The Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate IT syllabus has changed for students sitting exams in May/June 2010. The lessons this year will continue along the lines of the existing syllabus. The syllabus examines students at two proficiency levels - technical and general.

An outline for both proficiency levels is as follows:

Basic outline of the topics to be covered

Students should be able to:

Unit 1- Fundamentals of hardware and software

• State the functions of the basic components of all computers.
• Explain the functions and uses of primary storage devices and media.
• State and compare the characteristics and uses of named secondary storage devices and media.
• Explain and use the terms associated with backing storage devices and media.
• State the characteristics and uses of input devices and media.
• Compare the characteristics and uses of input devices and media.
• Compare various types of storage (primary and secondary).
• List and state the functions of each type of storage media.
• Data representation - Binary, ACSII, BCD.
• Distinguish between systems and application programmes.
• Discuss and the difference between specialised and application packages.
• Distinguish between the types of user interface.
• Describe and apply appropriate file- management techniques.
• Recognise and use the terms commonly associated with data communication.

Unit 2 - Introduction to programming

• Identify and discuss levels of programming languages.
• Separate a simple problem into its components.
• Develop pseudo-code algorithm to solve simple problems.
• Carry out code solution of problem using a programming language.
• Construct and use trace tables to test algorithm and programmes.
• Test programmes and algorithms for correctness and make required changes.
• Explain the terms associated with running a programme.

Unit 3 - Application and implications

• Identify and describe appropriate hardware and software to meet the needs of an application.
• Discuss the reasons for collecting, storing and sharing information.
• Internet and intranet.
• Data security.
• Information misuse.
• Data Protection.
• Trends in technology.
• Jobs in information technology.

Practical exam

For this aspect of the syllabus students will be covering:

Word Processing (Microsoft Word)

Database Management (Microsoft Access)

Spreadsheet (Microsoft Excel)

The following is a breakdown of the examination papers:

In order to effectively prepare for the examination, students ought to be equipped. Here is a list of materials needed:

• Prescribed texts for both the theoretical and practical aspect of the syllabus.
• A copy of the syllabus or syllabus outline.
• Past-paper booklet or past papers that help you become more familiar with CXC-type questions.