Re:python (Score 1)

Yes,

with python they will get an easy to learn OO language with clean and expressive syntax.
And with an extensive standard library and 3rd party resources for whatever you could think of.

An OO course could concentrate on OO and not bother with language issues, the students will enjoy an easy learning curve.

But after that, it may be difficult to convince them to use Java or C++ because they will experience much lower productivity with these.