Computer Science Courses at Bayridge Secondary School

Grade 9: TEJ1O

The grade 9 introduction to technology course gives students a great introduction to the world of computers where they get to create amazing programs and games via block coding, while learning about the fundamentals or programming. Most of the time, they don't even know they're learning! We also do hands on learning where the students learn how to program a physical entity and they make their creations come to life! Scratch is a lot of fun and easy to learn while the Minecraft unit is usually a huge hit and allows the students to program their Minecraft agent or builder to do amazing things, that are only limited by their own imaginations, hopefully driving home the point that computer science is really all about problem finding/solving and creativity. The ultimate goal of this course is to make sure the students have a blast while learning about coding and computing in general!

Gr. 10: ICS2O

Computer Hardware and Software
Computer Networking and Security
Minecraft EDU
Greenfoot (Intro to Java)

The grade 10 computer studies course is a fantastic way for students to understand many different aspects of computer science. Students will learn the fundamentals of how computers work by taking them apart and understanding all of the components, they will learn about different operating systems, and they'll learn about networking and cybersecurity. Then, they get to start into coding, beginning with block coding and then moving into the basics of Java programming through game design in Greenfoot.

Note that between grade 10 and grade 11, students will be able to formally enroll in our computer specialization program where they will be able to experience reach-ahead activities, workshops and co-op opportunities in addition to their regular courses. They can participate in many of these things in grades 9 and 10, but it becomes formalized before grade 11.

Gr. 11: ICS3C/3U

Website Design (HTML/CSS/JS)
Greenfoot (Intro to Java Programming)
- - Video Game Creation
BlueJ (Basic Java Programming)

The grade 11 course is where the students start to focus on programming. Students start out by creating websites using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. These languages form the basis of the web and some in the industry argue that JS doesn't stand for JavaScript - it stands for "job security"! Students will also use Greenfoot - a program where they will learn to create animation based games using Java code. After that, we move on to BlueJ - a program where students continue to learn Java coding, but in a slightly different environment that allows students to focus on other aspects of coding.

There is also the option to enroll in the AP Principles course, and challenge that AP exam in May!

Gr. 10/11/12: TGJ3/4

Web Design
Graphic Design (Photoshop)
Video Editing (Premiere Pro)

Students who take communications technology will learn how to make websites, use Photoshop to do graphic design, and learn the ins and outs of Adobe Premiere Pro to create and edit video. This class is tons of fun and some past projects include making fake CD covers, fake movie trailers, doing shot-by-shot remakes of real music videos, making fake Bayridge websites (i.e. the Bayridge Netflix Reality Show) and more. Too much fun is had in this class.

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Gr. 12: ICS4C/4U

BlueJ and NetBeans (Advanced Java Programming)
AP Placement Opportunity

Students who take the grade 12 computers course will learn more advanced concepts in Java programming and their projects will be larger in scale. By the end of the course, they will have created a large-scale game or application to be proud of! In addition, ICS4U students will cover material that will prepare them for the AP exam that usually takes place in May. Students who take the AP exam will gain an extra certification as they head off to university, and some universities will recognize the AP course and give students university level equivalencies if they do well on the exam. The AP exam is typically written in May.

Students are also given opportunities to explore post-secondary programs including various colleges and universities. We regularly invite guest speakers in from institutions like Queen's University, the University of Waterloo, the University of Ottawa, St. Lawrence College and more.

Gr. 12 Computer Leadership

Students who have taken all of the grade 12 computers courses possible, can take this "enrichment" course where they get to identify an area of personal interest, learn about that topic and ultimately take on a large-scale project related to that topic. In most cases, that final project will be aimed at helping a local organization, business or charity.

In addition, these students will be looked at as mentors in Computers Club and in outreach with elementary schools.

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