← Python

OOP – Classes & Objects

A class is a blueprint that defines structure and behaviour; an object is one instance created from that blueprint

Part of: Python Coding — Module 49, VCE Software Development - U3O1 - Programming — Module 131, VCE Software Development - U4O1 - development and evaluation — Module 69, 9-10 Digital Technologies: Object-oriented programming, debugging and testing — Module 1, VCE Applied Computing U1O2 Programming: Object-oriented programming — Module 1, ACARA Digital Technologies Years 9–10 — Modular and Object-Oriented Programming (Python) — Module 43, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 1 — Algorithms and Programming Techniques — Module 85, QCE Digital Solutions Unit 3 — Interactions Between Users, Data and Digital Systems — Module 61

Understanding OOP – Classes & Objects in Python

What it does: A class is a blueprint that defines the structure of a group of objects — what data they hold and what they can do. An object (also called an instance) is a specific thing created from that class, using the class's name like a function: Dog('Rex'). Inside a class's methods, self refers to the particular object the method is being called on, which is how each object keeps its own separate data.

Common mistakes: class must be written lowercase — Class Dog: is invalid Python, even though it looks like a small typo. Forgetting self as the first parameter of a method is another common early mistake, since Python doesn't add it automatically.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

🖨 Print worksheet + answer key Add OOP – Classes & Objects to a class →

This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 41–50) and word search (Modules 41–63).

Take this worksheet further — free with Cloodit

Each concept is reinforced from every angle — learned, then applied, then tested.

Learning
Duo
What is a class?
A blueprint for creating objectsA function
Matches
❌ class dog: pass
↓
Error: Class names should be CapWords
Applying
Meanings
Term
Class
Meaning
A blueprint that defines the structure of objects.
Practice
class Dog:
Testing
Gaps
Dog:
Check Answer
Spots
1Class Dog:
2 def __init__(self, name):

Cloodit turns curriculum-aligned coding content into journeys students work through one biome at a time.

The 'Gila Monster' badge — Patient Coder, one of Cloodit's 106 collectible badges
Students earn collectable badges

Over 100 of them, across seven natural biomes.

Study Buddy
Students build a real study resource

Turns their work into revision material ready for Flash Cards and Exam study.

Diamond Dash — one of Cloodit's live, competitive Sprint games
Students lock in with Sprints

Live, competitive practice for the start of the lesson or a teacher-led lesson finisher.

A Cloodit certificate of achievement, ready to personalise and print
Custom printable certificates

Honour your top performers, or encourage a student who's trying hard — ready to print in seconds.

Add to class →

Quick Questions

1. What is a class?
A. A blueprint for creating objects ✓
B. A function
A class defines structure and behaviour — each object built from it follows that blueprint
2. What is an object?
A. A class definition
B. An instance created from a class ✓
The class is the template; an object is one specific thing made from it
3. How do you create an object?
A. my_obj = ClassName() ✓
B. def ClassName():
Call the class like a function — it returns a new instance
4. What does 'self' refer to?
A. The current object instance ✓
B. The class itself
self is how a method refers to the specific object it was called on
5. class Dog:\n pass\ndog = Dog()\nWhat is dog?
A. The Dog class
B. An instance of the Dog class ✓
Dog() creates an instance — dog is the object, Dog is the class

Match the Pairs

class dog: pass → Error: Class names should be CapWords
class Dog pass → Error: Missing colon after class name
class Dog: pass d = Dog() → Valid: Class defined and instance created
class Car: pass a = Car() b = Car() → Ok: Two separate objects
class Dog: pass d = Dog() print(type(d)) → Output: <class '__main__.Dog'>
class Cat: pass c = Cat() c.name = 'Mia' print(c.name) → Output: Mia

Key Term

Class
A blueprint that defines the structure of objects.~~Object

Fill in the Blanks

1. class Dog: pass
2. class Dog: pass my_dog = Dog()
3. p = Person() p.name = 'Alice'
4. class Car: pass
5. print(type(my_dog))

Spot the Error

Question 1
A Class Dog:
B def __init__(self, name):
C self.name = name
D def bark(self):
E return 'Woof!'
Line A — class must be lowercase: Class is not valid Python
Question 2
A class dog:
B def __init__(self, name):
C self.name = name
D def bark(self):
E return 'Woof!'
Line A — Class names should use CamelCase: Dog not dog
Question 3
A class Dog
B def __init__(self, name):
C self.name = name
D def bark(self):
E return 'Woof!'
Line A — Missing colon after the class name
Question 4
A class Dog():
B pass
C
D my_dog = Dog
Line D — Missing parentheses: Dog() creates an object, Dog is the class itself
Question 5
A def Dog:
B def __init__(self, name):
C self.name = name
D def bark(self):
E return 'Woof!'
Line A — Use class to define a class, not def (def is for functions)

Student with a class code? Join your class →