GCSE Information Communication Technology (A)

Examination Board: AQA Syllabus Number: 4250

Head of Subject: Mr S Casey

Teacher: Mr J Barfoot.

Content

GCSE ICT is both theoretical and practical. On the theory side, you will learn about hardware, software and soft systems methodologies for designing information systems. At the same time you will develop advanced practical skills in a number of applications including: Microsoft Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Publisher. The ICT GCSE requires students to design and implement ICT systems for others to use. Consequently the emphasis is on developing initiative and problem solving techniques. There will be some teacher led activities, particularly at the start of

each term, but the majority of the work will be carried out by students working individually researching

information, solving problems and providing solutions. Whilst the teacher will act as a guide, mentor and advisor, the students will be required to work with limited, or no supervision on a series of practical projects designed to extend their skills, knowledge and understanding.

Assessment

You will be assessed as follows:

1½ hour written examination 40%

AQA assignment 30%

Own Project 30%

Unit Module Assessment and duration

.

Weighting

Unit 1 Systems and

Applications in

ICT

Externally assessed Examination

Section A: 10 structured questions featuring a range of types of

questions from very short to questions requiring 2 or 3 line

answers. (72 marks)

Section B: 3 structured questions featuring short and extended

answer questions. (36 marks)

All questions will be compulsory in Sections A and B.

Section C: 1 essay question from a choice of 2. (12 marks)

40%

Unit 2 The

Assignment:

Applying ICT

Controlled Assessment

Students will explore the ways in which tools and techniques

are used to develop ideas and to solve problems.

30%

Unit 3 Practical

Problem

Solving in ICT

Controlled Assessment

The purpose of this unit is to ask candidates to solve practical

problems which they may meet in education, the community or

in the work place. ICT must be used to solve the problem.

30%

Special Requirements

A PC with internet access and Microsoft Office compatible software at home is not essential, but is very useful for this course.

Web Link to AQA website: http://www.aqa.org.uk/resource-zone/ict/gcse-ict.php

GCSE ICT Word Bank

TERM DEFINITION

Absolute Reference An absolute reference stays the same, even if the cell is copied.

Access Time The time taken to read a piece of data requested by the CPU and making it available for processing.

Address Each location in main memory is accessed by a unique location, called an address.

Algorithm A series of instructions that allows completion of a given task.

Amendment To amend record(s) in a file.

Analogue Describes something which is continuously variable - for example sound or the level of a river.

Android A robot that looks like a human.

Applications Software Software designed for a specific task, such as Word Processing, which normally has a full set of documentation. Applications Software is sometimes called a package.

Ascending/ Descending Order

The order in which you sort

ASCII American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A method for coding characters when storing them in a computer.

Backing Store Any storage that is external to the CPU (typically discs).

Bar Chart A chart that represents values by separate bars. Sometimes called a column chart.

Bar Code A series of black and white stripes which represent numbers and letters.

Batch Processing Collecting together data to process it all at some point in the future via one job.

Batch Queue A queue of jobs submitted for batch processing.

Bit binary bigit – A zero or one.

Bitmap A picture that is built up from pixels.

Bulletin Boards A viewdata service that allows users to leave messages and read messages left by others.

Byte Eight bits (normally).

Cells A spreadsheet is made up of rows and columns. The point at which a row and column meet is called a cell. A cell is referenced by its row and column. You enter data into a cell.

Central Processing Unit The main part of the computer which controls all the other parts of the computer

Character Printer Printers which print a character at a time.

Chart Axis The lines at the bottom and (left hand) side of the chart. Normally called the x and y axes.

Chart Legend Areas of text on the chart which explain key features of the chart.

Chart Title The title at the top of the chart.

Check Digit A digit added to the end of a series of other digits which is used to validate the series of digits.

COM: Computer Output on Microfilm (or Microfiche).

Combination Chart A chart that allows two sets of values to be plotted and so more easily compared.

Command Line Interface

A type of interface where the user types commands (via a keyboard) to the computer.

Command Line Prompt The characters which are displayed inviting you to type something.

Compiling The conversion of a program (written in a programming language) to machine code so that the program can be xecuted by the CPU.

Computer A device that processes data that has had input put into it. The processing is done via a series of fixed instructions, usually called a program.

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

A package which produces accurate designs and drawings.

Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM)

A system that manufactures objects based on data received from a CAD system

Computer Network Two or more computers that are connected together so they can share data or devices such as printers or CD-ROM’s.

Context Sensitive Help Help that is applicable to the context in which you are working

Control Signal A signal from a processor to a device which tells it what to do.

Control System Everything that in needed is order to control a particular device. This includes all the hardware and software.

Converter A type of interface that converts signals from one form to another so that a processor/device can communicate.

Cut/Copy/Paste Remove data from an application (Cut) or make a copy of it. The data can then be pasted into another, or the same, application.

Data Information that is held in a form that can be processed.

Data Capture Obtaining data that is then fed into a computer.

Data Communication Communication of data either between two computers or between a computer and a person.

Data File Consists of a collection of records.

Data Integrity Ensuring that data being held is complete and correct.

Data Processing Cycle : The sequence of events that is used to process information.

Data Type Describes how a piece of data can be used and stored.

Database An application that allows you to store and retrieve information.

Database A large file(s) containing related information which can be accessed in a variety of ways.

Database Functions Functions within the database that allow you to return certain statistics. For example, the minimum and the maximum value of a certain field.

Database Reporting The ability to produce reports directly from the database.

Deletion To delete record(s) from a file.

Desk Top Publishing An application that produces documents suitable for publication.

Digital Describes something which can be in a known numbers of states.

Digitising Convert an image or sound from analogue to digital. The digital representation can more easily be stored on computer.

Direct Access The ability to access a piece of data directly without having to read preceding data.

Directory A method of grouping like files together. When you place a file on a disc you specify which directory it is to be stored in.

Discs Used for permanent storage of data. There are three types of disc; Hard Discs, Floppy Discs and CD-ROM’s.

Documentation A means of communicating information about an IT system. Typically the documentation is supplied as a manual but it is often supplied on CD ROM.

Dot matrix printers Printers which make up the image on the page by pushing pins against a ribbon to make a series of dots.

Downloading Software (including the Internet)

The ability to download software from a viewdata service

Draft Quality A mode of printing which produces lower quality output but at a faster speed.

Electronic Conferences Discussions that take place between several people who are communicating via terminals, instead of sitting together in a meeting room.

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)

Moving data from one computer to another, primarily to carry out a business transaction without the need for paper.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Moving money from one bank account to another using data communications between computers.

Electronic Mail (EMAIL) Passing messages to one (or more) people using a network to pass the messages.

Encryption Protecting a file so that its contents are in a coded form.

Evaluation Looking at software to see if it is suitable for the planned job.

Expert System A system that replaces a human expert.

Export/Import Data Allows one application to produce data suitable for another application (export). An application that reads such data ‘imports’ it.

Expression Something which returns a single value. This can be a number, a string or a value such as TRUE or FALSE.

Facsimile (Fax) Using a telephone line to transmit documents.

Feedback The ability of a device to provide signals to the processor about its current state.

Field Part of a record that holds one item, e.g. a name, an address, a phone number etc.

File Data or programs that are held on backing store, such as a disc. A file is given a unique name.

File Server A network facility that controls access to files on the network.

Flowchart A form of documentation that graphically represents a process.

Font A set of characters of a particular size and design.

Formula A formula is typed into a cell. It is used when you wish to work out the value for that cell from the values in other cells.

Graphic A picture, graph or image that has been produced on a computer.

Graphical User Interface

A type of interface where a graphical interface is used. The interface normally consists of menus, icons (pictures) and windows. A mouse, as well as the keyboard, is used to enter commands.

Graphics An application that allows you to produce graphics such as bar charts, pie charts etc.

Hardware The physical pieces of equipment that make up a computer.

Impact/Non-Impact printers

Impact printers make contact with the paper. Non Impact printers do not.

Inference Engine A program (or series of programs) that answers a question posed by the user, by referring to the knowledge base

Information Facts and knowledge that has meaning.

Information Retrieval Retrieving the information you require (normally via a query) from stored data (usually a database).

Information Technology (IT)

Describes the equipment and software used to process information. It is not only used when talking about computers.

Ink jet printers Printers which squirt dots of ink at paper to make up the dots.

Input Port A point on a computer into which a device can be plugged so that the device can communicate with the processor.

Insertion To insert record(s) into a file.

Interactive Processing You communicate with the computer and it responds; like a two way conversation.

Interface A piece of hardware or software that sits between a processor and a device which allows them to communicate.

Internet A global network that consists of millions of computers.

Interpreting The conversion of a program, one statement at a time, to machine code. The conversion is done every time the statement is encountered, whereas compiling is a one-off operation.

Key A field which uniquely identifies a record

Kilobyte 1024 bytes.

Knowledge Base The rules of the expert system are held in the knowledge base.

Knowledge Engineer The person responsible for capturing knowledge from the expert and building the expert system.

Laser Printers Printers which use a laser to produce the image.

Line Chart A chart in which the values are joined by a continuous line. It is useful for comparing values over time.

Line Printer Printers which print a complete line at a time.

Linear Search A search through an entire file looking for a particular item of data.

Linking Tables Some databases allow you to link tables containing data. These are normally referred to as relational databases.

Local Area Network (LAN)

A relatively small network of computers. The computers are usually in a single building such as an office or a school.

Logging On(or in)/ Logging Off

Signing on to (and eventally off) a computer system as a recognised user.

Logical Operators Terms such as AND, OR and NOT which can be used within a query to make a single expression.

LOGO A computer programming language.

Machine Code The low level instructions that are directly executable by the CPU.

Macro A series of instructions written in a macro language (or recorded by the user carrying out the task) that allows repetitive tasks to be done more easily.

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)

Characters printed in a special way with magnetic ink which can then be read by a special reader.

Magnetic Stripe A strip of magnetically coated material. The strip contains information which can be read by a reader.

Magnetic Tape A sequential access backing store device that is normally used to take security copies of data.

Mail Merge The ability to produce personalised letters (and other documents) using a standard document that incorporates variable text from another data source.

Main Memory The memory in the computer that is directly accessible by the processor. Also called main store and RAM.

Main Store Any Storage that is directly accessible by the CPU; normally RAM and ROM.

Mainframe Computer Large computers that can look after many jobs and users at the same time.

Margin The limits at which you are allowed to print text on a page.

Master File A file containing all the data for a particular application.

MegaByte 1,048,576 bytes (or 1024 kilobytes).

Merge Interleave two (or more) files to create a single file.

Microfiche Reduced images of pages held on plastic.

Minicomputer A computer that is more powerful than a PC but not as powerful as a mainframe. Usually runs many jobs and has many people attached to it at the same time.

Model A simulation of something so that it behaves like the real thing.

Modem A device which allows a computer to be connected to a telephone line. Modem is short for MOdulator-DEModulator.

Multi-field Sorts Sorting on more than one key. The sort is done using the main key and then, when that main key is equal, the secondary key is used.

Multiprogramming A computer that is capable of giving the illusion of running more than one program at the same time.

Multitasking A computer that is capable of giving the illusion of running more than one task at the same time.

Multi-User system A computer used by many people at the same time.

Network Server A central computer (there may be more than one) that is responsible for controlling the rest of the network.

NLQ (Near Letter Quality)

A mode of printing which produces high quality output but at a slower speed.

On-Line Help Help that is available whilst the user is working with the application.

Operating System The main piece of software on a computer that looks after all aspects of the computer’s operation.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Converting marks on paper into characters, for example, hand-writing.

Optical Mark Reading (OMR)

A system that read marks made on paper (typically crosses or filling in boxes). The position of the marks represent the data.

Output Device A device that receives an electrical signal and converts it to data or information.

Output Port A point on a computer into which a device can be plugged so that the processor can communicate with the device.

Page Printer Printers which produce and print a complete page at a time.

Paint Application A general drawing package

Password A string of characters that is associated with a username so that the system can validate who you say you are.

Personal Computer (PC)

A computer used by one person at a time.

Pie Chart A chart in which the total of the values is represented by a circle (pie) and the individual values are represented by slices.

Pixel (Picture Element) The smallest unit of information on a monitor.

Plotters An output device which is normally used to produce line drawings such as plans for a house.

Print Server A network facility that controls the printing of files that are sent to a network printer.

Procedure A series of instructions in a programming language that are grouped together and can be executed by a single instruction.

Program Instructions to the computer that tell it what to do and in what order. Programs are written by programmers in a computer language such as BASIC.

Program A series of ordered instructions written in a computing language that allows you to tell the computer to perform a certain task.

Programmer The person who writes the programs that have been specified by the systems analyst.

Programming(or Computer) Language

A piece of software that allows you to write programs

Query Specifying to a database program a set of conditions. The records which match the criteria are returned.

Query Language A database language that allows you to retrieve data from the database.

RAM Random Access Memory. Temporary storage in a computer that holds programs and data.

Read The process of reading data from backing store and making it available to the CPU.

Real Time Processing A computer that reacts to input as soon as it receives it.

Record A collection of fields which relate to one subject, for example all the details about one of your friends.

Reflection The ability to display an object in reverse, as if it were being seen in a mirror.

Relative Reference A relative reference changes when the cell is copied. That is the cell reference is relative to its position on the spreadsheet.

Resolution The amount of detail (number of pixels) on a monitor.

Robot A device that can do the work that has traditionally been done by humans

ROM Read Only Memory. Similar to RAM but you cannot write to the memory. Normally stores programs which never change.

Rotating The ability to look at objects from different angles on a CAD system.

Scaling The ability to re-size objects when using a CAD system.

Scanner The equipment used for scanning.

Scanning Digitising an image (e.g. photograph, logo etc.) so that it can be stored on computer.

Screen Mode The mixture of colours, resolution and text/graphics allowed on a monitor.

Search and Replace To automatically search through a document and replace a word or phrase with another word or phrase.

Security Taking a copy of important files so that you can use it should something happen to the original.

Sensor A detector that monitors on behalf of a device so that signals can be sent to the processor.

Sequential Access Accessing data in a serial manner. If data is at the end of a file you must read all the other data first.

Simulation A computer program that models a system, typically a real- world system.

Software The instructions that tell the computer what to do.

Software The term used to describe all types of programs including the operating system, applications software and programs written by the user themselves.

Sort Arrange data in a certain order.

Spreadsheet An application that allows data to be stored in a table format and have calculations performed on that data.

Spreadsheet A type of program that gives you a table on the screen. You can enter various types of data into a spreadsheet and make relations between the data.

SQL Structured Query Language. One of the most widely used database query languages.

Stand-Alone system A computer used by one person at a time.

System A system used in a commercial environment that controls a process. Typically it is a manufacturing process, but this does not

have to be the case.

System Documentation Documentation used by programmers, systems analysts, etc. when maintaining or developing the system.

System Life Cycle The steps that are followed when developing and maintaining an IT system.

Systems Analyst The person who analyses the current system (if there is one), produces the requirements for the new system and comes up with a design that will meet those requirements.

Systems Program A program that is specifically written to monitor or improve he way the computer runs.

Telecommunications Communicating data over long distances, usually over telephone lines but could also be via satellite, micro waves etc.

Teletext A service provided by television companies that uses the television signal to transmit information to a television set.

Templates A way of producing a basic document that can be used as the basis for future documents. This saves time and gives more consistent looking documents.

Top-down design The process of breaking tasks down into smaller and smaller tasks until they are easy enough to understand and write programs for.

Transaction File A file of insertions, deletions and amendments that are to be applied to a master file.

Transposition Error Entering data incorrectly by typing in two characters in the wrong order.

Turtle An electronic turtle or a turtle represented on the computer screen that is controlled by LOGO.

Tutorials and Wizards An on-line method of showing the user how to carry out a certain task

Update To alter a file with new information.

User Documentation Documentation that tells a user how to carry out a specific function.

User Interface How a person communicates with a computer

Username A unique identity that associates you with the computer system.

Utility Program Small programs that are written to perform specific useful tasks.

Validation Using techniques to ensure data is correct (e.g. range checking, type checking and length checking).

Vector A picture that is described in terms of points and how those points are joined together.

Verification Typing data in twice so that the second time it can be compared against the original input.

Viewdata An interactive service in which users use the telephone system to log on to a computer system to access information

Virtual Reality A simulation in which the user can interact with the system in such a way that the user experiences the system as if it were real.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A network of computers which connect computers over a large area. The computers are often in different towns and even in different countries.

Wire Frame Looking at an image, but showing only its edges (or major lines).

Word A number of bits (typically 32). A word is the amount of data a processor can deal with at a given time.

Word Processing A package that allows you to enter, edit and print text and, optionally, a great many other things.

Word Wrap The way a Word Processor automatically keeps words on the same line without splitting them.

World Wide Web The dominant way to navigate around the internet.

Write The process of writing data from the CPU to backing store.

How to Revise on the Web

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Lots of revision quizzes here http://www.teach-ict.com/gcsehome.htm

Top Tips for Exam Success

1. READ THE QUESTION!!! (not reading the question is the single biggest cause of students throwing marks away). 2. Look carefully at the number of marks being allocated for each question. For example, if

a question carries five marks, you must make five valid points. 3. Make sure you attempt every question on the paper. Make wild guesses, if necessary. Plan your time carefully. 4. When asked to give advantages and disadvantages of using IT, do NOT give answers like:

"IT is quicker" "IT is cheaper" "IT is neater" "IT is more efficient" "IT is more accurate"

You should justify everything that you say. Give answers like:

"IT can lead to faster processing of data because a computer can make accurate calculations very quickly” or "IT can save businesses money because, in the long run, they are cheaper

than employing people. Computers don't need breaks or holidays or wages."

5. Don’t use “Trade Names” (e.g. you should refer to “a word processor” rather than “Word” and "a database application" rather than "Access") 6. If the question asks you to "describe" something, you need to do just that.

7. Try to write neatly (although content is much more important). 8. Remember that marks will be awarded for spelling, punctuation and grammar. In the GCSE exam, you should always GIVE REASONS to support what you say about using IT.

http://www.klbschool.org.uk/ict/gcse/theory/5_1/index_5_1.htm is the KLB school’s revision area. Although it is for the OCR syllabus it is great.

The BBC Bitesize page for IT can be found through the school’s Intranet There are pages of revision notes and an interactive test for each one