courses
COMPUTERS 8
Computers 8 - TERM
Prerequisite: none
Content: Students learn photo editing, create a multimedia presentation and make a role-playing game. The graphics and presentation skills learned are useful in other high school courses.
Computers 8 - FULL YEAR
Prerequisite: none
Content: This is a comprehensive course for students with a strong interest in computers. It introduces a variety of topics including photo editing, digital design, programming, game creation, and 3D modeling
INTRODUCTORY COMPUTER COURSES
Where are the Grade 9 and 10 Courses???
A lot of students get a little confused that there are no Grade 9/10 computer courses . Because of our diverse course offerings, students in Grade 9 or higher actually take a Grade 11 course for their introductory computer course. In fact, about 80-90% of the students in Computer Apps/Graphics 11 are in Grade 9. From there, you can take all sorts of specialized courses in your grade 10, 11, and 12 years.
Computer Apps 11
Prerequisite: None
Content: Students expand their skills in a wide variety of computer applications including: game programming, 3D animation, web site creation, photo editing and video. Students must complete this course (or Graphics 11) to advance to senior computer classes.
Computer Graphics 11
Prerequisite: None
Content: Using the tools of professional designers, students will create and edit 2-D and 3-D graphics. Students will focus on three main areas: graphic and web design, video production, and 3D modeling. Students must complete this course (or Computer Apps 11) to advance to senior computer classes.
Computer Apps 12
Prerequisite: Computer Apps 11 or Graphics 11. Students in Grades 11 or 12 with basic computer skills may take this course without the prerequisite.
Content: Students gain skill with high-end software packages used in fields such as video, graphics, animation, game design and business. Independent learning units and longer projects allow students to customize the course.
SPECIALIZED COMPUTER COURSES
Computer Animation 11
Prerequisite: Computer Apps 11 or Graphics 11
Content: Students are introduced to the key aspects of animation using computers and industry standard software. Students will focus on three main areas (one per term) in the animation field – 3D modeling and printing, high-resolution Digital Sculpting and Video Game Design.
3D Fabrication 11
Prerequisite: Graphics 11 (preferred) or Computer Apps 11 with permission of instructor. Knowledge of 3D modeling is important
Content: This course allows students to design a variety of objects with the computers and then using the latest fabrication tools (3D printers, CNC machines, vinyl cutters, laser engravers) they can actually create that object. Objects can be made out of a variety of materials including wood, plastic and aluminum.
Graphic & Web Design 12
Prerequisite: Graphics 11 or Computer Apps 11
Content: Graphic & Web Design 12 is a course that allows student creativity to flourish. Using software like Adobe Photoshop & CorelDraw, students will learn principals of modern digital design as it relates to logo creation, t-shirt design, websites, brochures, advertising, icon design, app user interfaces, photo editing, product packaging and more. In addition, student will get the opportunity to use the school’s laser engraver, vinyl cutter, and CNC machine to design and produce some amazing creations.
Computer Animation 12
Prerequisite: Computer Animation 11
Content: Animation 12 builds on the knowledge learned in Animation 11. Students are encouraged to choose areas of interest to focus their studies on. Topics include: advanced modeling and texturing, facial animation, automobile modeling and 3D sculpting.
Digital Sculpting 12
Prerequisite: Animation 11 or permission of instructor
Content: Digital sculpting is a new technology that can produce amazing results in a relatively small time. Digital Sculpting 12 is a senior level course that will enable students to create high-resolution models similar to those in next-gen video games. Study will be focused on using 3D skills to create a base mesh and then move on to Mudbox and ZBrush to “digitally sculpt” that mesh into a photorealistic model. Advanced modeling and texturing is also studied.
Computer Repair 12
Prerequisite: Computer Apps 11 or Computer Graphics 11 or permission of instructor.
Content: Computer Repair 12 provides technical training on hardware and operating systems. Students will combine theory and hands-on experience in constructing, troubleshooting and repairing computers. Other areas of focus: small networks, emerging technologies and high-tech living. Upon successful completion of the course students should have sufficient knowledge to apply for the A+ Certification Test for computer technicians.
Video Game Design 11
Prerequisite: Computer Animation 11 or Game Creation 11
Content: Video Game Design builds on the knowledge learned in Animation 11 and allows students to delve further into a new, very specific area of the animation field. Using the Unreal Editor, students will learn how to design and create their own playable maps.
Video Production 11
Prerequisite: Computer Apps 11 or Graphics 11 or permission of instructor
Content: This course will introduce students to the different components involved in the production of commercial videography including idea development, scriptwriting, production scheduling, camera techniques and video editing. Using industry standard software and supplied video cameras, students will have the opportunity to explore visual effects & motion graphics and produce commercials, music videos, documentaries, and short films.
Prerequisite: Computer Apps 11 or Graphics 11 or permission of instructor
Content: You will learn how to design and build games through programming utilizing a variety of tools. The basics of programming will be taught using a visual programming language to quickly develop exciting 3D games. As your skills develop, you will be challenged to develop simpler text-based games in Python and then leap into the popular game engine Unity to re-create classic arcade style games.
Game Creation 11
Video Game Design 12
Prerequisite: Video Game Design 11
Content: Students build on the skills learned in VGD 11 and take design to the next level. Different styles of maps are explored and the maps that are created are much more complex. Advanced topics include special effects, Kismet scripting, Matinee programming and static mesh creation.
Video Production 12
Prerequisite: Video Production 11
Content: This course is project oriented, extending from the concepts learned in Video Production 11. Students refine, advance, and expand skills with a focus on visual effects, film contests, and further development of video production interest.
Prerequisite: Game Creation 11 or permission of instructor
Content: Building on Game Creation 11, this course focuses on creating more elaborate games using the Unity game engine. By re-creating Space Invaders, and Lunar Lander, and other classic games, students will further their understanding of the Unity game engine and improve their programming skills.
Game Creation 12
Programming 12
Prerequisite: Game Creation 11 or interest in pursuing computer science
Content: This course focuses on the more technical aspects of programming. Students will develop a basic knowledge of programming through Scratch/MIT App Inventor where students will design games and Android applications in a visual language. Students will then delve further into programming by using Python to create various games and applications including the beginnings of a basic search engine.
INDEPENDENT COMPUTER COURSES
Prerequisite: Grade 12 Computer Course and instructor permission Students who wish to continue their learning in a specialty computer field beyond the Grade 12 course may take a year of IDS. IDS options can include: Video Production, Graphic Design, Web Design, Programming, or Animation. Instructor permission must be obtained prior to registering for this course.