Hans, LY, Jason, Rufus, Tay Wen Chang,
Please remember to look through the syllabus and the below syllabus should serve as a checklist for your preparation. The syllabus is basically from CIE and also the textbook we are using.
source:
http://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-igcse-information-and-communication-technology-0417/
Content
1 Types and components of computer systems
2 Input and output devices
3 Storage devices and media
4 Networks and the effects of using them
5 The effects of using IT
6 ICT applications
7 The systems life cycle
8 Safety and security
9 Audience
10 Communication
11 File management
12 Images
13 Layout
14 Styles
15 Proofing
16 Graphs and charts
17 Document production
18 Data manipulation
19 Presentations
20 Data analysis
21 Website authoring
1 Types and components of computer systems
Candidates should be able to:
1.1 hardware and software
•
define hardware as consisting of physical components of a computer system
•
identify internal hardware devices (e.g. processor, motherboards, random access memory
(RAM), read-only memory (ROM), video cards, sound cards and internal hard disk drives)
•
identify external hardware devices and peripherals (such as monitors, keyboards, mice,
keyboards, printers as input and output devices and external storage devices in general)
•
define software as programs for controlling the operation of a computer or processing of
electronic data
•
identify the two types of software – applications software and system software
•
define applications software (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, database management
systems, control software, measuring software, applets and apps, photo-editing software, videoediting
software, graphics manipulation software)
•
define system software (e.g. compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems and utilities)
1.2 the main components of computer systems
•
describe the central processing unit including its role
•
describe internal memory, i.e. ROM and RAM and the differences between them
•
define input and output devices and describe the difference between them
•
define secondary/backing storage
1.3 operating systems
•
define and describe operating systems which contain a Command Line Interface (CLI)
•
define and describe operating systems which contain a Graphical User Interface (GUI)
•
describe the differences, including the benefits and drawbacks, between operating systems
which contain a CLI and those which contain a GUI
1.4 types of computer
•
describe the characteristics of a personal/desktop computer and its uses, both as a standalone
and networked computer
•
describe the characteristics of a laptop computer and what it is used for, both as a standalone
and networked computer
•
describe the characteristics of a tablet computer and what it is used for, including its ability to
use wireless technology or 3G/4G technology
•
describe the computer characteristics of a smartphone and what it is used for in computing
terms
•
describe the advantages and disadvantages of each type of computer (as above) in comparison
with the others (as above)
1.5 impact of emerging technologies
•
describe how emerging technologies are having an impact on everyday life (e.g. artificial
intelligence, biometrics, vision enhancement, robotics, quantum cryptography, computerassisted
translation, 3D and holographic imaging, virtual reality)
2 Input and output devices
Candidates should be able to:
2.1 input devices and their uses
•
identify input devices and their uses, e.g. keyboard, numeric keypad, pointing devices (such as
mouse, touchpad, trackerball), remote control, joystick/driving wheel, touch screen, scanners,
digital cameras, microphone, sensors (general), temperature sensor, pressure sensor, light
sensor, graphics tablet, video camera, web cam
2.2 direct data entry and associated devices
•
describe direct data entry and associated devices, e.g. magnetic stripe readers, chip and PIN
readers, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, Magnetic Ink Character Reader (MICR),
Optical Mark Reader (OMR), Optical Character Reader (OCR), bar code reader
•
identify the advantages and disadvantages of any of the above devices in comparison with
others
2.3 output devices and their uses
•
identify output devices and their uses, e.g. CRT monitor, TFT/LCD monitor, IPS/LCD monitor,
LED monitor, touch screen (as an output device), multimedia projector, laser printer, inkjet
printer, dot matrix printer, wide format printer, 3D printer, speakers, motors, buzzers, heaters,
lights/lamps
•
describe the advantages and disadvantages of any of the above devices
3 Storage devices and media
Candidates should be able to:
•
identify storage devices, their associated media and their uses, e.g.
– magnetic backing storage media: fixed hard disks and drives, portable and removable
hard disks, portable and removable hard drives, magnetic tape drives and magnetic tapes,
memory cards
– optical backing storage media (CD/DVD/Blu-ray): CD ROM/DVD ROM, CD R/DVD R,
CD RW/DVD RW, DVD RAM, Blu-ray discs
– solid state backing storage: solid state drives, flash drives (pen drive/memory stick/USB
stick)
•
describe the advantages and disadvantages of the above devices
4 Networks and the effects of using them
Candidates should be able to:
4.1 networks
•
understand how a router works and its purpose
– describe how networks and individual computers connect to the internet
– describe how a router stores computer addresses
– describe how it routes data packets
•
understand the use of other common network devices, including: network interface cards, hubs,
bridges, switches, modems
•
understand the use of WiFi and Bluetooth in networks
– describe how computers can use WiFi to connect to a network
– describe how computers can use Bluetooth to connect to a network
– compare and contrast Bluetooth and WiFi
•
understand how to set up and configure a small network, including: access to the internet, the
use of a browser, the use of email, access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
•
understand the characteristics and purpose of common network environments, such as intranets
and the internet
– define what the internet is
– define what an intranet is
– describe the differences between an intranet and the internet
– explain the purpose of an intranet and how that differs from the purpose of the internet
– describe the uses of an intranet
– describe the uses of the internet
– define the terms Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and Wide
Area Network (WAN)
– describe the differences between a LAN, a WLAN and a WAN
•
understand the advantages and disadvantages of using different types of computer to access
the internet
– compare the advantages and disadvantages of using laptop computers, desktop computers,
tablet computers and mobile phones to access the internet
4.2 network issues and communication
•
security issues regarding data transfer
– describe the security issues surrounding the use of computer networks
– describe other issues such as the idea that the internet is not policed and the effects of this,
such as the existence of inappropriate sites
– identify methods of avoiding password interception (such as the use of anti-spyware and
changing passwords regularly)
– describe the difference between strong and weak passwords
– describe other authentication techniques (such as biometric methods, magnetic stripes,
id cards, passports, other physical tokens, retina scans, iris scans, face scans)
– describe the use of antivirus software and other methods of avoiding viruses (such as use of
unknown storage media to transfer data, the risk of downloading software from the internet)
– define encryption and describe its use
– list the principles of a typical data protection act
•
network communication
– describe facsimile communication and describe the differences between physical faxing
(which does not require the use of a network) and electronic faxing (which does require the
use of a network)
– describe email communication, including the use of attachments
– describe the advantages and disadvantages of using email compared with faxing
– describe video-conferencing, including the hardware used
– describe audio-conferencing
– describe web-conferencing and how it can be linked to either video- or audio-conferencing
5 The effects of using IT
Candidates should be able to:
5.1 effects of IT on employment
•
describe how there has been a reduction of employment in offices, as workers’ jobs have been
replaced by computers in a number of fields (e.g. payroll workers, typing pools, car production
workers)
•
describe how there has been an increase in employment in other fields (e.g. website designers,
computer programmers, delivery drivers in retail stores)
5.2 effects of IT on working patterns within organisations
•
describe how the use of computers has led to a number of employees changing their working
patterns (e.g. part-time working, flexible hours, job sharing, compressed hours)
•
describe what is meant by part-time working, flexible hours, job sharing, compressed hours
5.3 microprocessor-controlled devices in the home
•
describe the positive effects microprocessors have on aspects of lifestyle (e.g. the amount and
use of leisure time, the degree of social interaction, the ability to leave the home)
•
describe the negative effects microprocessors have on aspects of lifestyle (e.g. lack of exercise)
5.4 potential health problems related to the prolonged use of IT equipment
•
describe repetitive strain injury (RSI) and what causes it
•
identify other health issues (e.g. back problems, eye problems, headaches)
•
describe some simple strategies for preventing these problems
•
evaluate the use of IT equipment and develop strategies to minimise the health risks
6 ICT applications
Candidates should be able to:
6.1 communication applications
•
describe a range of communication applications (e.g. newsletters, websites, multimedia
presentations, music scores, cartoons, flyers and posters)
•
describe the use of mobile phones for communication (e.g. text messaging, phone calls,
accessing the internet)
•
describe the use of internet telephony, including Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP)
•
describe applications for publicity and corporate image publications (e.g. business cards,
letterheads, flyers and brochures)
6.2 data handling applications
•
describe the use of a range of data handling applications (e.g. surveys, address lists, clubs and
society records, school reports and school libraries)
6.3 measurement applications
•
describe a range of measurement applications (e.g. scientific experiments, weather stations)
•
explain the difference between analogue data and digital data
•
explain the need for conversion between analogue and digital data
•
describe the use of microprocessors and computers in a number of applications (e.g. pollution
monitoring, intensive care units in hospitals)
•
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computers in measurement rather than
humans
6.4 microprocessors in control applications
•
describe the role of a microprocessor or computer in control applications, including the role of
the pre-set value
•
describe the use of computer control in applications (e.g. turtle graphics, automatic washing
machines, automatic cookers, computer controlled central heating systems, burglar alarms,
computer controlled glasshouse)
6.5 modelling applications
•
describe the use of computer modelling in spreadsheets (e.g. for personal finance)
6.6 applications in manufacturing industries
•
describe a range of computer controlled applications (e.g. robotics in manufacture and production
line control)
•
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computer controlled systems rather than
humans
6.7 school management systems
•
describe how systems are used to manage learner registration and attendance
•
describe how systems can be used to record learner performance
•
describe how systems can be used for organising examinations, creating timetables and
managing teaching cover/substitution
6.8 booking systems
•
identify areas where booking systems are used (e.g. travel industry, theatre and cinemas)
•
describe the online processing involved in booking tickets
•
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online booking systems
6.9 banking applications
•
describe the computer processing involved in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
•
describe the computer processing involved in using automatic teller machines (ATM) (e.g.
withdrawing cash, depositing cash or cheques, checking account balance, mini statements,
mobile/cellphone recharge/top up, bill paying, money transfers, ordering paper-based goods)
•
describe the use of processing involved in credit/debit card transactions
•
describe the clearing of cheques
•
describe phone banking
•
describe internet banking, and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of it
6.10 computers in medicine
•
describe the contents of information systems in medicine (including patient records, pharmacy
records, monitoring and expert systems for diagnosis)
•
describe how 3D printers can be used in producing medical aids (e.g. surgical and diagnostic
aids, development of prosthetics and medical products, tissue engineering, artificial blood
vessels and the design of medical tools and equipment)
6.11 computers in libraries
•
describe the files used in libraries (e.g. records of books and borrowers)
•
describe the computer processing involved in the issue of books, including the use of direct data
entry methods
•
describe the automatic processing involved in issuing reminders for overdue books
6.12 expert systems
•
identify a range of applications which use expert systems (e.g. mineral prospecting, car engine
fault diagnosis, medical diagnosis, chess games)
•
identify the components of an expert system (e.g. interactive user interface, inference engine,
rules base, knowledge base)
•
describe how an expert system is used to suggest diagnoses
6.13 computers in the retail industry
•
describe the use of point of sale (POS) terminals, how the stock file is updated automatically,
and how new stock can be ordered automatically
•
describe the use of electronic funds transfer at point of sale (EFTPOS) terminals (e.g. the
checking of the validity of cards, the use of chip and PIN, the communication between the
supermarket computer and the bank computer)
•
describe internet shopping
•
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of internet shopping
6.14 recognition systems
•
describe how recognition systems work (e.g. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR),
Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Radio Frequency
Identification Device (RFID))
•
describe how number plate recognition systems work
•
describe the processing of cheques
•
describe the processing of OMR media (e.g. school registers, multiple-choice examination
papers)
•
describe how RFID and RF technology is used in a range of applications (e.g. tracking stock,
passports, automobiles, contactless payment)
6.15 monitoring and tracking systems
•
describe how a workforce or member of the public can be monitored or logged
•
describe how the use of cookies can be used to monitor a person’s internet activity
•
describe the use of key-logging
•
describe how worker/employee call monitors can be used
•
describe the use of automatic number plate recognition
6.16 satellite systems
•
describe the use of different satellite systems (e.g. Global Positioning Systems (GPS), satellite
navigation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), media communication systems)
7 The systems life cycle
Candidates should be able to:
7.1 analysis
•
methods of researching an existing system
– identify and describe methods of researching an existing system (e.g. observation,
interviews, questionnaires and examination of existing documents)
– discuss the disadvantages and advantages of the different methods
•
recording and analysing information about the current system
– describe the need to identify inputs, outputs and processing of the current system
– describe the need to identify problems with the current system
– describe the need to identify the user and information requirements for the new system
•
system specification
– identify and justify suitable hardware for the new system
– identify and justify suitable software for the new system
7.2 design
•
describe how it is necessary to design documents, files, forms/inputs, reports/outputs and
validation
•
produce designs to solve a given problem
•
design data capture forms and screen layouts
•
design report layouts and screen displays
•
design validation routines (including length check, type check, format check, presence check,
check digit)
•
design the required data/file structures (e.g. field length, field name, data type)
7.3 development and testing
•
testing designs
– describe how data/file structures are created and tested
– describe how validation routines are created and tested
– describe how input methods are created and tested
– describe how output formats are created and tested
•
testing strategies
– describe the need to test each module
– describe the need to test the whole system
– describe testing using normal data including definition and examples
– describe testing using live data including definition and examples
– describe testing using abnormal data including definition and examples
– describe testing using extreme data including definition and examples
•
improvements needed as a result of testing
– describe how it may be necessary to improve the system and make changes (e.g. data/file
structures, validation routines, input methods, output formats may need to be amended/
improved)
7.4 implementation
•
different methods of system implementation
– describe the four methods of implementation (direct changeover, parallel running, pilot
running, phased implementation)
•
methods of implementation
– identify suitable situations for the use of different methods of system implementation
(e.g. organisations or departments within organisations which need a quick changeover,
organisations or departments within organisations which cannot afford to lose data)
– describe advantages and disadvantages of each method of implementation
7.5 documentation
•
technical documentation for an information system
– explain the need for technical documentation
– identify the components of technical documentation (e.g. purpose of the system/program,
limitations of the system, program listing, program language, program flowcharts/algorithms,
system flowcharts, hardware and software requirements, file structures, list of variables,
input format, output format, sample runs/test runs, validation routines)
•
user documentation for an information system
– explain the need for user documentation
– identify the components of user documentation (e.g. purpose of the system, limitations of
the system, hardware and software requirements, how to load/run/install software, how to
save a file, how to print data, how to add records, how to delete/edit records, input format,
output formats, sample runs, error messages, error handling, trouble-shooting guide/help
line, frequently asked questions, glossary of terms)
7.6 evaluation
•
describe the need to evaluate a solution in terms of the efficiency of the solution, the ease of
use of the solution, and the appropriateness of the solution
•
describe the need for a variety of evaluation strategies, e.g.
– compare the solution with the original task requirements
– identify any limitations and necessary improvements to the system
– evaluate the users’ responses to the results of testing the system
8 Safety and security
Candidates should be able to:
8.1 physical safety
•
describe common physical safety issues and what causes them, e.g. electrocution from spilling
drinks, fire from sockets being overloaded or equipment overheating, tripping over trailing cables
•
describe some simple strategies for preventing these issues
•
evaluate own use of IT equipment and develop strategies to minimise the potential safety risks
8.2 e-safety
•
explain what is meant by personal data
•
explain why personal data should be confidential and protected
•
explain how to avoid inappropriate disclosure of personal data including: own name, address,
school name, a picture in school uniform
•
discuss why e-safety is needed
•
evaluate own use of the internet and use strategies to minimise the potential dangers, e.g. only
using websites recommended by teachers, only using a learner-friendly search engine
•
evaluate own use of email and use strategies to minimise the potential dangers, including only
emailing people already known, thinking before opening an email from an unknown person,
never emailing the school’s name or a picture of a learner in school uniform
•
evaluate own use of social media/networking sites, instant messaging and internet chat rooms
and use strategies to minimise the potential dangers, including: knowing how to block and report
unwanted users, never arranging to meet anyone alone, and always telling an adult first and
meeting in a public place, avoiding the misuse of images, using appropriate language, respecting
confidentiality
•
describe measures which should be taken when playing games on the internet (including not
using real names)
8.3 security of data
•
effective security of data
– define the term hacking and describe its effects
– explain what is meant by the term hacking and the measures that must be taken in order to
protect data
– explain what is meant by the terms user id and password stating their purpose and how they
are used to increase the security of data
– explain what is meant by the term biometric data and why biometric data is used
•
security of data online
– explain what is meant by the term digital certificate and its purpose
– explain what is meant by the term Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
– describe the features of a web page that identify it as using a secure server
– define the terms: phishing, pharming, smishing
– describe the methods which can be used to help prevent phishing, pharming and smishing
– describe the potential for the malicious use of technology to collect personal data, including:
phishing, pharming, smishing
– describe how it is possible to recognise when someone is attempting to obtain personal
data, report the attempt and avoid the disclosure of information
– explain the difference between moderated and un-moderated forums and the relative
security of these
– explain the concept of and how to recognise spam mail and avoid being drawn into it
– describe what encryption is and why it is used
– define the term computer virus and describe its effects
– describe the effects of infecting a computer with a virus from a downloaded file
– describe how to take preventative action to avoid the danger of infecting a computer with a
virus from a downloaded file
– describe the measures that must be taken in order to protect against hacking
– describe how it is possible to be the subject of fraud when using a credit card online
– explain the issues related to security of data in the cloud
– explain the concept of a firewall and why it is used
– discuss the effectiveness of different methods of increasing security
9 Audience
Candidates should be able to:
9.1 audience appreciation
•
show a clear sense of audience when planning and creating ICT solutions
•
analyse the needs of an audience
•
explain why solutions must meet the needs of the audience
9.2 legal, moral, ethical and cultural appreciation
•
explain the need for copyright legislation and the principles of copyright relating to computer
software (e.g. software piracy)
•
describe methods that software producers employ to prevent software copyright being broken
•
discuss the legal, moral, ethical and cultural implications of creating an ICT solution
•
create ICT solutions that are responsive to and respectful of the needs of the audience
•
discuss why the internet is not policed (although legislation is enforced in some countries) and
the effects of this, including the existence of inappropriate sites
10 Communication
Candidates should be able to:
10.1 communicate with other ICT users using email
•
describe the constraints that affect the use of email, including: the laws within a country,
acceptable language, copyright, local guidelines set by an employer, the need for security,
netiquette, password protection
•
define the term spam
•
explain why spam needs to be prevented
•
describe the methods which can be used to help prevent spam
•
explain why email groups are used
10.2 effective use of the internet
•
fundamentals of the internet
– define the terms internet and intranet
– explain the differences between the internet, an intranet and the World Wide Web (WWW)
– explain the concept of storage in the cloud
– define and understand the terms: HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), HyperText Transfer
Protocol secure variant (HTTPS), Uniform Resource Locator (URL), hyperlink, Internet Service
Provider (ISP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
– describe the structure of a web address
– explain what a web browser is used for
– explain what a search engine is used for
– define the term blog and describe the use of a blog as a means of communication
– define the term wiki and describe the use of a wiki as a means of communication
– define the term social networking and describe the use of social networking websites as a
means of communication
•
advantages and disadvantages of using the internet
– explain why the internet is so popular, giving reasons such as the amount of information
available and the speed of accessing information
– explain why an internet search to find relevant information is not always fast
– explain why it is not always easy to find reliable information on the internet
– explain how to evaluate the reliability of information found on the internet
11 File management
Candidates should be able to:
11.1 manage files effectively
•
identify different file types and their use/s, for example: css, csv, gif, htm, jpg, pdf, png, rtf, txt,
zip
•
locate stored files
•
open and import files of different types
•
save files in a planned hierarchical directory/folder structure
•
save files using appropriate file names
•
save and print files in a variety of formats, including: a draft document, final copy, screenshots,
database reports, data table, graph/chart, a web page in browser view, a web page in HTML
view
•
save and export data into file formats for your applications packages, e.g. .doc, .docx, .xls, .sdb,
.sdc, .rtf, .ppt
•
explain why generic file formats are needed
•
save and export data into generic file formats, including: .csv, .txt, .rtf, .pdf, .css, .htm
11.2 reduce file sizes for storage or transmission
•
explain the need to reduce file sizes for storage or transmission
•
identify where it will be necessary to reduce file sizes for storage or transmission
•
reduce file sizes using file compression
12 Images
Candidates should be able to:
•
use software tools to place and edit an image to meet the requirements of its intended
application and audience
•
know when it is necessary to edit an image and can appropriately:
– place an image with precision
– resize an image
– maintain or adjust the aspect ratio of an image, or distort an image where appropriate
– crop an image
– rotate an image
– reflect an image
– adjust the colour depth of an image
– adjust the brightness of an image
– adjust the contrast of an image
– understand the need to reduce image resolution to increase transmission speed
– reduce the resolution of an image to reduce file size
13 Layout
Candidates should be able to:
Note: The word ‘document’ in this section relates to any of the applications used within
sections 16 to 21.
•
use software tools to prepare a basic document to match the purpose and target audience
– create a new document or, where appropriate, open an existing document
– enter text and numbers
– use editing techniques to manipulate text and numbers, including: highlight, delete, move,
cut, copy, paste, drag and drop
– place objects into the document from a variety of sources, including: text, image, screenshot,
spreadsheet extract, database extract, clip art or chart
– create a table with a specified number of rows and columns
– format a table and its contents
– place text or objects in a table
– wrap text around a table, chart or image, including: above, below, square and tight
•
use software tools to use headers and footers appropriately within a range of software packages
– create headers and footers
– align consistently within a document the contents of the header and footer including: to left
margin, right margin and centre of the page
– place automated objects in headers and footers, including: automated file information,
automated page numbering, text, date, time
– explain why headers and footers are needed
14 Styles
Candidates should be able to:
•
understand the purpose of a corporate house style and ensure that all work produced matches
this
– produce documents which conform to a corporate house style
– explain what is meant by corporate branding/house style
•
apply styles to ensure consistency of presentation
– explain why consistent styles are required
– apply consistent styles using a variety of application packages
– ensure that page/slide layout is consistent, including: font styles, text alignment, spacing
between lines, spacing between paragraphs, spacing before and after headings
– create and apply an appropriate style, including: font type (serif, sans-serif), point size, font
colour, alignment, line spacing, style of bullets, text alignment to the left, right, centre or fully
justified
– select an appropriate font style for a task, taking into account the audience
– use text enhancement, including: bold, underline, italic, highlight
– create and apply paragraph style(s) with a new style name to match the corporate house
style
15 Proofing
Candidates should be able to:
15.1 software tools
•
use software tools to ensure that all work produced contains as few errors as possible
– explain why the automated suggestions given by spell check software do not always give
the correct response
– use automated tools, including spell check facilities, to remove errors
– use validation routines to minimise errors
– explain why validation checks must be appropriate to the data that is being checked
15.2 proofing techniques
•
accuracy of data entry
– describe the importance of accuracy and the potential consequences of data entry errors
– correct errors in data entry, including: transposed numbers, spelling, consistent character
spacing, consistent case and factual errors (following proofreading by a third party)
– check to ensure consistent line spacing, to remove blank pages/slides, remove widows/
orphans, ensure that tables and lists are not split over columns or pages/slides
•
verification
– define the term verification
– describe visual verification (i.e. visual comparison of data entered with a data source)
– describe double data entry (i.e. entering data twice and the computer compares the two sets
of data, either by comparing them after data has been entered or by comparing them during
data entry)
– explain the need for validation as well as verification
16 Graphs and charts
Candidates should be able to:
•
produce a graph or chart from the given data
– select data to produce a graph/chart, including: using contiguous data, non-contiguous data,
and specified data ranges where necessary
– select the graph or chart type to match the required purpose and meet the needs of the
audience
– label the graph or chart, including: chart title, legend, sector labels, sector values, segment
labels, segment values, percentages, category axis title, value axis title, category axis labels,
value axis labels, scales
– add a second data series to a chart, as necessary
– add a second axis to a chart, as necessary
– change the maximum and minimum values of an axis scale to appropriate values
– enhance the appearance of a graph or chart, including: changing the colour scheme or fill
patterns, extracting a pie chart sector to meet the needs of the audience
17 Document production
Candidates should be able to:
•
format text and organise page layout
– set page size
– set page orientation
– set page and gutter margins
– set the number of columns
– set the column width and spacing between columns
– define the terms widow and orphan
– explain why it is necessary to use page, section and column breaks, to adjust pagination and
to avoid widows and orphans
– set and remove page, section and column breaks
– set line spacing, including: single, 1.5 times, double, multiple, spacing before and after
paragraphs
– set tabulation settings, including: indented paragraphs, hanging paragraphs
– format text as bulleted or numbered lists to meet the needs of the audience
•
use software tools to edit tables
– edit a table structure, where necessary, to include: insert row(s), delete row(s), insert
column(s), delete column(s), merge cells
– set horizontal cell alignment: left, right, centre, fully justified
– set vertical cell alignment: top, centre, bottom
– format cells and the cell contents, including: show gridlines, hide gridlines, wrap text within a
cell, shading/colouring cells
•
mail merge a document with a data source
– explain why mail merged documents are created
– edit a master document to insert appropriate fields from a data source
– insert special fields such as date
– select records to merge
– merge a document with selected fields
– save and print merge master document
– save and print selected merged documents as appropriate
18 Data manipulation
Candidates should be able to:
18.1 create a database structure
•
design and use suitable software tools to create an appropriate database record structure
– define the terms flat-file database and relational database
– explain where it would be appropriate to select a flat-file database or a relational database
– assign appropriate data types to fields, including: text, numeric, (integer, decimal,
percentage, currency), date/time, Boolean/logical (–1/0, yes/no, true/false)
– explain that other field types such as placeholders for media, including images, sound bites
and video clips are used in commercial databases
– use short, meaningful file and field names
format fields and identify sub-types, including: specifying the number of decimal places,
specifying a particular currency
– identify the structure of external data with different file types, including: .csv, .txt, .rtf
– locate, open and import data from an existing file
– define and understand the terms primary key and foreign key and their role in a relational
database
– create a relationship between two or three tables
– discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using relational tables rather than a flat file
database
•
design and use suitable software tools to create a data entry form appropriate to purpose and
audience
– understand the key features of form design
– create a data entry form to meet the needs of the audience
– create a data entry form with all fields included to match the purpose of the task
– create an appropriate data entry form, including: appropriate font styles and sizes, spacing
between fields, character spacing of individual fields, use of white space, radio buttons, drop
down menus, highlighting key fields
18.2 manipulate data
•
use arithmetic operations or numeric functions to perform calculations within a database
– create a calculated field
– perform calculations at run time using formulae and functions, including: addition,
subtraction, multiplication, division, sum, average, maximum, minimum, count
•
use suitable software tools to sort data appropriately in a database
– sort data using a single criterion and using multiple criteria where necessary, into ascending
or descending order
•
use suitable software tools to search a database to select subsets of data
– perform suitable searches using a single criterion and using multiple criteria, on different field
types such as alphanumeric, numeric, Boolean
– perform searches using a variety of operators including: AND, OR, NOT, LIKE, >, <, =, >=,
<=, <>
– perform searches using wildcards, as appropriate
18.3 present data
•
use suitable software tools to produce reports to display data appropriate to purpose and
audience
– produce reports to display all the required data and labels in full where required
– use appropriate headers and footers within a database report, including: report header, report
footer, page header, page footer
– set report titles
– produce different output layouts as required, including: tabular format, labels
– align data and labels appropriately, including: right aligning numeric data and decimal
alignment
– format numeric data, including: number of decimal places, variety of currencies, percentages
as required by the task
– show and hide data and labels within a report, as necessary
– export data for use in another application
19 Presentations
Candidates should be able to:
•
use a master slide to appropriately place objects and set suitable styles to meet the needs of the
audience
– identify the need for consistency of presentation, in terms of styles, point sizes, colour
schemes, transitions and animations
– use the master slide to place objects appropriately, including: images, text, logos, slide
footers, automated slide numbering
– use the master slide to set font styles, heading styles and colour schemes as required by the
audience
– manipulate and use specified areas for headings, subheadings, bullets, images, charts,
colours, text boxes, presenter notes, audience notes as appropriate
•
use suitable software tools to create presentation slides to meet the needs of the audience
– insert a new slide, when required, selecting the appropriate slide type for the purpose
– place text on the slides including: headings, subheadings, bulleted lists where appropriate
– apply consistent styles using available software tools, including: select from the presentation
colour scheme, the use of text enhancement
– place appropriate images on the slides, including: still images, video clips, animated images
– place sound within a slide
– place charts imported from a spreadsheet
– place other objects including: symbols, lines, arrows, call out boxes
– create consistent transitions between pages
– create consistent animation facilities on text, images and other objects
•
use suitable software tools to display the presentation in a variety of formats, including: looped
on-screen carousel, controlled presentation, presenter notes, audience notes taking into account
the needs of the audience
20 Data analysis
Candidates should be able to:
20.1 create a data model
•
create and edit a data model
– define the terms: cells, rows, columns, sheets, tabs, pages, charts
– explain the importance of accurate data entry in spreadsheets
– enter data with 100 per cent accuracy
– edit the structure of an existing model, including: inserting cells, deleting cells, inserting
rows, deleting rows, inserting columns, deleting columns
– define the terms: formula, function, absolute reference, relative reference, ranges, named
cell, named range, nested formulae/functions
– explain the difference between a formula and a function
– explain the order in which mathematical operations are performed and use brackets to make
sure that formulae work
– use mathematical operators, including: add, subtract, multiply, divide, indices, where
necessary
Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology
– explain the function of, and use, absolute and relative referencing, as appropriate, when
formulae are to be replicated
– use absolute and relative references, named cells, named ranges and nested formulae, as
appropriate
– use functions, including: sum, average, maximum, minimum, integer, rounding, counting,
LOOKUP, VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, IF and nested functions, when necessary
20.2 test the data model
•
devise suitable test plans and test the data to demonstrate that the model works
– define the terms: testing, test data, expected outcome, actual outcome, normal data,
abnormal data, extreme data, what if
– explain the need to test a model before it is used
– select appropriate test data to thoroughly test a data model
– justify the choice of test data
– calculate the expected outcomes before testing the model
– test the model, correcting errors and re-testing, where appropriate
– test the model by the use of what ifs
20.3 manipulate data
•
use search tools in spreadsheet software to select subsets of data
– search using a single criterion and using multiple criteria, where appropriate, with a variety of
operators such as: AND, OR, NOT, LIKE, >, <, =, >=, <=
– search, where appropriate, using wildcards
•
sort data using a single criterion and using multiple criteria into ascending or descending order,
as required
20.4 present data
•
use software tools to adjust the display features in a spreadsheet
– adjust row height, column width and cell sizes so that all data, labels, and formulae are fully
visible
– wrap text within cells so that all data are fully visible
– hide and display rows and columns, where appropriate
– use features to enhance a spreadsheet, including: text colour, cell colour, bold, underline,
italic and shading to meet the needs of the audience
– format numeric data to display the number of decimal places, a variety of different currency
values, percentages as appropriate
– set the spreadsheet to display formulae and values
– set the page orientation to portrait or landscape as necessary
– set the page layout so that it prints on a specified number of pages
– use conditional formatting appropriately to change display format depending upon the
contents of a cell
21 Website authoring
Candidates should be able to:
21.1 web development layers
•
identify and describe the three web development layers
•
understand the function of: content layer to enter the content of a web page structure;
presentation layer to format whole web page(s) or individual elements; behaviour layer to enter
scripting language to a web page or an individual element
21.2 create a web page
•
use software tools to create the content layer of a web page to meet the needs of the audience
– explain why tables are used to structure elements within a web page
– insert a table, including: table header, table rows, table data
– use attributes within a table, including: width in terms of pixels and % values, border to
create visible and invisible borders, set the border thickness, merging cells, background
colour, horizontal alignment, vertical alignment, to meet the needs of the audience
•
use software tools to appropriately place the content in a web page
– insert appropriate objects into a web page including: text, still images, moving images, sound
clips
– apply styles to text within a web page
– apply styles to a list, including: ordered list, unordered list
– insert an appropriate image into a web page
– use appropriate attributes of an image to adjust its size
•
use software tools to create navigation within a web page and between web pages
– describe the function of a hyperlink
– describe the function of an anchor and why it is rarely seen from the browser view
– define and understand the terms relative file path and absolute file path
– explain why absolute file paths must not be used for hyperlinks to locally saved web pages/
objects
– create an anchor within a web page
– create hyperlinks from: text, images
– create hyperlinks, where appropriate, to: anchors on the same page, other locally stored web
pages, a website using the URL, send mail to a specified email address, open in a specified
location including: the same window, a new window, with a window named as specified
21.3 use stylesheets
•
use software tools to create the presentation layer of a web page
– explain what is meant by the term cascading stylesheets
– explain the hierarchy of multiple attached stylesheets and in-line styles within a web page
– create generic external styles including: background properties (e.g. colour), table properties
(e.g. border, spacing, padding), font properties (e.g. style, typeface)
– create external styles to be tagged in a web page including: h1, h2, h3, p, li as required
– specify the font appearance for each style, including features such as: font family, size,
colour, alignment, bold and italic
– save styles in cascading stylesheet format
– explain why relative file paths must be used for attached stylesheets
– attach an external stylesheet to a web page using a relative file path
21.4 test and publish a website
•
know how to publish a website
– explain how to upload and publish the content of a website using ftp
– test that web page elements work
– test navigation within/from a web page using a test plan
•
test a website
– create a test plan to test a website including: web page elements are visible, navigation
within/from a web page
– justify the choice of test plan
