All Computer Department courses are listed below with detailed course descriptions. Courses are listed by specialty.
Computer Science 20S (CSC20S) - Introductory course, Recommended Grade 10
In this introductory computer programming class, students will learn important concepts of computer programming by using Scratch. Scratch is a block-based programming language that is designed for beginners. Students will create games and other applications in an easy to use, beginner’s environment. Students will also take a look at computer hardware and processing logic.
Computer Science 30S (CSC30S) - Recommended Grade 11
Introduction to Computer Programming using Python - The focus of this course is using the Python Programming language to create various computer programs and games. Object Orientated Programming is studied to give students a solid base of the language. Students will learn from the basics to Python and build up to complex programs such as memory and tic-tac-toe. The course is finished with students undertaking a project of their own.
Computer Science 40S (CSC40S) - Recommended Grade 12
In this advanced computer programming class, students will expand their understanding of objects by applying it into separate classes and instances. We will be working on solving complex problems that require student ingenuity to combine previous techniques into robust solutions. We will have an introduction to game scripting and graphics as well as advanced memory management and physical allocation. Students will have an opportunity to work on a term project that they can use for their portfolio to prepare them for a future career in computer science or technology.
Graphic Communications Technology Courses:
Graphic Communications Technology 10G (GRC10GV) - Introductory Course, Recommended Grade 9
The goal of this course is to give students a beginning understanding of digital media, important design concepts and practice working with industry software required to create the various digital media. The course introduces students to digital publishing, image manipulation, digital drawing, video production and software development. The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the variety of media and techniques offered in other computer classes. Students will use the latest version of Adobe CC Suite to complete their assignments and projects.
Graphic Communications Technology 20G (GRC20GV) - Recommended Grade 10
Digital Media Production using Adobe Photoshop - This course focuses on the production and construction of digital assets and platforms for both the web and mobile devices. The goals of the course are to create responsive internet experiences for users regardless of screen size or device using Adobe CC software including: Photoshop, Dreamweaver, and Muse.
Graphic Communications Technology 30SV (GRC30SV) - Recommended Grade 11
Computer 2D Animation - This course focuses on the creation of interactive media that can be utilized in web pages, games, mobile apps, and other interactive platforms. Student work will focus on 2D animations, sprite creation, media loops, and other active graphics using Adobe Aniimate CC and Adobe Character CC.
Graphic Communications Technology 40S (GRC40SV) - Recommended Grade 11 or 12
Desktop Publishing using Adobe Illustrator and InDesign - This course focuses on the development of print media emphasizing the use of good design and layout techniques with Adobe InDesign. This course will guide students through the steps involved in the digital print publishing process using industry standard page layout software. Adobe InDesign and Adobe Photoshop will be used to edit photo assets and Adobe Illustrator will be used to create vector graphics.
Video Production Courses:
Intro to Video Production (IVP20S) - Introductory Course
This course is designed to introduce students to video and editing. The purpose of this course is to provide students with the skills and knowledge to convey a message through an original digital image and video by combining sound, still images, moving images, text, graphics and animation into a video product. Students will plan, develop and produce a video project.
Intermediate Video Production (IVP30S)
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of media production and creating video content for PCI and the local community. Students will choose to focus their learning on either Film Production (behind the camera) or Broadcast Media (in front of the camera) and learn the basic skills, duties and roles involved in each area. In many cases, students from both focus areas will learn to work together on assignments and projects.
Film Production students will be introduced to the tasks and equipment used in audio, video, lighting and film production in a variety of projects. They will learn the basic skills, duties, and roles involved in the pre-production, production, and postproduction of different types of media. They will also develop a stronger understanding of the importance of media in today’s society.
Broadcast Media students will be introduced to the basics of television news field reporting. Students will discuss and produce news items for various media platforms. They will also be assigned various job roles in newsgathering, including pre-production, reporting, interviewing, journalism, producing, along with some basic camera operation and post-production editing. Students will analyze and critique various news outlets and styles of news gathering.
Advanced Video Production (AVP40S)
This course is designed for media students to take their current skill sets from IVP30 and use it in more practical applications for PCI and the local community. Again, students will choose to focus their learning on either Film Production (behind the camera) or Broadcast Media (in front of the camera) and further develop their skills, duties and roles involved in each area. Students from both focus areas will learn to work together on assignments and student-led creative project ideas. They will also learn to initiate and manage the production and transmission of projects. Students will create a portfolio and a resumé to explore employment opportunities, as well as learn the business practices of media outlets and self-marketing strategies.
Other courses using technology:
Yearbook (YRB40S) - Open to Grades 10-12
This course focuses on the development of the skills necessary to create a student yearbook throughout its stages of production. As part of the course, students will be required to participate in assignments - such as photographing events and interviewing students/staff - that fall outside of their scheduled class hours. Students will develop their photography, journalism, writing, and computer design skills. In order to include graduation in the yearbook, which is submitted no later than June 30th, this course extends past the regular class schedule. Students must make a valuable contribution to be successful. This means responsibility, independence and productivity is an expectation and will be essential to ensure each student’s success. This course runs every day, all year. Students will receive 2 credits upon completion.