High School Block:

Computer Science 120

In this course, learners will have the opportunity to develop skills and explore opportunities where computer science can be applied. Building upon the concepts and skills learned in the Computer Science 110 course, students will create basic applications relevant to contemporary fields of study. These applications will cover topics such as object-oriented programming, recursion, data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and gaming. Through the development of applied coding skills, students will design and prototype their own software.

  • There is an updated online course that aligns with this curriculum. Please visit the New Brunswick Virtual Learning Centre for access to support course planning. Educators can request a blended version of this course that provides all course content, learning activities, and assessments.

CONTEXTS AND CONCEPTS

Solutions

  • Identifying problems based on analysis or feedback
  • Creating creative solutions based on technical knowledge
  • Understanding project constraints due to digital requirements
  • Sharing ideas
Skills

  • Application of technical skills associated with programming
  • Adherence to safety practices related to ergonomics at a computer station
  • Utilization of exploratory and experiential skills in coding
Success

  • Exploring pathways to career opportunities
  • Utilizing skills for personal enjoyment (maker / hobby)
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GRADE 12

Strand: Solutions

Big Idea: Problem Solving

Skill Descriptor: Critically analyze a situation to find an alternative solution.

Global Competencies: CL, CM, CTPS, SGC

Achievement Indicators:

  • Identify problem(s) in coding processes
  • Apply computational thinking strategies to solve problems using programming environments, algorithm visualization tools, or AI‑assisted code analysis to evaluate and refine solutions
  • Communicate potential solutions to coding issues
  • Evaluate coding for alternative solutions using testing frameworks, benchmarking tools, or AI‑supported feedback to compare effectiveness and efficiency

Big Idea: Troubleshooting

Skill Descriptor: Apply skills and knowledge to fix or improve the situation.

Global Competencies: CL, CM,CTPS, SGC

Achievement Indicators:

  • Deconstruct code into small routines
  • Identify errors in code instructions using debugging tools, error logs, or AI‑assisted diagnostics to locate faults
  • Devise methods to fix non‑working code using structured debugging processes and iterative testing within programming environments
  • Collaborate with others to create alternative solutions

Big Idea: Implications of programming

Skill Descriptor: Ethical awareness of creation of code.

Global Competencies: CTPS

Achievement Indicators:

  • Analyze solutions to ensure compliance with Canadian copyright laws using digital licensing references and code‑reuse analysis tools
  • Evaluate code to determine intellectual property ownership
  • Examine software projects for ethical considerations
  • Identify biases in software using dataset inspection, algorithm analysis, or bias‑detection tools to evaluate impact

Strand: Skills

Big Idea: Technical

Skill Descriptor: Demonstrate skills integral to computer science

Global Competencies: CL, CM, CTPS, ICE, SASM

Achievement Indicators:

  • Identify strengths of different programming languages
  • Application of classes, objects, inheritance, and encapsulation in code using object‑oriented programming environments and version‑controlled projects
  • Creation of an algorithm to solve a problem recursively using visual debuggers, recursion tracing tools, or automated testing to verify correctness
  • Demonstration of data manipulation, structures, and visualization
  • Comparison of supervised and unsupervised learning as pertaining to machine learning
  • Explanation of bias in coding and data
  • Description of neural networks as used in artificial intelligence
  • Application of game design principles to a prototype computer game
  • Creation of a program to solve a real‑world problem using iterative development, testing, and user‑feedback cycles supported by digital tools

Big Idea: Wellness and Safety

Skill Descriptor: Recognize and maintain a safe working environment.

Global Competencies: SASM, CTPS

Achievement Indicators:

  • Identify WorkSafeNB policies for ergonomic computer use in the workplace
  • Identify ethical considerations of creation of software which may effect society

Strand: Success

Big Idea: Employment

Skill Descriptor: Examine career pathways in computer science.

Global Competencies: CM, CL, SASM, SGC

Achievement Indicators:

  • Research careers of work positions related to computer science, including educational requirements for each

Big Idea: Personal

Skill Descriptor: Explore coding for small business or personal use.

Global Competencies: CM, CL, SASM, SGC

Achievement Indicators:

  • Survey uses of coding to support small business or personal use
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