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IGCSE Computer Science 0478 · ICT 0417

Year 10

The first IGCSE year: every Computer Science and ICT topic step by step, with exam questions and endless practice. Follows the 2026–2028 syllabuses (this Year 10 sits its exams in 2028). Note: the Computer Science pages will be deprecated in September 2027, when the next Year 10 starts Cambridge's new syllabus (exams from 2029, Python only).

Computer Science 0478: units, term by term

Autumn 1

Data representation

Number systems and conversions, binary addition, overflow, logical shifts, two's complement, text, images and sound, file sizes, compression.

What you will know by the end
  • Binary, denary and hex conversions both ways, with working shown.
  • Binary addition in 8 bits; overflow; logical shifts left and right; two's complement negatives.
  • Text (ASCII and Unicode), images (resolution, colour depth), sound (sample rate, sample resolution).
  • Units: bit, nibble, byte, KiB, MiB, GiB; file-size calculations with units on every line.
  • Lossless (RLE) versus lossy; why compression is used.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 1: Data representation
    • 1.1 Number systems
    • 1.2 Text, sound and images
    • 1.3 Data storage and compression
Bit
A single binary digit, 0 or 1.
Nibble
A group of 4 bits, which matches one hexadecimal digit.
Byte
A group of 8 bits.
Denary
The base 10 number system we use every day, with digits 0 to 9.
Binary
The base 2 number system computers use, with digits 0 and 1.
Hexadecimal
The base 16 number system, with digits 0 to 9 and A to F, used to write binary in a short form.
Overflow
An error when a result is too big to fit in the number of bits available.
Logical shift
Moving all the bits left or right, losing bits off one end and filling the other end with 0s.
Two's complement
A way to store negative numbers, where the leftmost bit has a negative place value (−128 in 8 bits).
Character set
A list of characters a computer can use, each with its own binary code.
ASCII
A character set using 7 bits per character, giving 128 characters, mainly for English.
Unicode
A character set using more bits per character, covering most world languages, symbols and emojis.
Sample rate
The number of sound samples taken each second, measured in hertz (Hz).
Sample resolution
The number of bits used to store each sound sample.
Pixel
The smallest single-coloured square in a bitmap image.
Image resolution
The number of pixels in an image, often written as width × height.
Colour depth
The number of bits used to store the colour of each pixel.
Lossy compression
Making a file smaller by permanently removing some data.
Lossless compression
Making a file smaller without losing any data, so the original can be rebuilt exactly.
Run-length encoding (RLE)
A lossless method that stores each run of repeated values as a count and the value.
  1. Binary, denary and hex: conversionsTheory
  2. Binary addition, overflow and shiftsTheory
  3. Two's complementTheory
  4. Text, images and sound as bitsTheory
  5. Compression and the exam questionsExam practice

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: past-paper questions on topic 1 (about 25 marks, 25 minutes).

Homework: The CS 1 quiz.

CS 1: Data representation
Autumn 2

Data transmission and Boolean logic

Packets and packet switching, serial and parallel, simplex and duplex, USB, error checking, encryption; then logic gates, truth tables and circuits.

What you will know by the end
  • A packet: header (addresses, sequence number), payload, trailer. Packet switching and why packets arrive out of order.
  • Serial versus parallel; simplex, half duplex, full duplex; USB.
  • Error detection: parity, checksum, echo check, check digit; ARQ with acknowledgements and timeouts.
  • Symmetric versus asymmetric encryption; public and private keys.
  • NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, XOR: symbols, truth tables, circuits from expressions and expressions from circuits.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 2: Data transmission
    • 2.1 Types and methods of data transmission
    • 2.2 Methods of error detection
    • 2.3 Encryption
  • Topic 10: Boolean logic
    • 10.1 The six logic gates
    • 10.2 Truth tables
    • 10.3 Expressions and circuits
    • 10.4 A full exam-style problem
Packet
A small piece of data sent across a network, with a header, payload and trailer.
Header
The start of a packet: destination address, source address and packet number.
Payload
The actual data carried inside a packet.
Trailer
The end of a packet: error-checking data and an end marker.
Packet switching
Sending each packet separately, possibly by different routes, then reordering them at the destination.
Router
A device that forwards packets towards their destination address.
Serial transmission
Sending data one bit at a time down a single wire.
Parallel transmission
Sending several bits at the same time down several wires.
Skewing
When parallel bits arrive out of step because they travel at slightly different speeds.
Simplex
Data travels in one direction only.
Half-duplex
Data travels in both directions, but only one direction at a time.
Full-duplex
Data travels in both directions at the same time.
Interference
Unwanted outside signals that can corrupt data on the way.
Parity bit
An extra bit that makes the number of 1s in a byte odd or even.
Checksum
A value calculated from a block of data, recalculated by the receiver to check for errors.
Echo check
The receiver sends the data back so the sender can compare it with the original.
Check digit
A digit calculated from the other digits of a number, used to catch typing errors.
ARQ
Automatic repeat query: acknowledgements and timeouts make the sender re-send data that is wrong or lost.
Symmetric encryption
Encryption where the same key encrypts and decrypts.
Asymmetric encryption
Encryption using a public key to encrypt and a matching private key to decrypt.
Boolean logic
Logic that uses only two values, 1 (true, on) and 0 (false, off).
Logic gate
An electronic component that takes one or two inputs and gives one output by a fixed rule.
Truth table
A table that lists every possible input combination and the output for each one.
Logic circuit
Two or more logic gates joined together to give one output.
Logic expression
A written description of a circuit using gate names, such as X = A AND NOT B.
NOT
A one-input gate whose output is the opposite of its input; also called an inverter.
AND
A gate whose output is 1 only when both inputs are 1.
OR
A gate whose output is 1 when at least one input is 1.
NAND
NOT AND: the output is 0 only when both inputs are 1.
NOR
NOT OR: the output is 1 only when both inputs are 0.
XOR (EOR)
Exclusive OR: the output is 1 when the two inputs are different.
Input
A signal going into a gate or circuit, such as a sensor reading of 1 or 0.
Output
The single result signal that comes out of a gate or circuit.
Working column
An extra truth-table column holding the output of one gate inside a circuit.
Sum of products
An expression made by AND-ing the inputs of each row with output 1, then OR-ing those groups together.
  1. Packets and packet switchingTheory
  2. Serial, parallel, duplex and USBTheory
  3. Error checking and ARQUnplugged
  4. Encryption: symmetric and asymmetricTheory
  5. Logic gates, truth tables and circuitsExam practice

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: past-paper questions on topics 2 and 10.

Homework: The CS 2 and CS 10 quizzes; the logic gates study page to the quiz.

CS 2: Data transmissionCS 10: Boolean logic
Spring 1

Hardware

The CPU: Von Neumann architecture, registers, buses, the fetch–decode–execute cycle, performance; embedded systems; input and output devices; sensors; storage; virtual memory and the cloud; network hardware.

What you will know by the end
  • The Von Neumann model: CPU, memory, buses. Registers (PC, MAR, MDR, CIR, ACC), ALU, CU; the FDE cycle step by step.
  • Performance: clock speed, cores, cache. What an instruction set is.
  • Embedded systems: a computer with one job; examples.
  • Input and output devices and sensors, and the right one for a scenario.
  • Primary, secondary and off-line storage; magnetic, optical, solid state; virtual memory; cloud storage; NIC, MAC address, IP address, routers.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 3: Hardware
    • 3.1 Computer architecture
    • 3.2 Input and output devices
    • 3.3 Data storage
    • 3.4 Network hardware
CPU
The central processing unit, which processes instructions and data by fetching, decoding and executing them.
Microprocessor
A CPU made as an integrated circuit on a single chip.
Von Neumann architecture
A computer design where instructions and data are stored together in the same memory.
ALU
Arithmetic logic unit: does calculations and logical comparisons.
Control unit
Manages the fetch–decode–execute cycle and sends control signals.
Register
A tiny, very fast store inside the CPU that holds one item.
Bus
A set of parallel wires that carries addresses, data or control signals.
Cache
Small, very fast memory in or near the CPU that holds frequently used data and instructions.
Clock speed
The number of cycles the CPU does each second, measured in hertz.
Core
A complete processing unit; a multi-core CPU can process several instructions at once.
Instruction set
The list of all the instructions a particular CPU can carry out.
Embedded system
A computer system inside a larger device that does one dedicated job.
Sensor
An input device that measures a physical property and sends the reading to a computer.
Actuator
An output device that turns an electrical signal into physical movement.
Volatile
Loses its contents when the power is switched off.
Virtual memory
Part of secondary storage used as extra RAM, with pages moved between them.
NIC
Network interface card: the hardware that connects a device to a network.
MAC address
A unique 48-bit address given to a NIC at manufacture, written in hex.
IP address
An address given to a device on a network so data can be sent to it.
Router
A device that forwards packets to their destination and connects a local network to the internet.
  1. Von Neumann and the registersTheory
  2. The fetch–decode–execute cycle and performanceTheory
  3. Embedded systems, input and output devices, sensorsPractical
  4. Storage: primary, secondary, off-line; virtual memory; cloudTheory
  5. Network hardware and the exam questionsExam practice

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: past-paper questions on topic 3.

Homework: The CS 3 quiz.

CS 3: Hardware
Spring 2

Algorithm design and problem solving

The program development life cycle, decomposition, structure diagrams, flowcharts and pseudocode, standard methods, validation and verification, test data, trace tables, finding errors.

What you will know by the end
  • Analysis, design, coding, testing: what each stage produces.
  • Decomposition and structure diagrams; flowchart symbols; Cambridge pseudocode conventions.
  • Standard methods: totalling, counting, max/min/average, linear search, bubble sort.
  • Validation (range, length, type, presence, format, check digit) versus verification (visual check, double entry).
  • Trace tables: one column per variable, one row per change. Normal, abnormal, extreme and boundary test data.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 7: Algorithm design and problem-solving
    • 7.1 The program development life cycle
    • 7.2 Systems, decomposition and design tools
    • 7.3 The purpose of an algorithm
    • 7.4 Standard methods of solution
    • 7.5 Validation and verification
    • 7.6 Test data
    • 7.7 Trace tables
    • 7.8 Finding and fixing errors
    • 7.9 Writing and amending algorithms
Algorithm
A precise, ordered set of steps that solves a problem.
Program development life cycle
The four stages of making a program: analysis, design, coding and testing.
Abstraction
Removing details that do not matter so you can focus on the ones that do.
Decomposition
Breaking a problem into smaller parts that are easier to solve.
Sub-system
A smaller part of a system that does one job.
Structure diagram
A top-down diagram that shows how a system is split into sub-systems.
Flowchart
A diagram of an algorithm using standard shapes joined by flow lines.
Pseudocode
A structured, code-like way of writing an algorithm that is not tied to one language.
Totalling
Adding values into a running total, for example Total ← Total + Value.
Counting
Adding 1 to a counter each time something happens.
Linear search
Checking each item in a list in turn until the target is found or the list ends.
Bubble sort
Sorting by comparing neighbouring items and swapping them if they are in the wrong order, pass after pass.
Validation
An automatic check that input data is reasonable and follows set rules.
Verification
A check that data has been copied or typed in exactly as the original.
Check digit
An extra digit calculated from the other digits, used to catch typing errors.
Normal data
Test data that should be accepted.
Abnormal data
Test data that should be rejected.
Extreme data
The largest and smallest values that should be accepted.
Boundary data
The largest and smallest accepted values and the nearest rejected values next to them.
Trace table
A table used in a dry run to record the value of each variable as an algorithm runs.
  1. The development cycle, decomposition and structure diagramsTheory
  2. Flowcharts and Cambridge pseudocodePractical
  3. Standard methods: totals, counts, max, min, averagePractical
  4. Searching and sorting; validation and verificationPractical
  5. Trace tables and finding errorsExam practice

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: past-paper questions on topic 7 (trace tables, pseudocode, test data).

Homework: The CS 7 quiz; 'Trace a loop' and 'Normal / boundary / erroneous' practice on the study pages.

CS 7: Algorithm design and problem-solving
Summer 1

Programming

Variables and constants, data types, input and output, the three constructs, totalling and counting, string handling, operators, nested statements, procedures and functions, local and global, library routines, maintainable programs, arrays, file handling.

What you will know by the end
  • Declare variables and constants with types (INTEGER, REAL, CHAR, STRING, BOOLEAN).
  • Sequence, selection (IF, CASE), iteration (FOR, WHILE, REPEAT UNTIL): when each fits.
  • String handling: LENGTH, SUBSTRING, UCASE, LCASE. Arithmetic, logical and Boolean operators; MOD, DIV, ROUND, RANDOM.
  • Procedures and functions with parameters; local versus global scope.
  • 1D and 2D arrays with loops; reading and writing a text file; meaningful names and comments.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 8: Programming
    • 8.1 Programming concepts
    • 8.2 Arrays
    • 8.3 File handling
Variable
A named place in memory whose value can change while the program runs.
Constant
A named value that is set once and cannot change while the program runs.
Identifier
The name given to a variable, constant, array or subroutine.
Data type
The kind of value stored: INTEGER, REAL, CHAR, STRING or BOOLEAN.
Assignment
Storing a value in a variable, written with ← in pseudocode.
Sequence
Statements run one after another in the order they are written.
Selection
Choosing which statements to run using a condition (IF or CASE).
Iteration
Repeating a block of statements in a loop.
Count-controlled loop
A FOR loop that repeats a set number of times.
Pre-condition loop
A WHILE loop that checks its condition before each pass, so it may run zero times.
Post-condition loop
A REPEAT UNTIL loop that checks its condition after each pass, so it runs at least once.
Totalling
Keeping a running total by adding each value to a total variable.
Counting
Adding 1 to a counter variable each time something happens.
Procedure
A named subroutine that does a task and is run with CALL; it does not return a value.
Function
A named subroutine that returns a single value to where it was called.
Parameter
A variable in a subroutine heading that receives a value when the subroutine is called.
Local variable
A variable declared inside a subroutine that can only be used inside it.
Global variable
A variable declared in the main program that can be used anywhere in the program.
Library routine
A ready-made, tested subroutine provided with the language, such as ROUND or RANDOM.
Array
A data structure holding many values of the same data type under one name, each found by its index.
  1. Variables, types, input and output in Python and pseudocodePractical
  2. Selection and iteration: IF, CASE, FOR, WHILE, REPEATPractical
  3. Strings, operators and library routinesPractical
  4. Procedures, functions and scopePractical
  5. Arrays and files; the scenario questionExam practice

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: a scenario programming question (about 15 marks), plus short questions on topic 8.

Homework: The CS 8 quiz.

CS 8: Programming
Summer 1

Software

System and application software, the operating system, hardware, firmware and the boot process, interrupts, high- and low-level languages, assembly, translators, IDEs.

What you will know by the end
  • System software (OS, utilities, device drivers) versus application software, with examples.
  • The OS: managing files, memory, hardware, users, security, and the user interface.
  • Firmware and the bootloader; what an interrupt is and how the CPU handles it.
  • High-level versus low-level languages; assembly and the assembler; compiler versus interpreter.
  • IDE features: editor, run-time environment, translator, error diagnostics, auto-completion, prettyprint.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 4: Software
    • 4.1 Types of software and interrupts
    • 4.2 Types of programming language, translators and IDEs
System software
Software that runs and manages the computer, such as the operating system and utilities.
Application software
Software that does a task for the user, such as a word processor or game.
Operating system (OS)
System software that manages the hardware, files, memory and programs, and gives the user an interface.
Device driver
A small program that lets the OS communicate with one particular device.
Multitasking
Running several programs by giving each a short turn on the processor, so they seem to run at once.
Firmware
Software stored permanently in ROM or flash memory on the hardware.
Bootloader
Firmware that loads the operating system into RAM when the computer is switched on.
Interrupt
A signal to the processor that something needs its attention.
Interrupt service routine (ISR)
A small program that deals with one type of interrupt.
High-level language
A programming language close to English, which works on many types of processor.
Low-level language
A language close to machine code, written for one type of processor.
Machine code
Binary instructions that the processor can run directly.
Assembly language
A low-level language that uses mnemonics; each line matches one machine code instruction.
Mnemonic
A short, easy-to-remember code for a machine instruction, such as LDA or ADD.
Assembler
A translator that turns assembly language into machine code.
Compiler
A translator that turns the whole high-level program into machine code at once and creates an executable file.
Interpreter
A translator that translates and runs a high-level program one line at a time.
Executable file
A file of machine code that can run on its own, without the source code or translator.
IDE
Integrated development environment: one program with the tools to write, translate, run and debug code.
  1. System and application software; the operating systemTheory
  2. Firmware, the boot process and interruptsTheory
  3. Languages and translatorsTheory
  4. IDEsPractical
  5. Programming practice: a scenario questionExam practice

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: past-paper questions on topic 4, plus the scenario question.

Homework: The CS 4 quiz.

CS 4: Software
Summer 2

Databases and the Year 10 mock

Single-table databases, fields and records, data types, validation, primary keys, SQL queries; then the end-of-year mock on everything so far.

What you will know by the end
  • A record is one row; a field is one column; a primary key identifies a record.
  • Data types: text, character, Boolean, integer, real, date/time.
  • SELECT fields FROM table WHERE condition ORDER BY field; SUM and COUNT.
  • Revision technique: a RAG list per syllabus point; command words; marks per minute.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 9: Databases
    • 9.1 Tables, fields and records
    • 9.2 Data types, validation and primary keys
    • 9.3 SQL: SELECT, FROM, WHERE, AND, OR
    • 9.4 SQL: ORDER BY, SUM and COUNT
  • Topic 7: Algorithm design and problem-solving
    • 7.1 The program development life cycle
    • 7.2 Systems, decomposition and design tools
    • 7.3 The purpose of an algorithm
    • 7.4 Standard methods of solution
    • 7.5 Validation and verification
    • 7.6 Test data
    • 7.7 Trace tables
    • 7.8 Finding and fixing errors
    • 7.9 Writing and amending algorithms
  • Topic 8: Programming
    • 8.1 Programming concepts
    • 8.2 Arrays
    • 8.3 File handling
Database
An organised, structured store of data that a computer can search and sort.
Single-table database
A database where all the data is kept in one table.
Table
A grid of data made of rows (records) and columns (fields).
Field
One column of a table; it holds one item of data about every record, such as Minutes.
Record
One row of a table; it holds all the data about one thing, such as one bike hire.
Field name
The heading at the top of a column, such as HireID; it is not a record.
Data type
The kind of data a field can hold, such as integer, real or Boolean.
Text / alphanumeric
A data type for letters, digits and symbols, such as a name or a phone number.
Character
A data type for exactly one letter, digit or symbol, such as E or M.
Boolean
A data type with only two possible values, TRUE or FALSE.
Integer
A data type for whole numbers, such as 55.
Real
A data type for numbers with a decimal part, such as 5.50.
Date/time
A data type for a date, a time, or both, such as 05/03/2026.
Primary key
A field whose value is unique for every record, so it identifies each record.
Validation
An automatic check that data is sensible and follows the rules before it is accepted.
SQL
Structured Query Language: the language used to ask a database for data.
Query
A question to the database, written in SQL, that returns matching data.
ORDER BY
The SQL clause that sorts the output, ascending (ASC) or descending (DESC).
SUM
An SQL function that adds up the values in a numeric field.
COUNT
An SQL function that counts how many records meet a condition.
Algorithm
A precise, ordered set of steps that solves a problem.
Program development life cycle
The four stages of making a program: analysis, design, coding and testing.
Abstraction
Removing details that do not matter so you can focus on the ones that do.
Decomposition
Breaking a problem into smaller parts that are easier to solve.
Sub-system
A smaller part of a system that does one job.
Structure diagram
A top-down diagram that shows how a system is split into sub-systems.
Flowchart
A diagram of an algorithm using standard shapes joined by flow lines.
Pseudocode
A structured, code-like way of writing an algorithm that is not tied to one language.
Totalling
Adding values into a running total, for example Total ← Total + Value.
Counting
Adding 1 to a counter each time something happens.
Linear search
Checking each item in a list in turn until the target is found or the list ends.
Bubble sort
Sorting by comparing neighbouring items and swapping them if they are in the wrong order, pass after pass.
Verification
A check that data has been copied or typed in exactly as the original.
Check digit
An extra digit calculated from the other digits, used to catch typing errors.
Normal data
Test data that should be accepted.
Abnormal data
Test data that should be rejected.
Extreme data
The largest and smallest values that should be accepted.
Boundary data
The largest and smallest accepted values and the nearest rejected values next to them.
Trace table
A table used in a dry run to record the value of each variable as an algorithm runs.
Variable
A named place in memory whose value can change while the program runs.
Constant
A named value that is set once and cannot change while the program runs.
Identifier
The name given to a variable, constant, array or subroutine.
Assignment
Storing a value in a variable, written with ← in pseudocode.
Sequence
Statements run one after another in the order they are written.
Selection
Choosing which statements to run using a condition (IF or CASE).
Iteration
Repeating a block of statements in a loop.
Count-controlled loop
A FOR loop that repeats a set number of times.
Pre-condition loop
A WHILE loop that checks its condition before each pass, so it may run zero times.
Post-condition loop
A REPEAT UNTIL loop that checks its condition after each pass, so it runs at least once.
Procedure
A named subroutine that does a task and is run with CALL; it does not return a value.
Function
A named subroutine that returns a single value to where it was called.
Parameter
A variable in a subroutine heading that receives a value when the subroutine is called.
Local variable
A variable declared inside a subroutine that can only be used inside it.
Global variable
A variable declared in the main program that can be used anywhere in the program.
Library routine
A ready-made, tested subroutine provided with the language, such as ROUND or RANDOM.
Array
A data structure holding many values of the same data type under one name, each found by its index.
  1. Tables, fields, records and keysTheory
  2. SQL: SELECT, FROM, WHERE, ORDER BYPractical
  3. SUM and COUNT; validation in databasesExam practice
  4. Revision: Paper 1 topics 1 to 3Exam practice
  5. Revision: Paper 2 topics 7 to 10Exam practice

End-of-unit challenge: Year 10 mock: a full Paper 1 or a full Paper 2 (1 hour 45 minutes), marked with the Cambridge mark scheme.

Homework: The CS 9 quiz; one past paper over the summer, self-marked.

CS 9: DatabasesCS 7: Algorithm design and problem-solvingCS 8: Programming

ICT 0417: units, term by term

Autumn 1

Computer systems, devices and storage; document production

Theory: hardware and software, user interfaces, types of computer, input and output devices, storage. Practical: file management and document production.

What you will know by the end
  • Hardware versus software; internal components; the operating system and user interfaces (CLI, GUI, dialogue, gesture).
  • Desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone: when each is right. Emerging technologies.
  • An input or output device for every scenario, with one advantage and one disadvantage.
  • Magnetic, optical, solid state: how they store, where they are used.
  • Practical: folders and file names, file types; page setup, headers and footers, styles, tables, find and replace, importing text.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 1: Types and components of computer systems
    • 1.1 Hardware and software
    • 1.2 The main components of computer systems
    • 1.3 Operating systems
    • 1.4 Types of computer
    • 1.5 Emerging technologies
  • Topic 2: Input and output devices
    • 2.1 Input devices
    • 2.2 Direct data entry devices
    • 2.3 Output devices
  • Topic 3: Storage devices and media
    • 3.1 Storage basics and capacity
    • 3.2 Magnetic storage
    • 3.3 Optical storage
    • 3.4 Solid-state storage and backing up
  • Topic 11: File management
    • 11.1 Manage files effectively
    • 11.2 Reduce file sizes for storage or transmission
  • Topic 17: Document production
    • 17.1 Page setup: size, orientation, margins and gutter
    • 17.2 Columns and breaks
    • 17.3 Paragraph spacing, tabs and indents
    • 17.4 Text effects and lists
    • 17.5 Find and replace, bookmarks and hyperlinks
Hardware
The physical parts of a computer system that you can touch.
Software
The programs (sets of instructions) that run on the hardware.
Application software
Software that lets the user do a task, such as a word processor.
System software
Software that runs and maintains the computer, such as the operating system and drivers.
Motherboard
The main circuit board that connects all the components.
CPU
Central processing unit: carries out program instructions.
RAM
Random access memory: volatile memory holding the programs and data in use.
ROM
Read-only memory: non-volatile memory holding the start-up instructions.
Volatile
Loses its contents when the power is turned off.
Backing storage
Long-term, non-volatile storage such as a hard disk or SSD.
Analogue data
Data that changes smoothly and can take any value, like temperature.
Digital data
Data made of separate values, stored in binary.
Operating system
System software that manages the hardware, files and programs, and gives the user an interface.
GUI
Graphical user interface: windows, icons, menus and pointers.
CLI
Command line interface: the user types text commands.
Expandability
How easily parts can be added or upgraded.
Artificial intelligence
A computer system that does tasks normally needing human thinking.
Virtual reality
A computer-made world that fully replaces what the user sees.
Augmented reality
Computer images added on top of a live view of the real world.
Input device
Hardware that sends data or instructions into a computer.
Output device
Hardware that shows, prints, plays or does the result of processing.
Direct data entry (DDE)
Reading data straight from its source with no manual typing.
Sensor
An input device that measures a physical quantity such as temperature.
Actuator
An output device, such as a motor or valve, that makes something move or happen.
OMR
Optical mark recognition: reads shaded marks in set positions on a form.
OCR
Optical character recognition: turns a scanned image of text into editable text.
RFID
Radio frequency identification: reads a tag using radio waves, without contact.
Barcode
A pattern of lines that stands for a number, read by a light beam.
QR code
A square pattern of black and white squares that holds more data than a barcode.
Chip and PIN
A bank card chip read by a terminal; the user types a PIN to prove identity.
Impact printer
A printer that strikes the paper through an inked ribbon, such as dot matrix.
Plotter
An output device that draws very large, accurate drawings.
3D printer
A device that builds a solid object layer by layer.
Trackerball
A pointing device where you roll a ball; the device stays still.
Storage medium
The thing data is stored on, such as a disc or a chip.
Storage device
The hardware that reads and writes the storage medium.
Capacity
How much data a storage device can hold.
Magnetic storage
Storing data as magnetised areas on a disk or tape.
Optical storage
Storing data as pits and lands on a disc, read by a laser.
Solid-state storage
Storing data in flash memory chips with no moving parts.
Direct access
Going straight to any piece of data, as on a disk.
Serial access
Reading data in order from the start, as on a tape.
R (recordable)
An optical disc that can be written once.
RW (rewritable)
An optical disc that can be written and erased many times.
ROM disc
An optical disc written at the factory that cannot be changed.
Dual layer
A disc with two data layers, so nearly double the capacity.
Backup
A copy of data kept separately so it can be restored if lost.
Flash memory
Non-volatile memory chips that store data as trapped electric charge.
File
A named block of data stored on a disk, such as a document or photo.
Folder
A container that holds files and other folders.
File extension
The letters after the dot in a file name, showing the file type.
Import
Bring data from a file of one type into another application.
Export
Save a copy of a file in a different format.
Folder structure
The planned arrangement of folders inside each other.
Application-specific format
A file format made for one type of software, keeping all its features.
Generic format
A file format that many different programs can open.
CSV
Comma separated values: table data stored as plain text with commas between fields.
RTF
Rich text format: text with basic formatting that most word processors can open.
PDF
Portable document format: a fixed-layout document that looks the same on any device.
Compression
Making a file smaller by storing its data more efficiently.
Archive
A single file, such as .zip or .rar, holding one or more compressed files.
Extract
Unzip a compressed archive to get the original files back.
Lossless compression
Compression where no data is lost, so the original is restored exactly.
Lossy compression
Compression that removes some data permanently to make the file much smaller.
Page orientation
Whether the page is portrait (tall) or landscape (wide).
Margin
The blank border between the edge of the paper and the text.
Gutter
Extra margin on the edge that will be bound, so text is not lost in the binding.
Column
A vertical strip of text; text flows from one column to the next.
Column spacing
The gap between two columns.
Page break
A marker that forces the text after it onto a new page.
Section break
A marker that starts a new section, which can have its own columns, margins or orientation.
Column break
A marker that forces the text after it into the next column.
Line spacing
The space between lines inside one paragraph.
Spacing before/after
Extra space above or below a paragraph, measured in points.
Tab stop
A set position on a line that the cursor jumps to when the tab key is pressed.
Decimal tab
A tab stop that lines up numbers on their decimal points.
Hanging indent
All lines of a paragraph except the first are moved in from the margin.
First-line indent
Only the first line of a paragraph is moved in from the margin.
Superscript / subscript
Small text raised above (superscript) or lowered below (subscript) the line.
Find and replace
A tool that finds text and swaps it for other text.
Match case
A find option that only finds text with the same capital and small letters.
Bookmark
A named hidden marker at a place in a document, used as a link target.
Hyperlink
Text or an image that opens a place, page, file or email when clicked.
  1. Hardware, software and user interfacesTheory
  2. Types of computer and emerging technologyTheory
  3. Input and output devicesTheory
  4. Storage devices and mediaTheory
  5. Practical: file management and document productionPractical

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: theory questions on topics 1 to 3, plus a timed document-production task.

Homework: The ICT 1, ICT 2 and ICT 3 quizzes.

ICT 1: Types and components of computer systemsICT 2: Input and output devicesICT 3: Storage devices and mediaICT 11: File managementICT 17: Document production
Autumn 2

Networks; layout and styles

Theory: network types and hardware, the internet, intranets, extranets, security on a network, cloud computing. Practical: layout and styles across documents, presentations and web pages.

What you will know by the end
  • Routers, switches, hubs, NICs, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; LAN, WLAN, WAN; the internet versus an intranet versus an extranet.
  • Authentication (passwords, biometrics, two-factor), the risks of a network, and the cloud.
  • Practical: page layout, columns, text wrap, tables, images placed and sized; consistent styles (fonts, sizes, alignment, spacing).
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 4: Networks and the effects of using them
    • 4.1a Network devices
    • 4.1b Types of network and cloud computing
    • 4.2 Network issues and communication
  • Topic 13: Layout
    • 13.1 Create and edit documents
    • 13.2 Tables
    • 13.3 Headers and footers
  • Topic 14: Styles
    • 14.1 What styles are and what they control
    • 14.2 Create, modify and apply styles
    • 14.3 Corporate house style
  • Topic 11: File management
    • 11.1 Manage files effectively
    • 11.2 Reduce file sizes for storage or transmission
Network
Two or more devices connected so they can share data and resources.
NIC
Network interface card: hardware that connects a device to a network.
MAC address
A unique hardware address given to each NIC by the manufacturer.
IP address
An address that identifies a device on a network or the internet.
Hub
Connects devices on a LAN and sends data to all of them.
Switch
Connects devices on a LAN and sends data only to the right device, using MAC addresses.
Bridge
Joins two LANs that use the same protocol.
Router
Sends data between networks, such as a LAN and the internet, using IP addresses.
LAN
Local area network: covers one building or site.
WLAN
Wireless LAN: devices connect by Wi-Fi.
WAN
Wide area network: covers a large area, joining many LANs.
Intranet
A private network for members of one organisation.
Extranet
Part of an intranet that authorised outsiders can reach.
Cloud computing
Storing data and running software on remote servers over the internet.
Authentication
Proving a user is who they say they are.
Biometrics
Using unique body features such as fingerprints for authentication.
One-time password
A code that works only once, made by a token.
Zero login
Authentication without typing, using biometrics and behaviour.
Anti-malware
Software that detects, quarantines and removes malicious software.
Data entry accuracy
Typing text exactly as given, with no errors in spelling, case, spaces or punctuation.
Clipboard
A temporary store in memory that holds what you last cut or copied.
Cut
Remove selected content and place it on the clipboard.
Copy
Place a copy of selected content on the clipboard and leave the original.
Paste
Insert the clipboard contents at the cursor.
Drag and drop
Move selected text or an object by dragging it with the mouse.
Import
Bring content from another file into the current document.
Text wrapping
How body text flows around an object: square, tight, or above and below.
Cell
One box in a table, where a row and a column meet.
Merge cells
Join two or more cells into one larger cell.
Gridlines (borders)
Lines drawn around table cells.
Shading
A background colour filling a cell or area.
Header
The area at the top of every page that repeats on each page.
Footer
The area at the bottom of every page that repeats on each page.
Field
A code the software updates by itself, such as a page number or date.
File path
The full location of a file, including the drive and folders.
Style
A named, saved set of formatting settings applied in one click.
Corporate house style
The rules an organisation uses so all its documents look the same.
Style guide
A document that sets out an organisation's house style rules.
Font face
The design of the letters, such as a serif or sans-serif font.
Serif font
A font with small strokes at the ends of the letters.
Sans-serif font
A font with no small strokes at the ends of the letters.
Point size
A measure of text height; 72 points is about one inch.
Enhancement
Emphasis added to text: bold, italic or underline.
Alignment
Where text lines up: left, right, centre or fully justified.
Spacing before/after
Extra space above or below a paragraph, measured in points.
Line spacing
The gap between lines inside a paragraph, such as single or double.
Bullet
A symbol placed before each item in a list.
Direct formatting
Formatting applied to selected text by hand, not through a style.
Template
A starting file that already holds the styles and layout of a house style.
Consistency
The same kind of text always having the same formatting.
File
A named block of data stored on a disk, such as a document or photo.
Folder
A container that holds files and other folders.
File extension
The letters after the dot in a file name, showing the file type.
Export
Save a copy of a file in a different format.
Folder structure
The planned arrangement of folders inside each other.
Application-specific format
A file format made for one type of software, keeping all its features.
Generic format
A file format that many different programs can open.
CSV
Comma separated values: table data stored as plain text with commas between fields.
RTF
Rich text format: text with basic formatting that most word processors can open.
PDF
Portable document format: a fixed-layout document that looks the same on any device.
Compression
Making a file smaller by storing its data more efficiently.
Archive
A single file, such as .zip or .rar, holding one or more compressed files.
Extract
Unzip a compressed archive to get the original files back.
Lossless compression
Compression where no data is lost, so the original is restored exactly.
Lossy compression
Compression that removes some data permanently to make the file much smaller.
  1. Network hardware and typesTheory
  2. Internet, intranet, extranet; the cloudTheory
  3. Security on a networkTheory
  4. Practical: layoutPractical
  5. Practical: styles and house stylePractical

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: topic 4 theory plus a timed layout-and-styles task.

Homework: The ICT 4 quiz.

ICT 4: Networks and the effects of using themICT 13: LayoutICT 14: StylesICT 11: File management
Spring 1

Effects of IT and ICT applications; databases

Theory: the effects of IT on employment, health, the environment and daily life; ICT applications from banking to expert systems. Practical: databases and charts.

What you will know by the end
  • Microprocessor-controlled devices at home; health and safety; the effects on employment.
  • Applications: communication, modelling, banking, computers in medicine, libraries, retail, expert systems, satellite systems.
  • Practical: create a table with field types, validation and a key; import data; queries with criteria; sorting; reports with calculated fields; charts from data.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 5: The effects of using IT
    • 5.1a Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home
    • 5.1b Microprocessor-controlled devices in transport
    • 5.2 Potential health problems
  • Topic 6: ICT applications
    • 6.1 Communication
    • 6.2 Computer modelling
    • 6.3 Computer-controlled systems
    • 6.4 School management systems
    • 6.5 Booking systems
    • 6.6 Banking applications
    • 6.7 Computers in medicine
    • 6.8 Expert systems
    • 6.9 Computers in the retail industry
    • 6.10 Recognition systems
    • 6.11 Satellite systems
  • Topic 18: Databases
    • 18.1 Create a database structure
    • 18.2 Manipulate data: calculations, sorting and queries
    • 18.3 Present data: reports
  • Topic 16: Graphs and charts
    • 16.1 Select data and choose the chart type
    • 16.2 Label and format a chart
    • 16.3 Advanced chart skills and checks
Microprocessor
A small processor on one chip that controls a device using a fixed program.
Microprocessor-controlled device
A device whose actions are controlled by a built-in microprocessor.
Smart device
A microprocessor-controlled device that connects to the internet and can be controlled remotely.
Data security
Protecting personal data from being stolen, changed or misused.
Autonomous vehicle
A vehicle that drives itself using sensors and a computer.
Lidar
A sensor that measures distance using pulses of laser light.
Radar
A sensor that measures distance and speed using radio waves.
Actuator
A motor or similar device that makes something move when the computer tells it to.
RSI
Repetitive strain injury: pain in fingers, wrists or arms from repeated movements.
Ergonomic
Designed to fit the human body and reduce strain.
Eye strain
Tired, sore or dry eyes and blurred vision from long screen use.
Anti-glare filter
A screen cover that reduces reflected light.
Posture
The way you hold your body when sitting or standing.
Streaming
Playing audio or video as it arrives over the internet, without saving the whole file.
VoIP
Voice over internet protocol: making voice calls over the internet.
Computer model
A program that uses rules and formulas to act like a real system.
What if
Changing a model's inputs to see what would happen.
Production line control
Using sensors, computers and robots to run a factory line automatically.
Computer-aided learning (CAL)
Using computers to teach and test, with instant feedback.
Double booking
Selling the same seat or room to two people; prevented by seat locking.
ATM
Automated teller machine: a cash machine.
EFT
Electronic funds transfer: moving money between accounts electronically.
Cheque clearing
The process that moves money from the payer's bank to the payee's bank.
Expert system
Software that copies the knowledge and decisions of a human expert.
Inference engine
The part of an expert system that applies rules to facts to reach conclusions.
Knowledge base
The store of facts in an expert system.
Rules base
The IF … THEN rules in an expert system.
EFTPOS
Electronic funds transfer at point of sale: the card terminal at a till.
Re-order level
The stock level at which a new order is sent to the supplier.
NFC
Near field communication: very short-range radio used for phone payments.
ANPR
Automatic number plate recognition: reading number plates from camera images.
GPS
Global positioning system: satellites that let a receiver work out its position.
GIS
Geographic information system: location data shown as layers on a map.
Database
An organised store of data that can be searched, sorted and reported on.
Table
A set of records about one kind of thing, such as members or bookings.
Record
One row of a table: all the data about one item.
Field
One column of a table: one piece of data stored for every record.
Field type
The kind of data a field holds: text, numeric, date/time or Boolean.
Boolean
A field type with only two values, such as Yes/No or True/False.
Display format
How a value looks on screen or paper, without changing the stored value.
Primary key
A field whose value is different for every record, used to identify each one.
Foreign key
A field in one table that holds the primary key of another table, to link them.
One-to-many relationship
A link where one record in a table matches many records in another table.
Flat-file database
A database with only one table.
Relational database
A database with two or more tables linked by keys.
.csv file
A plain-text file where each line is a record and commas separate the fields.
Query
A search that shows only the records that meet given criteria.
Criteria
The conditions a record must meet to appear in a query result.
Wildcard
A symbol in a search pattern: * means any number of characters, ? means exactly one.
Calculated field
A field in a query that is worked out from other fields, not typed in.
Calculated control
A box on a report or form that shows a calculation, such as a total.
Tabular layout
A report layout with records in rows under column headings.
Columnar layout
A report layout that shows one record at a time, with each label beside its value.
Chart
A picture of data, such as bars, lines or slices, that makes patterns easy to see.
Contiguous data
Cells next to each other in one block.
Non-contiguous data
Cells in separate blocks, selected together while holding the control key.
Pie chart
A circle split into slices, each showing a part of the whole.
Bar chart
Bars of different lengths for comparing categories; vertical bars are also called a column chart.
Line graph
Points joined by lines to show change over time.
Scatter graph
Points plotted for two numeric variables to show whether they are related.
Data series
One set of values plotted on a chart.
Legend
The key that says what each colour or pattern on a chart means.
Axis title
Text naming what an axis measures, with its units.
Category labels
The names along the category axis, such as months or products.
Data label
A value or percentage shown on a bar, point or slice.
Axis minimum / maximum
The lowest and highest values shown on the value axis.
Increment (major unit)
The step between values on an axis, such as every 10.
Secondary axis
A second value axis, usually on the right, for a series with a different scale.
Extract (explode) segment
Pull one pie slice out from the rest to highlight it.
  1. Effects of using ITTheory
  2. ICT applications, part 1Theory
  3. ICT applications, part 2: expert systems and controlTheory
  4. Practical: a database from a specPractical
  5. Practical: queries, reports and chartsPractical

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: topics 5 and 6 theory plus a timed database task.

Homework: The ICT 5, ICT 6 and ICT 18 quizzes.

ICT 5: The effects of using ITICT 6: ICT applicationsICT 18: DatabasesICT 16: Graphs and charts
Spring 2

The systems life cycle; presentations

Theory: analysis, design, development and testing, implementation, documentation, evaluation. Practical: presentations and proofing.

What you will know by the end
  • Analysis methods (observation, interviews, questionnaires, documents); design of inputs, outputs, data structures, validation; test data types; implementation methods (direct, parallel, pilot, phased); documentation; evaluation.
  • Practical: a presentation from a master slide, with notes, transitions and animations used sparingly; printed handouts; spell check, proof-reading, consistency.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 7: The systems life cycle
    • 7.1 Analysis
    • 7.2 Design
    • 7.3 Development and testing
    • 7.4 Implementation
    • 7.5 Documentation
    • 7.6 Evaluation
  • Topic 19: Presentations
    • 19a Set up the presentation and the master slide
    • 19b Add and edit objects
    • 19c Transitions, animations and outputs
  • Topic 15: Proofing
    • 15.1 Software tools: spell check, grammar check and validation
    • 15.2 Verification and proofreading
Systems life cycle
The stages used to create a new system: analysis, design, development and testing, implementation, documentation, evaluation.
Systems analyst
The person who studies the current system and plans the new one.
Questionnaire
A set of written questions given to many people to collect their views.
System specification
A list of the hardware and software the new system needs.
Field
One item of data in a record, such as Surname.
Coding of data
Storing short codes such as M or F instead of whole words.
Validation
An automatic computer check that data is sensible and allowed.
Check digit
An extra digit calculated from the other digits, used to detect input errors.
Data capture form
A paper or on-screen form used to collect data.
Test plan
A table listing each test, its data, the expected and actual outcomes and any remedial action.
Normal data
Sensible data that should be accepted.
Abnormal data
Data that should be rejected, such as out of range or the wrong type.
Extreme data
Data at the limits of the allowed range, which should be accepted.
Live data
Real data from the organisation, used to test the system with known results.
Remedial action
What was done to fix a test that failed.
Direct changeover
The old system stops and the new one starts immediately.
Parallel running
Old and new systems run together until the new one is trusted.
Pilot running
The new system is tried in one branch before the rest.
Phased implementation
The new system is introduced one part at a time across the organisation.
Evaluation
Judging the finished system against the original requirements after it has been used.
Master slide
A template slide whose layout, styles and objects appear on every slide.
Placeholder
A box on a layout that sets where a title, text or image goes and how it looks.
Slide layout
A pattern of placeholders, such as title and content or two content.
Transition
The visual effect when one slide changes to the next.
Animation
A visual effect that makes an object on a slide appear, move or disappear.
Action button
A ready-made shape, such as a Home arrow, that runs a link or action when clicked.
Hyperlink
Text or an object that jumps to a slide, file, email address or web page when clicked.
Presenter notes
Notes for the speaker under each slide, not shown to the audience on screen.
Hidden slide
A slide kept in the file but skipped when the show runs.
Alternative text
A short description of an image or object, read aloud by screen readers.
Looped presentation
A show that advances on timings and restarts by itself after the last slide.
Presenter-controlled
A show that moves to the next slide only when the speaker clicks or presses a key.
Handout
A printout with several slides on each page for the audience.
Slide sorter
A view showing small copies of every slide, used to reorder, hide or check slides.
Proofing
Checking work for errors before it is used or printed.
Spell check
A tool that compares words with a stored dictionary and flags unknown ones.
Grammar check
A tool that flags possible mistakes in sentence structure.
Verification
A check that data has been copied accurately from its source.
Visual verification
A person compares entered data with the source document by eye.
Double data entry
Data is typed twice and the computer compares the two versions.
Source document
The original document the data is taken from, such as a paper form.
Transposition error
Two characters swapped round, such as 54 typed as 45.
Range check
Validation that a value lies between a lowest and highest value.
Presence check
Validation that a field has not been left empty.
Format check
Validation that data matches a set pattern, such as DD/MM/YYYY.
Widow
The last line of a paragraph left alone at the top of a new page.
Orphan
The first line of a paragraph left alone at the bottom of a page.
Proofreading
Reading a document carefully to find errors in text and layout.
  1. Analysis and designTheory
  2. Development, testing and implementationTheory
  3. Documentation and evaluationTheory
  4. Practical: presentationsPractical
  5. Practical: proofing and checkingPractical

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: topic 7 theory plus a timed presentation task.

Homework: The ICT 7 and ICT 19 quizzes.

ICT 7: The systems life cycleICT 19: PresentationsICT 15: Proofing
Summer 1

Spreadsheets

Practical: a spreadsheet model from a specification: formulas, functions, absolute references, named ranges, formatting, charts, testing the model.

What you will know by the end
  • Formulas with relative and absolute references; SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN, COUNT, COUNTIF, IF, VLOOKUP, ROUND.
  • Named ranges; formatting numbers, currency, percentages; conditional formatting.
  • Charts: the right type, labelled axes, a title, a legend; printed showing formulas and showing values.
  • Testing the model with what-if values.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 20: Spreadsheets
    • 20.1a Cells, formulae and references
    • 20.1b Named ranges and functions
    • 20.1c Lookup functions
    • 20.1d Decisions with IF
    • 20.2 Sort, search and filter
    • 20.3 Display, format and print
  • Topic 16: Graphs and charts
    • 16.1 Select data and choose the chart type
    • 16.2 Label and format a chart
    • 16.3 Advanced chart skills and checks
Cell
One box in the grid, where a column and a row meet.
Cell reference
The address of a cell: column letter then row number, such as C3.
Range
A block of cells written first:last, such as C3:C8.
Formula
A calculation in a cell that starts with =.
Function
A ready-made formula with a name, such as SUM or VLOOKUP.
Argument
One input to a function, written inside its brackets and separated by commas.
Nested function
A function used inside another function, such as ROUND(AVERAGE(...),2).
Replication
Copying a formula into other cells, usually with the fill handle.
Relative reference
A reference like E3 that moves when the formula is copied.
Absolute reference
A reference like $I$7 that stays fixed when the formula is copied.
Mixed reference
A reference with only the column or only the row fixed, such as $I7 or I$7.
Named range
A name, such as TripCost, given to a cell or range and used in formulae.
Hard-coded value
A number typed into a formula instead of a cell reference; it does not update.
Lookup
A function that finds a value in a table and returns a matching value.
Exact match
A lookup that only accepts the identical value (FALSE in VLOOKUP).
Criteria
The condition COUNTIF uses to decide which cells to count.
Wildcard
A symbol standing for unknown characters: * for any number, ? for exactly one.
Filter
Hiding rows that do not meet a condition, without deleting them.
Conditional formatting
Formatting that changes automatically when a cell meets a rule.
Formulae view
A display mode that shows the formulae in cells instead of their results.
Chart
A picture of data, such as bars, lines or slices, that makes patterns easy to see.
Contiguous data
Cells next to each other in one block.
Non-contiguous data
Cells in separate blocks, selected together while holding the control key.
Pie chart
A circle split into slices, each showing a part of the whole.
Bar chart
Bars of different lengths for comparing categories; vertical bars are also called a column chart.
Line graph
Points joined by lines to show change over time.
Scatter graph
Points plotted for two numeric variables to show whether they are related.
Data series
One set of values plotted on a chart.
Legend
The key that says what each colour or pattern on a chart means.
Axis title
Text naming what an axis measures, with its units.
Category labels
The names along the category axis, such as months or products.
Data label
A value or percentage shown on a bar, point or slice.
Axis minimum / maximum
The lowest and highest values shown on the value axis.
Increment (major unit)
The step between values on an axis, such as every 10.
Secondary axis
A second value axis, usually on the right, for a series with a different scale.
Extract (explode) segment
Pull one pie slice out from the rest to highlight it.
  1. Formulas and referencesPractical
  2. Functions: SUM to VLOOKUPPractical
  3. Named ranges and formattingPractical
  4. Charts and printingPractical
  5. A full past-paper spreadsheet taskExam practice

End-of-unit challenge: End-of-unit test: a timed Paper 3 spreadsheet section.

Homework: The ICT 20 and ICT 16 quizzes.

ICT 20: SpreadsheetsICT 16: Graphs and charts
Summer 2

Website authoring and images; the Year 10 mock

Practical: HTML pages with tables, lists, images and links; a CSS stylesheet; image editing for the web. Then the end-of-year mock.

What you will know by the end
  • HTML: head and body, headings, paragraphs, tables, lists, images, anchors, meta tags; relative file paths.
  • CSS: external stylesheet, selectors, colours in hex, fonts, sizes, alignment, table styling; the order of precedence.
  • Images: crop, resize, reduce file size, change format, for a given purpose.
  • Test every link and every image before saving.
Syllabus and key words
  • Topic 21: Website authoring
    • 21.1 The web development layers
    • 21.2a HTML structure and the head
    • 21.2b HTML body: text, tables and media
    • 21.2c Hyperlinks and file paths
    • 21.3a CSS: rules, classes, backgrounds and fonts
    • 21.3b CSS: page styles, tables and the cascade
  • Topic 12: Images
    • 12.1 Place and resize images
    • 12.2 Crop, rotate, flip and adjust
    • 12.3 Group, layer and reduce file size
  • Topic 11: File management
    • 11.1 Manage files effectively
    • 11.2 Reduce file sizes for storage or transmission
HTML
HyperText Markup Language: the language of the content layer of a web page.
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets: the language of the presentation layer, which sets how a page looks.
Tag
A word in angle brackets, such as `<p>`, that marks the start or end of an element.
Attribute
Extra information inside an opening tag, written name="value", such as src or alt.
Head
The part of a page holding information about it: title, meta tags, stylesheet links.
Meta tag
A head element that gives data about the page, such as charset, description or viewport.
External stylesheet
A separate .css file attached to pages with the link element.
Inline style
CSS written in a style attribute inside one tag; it affects only that element.
Class
A label given to elements with the class attribute so CSS can style them as a group.
Selector
The part of a CSS rule that says which elements it styles, such as h1 or .note.
Generic font family
A fallback type of font (serif, sans-serif, monospace) used if named fonts are missing.
Cascade
The rules that decide which style wins when two styles set the same property.
Bookmark
A named place on a page, made with an id, that a hyperlink can jump to.
Hyperlink
Clickable text or an image that goes to another place, made with the a tag.
Relative path
A file location described from the current file's folder, such as images/logo.png.
Absolute path
A full file location from the very start, such as a full URL or C:/...
Target
The attribute that sets which window a link opens in, such as _blank.
colspan / rowspan
Attributes that make a table cell stretch across columns or down rows.
Padding
The space inside an element or cell between its border and its content.
Alt text
Alternative text for an image, read by screen readers and shown if the image fails.
Aspect ratio
The width of an image compared with its height, such as 4:3.
Distortion
An image looking stretched or squashed because width and height were changed by different amounts.
Resize
Make an image bigger or smaller.
Crop
Cut away the outer parts of an image without stretching what is left.
Rotate
Turn an image round by an angle, such as 90°.
Reflect (flip)
Make a mirror image, swapping left and right or top and bottom.
Text wrapping
How text flows around an image: square, tight, above and below, or in line.
Brightness
How light or dark the whole image is.
Contrast
How big the difference is between the light and dark parts of an image.
Pixel
One tiny dot of colour; images are made of a grid of pixels.
Resolution
The number of pixels in an image, given as width × height.
Colour depth
The number of bits used to store the colour of one pixel.
Group
Join several objects so they move and resize as one.
Layer
The order objects are stacked in; the top object hides those below.
Bring forward / send back
Move an object up or down one layer in the stack.
File
A named block of data stored on a disk, such as a document or photo.
Folder
A container that holds files and other folders.
File extension
The letters after the dot in a file name, showing the file type.
Import
Bring data from a file of one type into another application.
Export
Save a copy of a file in a different format.
Folder structure
The planned arrangement of folders inside each other.
Application-specific format
A file format made for one type of software, keeping all its features.
Generic format
A file format that many different programs can open.
CSV
Comma separated values: table data stored as plain text with commas between fields.
RTF
Rich text format: text with basic formatting that most word processors can open.
PDF
Portable document format: a fixed-layout document that looks the same on any device.
Compression
Making a file smaller by storing its data more efficiently.
Archive
A single file, such as .zip or .rar, holding one or more compressed files.
Extract
Unzip a compressed archive to get the original files back.
Lossless compression
Compression where no data is lost, so the original is restored exactly.
Lossy compression
Compression that removes some data permanently to make the file much smaller.
  1. HTML structure, tables and listsPractical
  2. Images and linksPractical
  3. CSS stylesheetsPractical
  4. A full past-paper website taskExam practice
  5. Revision: theory topics 1 to 7Exam practice

End-of-unit challenge: Year 10 mock: Paper 1 theory (1 hour 30 minutes) and one practical section, marked with the Cambridge mark scheme.

Homework: The ICT 21 and ICT 12 quizzes; one past practical task over the summer.

ICT 21: Website authoringICT 12: ImagesICT 11: File management

Revise

Revise

Revise Year 10

A mixed quiz, key-word flashcards and endless practice for this year.

Projects and games

Years 7–11

Tinkercad Maker Course

How electricity really works, 3D design, circuits that run real code, and a build checker.

Explainers and study pages

IGCSE library

Year 10 in the IGCSE library

Every topic step by step, with exam questions and mark schemes.

Years 8–11

How the Web Works

Fourteen stops from the URL to a good page: DNS, packets, HTTP, HTTPS, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and more, each with something to try.

Years 8–11

Bit Maths Lab

All the binary maths, one small step at a time and colour-coded. Tap anything; nothing can break.

Years 8–11

Binary, Denary and Hex

Three ways of writing the same numbers. Place value column by column, with every conversion broken down.

Years 8–11

Code in Words

Python, Java, HTML, CSS and C++ explained line by line in plain words, with a step-through runner.