GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY for 2011 

IT Center

• Information Technology  can be taken as an additional (8^th Subject) or as one of the elective subjects  i.e. one the three additional subjects that can must be selected for a matriculation certificate.
• It is strongly recommended that pupils not attending school at SACS take Information Technology as an additional subject.
• Part time learners attend classes once a week on a selected afternoon.  These classes cover the same content as the full time course and all pupils write the same examination.  
• As an optional subject, pupils attend a one-2 hour session per week.  The grade 10 classes take place either on a Monday or Thursday afternoon.  
• The subject is taught in accordance with the national curriculum.
• For part time pupils – the IT mark can take the place of a weaker subject in determining the pupil’s aggregate. 
• COMMITMENTS:  Part time learners who select the subject are required to commit to the full year of study.   Withdrawal during the course of the year is not sanctioned.  At the end of each year part-time learners have the opportunity to re-evaluate their commitment for the following year.
• FEES:  Learners taking the subject as an additional option subject are required  to pay R1300  (p.a.). This is a non-refundable levy, payable at the start of the academic year.  There are no other costs.
• ASSESSMENT:  Learners interested in taking Information Technology will be screened.  Refer to the assessment table on the next page.
• Learners taking the subject must have access to a computer at home.

SACS IT Center

 It is about problem solving incorporating a programming language.  It is about THINKING and SOLVING.  The subject does NOT cover in-depth work on application packages, web design or technically related matters pertaining to Computers. 

 Learners are required to learn a programming language (Java) and to use the language to solve various problems. 

 Problems will range from learning to program using a “Robot” that must perform tasks within a graphics grid to programming more complex mathematical and business solutions.  

The subject is highly abstract in nature and requires a reasonable amount of researching. The subject includes a theory component.    The break down of the marks is approximately:  60% practical and 40% theory. 

 In particular, learners who will need Computer Science as part of their Higher Education Training (Universities, Technicons, etc) are encouraged to take Information Technology.   Learners will be at a distinct advantage in taking the subject.

What the subject is NOT about? 

1. It is not about learning to use many different application packages such as word processors, desktop publishing etc.  These types of packages are covered more widely in Computer Application Technology.
2. It is not a graphics course or networking course.
3. It is not a technical course such as learning to build and repair computers etc.

Selection Requirements  

Learners wishing to choose this subject should look at 3 aspects 

• ABILITY                  in logical and mathematical thinking
• TRAITS                   capable of sustained and at times intense concentration
• TEMPERAMENT     low level of frustration  
• Learners and parents will be required to complete an assessment form.  The purpose of this assessment is to assist learners in making an informed decision regarding the traits needed to be successful in this subject.  
• Learners must have an all round strong academic ability with a strong leaning towards abstract thinking and mathematical concepts.
• The personality traits as outlined in the table below are as important as academic ability in succeeding.   Learners who are easily frustrated or become despondent or who experience difficulty in sustained and focused thinking will not succeed.

• The grouping of the scores will indicate the potential of a pupil to succeed in the subject.  The subject should be avoided if there is a grouping of low scores.

Mr. M. C. Scordilis