The IGCSE ICT syllabus is made up of two components:
- Theory
- Practical
The practical component requires candidates to complete a series of tasks which involves communication, using the internet, word processing, data manipulation, sorting data, multimedia, webpage design and integration.
At the end of the course, each candidate will sit three exams. The first two exams are 2 hour 45 minute practical exams and the third paper is a theory paper.
As there is a time limit with regards to completing the practical exams, it is essential that students are familiar with the software and are able to complete each task timeously.
While time is allocated during the school week for practical tasks, there is simply not enough time for students to sufficiently practise the skills required for each application. Thus it is up to the student to practise at home.
For this reason students will have to ensure that they have the required software.
Communication: Mozilla Thunderbird
Internet: Internet Explorer - version 7 or higher or Mozilla Firefox
Word Processing: MS Word 2007
Data Manipulation: MS Excel 2007
Sorting Data: MS Access 2007
Multimedia: MS PowerPoint 2007
Webpage Design: MS Expression Web
Graphic Manipulation: Irfanview - in some instances students are required to resize and convert graphics. Irfanview is easy to use and free.
It is important that students practise using the same software that will be used in the exams.
Students who do not have the required software at home will need to make arrangements to stay at school on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday afternoons where they will have access to the school computer lab.