Course Syllabus for the Advanced VG Programming: 2025-2026

Introduction 

Hello and welcome! This course is your 11th grade year at South Hills High School POC: Digital Graphics and Gaming. Advanced Video Game Programming is a full year course designed to introduce students to the video game industry and beginning programming. 

Teacher: 

My name is Catherine Hulcher. I have been a Career & Technical teacher at South Hills High School since 2003. I have taught a variety of CTE courses such as Video Game Design, Graphic Design and Illustration, Animation, Principles, Engineering Drafting and Design, and Architectural Drafting and Design. 

I graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.S in Industrial Management. I also graduated from the University of West Florida with a B.S. in Computer Science. I worked several years as a programmer for the South Carolina County government. 

Learning Expectations/Goals 

Introduction to Python Programming introduces students to the fundamentals of computer programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students begin by learning to design, code, and test their programs while applying mathematical concepts. Students then move to more advanced programming concepts and learn to create more powerful programs using functions, strings, data structures, file i/o operations, and objects. 


Programming Environment: Students write and run Python programs in the browser using the CodeHS editor 

Prerequisites: Introduction to Python Programming is designed for complete beginners with no previous background in computer science. The course is highly visual, dynamic, and interactive, making it engaging for new coders. 

Certification: Python Level 1 Certification 


 What does successful course completion look like? 

GRADING 

 CATEGORY            WEIGHT

Assignment              100%

Assignments can be a variety of activities: quizzes,  teacher lead assignments, visual/virtual checks, projects, or tests.

Students are ALWAYS permitted to retake a test or quiz (excluding the final) for full credit within 1 week if they are dissatisfied with their grade. Just email me and let me know. 

TUTORING 

Tutoring/Help is available before school 7:15-8:15 or by appointment. Email me your questions or problems and I will try to respond as quickly as possible.

FWISD HIGH SCHOOL COURSE NUMBERS 

ADVANCED VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMING AB (ADVIDEOGP AB) AV00995AB 

HONORS ADVANCED VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMING AB (ADVIDEOGP AB/H) AVH00995AB  

ATTENDANCE         SHHS Attendance link

Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class.  A Form called Daily Grade will be my backup attendance. Students will answer questions on form. Their email address will automatically be recorded. 

MAKEUP WORK 

A student should make up the assigned work as soon as possible. Always email me and let me know what is going on. Assignments are listed on Canvas. 

LATE WORK 

Most assignments build upon the previous assignment. Try to make every effort to complete work on time. Students will be able to turn in assignments until the grading period ends. Always email me and let me know what is going on, 

 BASIC CLASSROOM RULES