Computer Science learning area contacts:

• ATAR

  The Computer Science ATAR course builds on the core principles, concepts and skills developed in the Digital Technologies subject in previous years. Students utilise and enhance established analysis and algorithm design skills to create innovative digital solutions to real-world problems. In the process, students develop computational, algorithmic and systems thinking skills which can be successfully applied to problems across domains outside Information Technology. In addition to the development of software, the essential concepts of networking, data management and cyber security are explored. With the vast amounts of data collected in our increasingly digital world, especially in the information-intensive business and scientific disciplines, data management is becoming essential. Similarly, with more and more devices connecting to the internet, cyber security is a major issue for society and the world continues to look for new, young experts to emerge in this field.

  Syllabus

  • ATAR Year 11 Syllabus – For teaching from 2026 (681.7 KB)Last updated: 29 Jan 2026 2:05pmAlso available in Word Format (409.6 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 and Year 12 Additional syllabus support booklet  (778.7 KB)Last updated: 10 Feb 2025 4:42pmAlso available in Word Format (597.2 KB)
  • ATAR Syllabus Year 12 - For teaching from 2026 (735.4 KB)Last updated: 20 Jan 2026 3:08pmAlso available in Word Format (420.2 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 Summary of minor syllabus changes (320.8 KB)Last updated: 29 Aug 2025 2:54pmAlso available in Word Format (32.4 KB)

  What's changing

  • ATAR Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (412.6 KB)Last updated: 30 Sep 2025 2:51pmAlso available in Word Format (318.0 KB)
  • ATAR Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (392.6 KB)Last updated: 30 Sep 2025 2:51pmAlso available in Word Format (317.0 KB)

  Grading

  • Grade descriptions in Year 11 syllabus

  • Grade descriptions in Year 12 syllabus

  Support Materials

  • Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions (381.7 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (212.3 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 sample course outline (348.8 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:42pmAlso available in Word Format (368.4 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 sample course outline - For teaching from 2025 (300.0 KB)Last updated: 08 Nov 2024 9:49amAlso available in Word Format (367.8 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 sample assessment outline  (275.6 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:42pmAlso available in Word Format (195.2 KB)
  • ATAR Year 11 sample assessment tasks  (814.6 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:42pmAlso available in Word Format (633.0 KB)
  • ATAR 12 Sample Assessment Tasks (635.1 KB)Last updated: 16 Feb 2024 11:29amAlso available in Word Format (462.0 KB)
  • ATAR 12 Sample Assessment Outline (288.5 KB)Last updated: 16 Feb 2024 11:29amAlso available in Word Format (355.0 KB)
  • ATAR 12 Sample Course Outline  (621.1 KB)Last updated: 23 Jun 2026 2:50pmAlso available in Word Format (375.5 KB)

  Examination Materials

  • 2025 Summary examination report for candidates (298.0 KB)Last updated: 19 Mar 2026 2:28pm
  • 2025 Examination (635.0 KB)Last updated: 27 Jan 2026 1:59pm
  • 2025 Marking Key (798.2 KB)Last updated: 27 Jan 2026 1:59pm
  • 2025 Source Booklet (346.8 KB)Last updated: 27 Jan 2026 1:59pm
  • Additional Past ATAR Course Examinations
• General

  In the Computer Science General Course students are introduced to the fundamental principles, concepts and skills within the field of computing. They learn how to diagnose and solve problems while exploring the building blocks of computing. Students explore the principles related to the creation of computer and information systems; software development; the connectivity between computers; the management of data; the development of database systems; and the moral and ethical considerations for the use of computer systems. This course provides students with the practical and technical skills that equip them to function effectively in a world where these attributes are vital for employability and daily life in a technological society.

  Syllabus

  • General Year 11 Syllabus – For teaching from 2026 (654.7 KB)Last updated: 07 Aug 2026 11:54amAlso available in Word Format (400.9 KB)
  • General Year 12 Syllabus – For teaching from 2024 (459.6 KB)Last updated: 07 Aug 2026 11:55amAlso available in Word Format (179.3 KB)

  What's changing

  • General Year 12 What's changing - General capabilities (412.2 KB)Last updated: 30 Sep 2025 2:55pmAlso available in Word Format (317.9 KB)
  • General Year 12 What's changing - Rationale and Aims (392.4 KB)Last updated: 30 Sep 2025 2:55pmAlso available in Word Format (315.9 KB)

  Grading

  • Grade descriptions in Year 11 syllabus

  • Grade descriptions in Year 12 syllabus

  Support Materials

  • Glossary of key words used in the formulation of questions (381.7 KB)Last updated: 28 Jan 2026 11:38amAlso available in Word Format (212.3 KB)
  • General Year 12 sample assessment outline (326.8 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:57pmAlso available in Word Format (352.7 KB)
  • General Year 12 sample assessment tasks (354.4 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:57pmAlso available in Word Format (413.8 KB)
  • General Year 12 sample course outline (397.7 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:57pmAlso available in Word Format (363.5 KB)
  • General Year 11 sample assessment outline (344.6 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:42pmAlso available in Word Format (350.3 KB)
  • General Year 11 sample assessment tasks (433.4 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:42pmAlso available in Word Format (673.1 KB)
  • General Year 11 sample course outline (394.9 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:42pmAlso available in Word Format (361.1 KB)

  Externally Set Task Materials 2026

  • 2026 General EST Unit 3 Content (269.1 KB)Last updated: 25 Sep 2025 2:07pm

  Externally Set Task Materials 2025

  • 2025 General EST Unit 3 content (192.6 KB)Last updated: 18 Sep 2024 9:58am

  Externally Set Task Materials 2024

  • 2024 General EST Unit 3 content  (339.0 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:37pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2023

  • 2023 General EST Unit 3 Content (241.7 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:10pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2022

  • 2022 General EST Unit 3 Content (336.5 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:32pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2021

  • 2021 CSC General EST Unit 3 content (333.1 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:22pm

  Externally Set Task Materials 2020

  • 2020 General EST Unit 3 Content (333.3 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:10pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2019

  • 2019 General EST Unit 3 content (193.7 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:50pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2018

  • 2018 General EST Unit 3 content (165.0 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:34pm
  • 2018 EST student work sample - Satisfactory (1.8 MB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:04pm
  • 2018 EST student sample marks collection sheet - Satisfactory (97.8 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:04pm
  • 2018 EST student work sample - Strong (1.8 MB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:04pm
  • 2018 EST student sample marks collection sheet - Strong (102.7 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 3:04pm

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2017

  • 2017 General EST Unit 3 content (185.7 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 2:24pmAlso available in Word Format (160.5 KB)

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.

  Externally Set Task Materials 2016

  • General sample ESTs  (190.0 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:42pmAlso available in Word Format (306.6 KB)
  • General sample ESTs Marking Key  (221.5 KB)Last updated: 16 Dec 2023 1:42pmAlso available in Word Format (1.8 MB)

  • Externally set tasks with their associated marking key and work samples are teacher resources and are housed within the Teacher Support Material Extranet. Teachers can login or register for an account at https://www.scsa.wa.edu.au/extranet/login.