Academic Electives

Principles of Computer Science provides students with a foundational understanding of key computer science concepts and explores how computing and technology influence the world. This course goes beyond basic programming to cover fundamental ideas such as algorithms, data structures, and the impact of technology on society. It aims to show how these concepts are shaping the modern world and preparing students to understand and engage with the technological landscape.

Throughout this course, students gain a critical perspective on how computer science can be applied to solve problems and drive innovation. It emphasizes the importance of computing as a liberal art, equipping students with the knowledge to be informed contributors to our increasingly digital society, whether they pursue careers in technology.

This course teaches essential skills like budgeting, saving, investing, credit/debt management, taxes, insurance, and consumer awareness using real-world scenarios and data to build financial stability for becoming responsible citizens. The curriculum covers financial attitudes, banking, wealth building, risk management, and fraud prevention, preparing students for economic challenges and workforce success.

IRCHS students will take this course in 11th grade.

AICE Thinking Skills is a Cambridge course that builds transferable skills in Critical Thinking (analyzing arguments, evaluating evidence, forming reasoned judgments) and Problem Solving (organizing information, analyzing data, applying logic, making decisions) for complex scenarios, preparing students for higher education and careers by developing strong reasoning, analysis, and independent thinking to tackle unfamiliar problems across subjects. It's split into two exam papers, focusing on logic, argument, and numerical/graphical problem-solving.