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ICS3U – Grade 11 Introduction to Computer Science Online Course (Ontario)

ICS3U is Ontario’s Grade 11 university-preparation Introduction to Computer Science course, a 1.0 U credit in Computer Studies with no prerequisite, and the prerequisite for ICS4U, the Grade 12 course computer science and software engineering programs recommend. Its strands are Programming Concepts and Skills, Software Development, Computer Environment and Systems, and Topics in Computer Science. Students program in Python from variables and control structures through functions, lists, error trapping and file input, build graphical interfaces, create a version of the board game MasterMind and a 3D Pong game in VPython, and propose and complete a final programming project of their own design. There is no prerequisite. Ontario eSecondary School (OES) offers ICS3U fully online and self-paced, taught by Ontario Certified Teachers.

Credit: 1.0

110 course hours

Registration open year-round

💻 Fulfills OSSD Online Graduation Requirement

About the %course-code% Course

This ICS3U online course provides a foundational understanding of computer science with a focus on practical application. Students in ICS3U will design software using industry-standard programming tools and apply the software development life-cycle model. ICS3U emphasizes the development of programming skills, including writing and using subprograms to create effective solutions for various types of problems. The ICS3U curriculum also explores environmental and ergonomic issues, emerging research in computer science, and global career trends in related fields.

110 course hours

Assignments

Final Exam

Interactive Submissions

Language: English

24/7 Tutoring

Approved STEM-Group Credit

Developed by: B. Strassburger (OCT)

University

Prerequisite: None

Course curriculum

Inside %course-code%: from first line of Python to a game you designed

The step before ICS4U

No programming experience is required. ICS3U is the prerequisite for ICS4U, and together they are the computer science pair that university CS and engineering programs look for.

Python, start to finish

Variables and math, selection and repetition, functions, lists and external data, error trapping and standard libraries, each checked with a quiz and a program before you move on.

Games as projects

A MasterMind board game in Unit 4, a 3D Pong game in VPython in Unit 5, and a final project you propose yourself, covering the major concepts of the course.

The field, not just the code

Hardware and where it is heading, environmental stewardship in computing, emerging research, and a presentation on career and post-secondary options in computer science.

ICS3U Course outline — 7 units, 110 hours

Full unit-by-unit breakdown.

Learn what the course covers, what to expect from each unit, and an overview of the major assignments.

Key topics

Course tour · major assignments · tools setup

Assessed by

Not evaluated

Survey computer hardware and where the technology may be going, explore educational and career opportunities in computer science, and look at the basic construction of a computer program, with questions and checkpoint quizzes throughout.

Key topics

Computer hardware and specifications · future of technology · environmental stewardship in computing · careers and post-secondary options · anatomy of a program

Assessed by

Career options presentation · future of technology essay (15% combined)

Learn the fundamental components of a computer program in Python, variables, data types, input and output and arithmetic, and approaches to troubleshooting when a program does not work. Complete every exercise, a checkpoint program and a quiz.

Key topics

Variables and data types · input and output · arithmetic · debugging and troubleshooting · code conventions

Assessed by

Debugging program · Unit 2 project: two programs with variables and math (12.5% combined)

Build more complex selection, optimize code with counting and repetition structures, write your own function blocks, and create basic GUI interfaces you will reuse in the next unit. Two check-ins, then a quiz, a major program and a conference with your teacher.

Key topics

Selection and nested conditions · loops and counters · functions and parameters · GUI basics · algorithm design

Assessed by

Unit 3 quiz · Unit 3 project: GUI with math functions · teacher conference (12.5% combined)

Add error trapping and built-in functions from Python libraries, work with lists to store, manipulate and organize data, and read external data into your programs. Two concept quizzes and two assignments, including a version of MasterMind.

Key topics

Error trapping · Python libraries and built-in functions · lists and one-dimensional arrays · reading external data · file maintenance

Assessed by

Manipulating lists assignment · Unit 4 project: MasterMind (12.5% combined)

Learn the Visual Python library and apply repetition and functions to 3D graphics, keyboard and mouse input, and animation, finishing with a 3D version of Pong.

Key topics

VPython objects and scenes · keyboard and mouse input · animation loops · applying functions and repetition

Assessed by

Keyboard input program · Unit 5 project: 3D Pong (12.5% combined)

Propose a final programming project that covers the major concepts of the course, apply the software development life-cycle model to plan, build, test and document it, then write the proctored final exam.

Key topics

Project proposal · software development life cycle · testing and documentation

Assessed by

Final project (15%)

How the final mark is calculated

How the final mark is calculated from September 2026

65% Coursework

15% Culminating task

10% Final written exam

5% Attendance

5% Participation

Domestic Student Fee

$595.00

International Student Fee

$895.00

ALL STUDENTS RECEIVE

24/7 Tutoring

Proctored Final Exam

Fast Track

Includes Priority Exam Scheduling

Download ICS3U Outline

How to get Started in %course-code%

Fully online and self-paced

Step 1

Select %course-code% course, add to cart and checkout.

ICS3U

Step 2

After payment, complete the registration form which can be found in your email confirmation.

Step 3

Send all required documentation to info@oeshighschool.com

International student?

Chat with an advisor first — we’ll confirm your transcripts and prerequisites so your registration goes smoothly or email info@oeshighschool.com.

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We provide certified teachers and 24/7 online tutoring with enrollment

Cross-Curricular

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FAQ About %course-code%.

Supported by Ontario Certified Teachers

What is ICS3U, Grade 11 Computer Science?

ICS3U is the Grade 11 University-preparation computer science course. Students learn to design and write programs — working with variables, control structures, functions, and algorithms — and explore software development practices, computer environments, and the impact of computing on society. It’s the prerequisite for ICS4U.

Do I need programming experience to take ICS3U?

No. ICS3U has no prerequisite and assumes no prior coding experience — it’s built to take motivated beginners from zero to writing working programs. Logical thinking and persistence matter more than any background. That makes it one of the most accessible entry points into a high-value university pathway.

How are attendance and participation handled in ICS3U online?

ICS3U meets the Ministry of Education’s attendance and participation expectations through activities blended directly into the course. OES requires students to log in at least once per week for attendance, and participation activities appear throughout the course and are reflected in the grade book — preserving self-paced flexibility while satisfying the requirements for online courses.

Do I need ICS3U or ICS4U for computer science at university?

Formally, most CS programs require ENG4U, MHF4U, and MCV4U rather than computer science courses. But ICS3U → ICS4U strengthens applications (some programs recommend it), builds the skills first-year CS assumes, and helps you confirm you actually enjoy programming before committing to a degree.

What programming language does ICS3U use?

[OES: confirm the language used — commonly Python or Java.] The curriculum is language-flexible; what matters is mastering concepts like variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and algorithm design, which transfer across every language. The problem-solving approach you build matters far more than the specific syntax.

What will I build in ICS3U?

In ICS3U you write real programs of growing complexity — from simple calculations and interactive console programs to projects using functions, arrays or lists, and file input/output — culminating in a substantial software project that applies planned design, coding, testing, and documentation.

Can I take ICS3U online to get ahead or explore a pathway?

Yes. Many students take ICS3U at OES to raise a mark for university or college applications — Ontario uses your highest grade for the course. The course is self-paced and open year-round, so you can retake it alongside your day-school timetable and finish in as little as 4 weeks.

Does ICS3U count toward Ontario's online learning graduation requirement?

Yes. Ontario students who started Grade 9 in the 2020–21 school year or later must earn at least two online learning credits to graduate, and ICS3U at OES — a Ministry-inspected online school (BSID #667186) — counts toward that requirement. An opt-out process exists through school boards, and specific provisions apply to students affected by the 2021 school closures.

Does ICS3U count toward the STEM graduation requirement?

Yes. ICS3U belongs to the computer studies group, one of Ontario’s STEM-related course groups — business studies, computer studies, cooperative education, mathematics, science, and technological education. Students entering Grade 9 in 2024 or later must complete one credit from this group among their compulsory credits, and earning ICS3U at OES satisfies that graduation requirement.

How is ICS3U assessed and graded?

Ontario’s Growing Success policy pre-determines the evaluation structure for every credit. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, ICS3U is graded on classroom work completed throughout the course (65%) plus a Ministry-mandated final evaluation worth 25% for Grades 11–12, with attendance and participation also reflected in the final grade. A credit is granted at 50% or higher — and as an inspected private school, OES may administer final evaluations online, while school-board online courses generally require in-person exam sittings.

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What Our Students Say

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Why Haajar chose OES: Fit my schedule

“My experience with OES has given me the flexibility to learn at my own pace while still challenging myself and working toward my future goals.
I’ve especially appreciated being able to explore different subjects and build skills that I know I’ll use later on. In the future, I hope my OES education will help me get into a great university and pursue a career in architecture and design. I want to eventually become an architect, design beautiful homes and spaces, and hopefully use what I learn to build something of my own. OES is helping me take the steps toward that future, and I’m excited to see where it leads me!”

Haajar O. Future architect, Grade 9 courses at OES