Curriculum
US Computer Science
The primary objective of the Upper School computer science program is to prepare our students to be global citizens fluent in problem solving and multiple platforms and software packages. Students learn practical and creative applications of technology for use in academics and beyond, as well as logic and problem solving skills through programming. Our Upper School computer courses cover a broad range of topics, from exploration of the Microsoft Office Suite and creating web pages, to multimedia and web 2.0 explorations, to learning advanced computer science techniques such as data structures and recursion. All courses allow students the chance to explore the vast world of computers through practical lab assignments. As a graduation requirement, Buckley students are required to take one year of Computer Science, and for students interested in more in depth study we offer the AP Computer Science A course.
Classes
Computer III: Multimedia
The Computer III: Multimedia offers a well-rounded approach to computer literacy that covers basic computer concepts, applications, and the Internet. All of these skills are important skills for real world context that students must master in order to succeed – in college and in their careers. This “common baseline” approach will give our students the confidence to say, “I know how to use a computer”. Sections about Linux, Mac, and other application are also covered. During the second semester this course is designed to teach the student to create multimedia presentations and documents using Adobe Photoshop, Scratch, and Stagecast Creator.
Introduction to Programming
This class introduces programming and algorithms to students who have a serious interest in learning the principles of computer science and programming. Topics covered include algorithms, reading values from the keyboard, printing values on the screen, iterative Java statements, understanding multiple data types, arrays, strings, functions, and other Java methods using the Eclipse Programming environment. Lab assignments are used to explain and explore programming concepts. This project-based class allows the students practice important problem solving techniques that become imperative at the next level of computer science.
Advanced Placement Computer Science A
This course enforces college level programming concepts, which prepares students for the AP exam in computer science. Students who excel in Java and have the ability to grasp complex algorithms are allowed to enroll. This class meets four times a week. The course includes the main principles of object-orientated software design, learning to be fluent in Java, implementing algorithms, understanding one-and-two dimensional arrays, and acquiring the skills in designing object-orientated software solutions to problems from various application areas. While the Java subset is strictly followed, students will go beyond this scope as the goal will be fluency.
