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Course Guide

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Computer Science

  • Internet Safety & Security

    INTERNET SAFETY & SECURITY       .5 CR

                                                                       9, 10, 11, 12

    This project-based course prepares students to be responsible citizens in our digital future.  It focuses on what each person must do to ensure safety and success using on the internet.  In particular, it covers digital etiquette, locating reliable resources, maintaining your digital reputation, and developing good cyber hygiene habits.  Blended learning using videos, online resources, group discussions, and reflective writing are used to explore and master these areas.  No programming experience is required.

    PREREQUISITE:  None.

    PLEASE NOTE: Students who took our Personal Cybersecurity class may not take this class since it is the same course.

  • HN Computer Science Foundations

    HN Computer Science Foundations
    10,11,12
    .5 credit
    Honors Computer Science Foundations teaches the foundations of computer science and basic programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students will program in a Code High School graphics-based language and Javascript.   
    PREREQUISITES:  B- or above in CP Geometry or higher math class.

  • Creative Computing

    Creative Computing
    9, 10,11,12
    .5 credit
     
    This basic course introduces the fundamentals of web design as well as foundational programming concepts. Students learn the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and students create a culminating personal portfolio website showcasing projects they build throughout the course.  

    PREREQUISITES:  None

    PLEASE NOTE: Students who took our Internet Programming class may not take this class since it is the same course.

  • AP Computer Science Principles

    908 - ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES
    1 CR  
                                                                                 11, 12
    Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles is a college level computer science course that 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, cybersecurity 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. 
    PREREQUISITES: Students must be enrolled in a CP, HN, or AP math course. Please review AP policies on page 4.

  • AP Cybersecurity 1: Networking Fundamentals

    AP CYBERSECURITY 1: NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS                                            1 CR    

                                                                      10, 11, 12
    This course covers the fundamentals of networking. It is equivalent to a college-level Introduction to Networking course. The course interweaves essential networking concepts with relevant, hands-on problem-solving activities to maximize students’ understanding of network hardware and configuration, the use of protocols to enable reliable and accurate transmission of data between different hosts around the world, and relevant security practices that secure the transmission of data both within and between computer networks.

    PREREQUISITES: B- or above in CP Geometry or higher math class. Please review AP policies on page 5.

  • Digital Video Design and Production

    Digital Video Design and Production
    1 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    This course features a collaborative project-based approach wherein students learn and hone communication skills crucial to digital video literacy. While many digital media courses focus solely on journalism or cinematography, this introductory course gives students well-rounded exposure to various projects as they learn how to film and edit. These collaborative projects include interviews, commercials, public services announcements, event filming, short films, and mini-documentaries.
    This course satisfies both the fine arts and computer science requirements.
    Prerequisites: None

  • HN Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

    HONORS INTRODUCTION TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE                                                       .5 CR

                                                                            11, 12
    This course introduces students to the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its history, core concepts, real-world applications, and ethical implications. Students will explore how AI impacts fields like robotics, natural language processing, and machine learning. The course combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on activities, encouraging critical thinking and creativity. By the end of the semester, students will: understand the history and evolution of AI; learn key concepts in AI, including machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing; explore real-world applications of AI and their impacts on society; discuss the ethical implications of AI, such as bias, privacy, and job displacement; develop problem-solving skills through hands-on projects and activities. No programming experience is required.
    PREREQUISITES: B- or above in CP Geometry or higher math class.

  • Intro to Robotic Design

    Intro to Robotic Design
    .5 CR
    Grades 10, 11, 12
    In this one-semester class, students will receive a hands-on introduction to competition robotics. This course will cover robotic hardware and actuators, electronics wiring and sensors, as well as the programming of autonomous robots using Java and Blocks programming. Computer Aided Design (CAD) basics will be introduced to support techniques for various types of simple machines. Assignments will be focused on learning skills such as the engineering design process, engineering tradeoffs, and modeling engineering problems necessary for the class to work as a team. The class will design and build a robot to compete in the annual FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition. In addition, this course requires active participation outside of class time (Saturdays) for FTC competitions which include local qualifiers (December-January), regional qualifiers (February-March), and championships.

    PREREQUISITES: 80% or above in one of these courses: Honors Java Programming, AP Computer Science Principles, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence & Applied Robotics, Introduction to Engineering Design, or HN Computer Science Foundations.
     

  • Game Development in Unity

    GAME DEVELOPMENT IN UNITY                     .5 CR  

                                                                    9, 10, 11, 12
    Students will embark on an exciting journey to master the fundamentals of game design and programming. Through hands-on projects and engaging challenges using the Unity game engine, students will learn to create interactive and visually captivating 2D and 3D games. This course equips students with essential programming skills in C# and Unity's scripting system while honing their problem-solving abilities and fostering creativity in game development.

    PREREQUISITES: B- or above in CP Geometry or higher math class. 9th graders must be enrolled in Algebra 2 or above math class.

  • AP Computer Science A

    939-ADVANCED PLACEMENT COMPUTER A         1 CR  
                                                                                 11, 12
    Advanced Placement Computer Science A is a college level computer science course for those students deeply interested in computer science.  This course curriculum parallels the units of study in the syllabus of the College Board Advanced Placement program.  Students are required to complete a variety of activities using the iMacs AP tutorial plus four programming labs to master the material required by the AP exam.
    PREREQUISITES: B or above in one of these courses: AP Computer Science Principles, or Honors Computer Science Foundations. OR enrollment in CP Calculus, AP Calculus AB, or AP Calculus BC. Please review AP policies on page 5.

Faculty


Front Desk: 703-352-0925
Email: info@paulvi.net

Attendance Line: 703-352-0927
Email: attendance@paulvi.net
St. Paul VI Catholic High School is a private Diocesan Catholic preparatory school for girls and boys in grades 9-12 in Chantilly, Virginia, seeking to help our students Grow in Grace and Wisdom. Our school is part of the Diocese of Arlington and offers rigorous academics, an inclusive community focused on spiritual and leadership formation, and a proud athletic tradition featuring nationally renowned programs competing in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association.

St. Paul VI Catholic High School is an accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.