Information Technology and Design

Year 7 Curriculum

Computing and Photography (1)

The Year 7 ‘Information Technology and Design one period a week course’ has been designed around the following essential understandings:

• Technology is a tool in our everyday life
• Technology helps us retrieve and present information
• Technological progress presents new possibilities and challenges

The Information Technology and Design curriculum covers the following topics: computer hardware, word processing, spreadsheets, multimedia (animation and graphics), Internet usage, computer ethics and safety, programming (algorithms), design and basic camera operation.

The Year 7 course will inspire students to exercise both the creative and logical hemispheres of the brain through fun and challenging projects. Students will use their imaginations, hone their planning and problem solving skills, learn how to use media tools and discover fundamental concepts pertaining to the use of computers and photographic equipment for use in society.

Year 8 Curriculum

Computing General (1)

This course is all about gaining an understanding of all areas of technology and design. Students will have the opportunity to use different technology and software in a variety of ways to solve a problem. As the course continues student will need to link these technologies together in order to plan, develop and evaluate their products for a specific audience.

Students will start to explore:

• the basics of taking photographs for general purposes using automatic functions
• and develop a simplistic idea of dos and don’ts when designing and producing photographs
• how to use their creativity in being able to identify good opportunities to take pictures
• how to safely transfer images to an appropriate storage media and then create a portfolio

Students will have access to a range of software that will give them the chance to:

• create different animations for a target audience
• develop an understanding of how animations are created in order for them to plan and develop their own. This exciting project gives students the chance to develop a wide variety of skills that often gets missed in general computing programs
• be creative and seek solutions to problems in order to create a multimedia product

Students will take part in graphic projects allowing students to see how technology:

• can aid in the creation of visual products, making use of Adobe software
• can assist them to start to scratch the surface of what it would be like to be a graphic designer

Computing Specialist (2)

Be taken on an expedition to discover:

• recent IT technology of the 21^st Century Global Community
• how people in their daily lives are influenced (both good and bad) by the use of computers
• how to use computer systems to maximum effect and the basic hardware required to do this
• the basics of using various software applications and the skills necessary for effective use
• why it is important to use technology safely and ethically

This course has been designed around the following essential understandings:

• Technology is a tool in our everyday life;
• Technology helps us retrieve and present information;
• Technological progress presents new possibilities and challenges

…and will cover the following topics:

• Basic computer hardware
• Basic computer software covering many packages involving: word processing, spreadsheet or databases, multimedia (animation and graphics), Internet usage
• Computer ethics and safety
• Basic programming

Robotics and Programming (2)

This is a new course for 2016 and is currently in the planning and developmental stages. More information will be forthcoming in Semester Two 2015.

Photography General (1)

Be taken on a journey discovering the powers of photography and how to take awesome pictures. Learn & discover:

• the amazing history of photography
• the basics of Digital Single Lens Reflex technologies
• the basics of how to compose amazing photographs by applying composition
• techniques through the use of basic camera control setting using Digital SLR cameras
• experience the fun and creative ways of photography by learning and applying special photography techniques
• Using Adobe Photoshop to enhance digital photographs

This program is design to give students the opportunity to discover photography as a way of communication with hands-on experiences and real live outcomes. At the end of this year, students will have all the building blocks to be proficient in the use of the Digital SLR Canon Camera and also to be professional in their approaches, composing amazing photographs for years to follow in our programs for Design Photography in Comet Bay College.

Photography Specialist (2)

This is a new course for 2016 and is currently in the planning and developmental stages. More information will be forthcoming in Semester Two 2015.

Year 9 Curriculum

Business Management and Enterprise (2)

This course exposes students to the role and impact of Business in our lives. This course looks at the basic structure of business organisation, people skills and the impact of changing technology. Business Education Studies makes students aware of the skills employers are looking for in the future such as creativity, initiative and enterprise and basic computer application skills.

The aim of this course is to prepare all students for a future where they will need to identify possibilities and create opportunities within a business environment.  While this course looks primarily at business management and the skill students will need, it also makes students aware of the ethical and moral issues involved in dealing with customers and other businesses in the financial world. While students will be using technology and applications this course is not a secretarial course.

Computing General (1)

Year 9 General Computing builds on the skills learnt from the previous year to allow students to use a combination of software in order to complete project work based around a theme. Students will continue to gain experience in the use of all areas of Information Technology, having the opportunity to use general computing software (such as word processing, spreadsheet, PowerPoint, paint), photography and animation in order to complete assigned work.

Computing Specialist (2)

Information and communication technologies are integral to the 21st century global village and economy. Everyone is influenced by computers in some way.  Whilst we all use computer systems as a means to an end, it is vital to develop an interest in the intricate workings of computer systems so that future generations have the knowledge, understanding and skills to create and maintain computer systems.

This course is useful to all students—those who will study or work with computers, those who desire a general knowledge of computers, or those who are interested in computer science as it applies to fields of employment.

The Lower School Computing Courses will cover a basic understanding of computer systems, computer component, flowcharts and research topics of interest in the world of computers and, an introduction to the role that computers play in today’s society.

Robotics and Programming (2)

This is a new course for 2016 and is currently in the planning and developmental stages. More information will be forthcoming in Semester Two 2015.

Photography General (1)

In Year 9 students selecting this course will expand upon what they have studied in Year 8 by looking at composition based photography where students engage in a range of smaller projects focusing on the variety of ways photographs are composed. The focus of study will be on the correct use and application of camera control settings and adjustments combined with the use of photo editing application software such as Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop.

Photography Specialist (2)

The focus for this course is the study and application of basic composition techniques and the application of design principles in photographical works using digital photographic equipment and state of the art software.  Students understand that photography is a discipline area with its own history, traditions, styles and techniques. Students are introduced to compositional elements, design principles, photography practices and presentation processes.  They are introduced to the design process from the moment of ideation (forming ideas) to the final making and presentation of final prints (photographs).

Students will learn a range of techniques from landscape designs to portrait styles demonstrating their abilities to effectively use lighting equipment, materials and technologies to compose and design their photographs.

In this course, students will explore the latest developments in digital photography.  Students will utilize a variety of software packages, including Photoshop and InDesign and will be introduced to the latest SLR Camera technology.  Legal and ethical issues as they relate to the use of media and information sharing will be addressed.

Year 10 Curriculum

Business Management and Enterprise (2)

This course exposes students to the role and impact of Business in our lives. This course looks at the basic structure of business organisations, and provides students with an insight into the working world. Students will delve into consumerism, look at advertising and learn the reality of wants, needs and independent living. Students will be able to develop strategies they can carry into the world of work such as team meetings, consumer rights, and employment rights.

This course aims to assist students in becoming smart consumers to be able to make informed decisions. This course also aims to make students aware of the ethical and moral issues involved in dealing with customers and other businesses in the financial world. While students will be using technology and applications this course is not a secretarial course.

General Computer Science (2)

Information and communication technologies are integral to the 21st century global village and economy. Everyone is influenced by computers in some way. Whilst we all use computer systems as a means to an end, it is vital to develop an interest in the intricate workings of computer systems so that future generations have the knowledge, understanding and skills to create and maintain computer systems.

This course is useful to all students—those who will study or work with computers, those who desire a general knowledge of computers, or those who are interested in computer science as it applies to fields of employment.

The course will cover a basic understanding of computer systems, computer component, flowcharts and research topics of interest in the world of computers and, an introduction to the role that computers play in today’s society.

This course provides the foundation for future studies for WACE Computer Science (based on Teacher recommendation) and Certificate II Information, Design and Media Technology.

Computer Science Extension (2)

The focus for this course is the same for General Computer Science, but key aspects are studied in greater depth and breadth. This course aims to make students academically ready for the rigours of studying Computer Science in Years 11 and 12 at ATAR level (able to use for University Entrance).

General Photography (2)

The focus for this course is the study and application of composition techniques and the integration of design principles in photographical works using digital photographic equipment partnered with state of the art software. Students understand that photography is a discipline area with its own history, traditions, styles and techniques.

Students are introduced to compositional elements, design principles, photography practices and presentation processes.  They are guided through the design process from the moment of ideation (forming ideas) to the final making and presentation of final prints (photographs). Students will learn a range of techniques from landscape designs to portrait styles demonstrating their abilities to effectively use light, equipment, materials and technologies to compose and design their photographs.

In this course, students will explore the latest developments in digital photography. Students will utilize a variety of software packages, including Photoshop and InDesign and will be introduced to the latest SLR Camera technology. Legal and ethical issues as they relate to the use of media and information sharing will be addressed.

This course provides the foundation for future courses in Design Photography General (or ATAR Design Photography based on Teacher recommendation).

Design Photography Extension (2)

The common focus for this course is the same as for General Photography, but key aspects are studied in greater depth and breadth. Design Photography Extension pursues higher order thinking for students with extended engagement structures of photographic design.  This course aims to make students academically ready for the rigours of studying ATAR Design Photography in Years 11 and 12 (able to use for University Entrance).

Year 11 Curriculum

General Business Management and Enterprise (4)

Prerequisites: None.

The focus of this unit is on establishing a small business in Australia. Opportunities are provided to explore business start-ups and to recognize the factors that contribute to business success. Entrepreneurship and innovative thinking are introduced, generating ideas and proposals that may be suitable for business ventures. These proposals are then developed into a business plan.

ATAR Design Photography (4)

TO SELECT THIS COURSE, STUDENTS MUST BE RECOMMENDED BY THEIR TEACHER. Students will be expected to achieve:
A or B Grade Year 10 General Photography (teacher recommendation) or A or B Grade Year 10 Design Photography Extension.

Unit 1 – Product design

Unit description
Students learn that the commercial world is comprised of companies requiring consumer products, services and brands for a particular audience. They are introduced to the concept of intellectual property. They create products/services, visuals and/or layouts with an understanding of codes and conventions. They use relevant and appropriate production skills and processes, materials and technologies relevant to the design.

Contexts
Within each context, teachers can choose a learning focus. The following list is not exhaustive:

Photography: magazine design, fashion label design, fashion photography, billboards, still life photography, product advertisements, product catalogue, landscape photography, food photography/styling

Unit 2 – Cultural design

Unit description
Students learn that society is made up of different groups of people who share diverse values, attitudes, beliefs, behaviour and needs and that different forms of visual communication transmit these values and beliefs. Students are encouraged to create designs that link to a culture or sub-culture and are introduced to ethical issues concerning representation. Students develop a design process with an understanding of codes and conventions. They analyse communication situations and audience. They define and establish contemporary production skills and processes, materials and technologies.

Contexts
Within each context, teachers can choose a learning focus. The following list is not exhaustive:

Photography: festival posters, band promotions, portrait, formal portrait, photography social/cultural documentary, community/social photographic studies, fashion campaign poster, self-image, family portrait album, band poster design, stereotype, montage photography

ATAR Computer Science (4)

TO SELECT THIS COURSE, STUDENTS MUST BE RECOMMENDED BY THEIR TEACHER.

Students will be expected to achieve:
A or B Grade in Year 10 General Computer Science (teacher recommendation) or A or B Grade in Year 10 Computer Science Extension.

The focus for this unit is developing computer-based systems and producing spread sheet and database solutions. Students are introduced to the internal, interrelating components of computer-based systems in an industry context. They examine a variety of systems, build on spread sheet and database skills and gain an appreciation of how these concepts and technologies are used in industry.

Certificate II Information, Digital Media and Technology (4)

Two Year Course
Prerequisites: None.

This entry level qualification provides the foundation skills and knowledge to use information and communications technology (ICT) in any industry.

Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology provides students with a VET qualification to industry standard. Students will gain practical skills and knowledge to operate the essential functions of hardware and software applications. Successful completion of this qualification provides students with foundation general computing and employment skills that enable participations in an information technology environment.

Students will be required: to participate in OHS processes; develop environmentally sustainable work practices; demonstrate competent use of computer operating systems and hardware; work and communicate effectively in an IT environment; operate application software packages involving word process, spreadsheets, databases, publisher, power point; operate a digital media technology package; and, use social media tools for collaboration and engagement.

This course is competency based as per State/Private Training Provider guidelines. Students must demonstrate their ability to do a skill on demand. Students achieve `competency’ – there are no grades awarded.

Year 12 Curriculum

1CD Business Management and Enterprise (4)
Prerequisites: None

The course helps students to develop practical skills as well as knowledge and understanding of business activity by focussing on innovation, initiative and entrepreneurship. Course content ranges from the many facets of business to opportunities and issues faced by national and international business. This course uses real businesses and scenarios to develop financial and business literacy, whilst at the same time enhancing interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

The focus for study in this course is on managing a small business in Australia and workplace culture. All businesses need to be managed and administered effectively in order to prosper. Practical skills are developed in the use of business technology and methods of business communication, documentation and other administrative skills. An understanding of the policies and procedures involved in the running of a small business are developed. Structures and processes which facilitate effective business management and administration are explored. The emphasis is on developing administrative and personal management skills.

Stage 3 Design Photography (4)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 11 Course – Grades A-C

The focus for this course is environmental design and political design. Students become aware that their world is comprised of both natural and built environments and that society is dependent on both. They explore how environments communicate values and how we communicate them through a designed environment. They develop products and visual material in applied contexts with an understanding of design. They analyse the audience in terms of motor skills, perception, cognition and knowledge, and design and plan for specific production skills and processes, materials and technologies. Students understand that in a democratic society, different factions lobby for public support to gain greater social representation and/or to effect change in government policy. The communication of political ideals, messages, information and values, either as advocacy or to communicate policy, is the basis of this unit. Students are introduced to ethical issues concerning propaganda and conflicting points of view. They produce products and visual layouts for specific and applied contexts with an understanding of applied semiotics and the construction of meaning. They analyse the audience in terms of empathy, profiling and stereotyping, and they develop solutions using a research, testing and feedback mechanism.

Stage 3 Computer Science (4)

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Year 11 Course – Grades A-C

The focus for this course is the design and development of computer systems and database applications and design and development of communication systems and software solutions using the software development cycle. Students understand the design concepts and tools used to develop relational database systems. They consider the complex interactions between users, developers, the law, ethics and society when computer-based systems are used and developed. Students gain the knowledge and skills to create software that solves a range of problems. They use algorithms and structured programming to design and implement software solutions. The students examine attitudes and values that lead to the creation and use of computer-based systems and their effect on society. Students consider communication systems, including security and protocols.

Certificate II Information, Digital Media and Technology (4)

Two Year Course
Prerequisites: None.

This entry level qualification provides the foundation skills and knowledge to use information and communications technology (ICT) in any industry.

Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology provides students with a VET qualification to industry standard. Students will gain practical skills and knowledge to operate the essential functions of hardware and software applications. Successful completion of this qualification provides students with foundation general computing and employment skills that enable participations in an information technology environment.

Students will be required: to participate in OHS processes; develop environmentally sustainable work practices; demonstrate competent use of computer operating systems and hardware; work and communicate effectively in an IT environment; operate application software packages involving word process, spreadsheets, databases, publisher, power point; operate a digital media technology package; and, use social media tools for collaboration and engagement.

This course is competency based as per State/Private Training Provider guidelines. Students must demonstrate their ability to do a skill on demand. Students achieve `competency’ – there are no grades awarded.