Computing

Computing Studies Faculty courses offered are:

Information & Software Technology (IST) for Years 9 & 10
Information Processes & Technology (IPT) for Years 11 & 12
Software Design & Development (SDD) for Years 11 & 12

Individual and group tasks, performed over a range of projects, enable these courses to deliver the relevant knowledge and skills needed by students. Development of technology skills and information about career opportunities within this area are important aspects of the courses.

Information Processes and Technology

The Information Processes and Technology Course is a computing subject with a focus on information systems. The Preliminary Course covers four areas including an introduction, tools for information processes, and developing information systems. The HSC course has 3 compulsory topics, project management, information systems and databases and communication systems. The four option topics for the HSC include transaction processing systems, decision support systems, automated manufacturing systems and multimedia systems.

Students enrolling in this course will investigate and design web sites, databases, multimedia presentations, digital graphics using Photoshop and create Flash presentations. The skills they develop will provide them with a valuable insight, equipping them well for the ever changing, technology driven society that we live in.

The area of information systems has provided major jobs growth for both women and men in recent years.

"The study of Information Processes and Technology provides students with the knowledge, understanding and skills that form a valuable foundation for a range of courses at university and other tertiary institutions".

Software Design and Development

This subject is a computer based subject with a focus on programming and software development. The subject provides students with a systematic approach to problem-solving, an opportunity to be creative, excellent career prospects and interesting content.

In the preliminary course, topics introduced include:

Concepts and issues in the design and development of software
Introduction to software development
Developing software solutions

In the HSC course topics covered include:

Software development cycle
Development and impact of software solutions
Developing a solution package

What this course is about…

"Software Design and Development refers to the creativity, knowledge, values and communication skills required to develop computer programs."

Students enrolling in this course will investigate and design software using a range or programming languages including Visual Basic, C++, Pascal, Prolog and Scheme.

Students will also make use of graphics and animation programs such as Photoshop and Flash.

Information and Software Technology

Participation in Information and Software Technology in Years 7–10 appeals to students through practical activities and their enjoyment of learning about and using computers.

As a result of studying this course, students will be equipped to make appropriate use of and informed choices about information and software technology both at a personal level and in the workplace.

Students will be prepared for future developments and directions in the exciting and challenging field of information and software technology.

Information and Software Technology Years 7–10 is a course in which diverse aspects of a students' prior knowledge and skills can be brought together.

Students will be given opportunities to build on information and communication technology (ICT) skills, when using and integrating application programs and hardware devices throughout the course.

Through approaches such as modelling and prototyping, and other student-centred activities, students will develop knowledge and understanding of both practical and theoretical concepts of the course.

Specific practical projects include: