Through the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) department, Ashdale SC can deliver critical foci of the STEM initiative by studying the structure and function of digital technologies per se and their application in enriching students’ cross-curricular experiences.
All students in years 7 and 8 gain their initial experience in ICT through the STEM Institute, the Specialist ICT program. The Digital Technology courses provide both a firm foundation of skills and knowledge and the capacity for an extension to allow students to pursue their interests through two major pathways in years 9 to 12. Students can elect to follow a digital design and communication-oriented strand or a software design and computer science-focused route. Such is the importance and appeal of the area that many students follow, maximising their opportunities for future careers where ICT capability is of paramount importance.
Years 7-10 Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
ICT in Years 7-8 at Ashdale follows the Western Australian Curriculum in Digital Technology and leads to two parallel pathways:
- A media pathway with a focus on design and media in a digital context
- A computer science pathway with a focus on programming (software) and networks (hardware)
Together, these two pathways provide students with understanding, knowledge and skills to make sense of and engage with the digital environment.
In Years 7 and 8, students are introduced to the Ashdale network, accessing, processing and sharing data through our dedicated iMac and PC laboratories with students’ own devices (iOS). Students follow a course covering fundamental concepts in computer hardware, networks and programming through predominantly online curated resources accessed through the Connect platform. In doing this, they acquire transferable skills in design, communication and presentation, which produce high-quality materials in other subject areas. Students are assessed on their ability to build and communicate a quality outcome, using their initiative to select appropriate methods.
In Years 9 and 10, students select options to study from either or both pathways:
In Digital Photography, students learn about the history, aesthetics, capture and processing of photographic images. Through the study of design concepts, students can capture their quality images using digital SLR cameras, processing them using Adobe software to build a digital portfolio of work that can be further developed and refined in Senior School.
Students choosing the Graphic Design option in Year 9 and the Advanced Multimedia Design option in Year 10 follow courses involving the design and production of logos, artwork, graphics, branding, posters, page layout, magazine design, package design and app design using industry-standard software from the Adobe suite. As with the Digital photography option, there is a significant emphasis on planning and production to meet design briefs. Students build a digital portfolio of work that can be further developed and refined in Senior School.
The Video Game Design course combines the history, culture and development of video games with an examination of the impact of games on society. A significant component of the system is the study of game structure, graphics and audio, leading to the production of a video game of the student’s design using game development software. Software modules created by students form part of a digital portfolio of code which can be revisited and developed in the Senior School Computer Science course.
Students choosing the Software Design option in Year 10 can extend their software design skills from the Video game Design course and develop an understanding of software development to meet a given design brief using a high-level programming language for general-purpose programming. Students will use their product to add to their digital portfolio detailing their progress in this pathway.
Senior School Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The foundations built from courses followed in Junior-School lead students directly into ICT-based pathways in Years 11 and 12. The two pathways available in Junior School are continued into Years 11 and Year 12:
1. The Graphic Design and Photomedia pathway
- ATAR/General Applied Information Technology
- ATAR/General Design Photography
- General Design Graphics
- Certificate III in Screen and media
2. The Computer Science pathway
- ATAR Computer Science
- Certificate II Information, Digital Media and Technology
- Cisco Networking Academy IT essentials (Year 12 only)
Applied Information Technology ATAR
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to use a range of computer hardware and software to create, manipulate and communicate information in a practical, responsible and informed manner. Students develop an understanding of computer systems; the management of data; and the use of various software applications to investigate, design, construct and evaluate digital products and digital solutions. Students investigate client-driven issues and challenges, devise solutions, produce models or prototypes and then evaluate and refine the developed digital product and solution. The course offers pathways to further studies, a range of technology-based careers and a set of skills that equip students for the 21st century and give them an appreciation of the impact of information technology on society.
Applied Information Technology General
Students who study the Applied Information Technology Course will gain knowledge and skills to use a range of computer hardware and software to create, manipulate and communicate information in a practical, responsible and informed manner. Students develop an understanding of computer systems; the management of data; and the use of various software applications to investigate, design, construct and evaluate digital products and digital solutions. The course offers pathways to further studies, a range of technology-based careers, and a set of skills that equip students for the 21st century and give them an appreciation of the impact of information technology on society.
Design Photography ATAR
This course allows students to develop skills and processes for current and future industry and employment markets. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand design principles and procedures, analyse problems and possibilities, and devise innovative strategies within the design in the context of photography. The Design Photography ATAR course also emphasises the scope of design in professional industries allowing students to maximise university pathways.
Design Photography General
The Design Photography General Course will allow students to develop skills and processes for current and future industry and employment markets. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand design principles and methods, analyse problems and devise innovative strategies through projects. At ASC, students can focus on particular contexts, from photography or graphics. The Design Photography General course also emphasises the scope of design in trade-based industries allowing students to maximise vocational pathways.
Design Graphics General
In this course, students develop skills and processes for current and future industry and employment markets. This course is particularly suitable for Year 10 students who have completed the Advanced Multimedia Design course. Students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to understand design principles and processes, analyse problems and devise innovative strategies through projects. The Design General course also emphasises the scope of design in trade-based industries allowing students to maximise vocational pathways.
Computer Science ATAR
Computer Science ATAR will enable students to explore the fundamental principles, concepts and skills within the field of computing. They learn how to diagnose and solve problems by understanding the building blocks of computing. Students explore the principles related to the analysis and 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 development and 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.
ICT 20115 Certificate II in Information, Digital Media and Technology
This entry-level qualification provides the foundation skills and knowledge to use information and communications technology (ICT) in any industry.
Students study 7 core units of competency, including:
- Contribute to the health and safety of self and others
- Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
- Use computer operating systems and hardware
- Work and communicate effectively in an IT environment
- Operate application software packages
- Operate a digital media technology package
- Use social media tools for collaboration and engagement
Students also study 7 elective units of competency. This qualification provides the necessary digital literacy skills to support various occupations in varying industries. Job roles include office assistant, records assistant, and junior office technology support.
Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials Course (Year 12 only)
The IT Essentials course is aimed at those students intending to enter a career involving hardware and network management. It covers fundamental computer and career skills for entry-level IT jobs. The IT Essentials course includes hands-on labs that provide practical experience to prepare you for enterprise networking. Simulation tools help you hone your troubleshooting skills and practice what you learn.
- Develop a working knowledge of how computers and mobile devices operate.
- Identify common security threats and vulnerabilities like malware, phishing, spoofing and social engineering.
- Apply skills and procedures to install, configure, and troubleshoot computers, mobile devices, and software.
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills using real equipment and Cisco Packet Tracer, a network configuration simulation tool.
- Get immediate feedback on your work through built-in quizzes and tests.
- Connect with the global Cisco Networking Academy community.
