Computer Science Grade 12, University Preparation (ICS4U)

In this unit, students review and extend their knowledge in data structures while focusing on implementation of projects to create and manipulate data constructs. Students apply fundamental fixed-size data structures (arrays, user-defined data types, records, arrays of records) to solutions to real-life problems and suggest possible implications of data storage on people's lives in light of Canadian law. Students use independent study activity to further their mastery of new programming skills in preparation for postsecondary destinations. They also learn to select proper data structures that best match the information and promote program efficiency, code reusability, and maintenance. Students review and reinforce the principles of ergonomics and relate it to the rights of workers. They explore career opportunities in computing and information science related fields..

In Managing Software Projects students examine the components of a software project plan and develop a plan, in the context of case studies. They review the components of the software design life cycle and explore project management and team-building techniques. Students create a list of questions, pose the questions to a role-playing client, write a problem definition, analyse, design, implement and maintain a solution.

Students practice the re-use of code by building and sharing code libraries. The libraries are expanded in subsequent units. Students explore the differences between object-oriented and procedural programming as they apply to software libraries. Students also examine library design in the context of file management in network environments. They investigate intellectual property rights and code ownership and the ethics of code re-use by examining and analysing software-licensing agreements.

Students explore alternative algorithms for solving problems. They examine and program solutions to problems similar to those encountered in ICS3M (e.g., binary search or factorials), using new techniques such as recursion. They also plan solutions to more complex problems using industry-standard methodology (e.g., flow charts, pseudocode, structure charts). Students apply advanced algorithms, such as a recursive sort, to develop more efficient solutions to complex programming problems. Strategies for testing and debugging of programs are developed.

This unit is a culminating challenge in which students work to apply project-management skills, previously learned, to a case study. They plan, develop, test, and document a software solution to a given problem. Students apply complex programming techniques and utilize software libraries.

The first product is a Project, subdivided into three distinct subsections and is worth 15% of the overall course marks. This Project will be evaluated using a marking scheme and a rubric. The second product will be a final exam of well-formulated multiple choice questions requiring information from the whole course.

An introductory unit, students will read, watch and listen to several fairy tales. They will participate in discussions and debates with one another and reflect upon the stories studied.

In this unit, students will share information about themselves, as well as a friend. Using qualifying adjectives, they will write descriptive paragraphs. Reflexive verbs are studied, and the students will create a Facebook page for a celebrity.

Students will learn about and discuss different movie genres. Students will delve into the horror genre, and create a dialogue between two characters. The passé composé of regular and irregular verbs, personal, direct and indirect object pronouns, as well as the pronouns y and en are studied, in order for students to create a proper email message.

After learning the futur simple, students will participate in an online graphic novel study. They will engage in discussions about the story and its characters, and they will maintain a comprehension and reflection journal.

Students will be exposed to a variety of Francophone cultures around the world, with a particular emphasis on music, celebrations, and travel considerations. They will research and plan a trip to their chosen location, and create a comprehensive oral presentation on their chosen culture.