The CISCO course is a completely online course of study with comprehensive, practical school based lab activities. Since 1997, the CISCO Networking Academy Program has instituted an e-learning systems approach that integrates the multimedia delivery of a networking curriculum with testing, performance-based skills assessment, evaluation, and reporting through a web interface. In the lab setting that closely corresponds to a real networking environment, students work with the architecture and infrastructure pieces of networking technology. As a result, the students learn the principles and practices of networking technology.
The CISCO Networking Academy course is a very demanding course that requires the students to become familiar with a considerable amount of at times, difficult, content material. It is expected that students will complete at least one semester of study involving theory exams, chapter and final and practical labs and exams. In addition to normal class time (4 periods a week) students will need to do at least 5 hours private study per week.
Gisborne Boys’ High School staff have undergone extensive training and have passed the high assessment standards required of Academy instructors to deliver the course. They are provided with resources, the means of remote access to online support, and the knowledge base for the effective classroom integration of the Cisco Networking Academy curriculum into the classroom learning environment.
IT Essentials I Hardware and Software
IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software, sponsored by Hewlett-Packard Company, presents an in-depth exposure to computer hardware and operating systems. Students learn the functionality of hardware and software components as well as suggested best practices in maintenance, and safety issues. Through hands on activities and labs, students learn how to assemble and configure a computer, install operating systems and software, and troubleshoot hardware and software problems. In addition, an introduction to networking is included.
This course helps students prepare for CompTIA's A+ certification or CCNA and is currently being considered by NZQA for an appropriate credit allocation at either NCEA level 2 or 3. There are however a number of Unit Standards that can be cross credited.
CCNA Discovery
The Cisco CCNA Discovery curriculum provides foundational networking knowledge, practical experience, opportunities for career exploration, and soft-skills development to help students prepare for entry-level careers in IT and networking. The curriculum offers a hands-on approach to learning, and uses interactive tools and easy-to-follow labs to help students learn the general theory needed to build networks.
CCNA Discovery is designed to be offered as an independent, standalone curriculum or combined with programs offered by secondary schools, technical schools, colleges, and universities. Students who enroll in CCNA Discovery are not expected to have any previous technical skills or knowledge, aside from basic PC skills.