General introduction to the subject:
Computing is a scientific subject covered over three years that prepares candidates for further studies in the various fields of IT, such as Computing/Hardware Engineering, Software/ Game Development and Artificial Intelligence to name a few. Computing provides candidates with necessary skills required for life. Most prominently, it strengthens logical thinking and problem-solving skills. The number of jobs that require the skills acquired during Computing lessons is set to increase dramatically in the future. Besides being a scientific subject, Computing combines art, logic, storytelling and business. Learn Computing and the digital world is yours for the taking!
Topics studied:
• Introduction to Digital Devices
• Principles of Computing, Software and Hardware
• Cloud Services and Internet of Things (IoT)
• Understanding the Digital World and Machine Logic
• Communication Networks and Internet technologies
• Problem Solving and Python Programming
• Programming Dedicated Systems such as Arduino, Micro: Bit or Raspberry PI
Class activities involved:
Computing is a subject that requires both theory and practice. Class activities involve programming hardware, such as Arduino, and software development using Python Programming language. The aim of these activities is to enforce the theoretical side of the subject.
Homework assigned:
During Computing, students are expected to carry out tasks at home as a continuation of what happens during class time. The tasks range from traditional worksheets to multimedia content such as software development assignments, and programming dedicated systems.
Assessment given:
During the three years of the course students are expected to carry out various tasks, including: Developing Automated Systems, Software Development and Research Work.
Skills acquired while studying the subject:
• Digital Competencies
• Problem solving and logical thinking
• Computational-thinking
• Programming
Skills required to study the subject:
The nature of this subject entails that students understand English and are proficient in subjects that require logical thinking. It is therefore highly advisable that students get at least a 35+ mark in Mathematics (Track 2 and Track 3 only) and a 35+ mark in any science-related subject (D&T, ICT and Science). The considered mark should be the overall mark obtained from the Year 7 Annual Mark and the Year 8 Half Yearly Continuous Assessment.
Prerequisites:
To be eligible to choose Computing as an optional subject, students must obtain a minimum of 35 marks in Mathematics (Tracks 2 & 3 only) and a minimum of 35 marks in any other STEM subject, including Design & Technology (D&T), Information and Communication Technology (ICT) or Science. The marks should be an overall score from the Year 7 half-yearly continuous assessment, Year 7 annual exam, and the Year 8 half-yearly continuous assessment. However, cases of missing marks due to valid reasons will be addressed on an individual basis.
These prerequisites are essential to ensure that students have a solid foundation in the fundamental skills and abilities required for Computing. By obtaining these minimum marks, students demonstrate their ability to comprehend the material covered in Computing classes.
Meeting these prerequisites will be beneficial to the students in the long term, and hence, Year 8 students who are interested in choosing Computing as an optional subject should strive to meet these prerequisites.
This subject can lead you to the following Career Paths:
Software Engineer
Software Developer
Mobile App Developer
Game Developer
Hardware Engineer
System/Business Analyst
Data Analyst/Scientist
Cloud System Engineer
Business Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineer
User Experience (UX) Designer/Developer
Computing Teacher
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