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Why you should be choosing C.A.T. (with music).mp4“CAT is an excellent subject to take. The greatest advantage of this subject is that it provides practical skills that can be applied immediately in the classroom and the workplace. By the time CAT students finish school, they are advanced office suite users and they are able to function in any digital environment. Like all Matric subjects, CAT will require consistent application and hard work.”
Mrs Diana Barnard (CAT Teacher)
What is CAT?
Computer Applications Technology is the study of the integrated components of a computer system (hardware and software) and the practical techniques for their efficient use and application to solve everyday problems. The solutions to problems are designed, managed and processed via end-user applications and communicated using appropriate information and communication technologies (ICTs). ICTs are the combination of networks, hardware and software as well as the means of communication, collaboration and engagement that enable the processing, management and exchange of data, information and knowledge.
What will a student learn in the CAT class?
The content of Computer Applications Technology encourages the development of creativity, critical thinking, research skills, and reading proficiency and interpretational skills.
A CAT student will:
use end-user software applications proficiently to produce solutions to problems within a defined scenario.
understand the concepts of ICTs about the technologies that make up a computing system.
understand the various technologies, standards, and protocols involved in the electronic transmission of data via a computer-based network.
use the Internet and the WWW and understand the role that the Internet plays as part of the global information superhighway.
find authentic and relevant information, process the information to draw conclusions, make decisions and communicate the findings in appropriate formats.
recognise the legal, ethical, environmental, social, security and health issues related to the use of ICTs and learn how to use ICTs responsibly.
Software used in CAT (MS Office & HTML – as prescribed by the IEB)
Word processing: Microsoft Word
Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel
Databases: Microsoft Access
Presentations: Microsoft PowerPoint
Web design: HTML
Grade 12 Practical Assessment Task
(25% of the total mark for CAT)
The Practical Assessment Task is a project that assesses the learner’s procedural skills and individual interaction with data and information as well as the way in which he or she processes, manipulates and presents the information. The information will finally be presented in several documents. These must be presented in the application programs studied. The PAT is done in class facilitated by the teacher and it is done over an extended period of approximately 3 months.
Why choose CAT?
We are living in a fast-paced environment where digital devices are being used for more reasons than ever. Basic computer skills such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and information management continue to dominate the computer software world and are here to stay. The ability to use computer applications efficiently to solve everyday problems is a distinct advantage in many fields. CAT is a very practical skills-based subject which will help students at school, university, college, and the workplace.
“So, what does an employer look for in a graduate? You need to do the basic things well. Can you compose documents on Word faster than anyone else? Can you express yourself clearly and confidently in the English language? Can you do basic analyses on an Excel spreadsheet at the drop of a hat? Can you generate a Powerpoint presentation en route to work? Unless you can do all these things, and more, in the 21st-century workplace, you are out of the race for a decent job no matter what your degree.”
It's hard work to work – Prof Jonathan Jansen (TimesLive)
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