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Location & Contact Details

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Address:

West Catholic High School
1801 Bristol Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Events Calendar

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Computer Science

Program Goal: To foster a deep understanding of computer hardware, software systems and business-related applications in order to build lifelong technological skills, efficiencies and expertise

Students will:

  • Optimize their efficiency through the use of advanced search techniques, operating system navigation and shortcuts, software application training, and web-based tools

  • Digitally produce text-based, graphical and computational creations to serve a particular function (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, computer programs)

  • Develop computer programs through an iterative process of writing, testing and modifying code

  • Understand digital security and practice digital safety measures

  • Explore careers in the fields of business technology and programming

* All Computer Science courses are elective courses; however, students must earn a minimum of 1 credit hour in either Computer Science courses, Engineering and Innovation courses, Fine Arts courses, Instrumental and Vocal Music, or Media Arts and Design courses (or a combination of these courses) prior to graduation.

Freshman Courses

Business Technology

Course Number:  C122
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description: This course teaches the effective use of a variety of computer applications. The Microsoft Office Suite, the Windows environment, and various online and Web 2.0 tools will be learned in this course.  Students will create professional documents and multimedia projects for both personal and business-related tasks. Spreadsheets, databases, and presentation programs will be used throughout this course.

Computer Essentials

Course Number:  C109
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course teaches basic computer knowledge and skills for everyday life. Typing skills will be practiced and reinforced throughout the course. Computer hardware and computer networking will be learned along with basic troubleshooting methods. Additionally, internet security, internet search strategies and digital citizenship will be taught and practiced. Web-based tools will be used throughout the course both to deliver instruction and to create student work.

Visual Basic Programming 1

Course Number:  C130
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course introduces computer programming in the Visual Basic.NET language. It begins with the study of logic as applied to computer programming and basic computer design. Programs are created which teach various computer commands, programming structures, mathematical operations and foundations to programming. Highly recommended for students interested in pursuing engineering, mathematics, computer programming or other technical careers.

Visual Basic Programming 2

Course Number:  C131
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  Visual Basic Programming I
Course Description:  This course is an extension of Visual Basic.NET Programming I. Students will expand on concepts learned in Visual Basic I and learn advanced programming concepts. Application of knowledge will be tested through hands-on activities. Comparisons will be made with other languages and practical programming applications will be examined.

C# Programming 1

Course Number:  C115
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course introduces computer programming in C# Programming language. It begins with the study of logic as applied to computer programming and basic program design. Programs are created which teach various computer commands, programming structures, mathematical operations and foundations to programming. Highly recommended for students interested in pursuing engineering, mathematics, computer science or other technical careers.

C# Programming 2

Course Number:  C116
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  C# Programming I
Course Description:  This course is an extension of C# Programming I. Students will expand on concepts learned in C# Programming I and learn advanced programming concepts. Application of knowledge will be tested through hands-on activities. Comparisons will be made with other languages and practical programming applications will be examined.

AP Computer Science Principles

Course Number:  C121
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the internet, cyber-security concerns and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem-solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.

Sophomore Courses

Business Technology 1

Course Number:  C122
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course teaches the effective use of a variety of computer applications.  The Microsoft Office Suite, the Windows environment, and various online and Web 2.0 tools will be learned in this course.  Students will create professional documents and multimedia projects for both personal and business related tasks.  Spreadsheets, databases, and presentation programs will be used throughout this course.

Computer Essentials

Course Number:  C109
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course teaches basic computer knowledge and skills for everyday life. Typing skills will be practiced and reinforced throughout the course. Computer hardware and computer networking will be learned along with basic troubleshooting methods. Additionally, internet security, internet search strategies and digital citizenship will be taught and practiced. Web-based tools will be used throughout the course both to deliver instruction and to create student work.

Visual Basic Programming 1

Course Number:  C130
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course introduces computer programming in the Visual Basic.NET language. It begins with the study of logic as applied to computer programming and basic computer design. Programs are created which teach various computer commands, programming structures, mathematical operations and foundations to programming. Highly recommended for students interested in pursuing engineering, mathematics, computer programming or other technical careers.

Visual Basic Programming 2

Course Number:  C131
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  Visual Basic Programming I
Course Description:  This course is an extension of Visual Basic.NET Programming I. Students will expand on concepts learned in Visual Basic I and learn advanced programming concepts. Application of knowledge will be tested through hands-on activities. Comparisons will be made with other languages and practical programming applications will be examined.

C# Programming 1

Course Number:  C115
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course introduces computer programming in C# Programming language. It begins with the study of logic as applied to computer programming and basic program design. Programs are created which teach various computer commands, programming structures, mathematical operations and foundations to programming. Highly recommended for students interested in pursuing engineering, mathematics, computer science or other technical careers.

C# Programming 2

Course Number:  C116
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  C# Programming I
Course Description:  This course is an extension of C# Programming I. Students will expand on concepts learned in C# Programming I and learn advanced programming concepts. Application of knowledge will be tested through hands-on activities. Comparisons will be made with other languages and practical programming applications will be examined.

AP Computer Science Principles

Course Number:  C121
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the internet, cyber-security concerns and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem-solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.

AP Computer Science

Course Number:  C120
Open to grades:  10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Students must take one of the following courses prior to taking AP Computer Science: Visual Basic Programming I, C# Programming I or AP Computer Science Principles
Course Description:  This course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in computer science. Students will design and implement solutions to problems by writing, running and debugging computer programs, use and implement commonly used algorithms and data structures to solve problems, and code fluently in an object-oriented paradigm using the programming language Java.

Junior Courses

Business Technology 1

Course Number:  C122
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course teaches the effective use of a variety of computer applications.  The Microsoft Office Suite, the Windows environment, and various online and Web 2.0 tools will be learned in this course.  Students will create professional documents and multimedia projects for both personal and business related tasks.  Spreadsheets, databases, and presentation programs will be used throughout this course.

Computer Essentials

Course Number:  C109
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course teaches basic computer knowledge and skills for everyday life. Typing skills will be practiced and reinforced throughout the course. Computer hardware and computer networking will be learned along with basic troubleshooting methods. Additionally, internet security, internet search strategies and digital citizenship will be taught and practiced. Web-based tools will be used throughout the course both to deliver instruction and to create student work.

Visual Basic Programming 1

Course Number:  C130
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course introduces computer programming in the Visual Basic.NET language. It begins with the study of logic as applied to computer programming and basic computer design. Programs are created which teach various computer commands, programming structures, mathematical operations and foundations to programming. Highly recommended for students interested in pursuing engineering, mathematics, computer programming or other technical careers.

Visual Basic Programming 2

Course Number:  C131
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  Visual Basic Programming I
Course Description:  This course is an extension of Visual Basic.NET Programming I. Students will expand on concepts learned in Visual Basic I and learn advanced programming concepts. Application of knowledge will be tested through hands-on activities. Comparisons will be made with other languages and practical programming applications will be examined.

C# Programming 1

Course Number:  C115
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course introduces computer programming in C# Programming language. It begins with the study of logic as applied to computer programming and basic program design. Programs are created which teach various computer commands, programming structures, mathematical operations and foundations to programming. Highly recommended for students interested in pursuing engineering, mathematics, computer science or other technical careers.

C# Programming 2

Course Number:  C116
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  C# Programming I
Course Description:  This course is an extension of C# Programming I. Students will expand on concepts learned in C# Programming I and learn advanced programming concepts. Application of knowledge will be tested through hands-on activities. Comparisons will be made with other languages and practical programming applications will be examined.

AP Computer Science Principles

Course Number:  C121
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the internet, cyber-security concerns and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem-solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.

AP Computer Science

Course Number:  C120
Open to grades:  10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Students must take one of the following courses prior to taking AP Computer Science: Visual Basic Programming I, C# Programming I or AP Computer Science Principles
Course Description:  This course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in computer science. Students will design and implement solutions to problems by writing, running and debugging computer programs, use and implement commonly used algorithms and data structures to solve problems, and code fluently in an object-oriented paradigm using the programming language Java.

Senior Courses

Business Technology 1

Course Number:  C122
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course teaches the effective use of a variety of computer applications.  The Microsoft Office Suite, the Windows environment, and various online and Web 2.0 tools will be learned in this course.  Students will create professional documents and multimedia projects for both personal and business related tasks.  Spreadsheets, databases, and presentation programs will be used throughout this course.

Computer Essentials

Course Number:  C109
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course teaches basic computer knowledge and skills for everyday life. Typing skills will be practiced and reinforced throughout the course. Computer hardware and computer networking will be learned along with basic troubleshooting methods. Additionally, internet security, internet search strategies and digital citizenship will be taught and practiced. Web-based tools will be used throughout the course both to deliver instruction and to create student work.

Visual Basic Programming 1

Course Number:  C130
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course introduces computer programming in the Visual Basic.NET language. It begins with the study of logic as applied to computer programming and basic computer design. Programs are created which teach various computer commands, programming structures, mathematical operations and foundations to programming. Highly recommended for students interested in pursuing engineering, mathematics, computer programming or other technical careers.

Visual Basic Programming 2

Course Number:  C131
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Even-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  Visual Basic Programming I
Course Description:  This course is an extension of Visual Basic.NET Programming I. Students will expand on concepts learned in Visual Basic I and learn advanced programming concepts. Application of knowledge will be tested through hands-on activities. Comparisons will be made with other languages and practical programming applications will be examined.

C# Programming 1

Course Number:  C115
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  This course introduces computer programming in C# Programming language. It begins with the study of logic as applied to computer programming and basic program design. Programs are created which teach various computer commands, programming structures, mathematical operations and foundations to programming. Highly recommended for students interested in pursuing engineering, mathematics, computer science, or other technical careers.

C# Programming 2

Course Number:  C116
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1/2 Credit
Offered:  Odd-Numbered Years
Prerequisite:  C# Programming I
Course Description:  This course is an extension of C# Programming I. Students will expand on concepts learned in C# Programming I and learn advanced programming concepts. Application of knowledge will be tested through hands-on activities. Comparisons will be made with other languages and practical programming applications will be examined.

AP Computer Science Principles

Course Number:  C121
Open to grades:  9, 10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  None
Course Description:  AP Computer Science Principles offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the underlying principles of computation. The course will introduce students to the creative aspects of programming, abstractions, algorithms, large data sets, the internet, cyber-security concerns and computing impacts. AP Computer Science Principles also gives students the opportunity to use current technologies to create computational artifacts for both self-expression and problem-solving. Together, these aspects of the course make up a rigorous and rich curriculum that aims to broaden participation in computer science.

AP Computer Science

Course Number:  C120
Open to grades:  10, 11, 12
Credit Hours: 1 Credit
Prerequisite:  Students must take one of the following courses prior to taking AP Computer Science: Visual Basic Programming I, C# Programming I or AP Computer Science Principles
Course Description:  This course emphasizes object-oriented programming methodology with a concentration on problem solving and algorithm development and is meant to be the equivalent of a first-semester college-level course in computer science. Students will design and implement solutions to problems by writing, running and debugging computer programs, use and implement commonly used algorithms and data structures to solve problems, and code fluently in an object-oriented paradigm using the programming language Java.