Computer Education

AP Computer Science A is an introductory course in computer science. The major theme of the course is problem solving.

Students will develop computational thinking vital for success across all disciplines, such as using computational tools to analyze and study data and working with large data sets to analyze, visualize, and draw conclusions from trends.

The aims describe the purposes of a course based on this syllabus. The aims are to enable students to: • develop a broad range of IT skills • develop an understanding of the parts, use and applications of IT systems within a range of organisations, including the use of networking technology • develop an understanding of how IT systems affect society in general • develop a broad knowledge of the use of IT in workplace situations and the potential risks • develop an understanding of the system life cycle and apply this understanding to workplace situations • develop an understanding of project management skills • be aware of new and emerging technologies • apply their knowledge and understanding of IT to solve problems.

The aims of this course are to enable students to develop: • computational thinking skills • an understanding of the main principles of solving problems using computers • an understanding of the component parts of computer systems and how they interrelate, including software, data, hardware, communication and people • an understanding of the different methods of communication and the functionality of networks and the internet • the skills necessary to apply this understanding to develop computer based solutions to problems.

Computer Science Discoveries introduces students to computer science as a vehicle for problem solving, communication, and personal expression. The course focuses on the visible aspects of computing and computer science and encourages students to see where computer science exists around them and how they can engage with it as a tool for exploration and expression. Centering on the immediately observable and personally applicable elements of computer science, the course asks students to look outward and explore the impact of computer science on society. Students should see how a thorough student-centered design process produces a better application, how data is used to address problems that affect large numbers of people, and how physical computing with circuit boards allows computers to collect, input and return output in a variety of ways.

The IB Computer Science course is a rigorous and practical problem-solving discipline. This course requires an understanding of the fundamental concepts of computational thinking as well as knowledge of how computer and other digital devices operate. During this course, students will develop the skills/ability needed to identify a problem or unanswered question(s); design, prototype and test a proposed solution; liaise with clients to evaluate the success of the proposed solution and make recommendations for future developments.

Digital society is an interdisciplinary course within the individuals and societies subject group. The course is designed for young people interested in exploring the impact and importance of digital systems and technologies in the contemporary world. Digital society is intended to appeal to a broad range of teachers in the social studies, media, humanities, IT and related subject areas. The course integrates concepts, content and contexts through inquiry. • Concepts such as expression, space and identity highlight powerful, pervasive and debatable perspectives that provide insight for inquiry. • Content informs inquiry with details about digital systems including areas related to data, algorithms, media, AI, robotics and more. • Contexts situate inquiry into areas significant to life in digital society including social, cultural and environmental contexts. In addition, HL students consider important contemporary challenges and digital interventions. The course aims support standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) students on their inquiry journey as they: • Focus inquiry using course concepts, content and contexts as well as real-world examples • Explore diverse sources relevant to digital society • Investigate impacts and implications of digital systems for people and communities • Reflect on emerging trends, future developments and further insights • Share discoveries about digital society with others