IGCSE Syllabus - ICT (0417)

Theory Section Check Revise

1 Types and components of computer systems

1.1 define hardware as consisting of physical components of a computer system

hardware
and identify internal hardware devices (e.g. processor, motherboards, random access memory
software (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,
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,
video editing software, graphics manipulation software)

define system software (e.g. compilers, linkers, device drivers, operating systems and
utilities)

1.2 the main describe the central processing unit (CPU) including its role
components
of computer describe internal memory, i.e. ROM and RAM and the differences between them
systems
define input and output devices and describe the difference between them

define secondary/backing storage

1.3 define and describe operating systems which contain a Command Line Interface (CLI)
operating
systems 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 describe the characteristics of a personal/desktop computer and its uses, both as a
computer standalone and as a networked computer

describe the characteristics of a laptop computer and what it is used for, both as a
standalone and as a 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 describe how emerging technologies are having an impact on everyday life (e.g. artificial
of emerging intelligence, biometrics, vision enhancement, robotics, quantum cryptography, computer-
technologies assisted translation, 3D and holographic imaging, virtual reality)

2 Input and output devices

2.1 input identify input devices and their uses, e.g. keyboard, numeric keypad, pointing devices (such
devices and as mouse, touchpad, trackerball), remote control, joystick/driving wheel, touch screen,
their uses scanners, digital cameras, microphone, sensors (general), temperature sensor, pressure
sensor, light sensor, graphics tablet, video camera, webcam

2.2 direct describe direct data entry and associated devices, e.g. magnetic stripe readers, chip and
data entry PIN readers, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) readers, Magnetic Ink Character
and Recognition/Reader (MICR), Optical Mark Recognition/Reader (OMR), Optical Character
Recognition/Reader (OCR), bar code reader
associated
devices
identify the advantages and disadvantages of any of the above devices in comparison with
others

2.3 output identify output devices and their uses, e.g. CRT monitor, TFT/LCD monitor, IPS/LCD
devices and monitor, LED monitor, touch screen (as an output device), multimedia projector, laser
their uses 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

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 (SSDs), 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

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 smartphones to access the internet
4.2 network security issues regarding data transfer
issues and – describe the security issues surrounding the use of computer networks
communicati – 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
on
– 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 anti-virus 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

5.1 effects describe how there has been a reduction of employment in offices, as workers’ jobs have
of IT on been replaced by computers in a number of fields (e.g. payroll workers, typing pools, car
employment 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 describe how the use of computers has led to a number of employees changing their
of IT on working patterns (e.g. part-time working, flexible hours, job sharing, compressed hours
working
patterns describe what is meant by part-time working, flexible hours, job sharing, compressed hours
within
organisation
s

5.3 describe the positive effects microprocessors have on aspects of lifestyle (e.g. the amount
microproces and use of leisure time, the degree of social interaction, the ability to leave the home)
sor-
controlled describe the negative effects microprocessors have on aspects of lifestyle (e.g. lack of
devices in exercise)
the home

5.4 potential describe repetitive strain injury (RSI) and what causes it
health
problems identify other health issues (e.g. back problems, eye problems, headaches)
related to
the
describe some simple strategies for preventing these problems
prolonged
use of IT
equipment evaluate the use of IT equipment and develop strategies to minimise the health risks

6 ICT applications

6.1 describe a range of communication applications (e.g. newsletters, websites, multimedia

communicati presentations, music scores, cartoons, flyers and posters)
on
applications describe the use of smartphones 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 describe the use of a range of data handling applications (e.g. surveys, address lists, clubs
handling and society records, school reports and school libraries)
applications

6.3 describe a range of measurement applications

measureme (e.g. scientific experiments, weather stations)
nt
applications 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 describe the role of a microprocessor or computer in control applications, including the role
microproces of the pre-set value
sors in
control describe the use of computer control in applications (e.g. turtle graphics, automatic washing
machines, automatic cookers, computer controlled central heating systems, burglar alarms,
applications
computer controlled glasshouses)

6.5 describe the use of computer modelling in spreadsheets (e.g. for personal finance
modelling
applications

6.6 describe a range of computer controlled applications (e.g. robotics in manufacture and
applications production line control)
in
manufacturi discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using computer controlled systems rather
than humans
ng industries

6.7 school describe how systems are used to manage learner registration and attendance
managemen
t systems 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 identify areas where booking systems are used (e.g. travel industry, theatres and cinemas)
systems
describe the online processing involved in booking tickets

discuss the advantages and disadvantages of online booking systems

6.9 banking describe the computer processing involved in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
applications
describe the computer processing involved in using automatic teller machines (ATM) (e.g.
withdrawing cash, depositing cash or cheques, checking account balance, mini statements,
smartphone/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 describe the contents of information systems in medicine (including patient records,
computers pharmacy records, monitoring and expert systems for diagnosis)
in medicine
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 describe the files used in libraries (e.g. records of books and borrowers)
computers
in libraries 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 identify a range of applications which use expert systems (e.g. mineral prospecting, car
systems 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 describe the use of point of sale (POS) terminals, how the stock file is updated
computers automatically, and how new stock can be ordered automatically
in the retail
industry 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 describe how recognition systems work (e.g. Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR),
recognition Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) and Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Radio
systems 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 describe how a workforce or member of the public can be monitored or logged
monitoring
and tracking describe how the use of cookies can be used to monitor a person’s internet activity
systems
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 describe the use of different satellite systems (e.g. Global Positioning Systems (GPS),
systems satellite navigation, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), media communication systems)

7 The systems life cycle

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 testing designs

developmen – describe how data/file structures are created and tested
t and testing – 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 different methods of system implementation

implementati – describe the four methods of implementation (direct changeover, parallel running, pilot
on 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 technical documentation for an information system

documentati – explain the need for technical documentation
on – 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 format, sample runs, error messages, error handling, troubleshooting guide/helpline,
frequently asked questions, glossary of terms)
7.6 describe the need to evaluate a solution in terms of the efficiency of the solution, the ease
evaluation 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

8.1 physical describe common physical safety issues and what causes them, e.g. electrocution from
safety 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 eSafety 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 eSafety 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, 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 effective security of data

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 unmoderated 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

9.1 show a clear sense of audience when planning and creating ICT solutions
audience
appreciation analyse the needs of an audience

explain why solutions must meet the needs of the audience

9.2 legal, explain the need for copyright legislation and the principles of copyright relating to computer
moral, software (e.g. software piracy)
ethical and
cultural describe methods that software producers employ to prevent software copyright being
broken
appreciation
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

10.1 describe the constraints that affect the use of email, including: the laws within a country,
communicati acceptable language, copyright, local guidelines set by an employer, the need for security,
on with netiquette, password protection
other ICT
define the term spam
users using
email 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 fundamentals of the internet

effective use – define the terms internet and intranet
of the – explain the differences between the internet, an intranet and the World Wide Web (WWW)
internet – 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
Practical Section Check Revise

11 File management

11.1 manage identify different file types and their use(s), for example: css, csv, gif, htm, jpg, pdf, png, rtf,
files txt, zip
effectively

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 explain the need to reduce file sizes for storage or transmission
file sizes for
storage or identify where it will be necessary to reduce file sizes for storage or transmission
transmission
reduce file sizes using file compression

12 Images

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 (flip an image horizontally or vertically)
– 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

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

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

15.1 use software tools to ensure that all work produced contains as few errors as possible
software – explain why the automated suggestions given by spell check software do not always give
tools 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 accuracy of data entry

techniques – describe the importance of accuracy and the potential consequences of data entry errors
– correct errors in data entry, including: transposed numbers, incorrect spelling,
inconsistent character spacing, inconsistent case and factual errors (following proofreading
by a third party)
– check to ensure consistent line spacing, 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

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

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

18.1 create a design and use suitable software tools to create an appropriate database record structure
database – define the terms flat file database and relational database
structure – 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 use arithmetic operations or numeric functions to perform calculations within a database –
manipulate create a calculated field
data – 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,
percentage, 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

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

20.1 create a create and edit a data model

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
– 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 devise suitable test plans and test the data to demonstrate that the model works
data model – 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 use search tools in spreadsheet software to select subsets of data

manipulate – search using a single criterion and using multiple criteria, where appropriate, with a
data 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 use software tools to adjust the display features in a spreadsheet
data – 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

21.1 web identify and describe the three web development layers
development
layers understand the function of: content layer to enter the content and create the structure of a
web page; presentation layer to display and format elements within a web page; behaviour
layer to enter scripting language to elements within a web page

21.2 create a use software tools to create the content layer of a web page to meet the needs of the
web page audience
– explain the purpose of the head and body sections of a web page
– place appropriate elements in the head section of a web page, including: page title,
attached stylesheets
– place appropriate elements in the body section of a web page
– explain why tables are used to structure elements within a web page
– insert a table, including: table header, table rows, table data
– use appropriate table attributes, including: to adjust cells to span more than one
row/column, to set table and cell sizes in terms of pixels and/or % values, to apply styles to
tables, 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 image attributes, including: to adjust its size, aspect ratio and alternate
text

21.2 create a use software tools to create navigation within a web page and between web pages
web page – describe the function of a hyperlink
continued – describe the concept of a bookmark and methods of creating a bookmark within a web
page
– 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
– use an object’s id attribute to create a bookmark within a web page
– create an anchor within a web page
– create hyperlinks from: text, images
– create hyperlinks, where appropriate, to: bookmarks 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 use software tools to create the presentation layer of a web page
stylesheets – explain what is meant by the term cascading stylesheets
– explain the difference between attached stylesheets and inline style attributes
– explain the hierarchy of multiple attached stylesheets and inline styles within a web page
– explain the difference between a style and a class
– create generic external styles and inline style attributes, including: background properties
(e.g. colour, images), font properties (e.g. style, typeface), table properties (e.g.
background colour, horizontal and vertical alignment, spacing, padding, borders: including
collapsed, border thickness, visible/invisible)
– 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
– attach comments to an external stylesheet

21.4 test and know how to publish a website

publish a – explain how to upload and publish the content of a website using ftp
website – 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