This paper describes the evolution of a first year Java course at Griffith University-Gold Coast since Semester 1, 2000 to the December 2002. The course was updated to emphasise program design and to implement and evaluate an "objects-as-needed" approach to first year programming. A number of strategies were tested to increase consistency amongst teaching staff, improve delivery of course resources, successfully cater to a wide variety of students and to enhance the learning experience in general. The success of the revised course has been measured by evaluating student feedback and performance. Currently, a focus group-based strategy of evaluation is being adopted to determine students' attitudes to the most recently implemented changes.