computer studies

CETSS is committed to delivering a high-quality and relevant Computer Studies programme for all students. As no specific second-level course exists in Ireland, we have, in conjunction with parents who work in the IT sector, decided to develop a programme that is grounded in the English Computer Studies GCSE programme, but complemented with coding classes.

However, we shall also seek to utilise the devices in various other subject areas.

Our focus between 1st and 3rd year shall be on the following skills:

  • Gathering and evaluating information effectively using the internet (being able to critically assess information is the key)
  • Personal connectivity and social media control, safety, ethics and activism
  • Basic hardware knowledge (every one should know how to read a technology advertisement, do basic home IT maintenance, etc.)
  • Basic software knowledge (office applications (docs, sheets, presentations), basic file/operating systems, basic security)
  • Media production (photo, illustration, music, video),
  • Programming (thinking like a programmer, basic coding skills, app development for PC, mobile and web).
  • Making (arduino, raspberry pi, etc.) bringing all of the above together to create innovative things

 

Projects

Jackson Pollock meets Spheros

Students used Sphero robots to create a Jackson Pollock inspired piece of Art.  Working in groups, on an App called Tickle, they learned how to create blocks of code which programmed the Spheros to move around a giant canvas. As you can see, the results are very impressive.

Game development in collaboration with Cork Institute of Technology (CIT)

For the past four months students have been collaborating with CIT as part of our game development project. Their task was to design and produce a prototype educational game. Their game would connect to an area in Ethical Education or CSPE that they found interesting. Students created mood boards, developed characters and produced animatics using a variety of apps on their ipads. All of this culminated in a three day workshop in CIT, where they were facilitated in the production of a prototype of their games (see photos below).