ITGS

What levels are on offer?

You can take ITGS at Higher Level or at Standard Level.

How do I decide which to choose?

  • Higher Level ITGS is more research based and focuses on ICT with the emphasis on ethics and globalisation.
  • Standard Level is aimed at students look more at improving and creating systems.  Knowledge of databases is essential.

What will I need?

For ITGS you will need at least a C at ICT.Whatever level you take, you will also need a data pen to bring work to and from college.

What will I study?

The ITGS syllabus at HL and SL is divided into three sections: social and ethical issues, IT systems in a social context, six areas of impact.

Section 1: social and ethical issues
  • 1.1 Reliability
  • 1.2 Integrity
  • 1.3 Security
  • 1.4 Privacy and anonymity
  • 1.5 Authenticity
  • 1.6 Intellectual property
  • 1.7 Equality of access
  • 1.8 Control
  • 1.9 Globalization and cultural diversity
  • 1.10 Policies and standards
  • 1.11 People and machines

   
Section 2: IT systems in a social context

2.1 Basics: hardware and networks
2.1.1 Systems fundamentals
2.1.2 Networks

2.2 Applications
2.2.1 Software fundamentals
2.2.2 Databases and spreadsheets
2.2.3 Word processing and desktop publishing
2.2.4 Images, sound and presentations
2.2.5 Modelling and simulations
2.2.6 Tutorials, training and wizards (assistants)

2.3 Communication systems
2.3.1 The Internet
2.3.2 Personal and public communications

2.4 Integrated systems
2.4.1 Robotics
2.4.2 Artificial intelligence and expert systems


Section 3: areas of impact

Students at HL are required to study all six areas of impact. Students at SL are required to study part A and a minimum of two other areas of impact chosen from part B.

Part A
3.1 Business and employment

Part B
3.2 Education
3.3 Health
3.4 Arts, entertainment and leisure
3.5 Science and the environment
3.6 Politics and government

How will I be assessed?

In each case there are two aspects to the assessment.

Higher Level

External assessment 80%
Paper 1 - 1 hour 20% - Four compulsory short-answer questions
Paper 2 - 2 hours 35% - Three structured questions from a choice of four
Paper 3 - 1 hour 25% - Three questions based on a case study.

Internal assessment 20%
You will have to produce: three pieces of written work on social and ethical issues based on three different areas of impact, each 800–1,000 words and an extension to one of the portfolio pieces, 800–1,000 words.


Standard Level

External assessment 70%
Paper 1 - 1 hour 25% - Four compulsory short-answer questions
Paper 2 - 2 hours 45% - Six structured questions

Internal assessment 30%
An IT solution to a problem set in a social context. You will have to produce:

  • a product developed through the integration of IT skills
  • a written report (2,000–2,500 words)
  • a log book.