Information and Communication Technology

The curricular competency of Applied Design will be central to these courses.

A variety of assessment methods to support sound instructional design with be used.

Information and Communication Technology 9

ICT 9 covers a wide range of material and acts as a taster for the more focused streams in grades 10 and 11.  Whether you are new to computers or more experienced, this course has something for everybody. The material includes: game design, digital citizenship and governance, basic and advanced computing techniques, digital editing for film and photos, basic programming, building computers, 3D printing, and virtual reality technology. This course can also be taken by grade 10s and is recommended before entering any advanced computing classes. Assessment is based on self-directed projects where students are encouraged to be creative in their work, and graded by their proficiency in using various programs.

Computer Studies 10

Recommended Prerequisite: Information and Computer Technology 9

This course is offered to anyone in grades 10, 11, or 12 interested in exploring IT as a career. Students will learn basic graphic design, create their own logos, build a website using HTML and CSS, use web editors to build their own homepage, obtain digital certifications, perform basic accounting, and learn how to use Javascript to develop their own phone apps and games.  Assessment is based on self-directed projects where students are encouraged to be creative in their work, and graded by their proficiency in using various programs. It is recommended that students take ICT 10 before Programming 11 if they have never programmed before.

Game Design and Animation 10

Recommended Prerequisite: Information and Computer Technology 9

This course is a combination of digital media and game design in which students will explore how video and board games work, study 3D modelling, environments, and animation, and work towards developing and programming their own video games. Skills developed will include an understanding of polygon modelling, rendering, texturing, lighting, basic coding, and an awareness of the core principles of game design.

Computer Programming 11

Recommended Prerequisite: Information and Communication Technology 9, strong math skills

This course is an introduction to those interested in computer programming.  Although this class requires no previous programming experience, students are expected to have experience with working with computers and have a strong math background.  Students will be introduced to various programming techniques and learn the core logic behind computer programming.  Possible computer languages include C#, Python, HTML, CSS, PHP, Visual Basic, and Assembly Language.

Computer Programming 12

Recommended Prerequisite: Computer Programming 11, strong math skills

This course is intended for those students who have completed Programming 11 and are looking to take their programming skills to the next level by pursuing advanced techniques and analysis of their code.  Projects may include game programming, artificial intelligence, pathfinding, code analysis, and more.

Video Game Creation 11/12

Recommended Prerequisite: Strongly recommended: Virtual Environments and Game Design 10, strong math and/or programming skills.

This course allows the student to experience what it is like to work in a game design studio.  Utilizing skills developed in Virtual Environments and Game Design 10, students will work in teams to develop their own video games from the ground up using the Unity Game Engine and the C# programming language.  In addition, students will get to explore and use a range of secondary skills, such as digital art, music, and storytelling to further enhance their designs.