Australia · ACARA Content Descriptions
Year 10 Technologies
A comprehensive exploration of high level computational thinking and systems design. Students develop sophisticated programming skills and critical perspectives on how emerging technologies restructure global social and economic systems.
01Algorithmic Logic and Modular Design
Focuses on decomposing complex problems into functional modules using advanced control structures and object oriented principles.
Exploring the core principles of decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms as problem-solving tools.
Breaking down complex problems into smaller, manageable steps and visually representing algorithmic flow using flowcharts.
Translating problem solutions into structured pseudocode, focusing on clarity and logical sequence before coding.
Identifying recurring patterns in logic to create reusable functions and libraries that streamline the development process.
Mastering conditional statements and various loop types to control program flow and execute tasks repeatedly.
Developing and utilizing functions and procedures to encapsulate logic, promote reusability, and improve code organization.
Understanding the fundamental concepts of classes, objects, attributes, and methods as building blocks for complex systems.
Analyzing how different ways of organizing data impact the speed and resource consumption of an application.
Working with ordered collections of data, understanding indexing, and common operations like adding, removing, and accessing elements.
Implementing and comparing linear and binary search algorithms to locate specific data within collections.
Exploring various sorting techniques like bubble sort, selection sort, and insertion sort, and analyzing their time complexity.
Implementing rigorous testing protocols and trace tables to ensure software reliability and security.
Learning to write tests before writing code, ensuring functionality and catching bugs early in the development cycle.
02Data Intelligence and Big Data
Investigating how massive datasets are collected, cleaned, and modeled to predict trends and inform decision making.
Defining data, information, and knowledge, and exploring different types of data (structured, unstructured, semi-structured).
Exploring various methods of data collection, including surveys, sensors, web scraping, and understanding their ethical implications.
Designing and querying relational databases to manage complex information sets with integrity.
Learning to model database structures using Entity-Relationship (ER) diagrams to represent entities, attributes, and relationships.
Mastering complex SQL queries including joins, subqueries, and aggregate functions to extract meaningful insights from databases.
Understanding the '3 Vs' (Volume, Velocity, Variety) of Big Data and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Learning techniques to identify and handle missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies in datasets to prepare for analysis.
Transforming raw numbers into compelling visual narratives that reveal hidden insights.
Selecting appropriate chart types (bar, line, scatter, pie) based on data characteristics and the message to convey.
Understanding basic statistical concepts like mean, median, mode, and standard deviation to describe and summarize data.
An introduction to how algorithms learn from data to make predictions or classifications.
Exploring real-world applications of machine learning, such as recommendation systems, image recognition, and natural language processing, without delving into the underlying algorithms.
Examining issues of data privacy, algorithmic bias, fairness, and accountability in the context of data collection and analysis.
03Networks and the Invisible Web
Examining the hardware and protocols that facilitate global communication and the security measures needed to protect them.
Exploring the fundamental concepts of networks, including types (LAN, WAN), topologies, and the benefits of networked systems.
Identifying and understanding the function of key network devices such as routers, switches, modems, and access points.
Understanding how data is packetized and routed across the internet using TCP/IP and other protocols.
Exploring the layered architecture of network communication, understanding how data flows through different protocol layers.
Learning about IP addresses (IPv4 and IPv6), subnetting, and the Domain Name System (DNS) for naming and locating resources.
Understanding the principles of Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and the challenges and opportunities of mobile connectivity.
Exploring the concepts of cloud computing (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), its benefits, and potential risks.
Defining cybersecurity, its importance, and common threats faced by individuals and organizations.
Exploring the mathematics of encryption and the ongoing battle between privacy and surveillance.
Analyzing common attack vectors like SQL injection and phishing to build more resilient systems.
Investigating different types of malware (viruses, worms, ransomware) and their methods of infection and damage.
Understanding how systems verify user identities and control access to resources, including multi-factor authentication.
Learning practical steps individuals can take to protect their personal data and devices online, including strong passwords, software updates, and safe browsing habits.
04User Experience and Human Centered Design
Focusing on the interface between humans and machines through the lens of accessibility and empathy.
Exploring the principles of how humans interact with computers and the importance of designing intuitive interfaces.
Distinguishing between visual aesthetics and the holistic experience of a user interacting with a product.
Learning techniques to understand target users, including interviews, surveys, and creating user personas to guide design decisions.
Organizing content and designing intuitive navigation structures to help users find information easily.
Creating basic visual guides and simple prototypes to outline the structure and functionality of an interface.
Ensuring that digital technologies are usable by everyone, including people with diverse physical and cognitive abilities.
Conducting usability tests to observe user interactions, identify pain points, and gather feedback for design improvements.
Using low fidelity and high fidelity prototypes to test ideas and gather user feedback early in the design cycle.
Analyzing which industries are most susceptible to automation and what new roles might emerge.
Investigating the balance between technological convenience and the right to privacy in public and private spaces.
Assessing the ecological footprint of hardware manufacturing, energy consumption, and electronic waste.