Computing studies courses.
Software design and development
The preliminary course introduces students to the basic concepts of computer design and development. It does this by looking at different ways in which software can be developed, the tools that can be used to assist in this process and by considering the interaction between software and the other components of the computer system. The HSC course builds on the Preliminary course and asks students to develop and document software using a variety of data structures and language facilities. Through this, they will learn to solve a number of interesting and relevant software problems.
Information processes and technology
Information processes and technology is the study of computer-based information systems. It focuses on information processes performed by these systems and the information technology that allows them to take place. Social, ethical and non-computer procedures resulting from the processes are considered. Different types of information systems are studied. Through project work, students will create their own information system to meet an identified need.
Junior computing studies Years 7 - 10
In all aspects of this course, underlying principles are emphasised rather than the idiosyncrasies of any particular illustrative example, whether this be a particular hardware system, software package, operating system or application.
The course should include opportunities for students to transfer classroom experiences to real-world applications. They should use a variety of applications packages, particularly those which have direct transferability to use in the wider community. They should solve problems and experience the use of computer-based systems which go beyond classroom use. An important aspect of the course is the study of the effects of using the computer-based system on the human and social environment.
Students will appreciate the consequences of adopting a particular solution to each problem and hence be better placed to make responsible decisions when faced with future technological change. The content areas addressed have been listed under the headings of 'core' and a number of 'themes'. The core contains those elements of content which are considered to be common to all of the computer-based systems characterising one of the variety of ways in which computers are used by people to solve problems. The material included in the core, and at least four themes must be taught. All themes are of equal importance and time should be allocated fairly uniformly across the themes selected for study.
Core: systems, computer systems, hardware, software, data and information, people, computer solutions.
Themes: information systems, communication systems, graphic systems, modelling and simulation systems, monitoring and control systems, intelligent systems.
Time should be allocated: 40% to the core, and 60% to at least FOUR themes.
Senior computing studies Years 11 and 12
Information processes and technology
Software design and development