High School Computer Course

High School Computer Skills Course outline, suitable for Grades 8–12. The content is structured to build students’ digital literacy, technical confidence, and practical computing knowledge, aligned with common CAPS and modern ICT curriculum standards.
High School Computer Skills Course (Grades 8–12) Course Duration: 1 year (or divided per grade level) Delivery Mode: Classroom & Practical Lab / eLearning / Blended Target Audience: High School Learners (Ages 13–18)
Course Modules
1. Introduction to Computers
What is a Computer?
Types of Computers
Basic Parts of a Computer (Input, Output, Storage)
Turning a Computer On/Off Safely
Operating Systems: Windows, macOS, Linux overview
2. Computer Hardware & Software
Internal Hardware: CPU, RAM, Hard Drive
External Devices: Mouse, Keyboard, Monitor
Software: System vs Application Software
Installing & Uninstalling Programs
Introduction to File Extensions
3. Operating System and File Management
Desktop Environment Navigation
Creating, Saving, Renaming, and Deleting Files/Folders
File Types & Organization
Using USBs and Cloud Storage (Google Drive, OneDrive)
4. Typing and Word Processing (MS Word / Google Docs)
Keyboard Skills and Touch Typing
Creating and Formatting Documents
Page Layout, Margins, Headings, Lists
Inserting Images, Tables, and Hyperlinks
Saving, Printing, and Sharing Documents
5. Spreadsheets (MS Excel / Google Sheets)
Workbook & Worksheet Basics
Data Entry and Formatting
Formulas and Functions (SUM, AVERAGE, etc.)
Charts and Graphs
Budgeting and Table Design
6. Presentations (MS PowerPoint / Google Slides)
Slide Creation and Layout
Themes and Transitions
Inserting Multimedia (Images, Video, Audio)
Presentation Skills & Tips
Collaborative Presentation Projects
7. Internet & Email
What is the Internet?
Web Browsers and Search Engines
Online Safety and Cybersecurity Basics
Creating and Managing Email Accounts (Gmail/Outlook)
Sending Attachments and Netiquette
8. Digital Citizenship & Safety
Online Behavior and Respect
Plagiarism and Copyright
Social Media Use and Risks
Protecting Personal Information
Cyberbullying Awareness
9. Coding Fundamentals
Introduction to Programming Logic
Scratch or Blockly for Beginners
Python Basics (print, variables, if-else)
Simple Projects (e.g., Calculator, Quiz Game)
10. Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Common Computer Problems
Simple Solutions (e.g., restart, update)
Antivirus Use
Backups and System Restore
Basic Software Installation