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Programming and computer science (PROG)

Learning in programming and computer science

Programming is about creating new computer software to address peoples’ needs. Computer science is about the concepts and tools that are needed to write programs that run quickly, are easy to use, and produce effective output. Computer Science also explores the limits of what can be done on computers.

  • Computer programs bring digital hardware to life. Although devices can be incredibly versatile it is the programs that run on them that achieve this. Fundamental principles from computer science give mathematical bounds on how quickly something can be computed, or even whether it can be computed at all.
  • Computer programs underpin systems that are used to perform countless tasks in our society. Computers empower communication and social networking and empower community and participation.
  • Being able to write programs is also about innovation. Having the knowledge and skills to create systems that work well, means that a software developer will have satisfied the needs of their users effectively.
  • An understanding of the science of computing, including experience with programming, helps to develop students’ computational thinking and logical reasoning skills.
  • Computer science underpins many new kinds of systems, including robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems and bioinformatics.
  • It also considers what cannot be computed, or what cannot be computed efficiently.

Progression

  • At level 6 students develop knowledge and skills to write programs using simple constructs, and studying three key areas of computer science [algorithms, programming languages, and human-computer Interaction] and an increasing appreciation of what the discipline involves.
  • At level 7 students develop a broader understanding of topics and techniques such as cryptography and binary representation, and write programs with more complex constructs.
  • At level 8 students develop a general appreciation of the breadth and purpose of these disciplines, and write more general programs using more structured techniques.

More specifically, there are three main components, each of which develops from level 6 to level 8:

  • In computer science the student progresses from understanding three specific key concepts (algorithms, precision in programs, and human-computer interaction), to having a broad appreciation across the field of computer science, covering a wide range of topics as diverse as artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer vision, intelligent systems, and software engineering.
  • In designing programs students progress from being able to design programs by selecting from a small range of data structures and algorithms, through to understanding more advanced data structures and algorithms and applying them in a creative way.
  • In writing programs students progress from using simple language constructs and debugging techniques, in an environment that is attractive to students, through to a range of features of a general purpose programming language and applying them in a rigorous way.

Students are expected to apply their knowledge to, or in, a planned digital technologies situation or activity across all strands where applicable.

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Key concepts

In development at time of publication.

Possible achievement/learning objectives

These objectives are indicative only. You might also choose other technology learning objectives.

Level 6 objectives

Select from the following achievement and learning objectives for indicators, context elaborations, and assessment for qualifications guidance information.

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Last updated March 28, 2012

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