Technology
The curriculum of the Technology Department of York is designed to foster problem solving abilities, stimulate intellectual curiosity about technology, and prepare students to be effective content creators. Objectives for all courses offered include fostering procedural proficiency when working with computers, discerning what tools are apt for a given task, and gaining familiarity with ethical issues surrounding technology.
York’s Design Shop is a teaching and learning space dedicated to hands-on, active learning, creativity, and innovation, where students access space for tinkering, making, fabricating, and building across subject areas and grade levels and in interdisciplinary experiences. The Design Shop supports robust learning opportunities that ensure York students will be future-ready for the exciting challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Courses Available
Online Course
The AP Computer Science A course is an online course taught asynchronously through One Schoolhouse. This course introduces the key concepts of programming in Java. The analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills that students develop in this course transfer to programming in other languages as well. The course is designed with the idea that programming should be fun, engaging, and intuitive. Students will learn to apply the main principles of object-oriented software design and programming using classes and objects, constructors, methods, instance and static variables, inheritance, class hierarchies, and polymorphism. Students work creatively and collaboratively with their classmates to discuss ethical and social issues relating to the use of technology, and develop a solid foundation from which to launch into a wide range of computer science areas. This course prepares students for the AP® Computer Science A exam in May.
This hands-on course introduces students to the essential elements of backstage theatre, including lighting, sound, set building, scenic painting, and stage makeup. Each discipline will be explored through both theory and practice, focusing on the equipment and skills required to operate effectively in a theatre environment. As part of the course, students will contribute to the renovation of our theatre space, applying what they learn to improve its functionality and make it a more engaging place for future productions. Whether you are interested in technical theatre or just curious, this class offers a comprehensive backstage experience!
York’s Digital Media course is designed to educate students on the ever-changing digital world, as well as to provide hands-on experience with industry standard software. Working in York’s Media Lab, with its Mac Mini desktops, using the Adobe Creative Suite of media and design apps, students practice and learn many ways to explore the power of image making, storytelling, and conveying messages through digital art and video. The class will be project-based, sometimes assisting with the creation of digital media that may be used by various school groups.
In this hands-on, project-based course, students will explore the intersection of design, technology, and innovation. Working in York’s Makerspace Design Shop, students will learn to safely use a variety of tools—from laser cutters and 3D printers to hand tools and digital design software—to create functional, artistic, or experimental projects. Emphasis is placed on prototyping, creative problem solving, and design thinking. Projects may include signage, wearable tech, architectural models, or collaborative installations. Whether you're a tinkerer, an artist, or an inventor, this course offers space to build, test, and bring ideas to life.
