Bayridge Computer Specialist Program

What is the BCSP exactly?

Usually, when students get to high school, they get to take a few computer science courses, but that's it. Students at Bayridge SS who are enrolled in the BCSP are involved in computer science enrichment during their entire time as a high school student!

Grade 9 students take a programming course as soon as they enter high school, and they also get an account on an online coding platform to learn coding outside of classes - one that they can use throughout high school. In addition, there are coding competitions, guest speakers, field trips, mentoring opportunities, AP course opportunities, SHSM certifications and much more! In essence, it's a unique experience and a way for students to be engaged in computer science during their entire time in high school!

The BCSP High School Journey

What Happens in Grade 9?

In grade 9, BCSP students must take the TEJ1O course - Introduction to Computer Technology. In this course, they will be introduced to basic computer programming concepts through block coding in Minecraft and Scratch. In addition, they will program tangible devices and understand the relationship between software and hardware.

Outside of class, students will be welcomed as members of the Bayridge Computer Club, meeting Thursdays at lunch to learn more about coding, cybersecurity and other such topics in computer science. During this time (and in their spare time), students will complete online coding courses outside of class using Code Avengers, where they will learn the basics of a popular computer language such as JavaScript or Python. As part of Computers Club, students will also have the opportunity to participate in any workshops or reach-ahead opportunities that may pop up during the year. Students will also start developing their computer science portfolio and they can join other clubs such as Web Design or Cybersecurity Club.

In addition, students will participate in both the Beaver Computing Challenge and optionally the Canadian Computing Competition, both sponsored by the University of Waterloo.

Students will also begin to track their "hours", maintaining a log of things that they have been involved with, that will count towards their BCSP certification.

Minecraft Golf Course

What Happens in Grade 10?

In grade 10, students will take the ICD2O course - Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World. In this course, they will learn about Computer Hardware, Software and Networking before diving into the Java Programming language while doing game programming in Greenfoot.

Students will continue their learning outside of the classroom in Computer Club using Code Avengers, continuing to work through the online modules, and they will again participate in the Beaver Computing Challenge. In grade 10, the Canadian Computing Competition and the Queen's ECOO group programming competition will be mandatory and both of those will require solid knowledge of computer programming.

Also, during the grade 10 year, students will start looking for a computer-related coop placement where they will work with a local organization or business, focusing on some area of computer science. They will need to work for 100 hours (by the end of grade 12) in total to complete their co-op. Some examples include ...

working with a local business to create a customer database
working with Bayridge's own student success department to create a website designed to attract grade 8 students
working with Queen's University in the summer at the Centre for Advanced Computing
taking an online course from an established educational institution, learning about some aspect of computer science not covered in class

There are lots of different ways to fulfil this requirement and students must see Mr. Swaine on an individual basis to discuss plans and ideas.

Eli Parker - Arkanoid (grade 10)

Owen Swaine - Brick Breaker (Clash Royale Themed) (grade 10)

What Happens in Grade 11?

In grade 11, students take the ICS3U course - Introduction to Computer Science. Students will learn about web design and create a full website using HTML/CSS/JS. After that, students will continue to learn the Java programming language, moving to advanced game programming and then to more traditional programming by the end of the school year.

Also in grade 11, the students have the opportunity to write the AP Computer Science Principles exam, which "examines the principles that underlie the science of computing". It is usually written in May and as part of the exam, students must develop a portfolio, do a performance task and then write the exam. Interested students should see Mr. Swaine and/or the good people in student services for more details.

In addition, students will compete in the Canadian Computing Competition, the ECOO Group Computer Challenge and they have the opportunity to enrol in an online cybersecurity course in preparation to participate in the online cybersecurity challenge called "picoCTF", where they will compete as a team.

Lastly, students will begin doing outreach activities where they will run coding sessions with local elementary schools and they will continue their co-op if necessary (until they have their 100 hours).

Jiyeon Park - Puzzle Bobble (gr 11)

Clarke Delaney - Pokemon (gr 11)

What Happens in Grade 12?

In their final year, students have the option to take two grade 12 computer-based courses - the ICS4U (Computer Science) and TEJ4M (Computer Leadership). However, they must take the ICS4U course first, where they will learn about advanced concepts in computer programming. This course takes the students into concepts that will prepare them for university computer science courses and beyond.

The course material of the ICS4U will prepare them for the AP Computer Science A exam which will be written in May. This exam will test students ability to read and write computer code using the Java programming language and students who perform well have the opportunity to earn course equivalencies depending on the university they choose to attend. Whether they take the AP exam or not, students who take the ICS4U course will be very well-prepared for university computer science courses.

Should they choose to take the TEJ4M course (Computer Leadership), students will have the opportunity to take on large-scale projects suited to the interests and passions of the student. The course is designed to be very independent and student assignments are designed to take a large period of time, and may be linked to the community as students will be encouraged to use their computer knowledge to solve a problem or accomplish a useful goal (i.e. create a website for a non-profit organization, create a web-enabled database for a small business). This will allow them to earn their ICE certification (innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship).

Outside of class, grade 12 students will act as leaders in Computer Club, mentoring younger students and leading various activities while continuing their own learning about cybersecurity, coding and more - earning experience and certifications. They will continue with outreach at local elementary schools and they will also continue with their co-op, if needed. As part of their leadership component, they will be involved in organizing the Bayridge Elementary Computer Challenge, the Beaver Computing Challenge (for younger students) and they will continue to participate in the Canadian Computing Competition and the ECOO Group Computer Challenge, held at Queen's University.

Mitch Stevenson
(Top Down Game with AI in Unity - grade 12)

Aydan MacGregor
(Side Scroller in Unity - grade 12)

What Happens Upon Graduation?

When they graduate, students will receive a certificate, endorsed by both Bayridge Secondary School and by the Queen's University School of Computing. This will certify that they have completed all of the mandatory components of the BCSP. However, since different students will have participated to varying degrees (in clubs/reach-ahead experiences/contests and so forth), various levels of certification will be awarded. Depending on the number of hours and/or the types of activities, a student certification will be deemed either "bronze" (the minimum level), "silver", or "gold" (the maximum level). This distinction will be made in consultation with Mr. Swaine, student services and the individual student.

Of course, students will also be EXTREMELY well-prepared for post-secondary computer science courses. After completing the BCSP program, they will know a minimum of 3 different programming languages and have all sorts of other related experiences (i.e. cybersecurity, basic graphic design). No student has ever come back, saying that they were not fully prepared for the next step in their educational journey.

In addition, since students track their experiences (both digitally using the BCSP tracking sheet, and in person with the help of student services), they will have a very impressive portfolio reflecting all of the experiences that they have compiled. This should make their resumes, CVs, and applications stand out in comparison to their peers. Our student services team will be happy to help BCSP students create resumes and cover letters, reflecting their experiences in the BCSP.

Also, because of the various connections students make during their time in the BCSP, working with local organizations and businesses, often students have an inside track on jobs or educational opportunities. For example, students from the BCSP have wound up working summer jobs at Queen's University (in outreach progams or in camps for kids) or St. Lawrence College.