Computer Applications Technology (CAT)

HOD: Ms Nirvana Sookdev

Compulsory: No

Does it count for APS: Yes, full points awarded at all tertiary institutes

Required for further studying: No

Useful for: Learning essential technological and computer-based skills and competencies required in daily life and business. CAT offers exposure and development of life skills that will be used in any business, entrepreneurial, website development and database administration context.

Practical component: Yes. CAT is a technology-based subject and functions on an application-intensive subject curriculum It has a practical curriculum component and a national Practical Assessment Task (PAT) which requires learners to spend additional time after school hours for its completion.

Special requirements/recommendations: The FET education model and work scope is challenging in itself and it is therefore important and mandatory that every learner starts the year with the required resources. These include:
Daily access to a personal computer or laptop for completion of tasks and assessments.
Operating System: Windows 10 or higher.
Microsoft Office Suite 2013 or 2016 with MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access.
HTML Editor (Notepad++ software).
1 x 64 GB USB or larger.
Internet Access with a suitable Web Browser and Search Engines.
Anti-virus software/Internet Security for personal computer or laptop
Access to a printer.

More details:

CAT's assessment plan comprises a practical, a theoretical and a PAT component.

The CAT PAT is made up of 3 phases, which learners are required to complete each year in the FET Phase. This assessment is 25% of a learner's promotion mark and set on a stringent time management plan for completion as learners have to work through many components and apply a wide range of skills from MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and HTML website coding. MS Excel (spreadsheets) and MS Access (databases) constitute 70% of the scope of formal assessments and examinations.

The theoretical component consists of a large volume of content focusing on Systems Technologies (Computing concepts Hardware, Software, Computer Management), Network and Internet Technologies, Information Management, Social Implications (Impact on Society), Legal, Ethical and Security Issues, Health and Ergonomic Issues, Environmental Issues and Solution Development.