IB Computing: teaching overview

Possible teaching overview

Core Topics (SL Course)

Term	Mainly Theory	Topic	Java & Program Design	Topic
1	Computing System Fundamentals - 1	3.1,2	Learning Java - basics: data members, applets, simple data types, simple constructs, programming style.	2.1, 1.6
2	Computing System Fundamentals - 2 Networks	3.3 3.4	Sequence, selection and repetition in depth. Methods and parameters Mini project - usability issues	2.1 1.3
3	Computer Systems	3.5 3.6 3.7	Classes. Applications, OOP/Design/Programming Concepts, Testing solutions Mini-project, design and test	1.5
4	Review System Life Cycle	3 1.1 1.2	Files Preparation for dossier project	2.1 dossier
5	Algorithms	2.1	Dossier Work	Dossier criteria
6	The Case Study	1.4	Dossier Work	Dossier criteria
7	Algorothm Practice with JETS	2.1	Algorithm Practice with JETS	2.1
8	Examination		Examination

Higher Level Program

Term	Mainly Theory	Topic	Java & Program Design	Topic
1	Computing System Fundamentals	3.1,2, 3,4	Learning Java - basics: data members, applets, simple data types, simple constructs, programming style.	2.1, 1.6
2	Computing Systems and Further Fundamentals Networks	3.5 3.6 3.7 6	Methods and parameters. Classes and applications, event driven and OOP concepts Mini project - usability issues	2.1 1.3
3	Computer Maths and Logic	4	Arrays, records. Testing solutions Mini-project, design and test	1.5
4	Algorithms and data structures (stacks, queues, trees, lists), recursion . File Organisation System Life Cycle	5, 7 1.1 1.2	Files, ADT's, recursion Preparation for dossier project	2.1 dossier
5	Algorithms	2.1	Dossier Work	Dossier criteria
6	The Case Study	1.4	Dossier Work	Dossier criteria
7	Algorothm Practice with JETS	2.1	Algorithm Practice with JETS	2.1
8	Examination		Examination

Dossier Time

Students require additional (supervised) time for completion of the dossier project. This would normally be started in Term 5 of this program.

Practical Management

Of course - this is all theoretical, in practice much depends on you, your school's other commitments and the ability/endeavour of your cohort.

Separate Groups

If you have the chance, teaching separate HL and/or SL groups is a big advantage (to the students) over teaching in a mixed group.

In my experience HL students can suffer as much as a grade in difference when mixed with SL students.

However, if you have only a handful of students and limited resources, not much else can be done.

As ever, enthusiastic and self-motivated students can overcome this limitation.

This represents one way in which the program could be taught over a 7-term period.

In the New Zealand academic year each term has about 9 weeks.

Each week utilises 3 hours teaching at SL and 4.5 hours at HL.

You should be able to adapt the schedule for your local programme and timetable.

This schedule is a generous allowance according to IB requirements for 120 hours teaching for SL plus 25 hours of teaching time for the dossier.

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