Curriculum
A computer science education built around concepts.
The curriculum does not start with “learn a programming language.” It starts with how computers think, how systems work, and how technology solves problems. Twelve courses, two a month, built on the CSTA K–12 Computer Science Standards for Years 5–9.
The Thadus language
Programming without the syntax barrier
A beginner learning to program is usually asked to understand two things at once: what the program is supposed to do, and the rules of a particular language. CodeLabs separates those two problems.
// Create and move an object ball = new object ball moveRight(15) ball moveUp(10) // A simple condition num score = 8 if (score > 6) print levelclear else print retry end if
Students learn to reason computationally first: to express processes, understand systems and think in algorithms. The syntax can come later.
Once they understand the underlying concepts, they can pick up any programming language — or work with an AI coding tool — from a position of understanding rather than memorisation. The programme is built to transition students into Python and Java.
Underneath every course
Less syntax. More understanding.
The same foundational ideas run through all twelve courses — the concepts students carry forward regardless of which language or tool they end up using.
The twelve courses
Six months, two courses a month
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1
Month 1 · Course 1
Computational Thinking
Sequencing, decomposition, loops, conditions and functions, through logic-based route challenges.
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2
Month 1 · Course 2
Algorithms and Sequencing
Arrays built from real data tables, search techniques, and foundational sorting logic — with the focus on why an algorithm works, not just that it does.
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3
Month 2 · Course 3
Data Science
Collecting, transforming and visualising data: totals, averages, trends and outliers, from real datasets.
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4
Month 2 · Course 4
Game Development
Scene design, sprites, controls and win/lose logic, ending in a playable mini game.
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5
Month 3 · Course 5
App Design and Interface Logic
Interface structure, components and screen linking, in a working mini app.
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6
Month 3 · Course 6
App Development and User Flows
Multi-screen navigation, onboarding flows, menus and settings.
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7
Month 4 · Course 7
Simulation and Systems Modelling
Entities, metrics and rules, used to model real-world systems, trade-offs and bottlenecks.
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8
Month 4 · Course 8
Data Systems and Decision Dashboards
Dashboards, alerts and charts, for data-informed decisions.
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9
Month 5 · Course 9
Cybersecurity and Secure Systems
Password logic, access control and permissions, in secure portal design.
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10
Month 5 · Course 10
Intelligent Systems and AI Logic
Rule-based systems, and how machines classify inputs, make decisions and generate responses. No black box — students see what is happening underneath.
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11
Month 6 · Course 11
Machine Learning Foundations
Features, labelled data, classification and prediction quality — an intuitive understanding of machine learning before ever seeing a framework.
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12
Month 6 · Course 12
Product Engineering Capstone
Full product planning and build, ending in a final showcase project.
Want to run this?
Schools, clubs, NGOs and governments run CodeLabs as a structured programme. Every partner gets subsidised pricing, and CSR charity partners get it free.