Course Rationale

Pathways and purpose

This course is an exploration of the role of computer scientists as developers; not only as problem-solvers or those who provide computer-based solutions, but as those who have the power and responsibility to shape the world and for all that lives on it.

The UWCSEA Computing for Change course provides the opportunity for students to examine the role of computing, computer scientists, programmers and developers that provide computer-based solutions; and not solely creating software. Students will come to understand that there is a great responsibility that rests on the shoulders of computer science and computer scientists. Although perfect solutions are not possible, we hope that students will recognise that sustainability is, to put it crudely, more than farming, solar panels and planting trees. Computer scientists have an important role in working towards a more peaceful and sustainable future for humanity and the planet.

Enquiries to Darren Benson djb@uwcsea.edu.sg 

Course Aims

• Develop an understanding of the responsibility that programmers and developers have in using their power to influence and shape the world

• Understand that decisions must be justified objectively

• Through solving real-world problems, develop an understanding that the field of computer science does not exist in isolation of other fields of study

• Design, model and implement responsible solutions to local and global problems

• Acquire, select and apply a body of knowledge, methods, tools, and techniques that characterise computer science

• Develop the skills to work collaboratively, professionally and compassionately with internal and external stakeholders and partners

• Develop a willing, agile and resilient approach to unfamiliar situations, technologies and real-world problems

Successful completion of this course awards students the UWCSEA Computing for Change certificate

Internal assessment

Internal assessment of student attainment in UWCSEA Courses is reflected on students UWCSEA High School Transcript and contributes to the UWCSEA High School Diploma. 

UWCSEA is accredited by both the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Collages (WASC).

• Attainment is reported using the UWCSEA 7-1 attainment grading scale.

• Approaches to learning are reported using the UWCSEA ATLs (Self management, Communication and Collaboration)

Assessment at UWCSEA is holistic and so the attainment grade and ATLs will be based on a range of formative (ongoing) and summative assessment tools. The common summative assessments allow for standardisation.

Assessment in Computing for Change is on-going and takes various forms, including: 

• Project Work, at selected points in the course

  • including a demonstration of knowledge, analysis and independent research

• Written Assessment, at selected points in the course

  • Generally, these are short in nature and do not include lengthy written prose

• Presentations and collaborative work

More information on UWCSEA Assessment Principles can be found here.

More information highlighting the similarities and differences of assessment in UWCSEA courses and IGCSE's can be found here.