Welcome to APCSP!  Buckle up and hang on.  This will be enlightening.

The course covers a broad range of foundational topics

and addresses the five Big Ideas with a primary emphasis on programming and abstraction (Big Idea 3: Algorithms and Programming). As much as possible, Code.org uses programming as the vehicle to tell other parts of the story; for example, by presenting data (Big Idea 2: Data) not through commercial database software but by writing programming projects that manipulate data sets as lists.

The secondary emphasis of Code.org is on the social implications of computers (Big Idea 5: Impact of Computing). Social topics are included in every unit, and students are encouraged to think critically about each application of technology. Purpose-driven program development (Big Idea 1: Computational Solution Design) is addressed throughout the units with special focus in the Practice Create Task. And there is particular attention to the Internet (Big Idea 4: Computing Systems and Networks) in Unit 4.  Yes students,  there will be ample opportunity to chase the proverbial white rabbit as it tries to make it back to the queen with time delays. 

This AP differs from traditional AP classes.  In short, there are two assessments concerning AP credit.  One submission and and one test.  

The AP Assessment consists of a 70-question multiple choice exam (70% of AP score).  Regardless of which semester you take this course, the exam will be in May .  Those taking APCSP in the Fall, you will be required to attend mandatory study/review sessions as the test date gets closer - April sessions for the May test.

The one “through-course” assessment called the AP Performance Task (PT). The task outline can be found in the official AP CS Principles Exam and Course Description​.

        ● Create Performance Task (30% of AP score)

The Create performance task focuses specifically on the creation of a computer program through the collaborative and iterative process of programming.  You are allowed at least 12 hours to work on this during class.  Additional time outside of class can be used to complete the PT.

The following link can give you and your parents ample reading material on those late nights you lie awake questioning the validity of your decision in taking this class.

AP Computer Science Principles: The Exam

In addition College Board has great materials for you to peruse through in your adventure to make the perfect "5" on the APCSP assessment.

Cut to the End!

Invest a bit of time and energy exploring and truly understanding what this class has to offer.  If you do so and allow the learning to happen, you will be fine.  Fight and buck the system and the outcome becomes far less certain.