Digital Technology

Digital Technologies (DGT)–NCEA Level 1

The Digital Technologies course aims to provide an understanding of digital technology in terms of the following AchievementStandards: Intro to computer programming (Python, Visual Studio), database design and development (Access), desktop publishing, infographic design and development (Photoshop), digital animation (Unity). Students sit an external exam at the end of the year focused on Human Computer Interaction with the opportunity to gain Merit or Excellence endorsement determined by their grade.The course is Achievement Standards based and preparation for the more academically demanding courses at Levels 2 and 3.

Course Content: Refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook to view the Achievement Standards offered in this course.

Progression to NCEA Level 2: Ideally these achievement standards are a precursor for those at Levels 2 & 3 DGT. 

FAQ:

1. If my son has not done 10DGT, does that preclude entry into Year 11?
No. While entry into 11DGT is open, there is an academic expectation which goes beyond but asimple enthusiasm for Digital Technology.

2.Is there subject endorsement proviso in the Year 11 course?
Yes. Students sit an external exam at the end of the year where results will determine Merit and Excellent subject endorsement.

3.Can you provide a succinct summary of the course content?
Yodiz planning; computer programming – Python; database – Access; infographic – Photoshop, animation – Unity; External Exam - Human computer interaction.

4.Where will my son’s study of digital technology take him in terms of viable career paths?
This course should enable students to more clearly define and map out a future career path in digital technology. Some may be more interested in focusing on problem-solving and pure Computer Science, while others may find the more creative areas of digital media, animation and webdesign more appealing;  and of course, significant numbers will always be more intent on following the straighter  pathway of business computing where a sound knowledge of computer application programs is fundamental.

5.What are the options in digital technology for further tertiary study?
Some students in digital technology go onto study Computer Science at University. There, they specialise in a variety of areas including; cybersecurity; software engineering; network engineering; systems engineering and information systems. Other students more interested in the creative component of digital technology may pursue the study of animation; website development; game development; and special effects. Those more entrepreneurial students create their own companies to develop a range of applications like the recent DeliverEasy and other products catering to consumer services. Finally, students intent on working in the business corporate sector tend to study digital technology papers related to their business, law, medical, or science degree.

Digital Technologies (DGT) – NCEA Level 2

The Level 2 Digital Technologies course progresses on from the Level 1 course by aiming to extend and develop the basic understanding gained during the previous year. The Achievement Standards at this level focus on developing understanding of advanced procedures in the development of digital outcomes. Advanced procedures may include: Computer Animation, Programming, Digital Image Manipulation, Video Editing, and App Development. Students sit an external exam at the end of the year focused on Artificial Intelligence with the opportunity to gain Merit or Excellence endorsement determined by their grade. Ideally, students wishing to pursue this course option should have achieved 17 credits at Level 1 Digital Technologies course.

Course Content: Refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook to view the Achievement Standards offered in this course.

Progression to NCEA Level 3: Ideally these achievement standards are a precursor for those at Level 3 DGT. 

FAQ:

1. If my son has not done 11DGT, does that preclude entry into Year 12?
No. While entry into 12DGT is open, there is an academic expectation which goes beyond but a simple enthusiasm for Digital Technology. The academic standard at Level 2 demands diligent application and sustained focus and there is a degree of continuity from Level 1. Ideally, any prospective student should have completed the Year 12 course, however, other students who have achieved Level 1 NCEA at Merit level or above with a strong enthusiasm and interest in Digital Technology are welcome.

2.Is there a subject endorsement proviso in the Year 12 course?
Yes. Students sit an external exam at the end of the year where results will determine Merit and Excellent subject endorsement.

3.Where will my son’s study of digital technology take him in terms of viable career paths?
This course should enable students to more clearly define and map out a future career path in digital technology. Some may be more interested in focusing on problem-solving and pure Computer Science, while others may find the more creative areas of digital media, animation and web design more appealing;  and of course, significant numbers will always be more intent on following the straighter  pathway of business computing where a sound knowledge of computer application programs is fundamental.

4.What are the options in digital technology for further tertiary study?
Some students in digital technology go onto study Computer Science at University. There, they specialise in a variety of areas including; cybersecurity; software engineering; network engineering; systems engineering and information systems. Other students more interested in the creative component of digital technology may pursue the study of animation; website development; game development; and special effects. Those more entrepreneurial students create their own companies to develop a range of applications like the recent DeliverEasy and other products catering to consumer services. Finally, students intent on working in the business corporate sector tend to study digital technology papers related to their business, law, medical, or science degree.

Digital Technology (DGT) - NCEA Level 3

The Level 3 Digital Technology course again progresses on from the previous Level 2 course by aiming to further extend and develop the understanding of advanced digital procedures gained at Level 2; the Achievement Standards at this level focus on the following areas: digitising and creative modelling using digital media applications (Photoshop/Illustrator); object-oriented programming using an appropriate integrated development environment (Unity/Visual Studio); Students sit an external exam at the end of the year focused on an area of ComputerScience with the opportunity to gain Merit or Excellence endorsement determined by their grade. Ideally, students wishing to pursue this course option should have achieved the Level 2 Digital Technologies course at Merit level or above or at the discretion of the course teacher.

Course Content: Refer to the Senior Curriculum Handbook to view the Achievement Standards offered in this course.

FAQ:

1. If my son has not done 12DGT, does that preclude entry into Year 13?
No. While entry into 13DGT is open, there is an academic expectation which goes beyond but a simple enthusiasm for Digital Technology.
The academic standard at Level 3 demands diligent application and sustained focus and there is a degree of continuity from Level 2. Ideally, any prospective student should have completed the Year 12 course, however, other students who have achieved Level 2 NCEA at Merit level or above with a strong enthusiasm and interest in Digital Technology welcome.

2.Is there a subject endorsement proviso in the Year 13 course?
Yes. Students sit an external exam at the end of the year where results will determine Merit and Excellent subject endorsement.

3.Is there a scholarship proviso in the Year 13 course?
Yes. Students submit an extensive external report where their results are determined.

4.Where will my son’s study of digital technology take him in terms of viable career paths?
This course should enable students to more clearly define and map out a future career path in digital technology. Some may be more interested in focusing on problem-solving and pure Computer Science, while others may find the more creative areas of digital media, animation and web design more appealing;  and of course, significant numbers will always be more intent on following the straighter pathway of business computing where a sound knowledge of computer application programs is fundamental.

5.What are the options in digital technology for further tertiary study?
Some students in digital technology go onto study Computer Science at University. There, they specialise in a variety of areas including; cybersecurity; software engineering; network engineering; systems engineering and information systems. Other students more interested in the creative component of digital technology may pursue the study of animation; website development; game development; and special effects. Those more entrepreneurial students create their own companies to develop a range of applications like the recent DeliverEasy and other products catering to consumer services. Finally, students intent on working in the business corporate sector tend to study digital technology papers related to their business, law, medical, or science degree.