Farrer has excellent computing and technology resources for students to use for research, assignments and skills enhancement. The school also has a dedicated computer studies teacher qualified in many areas of computer science, such as computer programming and web design, also with a keen interest in exposing the students at Farrer to cutting edge technology and new approaches to computer studies.

We have seven computer labs at the school all equipped with digital data projectors for demonstrations and modern computers to handle the software needs of students and teachers.

Students have a number of computing studies courses to choose from as they progress through Farrer. The school certificate (years 9& 10) computing course is called Information & Software Technology, while at the HSC level there are two courses to choose from; Software Design & Development and Information Processes and Technology.

Below is a short description of what a student can expect to study in either of these courses.

Information & Software Technology

This course has replaced Computing Studies.

Today, people can expect to work and live in environments requiring highly developed levels of computing and technology. It is important that students learn about, choose and use appropriate information and software technology. The study of Information and Software Technology assists students in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to solve problems in real world situations. Through experience with a wide variety of hardware and software packages the student are able to design, create and test their own computer projects, while enhancing their existing creative and problem-solving skills.

Students develop computer solutions through practical project work, individually as well as in groups. Units of work include multimedia, database design, digital media, the Internet and web site development, networking systems and software development and programming.

The major focus of the new Information and Software Technology course is Project Work, which means students will complete a series of practical projects designed to further enhance their existing computer skills and understanding. Students completing this course will be equipped to make appropriate use of software and technology both at a personal level and in the workplace.

Examples of projects students can expect to work on include:

Designing and creating software for MS Windows ………Plus more.

SOFTWARE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

The Preliminary course introduces students to the basic concepts of computer software design and development. It does this by looking at the different ways in which software can be developed, the tools that can be used to assist in this process and by considering the interaction between software and the other components of the computer system.

The HSC course builds on the Preliminary course and asks students to develop and document software using a variety of data structures and language facilities. Through this they will learn to solve a number of interesting and relevant software problems.

In both the Preliminary and HSC courses there is a mandatory project work component in which students will use the concepts from the theory to develop appropriate software packages for a problem.

Some example projects include:

INFORMATION PROCESSES & TECHNOLOGY

Information Processes and Technology is the study of computer-based information systems. It focuses on information processes performed by these systems and the information technology that allows them to take place.

Social, ethical and non-computer procedures resulting from the processes are considered.

Different types of information systems are studied. Through project work, students will create their own information systems to meet identified needs.

Some areas of study include: