After school & weekend Coding and Robotics courses!
Coding Classes
Our classes are intended to guide students towards university-level coding practices.
Each level consists of two 5-month semesters in the Fall and Spring that progressively teach students computer
algorithms through the creation of software that is applicable in the real world.
These range from simple 2D games to virtual reality apps. Each class is once a week, and 1 - 2 hours long.
Not sure which class your child should take?
In most cases, students start in the class most appropriate for their age.
However, some students may show exceptional prowess in technology and would
be moved to the level most appropriate for their skill level. If you have any questions, please
check out the FAQ page or fill out the Request Information Form.
Python Beginners - Ages 7 - 8
Students learn the basics of Python,
by using the web-engine PixelPAD, software specifically
designed to teach students how to code! This course is
intended for our youngest students with little to no technical background.
Students will learn about input, x and y coordinates, conditions and collision!
Course Goals
Students understand and can describe the concept of variables
Students can point to examples of variable usage and explain what it means
Students can use basic PixelPAD and Python commands, including object_new(), sprite_new(), key_was_pressed()
Students have an understanding of conditions in games, and can use this logic to modify gameplay
Students can use the Cartesian coordinate system in PixelPAD to position their objects appropriately in the game
Students can take simple existing code and modify it to their liking.
Students get to the next level of Python & PixelPAD,
to understand computer programming basics.
Students at this level will create an RPG, which is a simple top down 2D game
where students learn how to make a game similar to popular titles such as Zelda.
Students create a world with various characters, items and challenges.
Course Goals
Students have an understanding of how to manipulate variables algebraically and through computation on the PixelPAD platform
Students have an understanding of commenting and how to comment their code on PixelPAD and Python
Students are able to write readable and properly structured code
Students understand the concept of a function f(x) in the context of the
PixelPAD environment such as room_set(‘room’), collision_check(self, ‘obj’)
Students are able to create arrays in code and store or retrieve information from these arrays
In the third year of Python & PixelPAD, the students will be introduced
to programming concepts like, functions, different types of loops and will be focusing on developing games for web and mobile.
Course Goals
Students can understand PixelPAD Python development, and the differences when
developing in mobile environment particularly when it comes to user interface and user design
Students understand and can apply loops in code
Students understand and can apply loops in combination with arrays
Students understand and can create games for multiple platforms in PixelPAD, without the support of an instructor
At this level, students will learn how to use Unity and will be primarily coding in C#.
Unity is a modern game development software used by corporate and independent
studio developers. Software made in Unity can be ported to Android, iPhones,
PC’s, consoles and can be shared or sold on the Android and Apple store. Students will write C# in Microsoft Visual Studio.
This course focuses on the 2D side of Unity
Course Goals
Students have an understanding of the C# language, and are able to write very basic code
Students are able to understand variables, functions and conditionals, and how these are used in C#
Students are slightly familiar with the concept of component based programming
Students are able to understand, collisions and vectors and how these are used in Unity
Students are able to modify existing code to change basic functionality of their game
This course will teach students about 3D game development in Unity.
Expanding on their knowledge from our level 4 course, students will now move into a 3D development environment,
where students will need to understand 3-dimensional computer science and mathematical concepts, like the x,y,z cartesian system, raycasting
3D modeling, and 3D vectors.
Course Goals
Students have an understanding of 3D space, using x,y and z coordinates
Students have an understanding and are able to use global and local position within a 3D space
Students have an understanding and are able to use global and local rotation within a 3D space
Students understand the concept of raycasting and will be able to apply this in their project
Students understand the concept of pathfinding and how it is used in games
Students will be introduced to the world of web development,
where they will create their own website using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Bootstrap.
Using professional tools they will learn about creating layouts, interactive elements and custom features for their website.
They will finish with a digital portfolio website where they are encouraged to showcase the work they've been doing for the last
several years with UTG Academy.
Course Goals
Students are able to write HTML and HTML tags such as div, img and p
Students are able to write CSS, using systems like the Color Wheel and HEX colours
Students understand how HTML and CSS are structured and how these languages work together to form the layout elements of a website
Students are able to use frameworks like Bootstrap to develop their digital portfolio
This course is designed to give students a rigorous foundation in computer science theory using the Java language.
It is specifically designed to prepare students for concepts found in AP Computer Science courses, this course teaches
students data structures, graph theory, time complexity analysis and algorithms.
Course Goals
Students understand and can use variables, operators and control structure
Students understand and can use methods, classes and objects
Students understand advanced concepts such as inheritance and polymorphism
Students are able to use and manipulate objects of standard classes such as Strings and Integers
The CS800 series is meant for getting students
ready for competition coding. This is based off of the CCC, the
“Canadian Computing Competition” and the CEMC, the Center for Education
in Mathematics and Computing at Waterloo.
These courses go through the same question sets provided by the CCC
to help students prepare for the competition.
UTG Robotics is a rigorous team-oriented extracurricular program that culminates in a
memorable experience designed to awaken wonder and unlock opportunities in one
of the most exciting and fastest-growing sectors of engineering.
UTG's Robotics program was founded by Todd Ablett.
Todd Ablett is a veteran teacher and robotics coach in BC.
Todd has taken teams to national and global competitions for
over 20 years, with his most recent teams capturing second place
at the Robotics World Championships. He founded UTG Robotics this year
to provide competitive team robotics to a wider audience around the world.