Page 9 - The Ontario Curriculum Grades 10 to 12 Computer Studies - Revised (2008)

OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM
The computer studies program comprises courses in Grades 10, 11, and 12. Three types of courses are offered in the program: university preparation, college preparation, and open courses. Students choose between course types on the basis of their interests, achieve- ment, and postsecondary goals. The course types are defined as follows:
• University preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university programs.
• College preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the requirements for entrance to most college programs or for admission to apprenticeship or other training programs.
• Open courses are designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participa- tion in society. They are not designed with the specific requirements of universities, colleges, or the workplace in mind.
The program in computer studies offers a variety of courses to help students develop a deeper understanding of the world of computer science and computer programming, and to help focus their interests in this area.
The Grade 10 open course will appeal to any student interested in exploring how com- puters are used to solve problems. The course provides students with the opportunity to develop the logical thinking processes used in designing computer solutions to problems and to acquire basic computer programming skills that will enable them to create a working computer program.
College preparation courses focus on the development of computer programming skills. These courses introduce students to the types of programs offered at community col- leges – programs that focus on the practical skills businesses currently demand. Students are given opportunities to use problem-solving strategies and tools to address challenges such as creating custom programs, tailoring existing program packages, and using data- base management systems and scripting languages.
University preparation courses provide students with a foundation in the broad spectrum of computer science concepts and applications. In these courses, students explore the theoretical underpinnings of computer science; design software, working independently
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THE PROGRAM IN COMPUTER STUDIES