1. Department and Contact Information

• Subject Head: Mrs. Pam Raper

• Contact Information: praper@jeppeboys.co.za 

2. Subject Status

• Compulsory: No

• APS Contribution: Yes, full points awarded.

3. Relevance for Further Studies

• Required for Further Study: The subject is not a prerequisite for any field of further study. 

• Useful For: Degrees or diplomas involving computer studies and/or programming.

4. Course Content and Learning Outcomes

• Core Topics: The main topics covered in the subject across the FET phase (Grades 10 to 12) are developed over the three years of study. These topics are found in either the theoretical or the practical aspect of the subject.

  1. • Theory component: Systems Technologies, Communication Technologies, Internet Technologies, Data and Information Management and the Social Implications of all of these technologies. 

     • Practical component: Algorithms for problem-solving, Software Engineering and Software Development. 

Curriculum Summary:

• Practical Component: The subject already includes software development (practical work) which comprises over 60% of the subject in each year. There is also an annual Practical Assessment Task which is mainly done in the learner’s own time and requires the learner to design and create an original programme in order to showcase their programming skills. Please note that it is unwise for the student to take more than one subject with a practical component as there will be a great deal of extra after-hours work for any of those subjects (IT, EGD, Visual Arts, Drama).

5. Skills and Qualities Required

• Recommended Aptitudes: Analytical ability, creativity, critical and logical thinking, problem-solving and curiosity about how things work.

• Student Attributes: Curiosity, perseverance, a very strong work ethic with a need and internal motivation to do more than is required. Students who are addicted to computer gaming at the expense of any other activities will not do well in the subject as most computer time must be spent in writing programming code.

6. Special Requirements/Recommendations

• Materials and Resources: Every student must have a computer to use at home running Microsoft Windows 10 or 11. The computer can be an entry-level desktop or a laptop. The Delphi programming language will be provided free of charge for students to install on their home computer. Students will also need a USB flash drive.

• Prerequisites: The minimum entrance requirement for this subject is a Mathematics average of 55%. Students are also expected to have the time to spend a minimum of an hour a day (or 6 to 8 hours on a weekend) practising their programming.

7. Teaching Methods and Learning Strategies

• Instructional Approaches: A variety of approaches will be used which will depend on the individual needs of the students.

• Study Tips: For theory, create a mind map for each topic as soon as it has been completed in class. For practical, redo every programme done in class (or for a test or exam) at home until you can do it without looking at a memo. Watch the Dandel10n Delphi and Mr. Long YouTube videos and create the programmes they explain.

8. Relevance and Application

• Real-World Connections: Subject matter is pertinent to the real world of students. While the content in the syllabus does not change as fast as new developments in technology, students are encouraged to research new concepts as they arise. For example, a few topics such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Internet of Things, 3D printing, artificial intelligence, machine learning and virtual and augmented reality have only recently been included in the IT syllabus. Students would need to research topics such as bioengineering.

• Ethical and Moral Considerations: The subject does not have inherent ethical or moral content. In teaching the social implications of the subject matter, it provides a clearer understanding of such issues especially as related to responsible use of the Internet.

9. Career Opportunities

• Potential Careers: Artificial Intelligence programmer, technical support expert (software Help Desk), network administrator, web developer, cloud computing developer, programmer in various languages, risk analysis, cyber security, user experience expert, data analytics, data science, penetration testing, and many more careers.

• Industry Relevance: All industries need computer software.

10. Curriculum Summary and Assessment

• Assessment Structure: Theory and practical tests throughout the year, June and November theory and practical examinations, and a PAT project. Practical tests and exams are done on the computer where students must write code to solve the given problems.

• Key Learning Outcomes: 

In Information Technology a learner will:

• use appropriate techniques and procedures to plan solutions and devise algorithms to solve problems using suitable techniques and tools.

• understand and use appropriate communication technologies for information dissemination.

• appreciate and comprehend the various systems technologies used in the developing of a computer-based system.

• understand that all ICT systems are built upon software engineering principles.

• understand and use Internet technologies for various tasks.

• comprehend and apply the concepts of data and information management to understand how a knowledge-driven society functions.

• understand the social implications of ICTs and how to use ICT technologies responsibly.

School-Based Assessment: