Samoa Computer Studies Curriculum

The Computer Studies curriculum in Samoa aims to equip students with essential computer literacy skills, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical application. The curriculum is structured across Years 9-12, with a focus on building foundational skills in earlier years and progressively expanding into more complex topics. While a dedicated Year 13 curriculum document was not found, the Year 13 exam (SSLC) provides insight into the expected knowledge and skills at that level. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, accommodating diverse student backgrounds and teacher expertise.

Core Strands (Years 9-12)

• Personal Computer Systems and Management: This strand covers the fundamental components of a computer system, including hardware, software, operating systems, and file management. Students learn about different hardware components, their functions, and how they interact. They also gain practical skills in operating and maintaining hardware, managing files, and understanding ethical issues related to computer use. Keyboarding skills are also developed, with an emphasis on proper techniques and efficient input. The Year 13 exam expands on these concepts, requiring students to analyze scenarios involving ethical issues and propose solutions.
• Using Personal Computer Applications: This strand focuses on practical application of common software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and databases. Students learn to create, edit, format, and manage documents, spreadsheets, and databases. They also learn to use formulas, functions, and queries to manipulate data and generate reports. The Year 13 exam assesses these skills through practical application scenarios, requiring students to demonstrate proficiency in various software functions.
• Fundamentals of Computer Programming: This strand introduces students to the principles of problem analysis, planning, and coding. Students learn to analyze problems, develop algorithms, and create flowcharts to represent program logic. In Year 12, they progress to coding simple programs using a text editor, applying their knowledge of data types, variables, and constants. The Year 13 exam assesses their understanding of programming concepts and their ability to design and implement simple programs.

Optional Strands (Years 9-12, choose two)

• Computer Graphics and Desktop Publishing: This strand covers basic drawing and painting skills using computer graphics software, as well as the principles of page layout and document production using desktop publishing software.
• Visual Presentations: This strand focuses on creating and delivering presentations using presentation software, incorporating various features such as animations, transitions, and multimedia elements.
• Digital Images: This strand covers image processing techniques, including modifying image properties, creating collages and panoramas, and exporting images to other applications.
• The Internet: This strand focuses on using the internet for research and communication, including searching for information, evaluating sources, and using email.
• Data Integration (Years 10-12): This strand covers integrating data from various sources, such as word processors, spreadsheets, and databases, to solve problems and create reports.
• Website Design (Year 12): This strand introduces students to the fundamentals of web design, including creating simple websites using web page generators, inserting text and graphics, and understanding web publishing concepts.
• Introduction to Networking (Year 12): This strand covers basic networking concepts, components, and topologies, and involves planning and setting up a simple network.

Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment is an ongoing process, incorporating various methods to evaluate student progress and inform teaching practices. Assessment for learning focuses on diagnosing learning needs and providing feedback. Assessment as learning encourages student self-reflection and responsibility. Assessment of learning is summative, evaluating achievement against expected outcomes. Both the Year 10 (SNJSC) and Year 13 (SSLC) exams include a mix of multiple-choice questions and practical application scenarios to assess student understanding and skills.

Additional Resources

The curriculum recommends several textbooks to support learning in specific areas, such as spreadsheet and database skills, as well as general computing concepts.