Computing Studies

computing studies students Computer based technology is an integral part of contemporary society. This is reflected in daily activities carried out in contexts such as the workplace, education, entertainment, recreation and the home. In this course, students will participate in hands-on activities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding related to information and communication technologies so that they can participate confidently in these environments.

Faculty Aims/Objectives:

  • Students develop strong technical skills and knowledge and understanding in the computing field
  • Students develop problem solving ability and skills to innovatively use technology
  • Students develop a high level of literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills
  • Students use technology resources ethically and understand the relevance of technology in the modern world

21st Century Learning

Education in the 21st century is a high stakes enterprise. Our students compete on a global stage and they need new skills to prepare them for further study and jobs � many of which have not yet been created. They need skills we call the 4Cs: creativity, communication, collaboration and critical thinking.

The rate of change in technology and in society is so rapid that to prepare young people to live, work and be successful in the 21st century, they will need the ability to think both creatively and critically, problem-solve and work collaboratively.

The computing faculty delivers a range of innovative learning and teaching programs which prepare students for the demands of a global environment where knowledge and skills are the new global currency.

There is an emphasis on project work in line with the requirements of the stage 5 and 6 syllabi. The majority of assessment tasks are projects which run over several weeks. Students are required to develop systems which address specified needs and to manage resources and scheduling using structures commonly used in the information technology industry.

BYOD Policy

(Bring Your Own Device)

The computing faculty is strongly committed to the Kogarah High School BYOD policy. Students are encouraged to bring their own devices. Computing studies students also have access to computing labs where desktop computers are provided. More information about the Kogarah High School BYOD policy is available here.

Faculty Structure:

Stage 5 Courses:

Information and Software Technology (IST)
(Years 9 and 10)

Information and Software Technology is available as an elective subject for students in years 9 and 10. The study of Information and Software Technology assists students to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to solve problems in real life contexts. Through experiential and collaborative tasks, students engage in processes of analysing, designing, producing, testing, documenting, implementing and evaluating information and software technology-based solutions. Creative, critical and meta-cognitive thinking skills are developed through students' practical involvement in projects.

Vertical interest based electives  (Years 9 and 10)

Multimedia

Students learn practical skills in the areas of image editing, video editing, audio recording and animation.

App Development

Students learn practical skills in programming a range of mobile applications.

Audio Recording

Students are given access to a recording studio and learn a range of recording, mixing and compiling skills.

Stage 6 Courses:

Information Processes and Technology (IPT)

Preliminary course , HSC Course

The Information Processes and Technology Stage 6 course, teaches students about information based systems. It covers the processes of collecting, organising, analysing, storing and retrieving, processing, transmitting and receiving, and displaying, as well as the technologies that support them. With this background, students will be well placed to adapt to new technologies as they emerge.

Through this course, students will gain a good working knowledge of:

  • the key concepts of data, information and systems
  • the interactive nature of effective information-based systems
  • available and emerging information technologies
  • the social and ethical issues associated with the use of information technology and information systems, such as equity and access, privacy, freedom of information and copyright
  • the communication, personal and team skills necessary to ensure that an information systems solution is appropriate for the needs of the users
  • related issues such as project management, documentation and user interfaces.

Information systems and the role they play in society have increased in significance in recent years. The area of information systems has provided major jobs growth for both women and men in recent years. Moreover, fields which have not traditionally been associated with computers � but in which processing information is a vital function � are emerging as exciting new areas of employment. These include music, the arts, science and technology as well as new and fast growing industries that use multimedia.

Software Design and Development (SDD)

Preliminary course , HSC Course

For the purposes of the Software Design and Development Stage 6 Syllabus, software design and development refers to the creativity, knowledge, values and communication skills required to develop computer programs. The subject provides students with a systematic approach to problem solving, an opportunity to be creative, excellent career prospects and interesting content.

While a variety of computer applications are used in this subject, they are not the primary focus. The focus of this subject is the development of computer-based solutions that require the design of computer software. There are many different approaches that can be taken to develop software. An understanding of these and the situations in which they are applied is essential in software development. So too is an understanding of how hardware and software are interrelated and need each other to function. In order to develop solutions that meet the needs of those who will use them, communication, personal and team skills are required by the developers. Together, these considerations provide the basis for the course.

Computing Applications (non ATAR)

Content Endorsed Course
Preliminary course, HSC Course

Computing Applications in Stage 6 has a role as a discrete subject for students who have had limited exposure to computers throughout their K�10 schooling. For some students this will be limited to the mandatory core of 50 hours computing in the Years 7�10 Design and Technology syllabus. Other mature age or overseas students may be entering school without a significant background in this area. It is these students for which the course is primarily described. In most cases, students who have studied the 7�10 Computing Studies elective in Years 9/10 will be more suited to one or more of the three new computing courses (Information Processes and Technology, Software Design and Development, and the Information Technology Framework) for their HSC.

Computer-based technology is an integral part of contemporary society. This is reflected in daily activities carried out in contexts such as the workplace, education, entertainment, recreation and the home. In this course, students will participate in hands-on activities to develop skills, knowledge and understanding related to information and communication technologies so that they can participate confidently in these environments.

Student Requirements:

  • Up to date login information for the school network and internet access
  • A USB drive to back up and transport project work to and from school

Homework and Assessment:

Students are set homework after each Computing Studies lesson. Assessment is based on a project work approach where students work through a series of related activities. There is an emphasis on project management, scheduling and problem solving skills.

Extracurricular Activities:

Students are encouraged to participate in the Australia Computing Competition (ICAS)

Workshops offered by the University of Sydney, the University of New South Wales and the University of Technology Sydney

Curriculum Links:

  • Information and Software Technology stage 5 syllabus
    http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_sc/info-software-technology.html
  • Information Processes and Technology Stage 6 syllabus
    http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/ipt.html
  • Software Design and Development Stage 6 syllabus
    http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/software-design-development.html
  • Computing Applications Stage 6 syllabus
    http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_hsc/computing-applications.html 
  • NSW HSC Online: Information Processes and Technology
    http://hsc.csu.edu.au/ipt/
  • NSW HSC Online: Software Design and Development
    http://hsc.csu.edu.au/sdd/