This course is one of two mutually exclusive offerings from the Computing department in Year 9, (the other being Creative iMedia)

In Year 9 Computer Science, students will study:

Text programming: Explore the use of sequence, selection and iteration constructs to create algorithmic solutions to problems. This will extend knowledge and skills developed using block programming languages.

Data representation: Learn about how different types of data are represented inside computer systems. Such as numbers, text, images and sound. Explore the components computer systems are made from and understand why binary is used to represent data.

Modelling: The overarching concept is representing real world scenarios with an abstraction. Starting with an exploration of databases, flat-file and relational databases, including the process of normalisation and its benefits. Then moving on to non-deterministic and agent-based models. Students will create subroutines to control simple behaviour and apply that abstraction to many agents all at once to observe emergent behaviour.

Data structures: “Algorithms + Data Structures = Programs”, the book by Niklaus Wirth gives the rationale for the next 2 units. This unit covers a range of fundamental structures and links them to real world scenarios.

Computational Thinking: Following on from the previous unit, students will learn about standard searching and sorting algorithms and how they are intertwined with data structures.

• Be able to work both independently and collaboratively
• Develop the confidence to ask for help and answer questions in the classroom
• Be able to tinker and strategically discover solutions to problems
• Inspire students’ curiosity to learn more about the technological world around them
• Persevere with more challenging work
• Apply techniques learned in previous years and other subjects

• Practical lessons
• Thinking for themselves using reason and logic
• Paired work and group work
• Individual teacher interactions
• Teacher instruction / exposition
• Learner discussion

• Checks for understanding (CFU), including Do Now Activities (DNA), use of Mini Whiteboards (MWB), low-stakes quizzes
• Formative assessments
• Homework
• Deep marking opportunities through the year
• Knowledge assessments

• Speak to them about what they have been doing in their lessons
• Discuss changes in technology and the impact on society
• Support them to develop healthy habits with the use of technology
• We ensure that the majority, if not all, of the software we use is freely available to students. If there is the capacity to make it available

• Pen, pencil, rubber, ruler, calculator

• A wide variety of enrichment resources and materials: https://ulverstonvictoria.sharepoint.com/sites/ComputingIdeas
• Bebras computational thinking competition in November (in class and at lunch)
• Coding Challenge in March (at lunch)