courseDescription

Grades: 10 – 12
Elective
Credits: 1
Duration: 1 year
Prerequisite Course : None, but Computer Technology or equivalent knowledge is helpful
Leads to: Good preparation for IBDP Computer Science

The course emphasizes programming as the primary computer tool, and graphics as the primary application area.

Students learn to write programs in Java - for example, an animated video game, an educational quiz program, and a graphical screen-saver. They may also use Javascript to animate web-pages. They also learn to use some basic image manipulation tools such as GIMP and Inkscape, a Flash animation tool, and video editing software - but most work involves programming.

Students need to bring a laptop computer to class, with an appropriate selection of software as prescribed by the school. They may also need to install further software during the course.

Students develop and improve their ability to think clearly and logically. They learn to organize and analyze their own thinking and to express their thoughts as algorithms in a programming language. Many students find that this work improves their understanding of some mathematics topics.

Much of the assessment involves practical programming assignments, completed in class time with ample teacher assistance. However, there are also some written tests covering fundamental concepts and vocabulary.

This course is appropriate for students who already have a good set of basic IT skills and are interested in learning something more technical, as well as students who want a good preparation for IB Computer Science.