Fundamental Concepts

Goals of the Computer Studies Program

The fundamental purpose of the computer studies program is to provide students with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to achieve success in secondary school, the workplace, postsecondary education or training, and daily life.

The goals of the computer studies curriculum are to enable students to:

  • Gain an understanding of computer studies concepts;

  • Develop the skills, including critical thinking skills, and the knowledge of strategies required to do research, conduct inquiries, and communicate findings accurately, ethically, and effectively;

  • Apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired through the study of computers to a variety of learning tasks and relate them to computer phenomena on the local, national, and global levels;

  • Develop lifelong learning habits that will help them adapt to computer advances in the changing workplace and world;

  • Make connections that will help them take advantage of potential postsecondary educational and work opportunities.

Four Critical Areas in Computer Studies


  • Software development (including project management and software engineering principles)

  • Algorithms and data structures

  • Program correctness and efficiency

  • Professional and ethical responsibility

The computer studies curriculum in Grades 10 to 12 offers a range of courses, all of which are structured to give students a solid foundation in these four areas.