberately built into the briefs learners tackle.

Digital citizenship & online safetyData protection & privacyAI ethics, bias & fairnessEnvironmental sustainability (compute cost)Financial literacy & entrepreneurshipInclusion & accessibilityMental well-being & healthy screen habitsCareer & life skills
The units

6 units · 225 guided learning hours

Open any unit for its full record — learning outcomes, assessment criteria, competencies and grading.

Strand: Text programming foundations 35 GLH Weeks 1–5 Portfolio + exam

Key inquiry: “Why do professionals type code instead of dragging blocks — and what does that unlock?”

You ship: A first typed Python program, run and shared, that does something a block project could not.

LO1 · First Python

  • Write and run a real Python program
  • Use print and input to talk to the user

LO2 · Read errors

  • Read an error message
  • Correct the code behind it
Core competencies (CBE)
Digital literacyLearning to learnCritical thinking & problem solving
PCIs addressed
Data protection & privacyCareer & life skills
Hands-on practice
  • Turn a block idea into typed Python and compare them.
  • Write a greeting program that responds to your name.
  • Read an error message out loud and fix it together.
Unit grading (Cambridge · Pass / Merit / Distinction)
Pass

Writes and runs a short program with help.

Merit

Uses input/output and fixes errors independently.

Distinction

Ships a small program that clearly beats the block version.

What you walk away with

A portfolio of 6 real, shipped artefacts

Not certificates — working things you built. Every unit ends in a real artefact you own, assessed to standard and ready to show a school, an employer, or an investor.

Unit 1 · Level 2

A first typed Python program, run and shared, that does something a block project could not.

Unit 2 · Level 2

A useful Python program — a quiz or calculator — using variables, loops and choices.

Unit 3 · Level 2

A number or word game that works, with a short note on the bugs you found and fixed.

Unit 4 · Level 2

A Python game with rules, a score and a clear win condition, shared with the class.

Unit 5 · Level 2

A published personal website with a live URL you can share.

Unit 6 · Level 2

A working everyday tool — like a homework timer — shipped and demoed.

Assessment

One rubric, aligned across CBE and Cambridge

CBE performance levels and Cambridge grades describe the same evidence — a working artefact and the reasoning behind it.

CBE levelCambridge gradeWhat the evidence shows
Below expectationNot yet PassCannot yet demonstrate the outcome unaided; work is incomplete or does not run. Needs re-teaching and another attempt.
Approaching expectationPassMeets every assessment criterion with guidance. The artefact works for the happy path and the learner can explain what it does.
Meeting expectationMeritMeets all criteria independently, handles edge cases, evaluates the result, and justifies design decisions from first principles.
Exceeding expectationDistinctionShips a production-grade artefact to real users, critiques trade-offs (cost, latency, safety), and extends beyond the brief with original work.
Read the full document (print / PDF)

The complete curriculum in one printable, saveable document.

Follow it through with a mentor in your corner

Every unit ends in a real artefact — assessed to standard and added to your portfolio.

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