What does the course entail?

In the Computer Science General Course students are introduced to the fundamental principles, concepts and skills within the field of computing. They learn how to diagnose and solve problems while exploring the building blocks of computing.

Students explore the principles related to the creation of computer and information systems; software development; the connectivity between computers; the management of data; the development of database systems; and the moral and ethical considerations for the use of computer systems.

​This course provides students with the practical and technical skills that equip them to function effectively in a world where these attributes are vital for employability and daily life in a technological society.

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What units will be covered in this course?

Year 11
Units 1 & 2

Unit 1 – Personal use of computer systems
This unit provides students with the knowledge and skills required to use and maintain a personal computer. It introduces a formal method for developing simple information systems and databases. While considering personal needs, students examine the social, ethical and legal implications of personal computer use.

Unit content
The content includes theoretical aspects (Knowledge) and practical aspects (Skills) and is organised into the following areas:
• Systems analysis and development
• Managing data.

Typically, approximately 60 percent of class time would be allocated for the Managing data content and approximately 40 percent would be allocated for Systems analysis and development content.


Unit 2 - Personal use of communication and information systems
This unit introduces a formal method for developing networks and internet technologies and writing a sequence of simple instructions. Students examine the social, ethical and legal implications associated with software development.

Unit content
This unit builds on the content covered in Unit 1. The content includes theoretical aspects (Knowledge) and practical aspects (Skills) and is organised into the following areas:
• Developing software
• Programming
• Networks and communications.

Typically, approximately 60 percent of class time would be allocated for the Programming content, approximately 20 percent would be allocated for Developing software content, and approximately 20 percent would be allocated for Networks and communications content.
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Year 12
Units 3 & 4

Unit 3 - Developing computer-based systems and producing spreadsheet and database solutions.
The focus for this unit is on developing computer-based systems and producing spreadsheet and database solutions. Students are introduced to the internal, interrelating components of computer-based systems in an industry context. They examine a variety of systems, build on spreadsheet and database skills and gain an appreciation of how these concepts and technologies are used in industry.

Unit content
An understanding of the Year 11 content is assumed knowledge for students in Year 12. It is recommended that students studying Unit 3 and Unit 4 have completed Unit 1 and Unit 2.

The content includes theoretical aspects (Knowledge) and practical aspects (Skills) and is organised into the following content areas:
• Systems analysis and development
• Managing data.

Typically, approximately 60 percent of class time would be allocated for the Managing data content and approximately 40 percent would be allocated for Systems analysis and development content.


Unit 4 - Developing computer-based solutions and communications
This unit builds on the content covered in Unit 3. The focus for this unit is on developing computer-based systems solutions and communications. Students are introduced to networking concepts, as applied to industry. Through the use of algorithms, students develop programming skills. Students create solutions exploring the ethical, legal and societal implications of industry-based applications.

Unit content
This unit includes the knowledge, understandings and skills described below. The content includes theoretical aspects (Knowledge) and practical aspects (Skills) and is organised into the following content areas:
• Developing software
• Programming
• Networks and communications.

Typically, approximately 60 percent of class time would be allocated for the Programming content, approximately 20 percent would be allocated for Developing software content, and approximately 20 percent would be allocated for Networks and communications content.

Head of Learning Area: Mr Stephen Triscari
Contact Number: 9591 4257
​Contact Email: [email protected]