1 Data processing and information - Understand differences between data and information

1 Data processing and information - Identify direct and indirect data sources

1 Data processing and information - Evaluate quality of information (accuracy, relevance, age, detail, completeness)

1 Data processing and information - Explain the need for encryption

1 Data processing and information - Describe encryption methods (symmetric, asymmetric)

1 Data processing and information - Understand encryption protocols (TLS/SSL, IPsec)

1 Data processing and information - Apply validation techniques (presence, range, type, length, format, check digit)

1 Data processing and information - Use verification methods (visual checking, double entry, parity check)

1 Data processing and information - Describe batch processing applications (utility bills, payroll)

1 Data processing and information - Explain real-time processing uses (online booking, traffic control)

2 Hardware and software - Describe characteristics of mainframe computers and supercomputers

2 Hardware and software - Identify types of system software (compilers, interpreters, OS, utilities)

2 Hardware and software - Explain utility software functions (anti-virus, backup, disk defragmentation)

2 Hardware and software - Compare custom-written and off-the-shelf software

3 Monitoring and control - Identify sensor types (light, temperature, pressure, humidity, gas)

3 Monitoring and control - Describe sensor applications in monitoring (weather, healthcare)

3 Monitoring and control - Explain calibration techniques (one-point, two-point, multi-point)

3 Monitoring and control - Describe control technologies (smart homes, traffic lights, autonomous vehicles)

4 Algorithms and flowcharts - Write algorithms with decision-making (branching, looping)

4 Algorithms and flowcharts - Use pseudocode (INPUT, WRITE, FOR, WHILE)

4 Algorithms and flowcharts - Create and interpret flowcharts

5 eSecurity - Explain personal data security and confidentiality

5 eSecurity - Identify malware types (trojan, worms, spyware, ransomware)

5 eSecurity - Describe malware prevention strategies

6 The digital divide - Define the digital divide and its causes

6 The digital divide - Evaluate impact of digital divide on individuals and organizations

7 Expert systems - Describe components and structure of expert systems

7 Expert systems - Identify applications of expert systems

8 Spreadsheets - Create spreadsheet structures (page setup, headers)

8 Spreadsheets - Use spreadsheet functions (SUM, IF, VLOOKUP, COUNTIF)

8 Spreadsheets - Test spreadsheet elements (functions, validation, formatting)

8 Spreadsheets - Create graphs and charts (bar, pie, line)

9 Modelling - Perform what-if analysis and goal seek

9 Modelling - Apply modelling to areas (financial forecasting, climate change)

9 Modelling - Use simulations (disaster planning, pilot training)

10 Database and file concepts - Assign database data types (text, numeric, date-time, Boolean)

10 Database and file concepts - Understand database relationships (one-to-one, one-to-many)

10 Database and file concepts - Create entity relationship diagrams (conceptual, logical)

10 Database and file concepts - Normalize data to third normal form (3NF)

10 Database and file concepts - Perform database query operations (create, update, delete)

11 Video and audio editing - Apply video editing techniques (trimming, splicing, titles)

11 Video and audio editing - Perform audio editing processes (normalizing, trimming, compression)

12 IT in society - Understand types and uses of digital currencies (cryptocurrency, virtual currency)

12 IT in society - Describe data mining applications (security, healthcare, security)

12 IT in society - Identify social networking platforms (blogs, forums, instant messaging)

12 IT in society - Evaluate IT impacts on society (healthcare, education, surveillance)

12 IT in society - Explain technology-enhanced learning (MOOCs, online tutorials)

13 New and emerging technologies - Describe Internet of Things (IoT) applications

13 New and emerging technologies - Understand autonomous systems (vehicles, drones)

13 New and emerging technologies - Explore medical technology advancements

14 Communications technology - Identify network types (LAN, WAN, VPN, mobile)

14 Communications technology - Describe network components (routers, switches, hubs)

14 Communications technology - Understand network servers (file, web, mail, proxy)

14 Communications technology - Explain cloud computing characteristics and uses

14 Communications technology - Describe data transmission methods (fibre optic, wireless)

14 Communications technology - Understand network protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP)

14 Communications technology - Apply wireless transmission security (WEP, WPA)

14 Communications technology - Describe mobile communication systems (3G, 4G, 5G)

14 Communications technology - Explain network security methods (encryption, firewalls)

14 Communications technology - Describe disaster recovery strategies

15 Project management - Understand project life cycle stages (initiation, planning, execution)

15 Project management - Use project management tools (Gantt charts, PERT charts)

15 Project management - Explore project management software types

16 System life cycle - Manage system life cycle phases (analysis, design, testing)

16 System life cycle - Understand software development methods (agile, waterfall, RAD)

16 System life cycle - Describe prototyping types (evolutionary, throwaway)

16 System life cycle - Analyze maintenance types (corrective, adaptive, preventive)

17 Data analysis and visualization - Perform data transformation and cleaning

17 Data analysis and visualization - Create data visualization (pivot tables, charts)

18 Mail merge - Understand mail merge data sources and master documents

18 Mail merge - Apply mail merge rules (sorting, filtering, conditional fields)

19 Graphics creation - Use graphics tools (layers, transform, alignment)

19 Graphics creation - Create vector graphics (Bezier curves, shapes)

19 Graphics creation - Edit bitmap images (selection, correction, resizing)

19 Graphics creation - Understand image compression (lossless, lossy)

19 Graphics creation - Manipulate text in graphics (font style, curves)

20 Animation - Understand animation components (primary, secondary, sound)

20 Animation - Create animations using variables (position control)

21 Programming for the web - Use JavaScript for web interactivity

21 Programming for the web - Understand JavaScript statements (variables, operators, functions)

21 Programming for the web - Apply JavaScript loops (for, while, do-while)

21 Programming for the web - Use JavaScript timing events (setTimeout, setInterval)