GCSE IT SYLLABUS

INTRODUCTION

Context

The educational context of this syllabus is the Key Stage Four programme of study for Information Technology, but
more than that, the candidates are encouraged. to apply Information Technology through activities in all areas of the
curriculum. The syllabus goes beyond the Programme of Study for Information Technology to provide the substance
and range to merit a GCSE award. It is, therefore, approved under the GCSE Subject Criteria for Information
Technology leading to the award of a GCSE certificate.

The Information Technology work that candidates might do in many areas of the curriculum could contribute directly
to the requirements of this syllabus. However, it must be stressed that candidates aiming for the higher grades are
likely to require contact with a specialist Information Technology teacher in the context of a structured course.

This syllabus allows candidates to build on the knowledge, understanding and skills that they have established via the
National Curriculum, in particular Key Stage 3.
However, it is appreciated that some candidates may not have come via this route; hence the syllabus is a complete
statement of what a candidate has to achieve to gain an award.

The learning context of this syllabus is based upon the two Strands of Progression as defined in the Key Stage Four
programme of study.

These strands are: 1 Communicating and Handling Information;

2 Controlling, Measuring and Modelling

The syllabus gives clear indications to the teacher that the candidates' experience should be organised about a number
of processes from which a body of knowledge and skill will develop.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work with information technology to:

1. apply their knowledge, skills and understanding of the functions of software and hardware IT systems to a range
of situations;

2. analyse, design, implement, test, evaluate and document information technology systems for use by others and
develop understanding of the wider applications and effects of IT;

3. reflect critically on the way they and others use IT by considering how a variety of information systems are
implemented and used;

4. discuss and review the impact of applications in the outside world;

5. consider the social, legal, ethical and moral issues and security needs for data which surround the increasing use
of IT.

SCHEME OF ASSESSMENT

There are TWO possible tiers of entry for this assessment scheme.

Tier of entry GCSE Grade

GCSE Foundation GCSE-F C-G

GCSE Higher GCSE - H A* - D

A candidate may be entered either for the Higher Tier or the Foundation Tier but not for both.

Candidates for the Higher Tier who achieve less than the minimum mark for grade D are recorded as ungraded (U).

For BOTH tiers of entry there will be two assessment components:

GCSE
Weighting

Paper 1 Coursework Collection 60%

Paper 2 21/2 hour terminal written paper 40%
comprising:

Section A Systems Design (20%)

Section B Structured Questions (20%)
(testing beyond the Systems Design of Section A)
Criteria for Awarding Marks under the Process Headings

Process Assessment Criteria Mark

Identify A statement that indicates that the task which has been identified
can be performed sensibly using the Information Technology 1
tools chosen.
Statements which relate the nature of the task identified to the 2-3
appropriate features of the Information Technology tools
chosen.
4
A comparison which shows why the tools chosen are the most
appropriate for the task identified.
Analyse A statement that relates the task considered to the solution 1-2
proposed.
Statements which show how the nature of the data will direct 3-4
the solution proposed.
A complete representation of the relationships between the data 5-6
requirements of the task and the processing of the computer
solution.
Design Either a simple overview of the complete solution or more detail 1-2
on one aspect of the design.
A comprehensive top view of the total system with some 3-5
detailed design included.
A comprehensive system description with all aspects of the 6-8
detail described including file formats and user interfaces which
take into account the needs of users.
Use/ Basic evidence that a computer system has been used in a way 1-2
Implement related to the task.
Evidence that some correction cycle has taken place during 3-4
usage.
5-6
Evidence that implementation has taken place which has a
significant relationship with the design.
7-8
A fully implemented system with detailed evidence of the testing
processes and the outcome.
Evaluate A statement that comments on the outcome of the solution. 1
A simple discussion about the effectiveness of the solution. 2
Evidence that the system has been used in the target
environment together with evidence of the performance in the 3-4
environment including the views of the users.
Prescribed Problem Types

FOUR distinct problem types must be addressed.

TWO of these must be:

(a) File Creation and Interrogation

(b) Creation and Manipulation of Spreadsheets

The REMAINING TWO must be chosen from the following:

(c) Data Logging and control

(d) Word Processing
(e) Desk Top Publishing
(f) Free Choice 1
(g) Free Choice 2
Paper 2 - Terminal Examination

Section A - Systems Design

Each year the Council will publish, early in Year 11, a detailed specification of the design problem that will
form the framework for Section A.

A design problem specification will be found in exemplar material published with this syllabus.

During the examination the candidates will be given a number of compulsory questions that would require them
to complete a selection of design tasks that relate to the stated problem.

In addition candidates may be asked questions that relate to aspects of the implementation of a solution to the
stated problem.

The questions set will address a selection of the learning objectives labelled A/B as listed on pages 19-22 in
this syllabus.

Marks will be awarded for Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar in both Section A and Section B consistent with
the criteria detailed on page 23 of this syllabus.

Section B - Structured Questions

The questions set will address a selection of all the learning objectives and the compulsory processes and
opportunities allowed by the software in the Essential List.

In general, questions will be set in a meaningful context which relates to a sensible use of IT.

Differentiation

Paper 1
Coursework Collection

Differentiation between candidates across the ability range will occur by means of task, process, outcome and
response. It will be important for teachers to negotiate with candidates and encourage them to select tasks
which effectively show their ability. The Coursework Collection will be marked by the same procedure for all
entries. Teachers will award marks for Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar.

Paper 2

Each question will be structured to give an incline of difficulty within it. The whole paper will thus
differentiate through each question.

Section A - Systems Design

The published design problem will be the same for all GCSE candidates but separate papers will be set for both
tiers of entry.

Section B - Structured Questions

Separate papers will be set for both tiers of entry.
THE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

These learning objectives define the content of the whole syllabus, both coursework and terminal examination.

In the terminal examination, the parts underlined will be addressed only at the higher tier of entry. This underlining
should be consulted when considering examination entry.

The candidates should be able to:

LEARNING OBJECTIVE In Paper 2

CODE Examined in Section:
0C1 identify the constituent parts of a total computer system: A/B
hardware - input and output units:
backup storage; central processing unit;
software - applications package;
operating system;

0C2 describe the function of, and the relationship between, the parts B
of a computer system including the key function of the operating
system, eg command interpreting, input/output control, file
management, peripheral management, resource allocation;
0C3 be aware of the nature of the communication process between the basic A/B

hardware components, eg the real time feedback nature of the use of a disk unit;

0C4 be aware that the central processing unit must perform certain functions, ie
handle control signals, act out the instructions within the software, perform
logical and arithmetic operations, store data;
0C5 explain the necessity for peripherals; input and output media and devices,
backing store; A/B
0C6 explain the need for encoding information for computer processing; A/B
0C7 (a) list and describe the possible operations in data capture: A/B
collection, preparation, input;
(b) relate these operations to a stated application;

0C8 (a) describe and use the terms for input validation techniques; range
checks, field types and lengths; A/B
(b) relate these operations to a stated application;

0C9 describe the functions and purpose of a file handling package; A/B
OCIO recognise and use the terms: record, field, key, file, transaction file, master
file; A/B

0C11 specify the files necessary for a stated application by: A/B

(a) specifying record structure in terms of fields;

(b) defining the necessary fields in terms of their length and type;
(c) showing typical fields and record values;

0C12 specify the input and the data capture process for a stated A/B
application including the design of the input screen;
0C13 specify the input and the output report structured for a stated A/B
application including the design of the output screen;
0C14 select and justify suitable methods of presenting results for the
the given application; B
0C15 relate to a stated application the processes: sorting,
searching, merging, updating; B
0C16 interpret a given system flowchart by identifying the nature and
purpose of the files and the processing used; B
0C17 describe a stated application by using system flowcharts; B
0C18 identify methods of file recovery: generation of files, file duplication; B
0C19 describe methods of system security: passwords, access codes, B
restricted physical access;

0C20 (a) describe the social, economic, legal, ethical and moral effects of A/B
using computer systems for given applications in terms of social
and economic change (including changes in patterns of work
and leisure), privacy, security and integrity of information;
(b) formulate and present a reasoned view of the potential A/B

benefits and drawbacks of computer usage in a wide context, including

commerce, manufacturing, the home, the school, leisure and government.

0C21 derive the information requirements for the solution of a problem A/B
in terms of the output needed, the input data and any necessary files;
0C22 choose appropriate information systems, software tools and techniques A/B
to solve a problem;
0C23 encode data and information for computer processing; A/B
0C24 explain the need for adequate testing of solutions; B
0C25 design the testing procedures for a stated application; B
0C26 evaluate the solution to the problem; A/B
0C27 document work using appropriate methods of communication; A/B
0C28 describe the functions and purposes of a spreadsheet package; A/B
0C29 explain the importance and the process of computer systems being
able to assist the user in the search for a solution to a problem; B
0C30 demonstrate knowledge of the computational power of computer systems; B
0C31 describe the real time nature of the updating process of a B
spreadsheet;
0C32 describe the nature of a real or imaginary system that has been A/B
modelled in a computer;
0C33 describe the nature of a simulation; A/B
0C34 state the limitations of models and simulations; A/B
0C35 define a model; A/B
0C36 represent a defined model in a computer using appropriate software; A/B
0C37 design and perform experiments that involve modifying the rules A/B
that define a model;
0C38 appreciate that real situations are subject to random events; A/B
0C39 explain the advantage of models that have random elements; A/B
0C40 describe the purpose and demonstrate an awareness of common examples
of: A/B

(i) application packages;

(ii) utility programs;

0C41 identify appropriate uses and criteria for evaluating: A/B

(i) an application package;

(ii) utility programs;
0C42 (a) list and describe in outline the main aspects of systems
analysis: B
investigation, analysis, design, implementation, monitoring;

(b) relate these aspects to a stated application; B

0C43 appreciate that computer systems should be designed to communicate A/B

with humans;

0C44 describe the functions and purposes of a word processing package; A/B

0C45 describe the functions and purposes of a desk top publishing package; A/B

0C46 explain how the features of information handling packages can be A/B
used to create quality presentations;
0C47 describe the concepts of data logging and control technology: A/B
0C48 explain why data logging and control technology have to involve real time
processing; B

0C49 specify the input and output required for a stated data-logging or control A/B
application;

0C50 develop an algorithm (series of commands) for a stated data A/B

or control application;
0C51 use the terms bit and byte; B
0C52 interpret a bit pattern as a collection of control signals; B
0C53 interpret a bit pattern as a character using an internal code; B
0C54 select and justify devices for a stated data logging or control A/B
application.