Teachers
- Mr. J. Cohen (Department Head)
- Mr. S. Chan
Why Choose Computer Science at Pierre Elliot Trudeau High School:
- Hands-on learning with fun, real-world projects
- Access to tools used by real developers
- Supportive teachers who guide you through every step
- Opportunities for innovation and creativity
- Build a portfolio you can showcase in postsecondary applications
Skills You’ll Learn:
- Highlight what students actually gain:
- Programming fundamentals (Java, Python, or JavaScript)
- Problem solving and logical thinking
- Software design and debugging
- Teamwork and communication
- Using professional tools
- Understanding computer systems and ethics in technology
Courses:
Digital Technology and Innovations in th
Grade 10 | ICD2O1 | 1 Credit | Open
- Introduces students to computer programming and digital technology
- Teaches students to plan, write, and debug programs
- Covers fundamental programming concepts
- Uses a modern programming language with guided examples and investigations
- Includes a hands-on final project (often a game) to demonstrate coding and problem-solving skills
- Explores the relationship between hardware and software
- Introduces emerging topics such as cybersecurity, data, and modern digital innovations
Introduction to Computer Programming
Grade 11 | ICS3C1 | 1 Credit | College
Course Summary:
- Introduces students to computer programming through hands-on problem solving
- Focuses on program design, coding, testing, and refining software
- Explores the software development life cycle from start to finish
- Covers computer systems and safe computing practices
- Examines the environmental impacts of technology
- Highlights emerging technologies and future opportunities in computer-related fields
Introduction to Computer Science
Grade 11 | ICS3U1 | 1 Credit | University
Course Summary:
- Introduces students to the world of computer science
- Students design software independently and in teams
- Uses industry-standard programming tools and the software development life-cycle model
- Involves writing and using subprograms within larger programs
- Encourages creative problem-solving through hands-on projects
- Builds understanding of computing environments
- Explores environmental and ergonomic issues in technology
- Highlights emerging research and global career trends in computer-related fields
Computer Science
Grade 12 | ICS4U1 | 1 Credit | University
Prerequisite: ICS3U1
Course Summary:
- Expands students’ knowledge and skills in computer science
- Uses modular design principles to build complex, well-documented programs
- Emphasizes industry standards in software development
- Involves team-based project management from planning to review
- Develops skills in algorithm analysis and evaluation
- Explores ethical and environmental issues in computing
- Highlights emerging technologies, current research, and career opportunities in computer science
See Where Computer Science Can Take You:
- Open doors for the future: Use your projects and experience to land co-op placements, build your resume, or prepare for postsecondary programs in tech.
- Build real projects: Turn your class work into apps, websites, or games you can actually use or show in a portfolio.
- Solve problems creatively: Use your coding and logic skills to find smarter ways to tackle challenges in school or everyday life.
- Work like a professional: Learn the same tools and design methods that real software developers use in the tech industry.
- Collaborate with others: Work in teams to plan, code, and review big projects, just like in a real workplace.
- Make life easier with tech: Create programs that help with studying, organization, or hobbies you enjoy.
- Understand how technology works: Build confidence using computers and systems that are part of almost every career today.
- Explore the future: Learn about new and emerging technologies that are changing how we live and work.
- Think responsibly: Understand the ethical and environmental sides of computing and how to use technology safely.
Contests
The ECOO Programming Contest is a contest designed for high school students.
The contest takes place in three rounds:
- In Round 1: (Board-wide contest) teams of students compete within their own Board of Education.
- In Round 2: (Regional contest) winners of the Round 1 contest compete in one of three regions of Ontario: East, Central and West.
- In Round 3: (Province-wide contest) the winners of Round 2 compete for the York University Cup.
A team consists of 4 students and one computer. In order to compete effectively, work must be divided efficiently among the team members.
I'm proud to say that our very own Trudeau team was the first York Region School to ever win the York University Cup!
Interested in coding beyond class?
Join our Computer Science Club to build projects, learn new skills, and have fun with friends who share your interests!