Computing

The below units are available for Senior School students interested in studying Computing.

Computing Units
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level D
Level E

Level A

TEA13: Digital Technology

In this introductory Computing unit students gain knowledge of a range of concepts and develop understanding and skills in digital technologies and computational thinking. Students have the opportunity to create a range of digital solutions including: managing data and creating information using spread sheets; storing and retrieving data from databases; creating, mixing and editing digital audio files; using a visual programming interface to build programs from a logical design.

TEA14: Game Lab

Students in this unit are introduced to the fundamentals of programming by building simple games and animations. Students develop an understanding of, and gain skills in computational thinking as they design, construct, debug and evaluate the programs and games they create.

Level B

TEB13: Groovy Graphics

This unit allows students to explore methods of creating and enhancing digital imagery. A variety of hardware and software are introduced to students for the acquisition and manipulation of photographs and other digital images. Students develop knowledge of the differences between vector and raster graphics including the properties of file types produced by a variety of graphics programs. Ethical considerations in the use of these images are explored and students complete the unit with a digital portfolio of their own creations.

TEB15: Lego Robotics

This course looks at all aspects of introductory robotics. Students use the Lego EV3 system together with Mindstorms software to perform a series of challenging tasks. Students learn the mechanics of programming as well as developing an understanding of the use of robotics in society.

Level C

TEC12: Web Site Design

A web presence is ubiquitous for individuals and businesses in today’s society. In this unit students learn the principles of good web design including the need for mobile friendly and interactive web sites. Students are introduced to the concepts and tools required to build a web site including: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, folder structure, file naming conventions, mock- -ups and site maps. Students have the opportunity to design and build their own personal web site and upload it to a remote web server.

TEC15: Code.Com

Steve Jobs, one of the founders of Apple, famously once said “Everybody should learn how to program a computer… because it teaches you how to think”. Coding or computer programming teaches students skills in logical thinking and problem solving, as well as how to build applications for computers and mobile devices. In this unit, students are introduced to a number of different coding languages via interactive online teaching. As part of the unit, students have the opportunity to compete in online coding competitions against other students from around the country.

Level D

TED10: Powerful Programming

Students in this unit learn the basics of computer programming using a number of different languages. By coding simple programs students are introduced to basic programming concepts such as syntax, variables and arrays, data types, control structures and documentation. Students develop skills in applying the three control structures: sequence, selection and iteration to their coded solutions.

TED14: Digital Animation

In this unit, students use software to discover ways in which rich media and animation can improve digital communication. The focus of the unit is building animation skills, understanding how professionals use these skills to strengthen communication with interaction, and using animations to enhance a user’s experience on a web site.

Level E

TEE12: Dynamic Web Sites

The focus of this unit is building advanced web applications using Open Source Software. Students create a development environment for building dynamic web sites with Apache web server, PHP, and MySQL database. The essentials of programming in PHP and linking to a MySQL database are included together with the basics of web application security and uploading completed applications to a remote server. Students also use an Open Source Content Management System to design, develop and evaluate a web site for a client.