• Cambridge ICT Starters (CIS)(Introduction)
• Cambridge ICT Starters (CIS)(Introduction) - pdf file
• Cambridge ICT Starters (CIS)(FactSheets)
• Cambridge ICT Starters (CIS)Workbooks
• Approved CIS Danawa Attached Centres
• Approved CID Danawa Attached Centres
• Cambridge International Diploma In ICT (CID) - pdf file

CAMBRIDGE ICT STARTERS

Introduction

The Cambridge ICT Starters is a Pupil Certification Scheme designed by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), a division of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES). DaRes is authorised by CIE to offer the Scheme in Malaysia. The Awards are predominantly aimed at pupils' aged from 6 to 17 i.e. from kindergarten to Form 5.

Aims

The aims of the Cambridge ICT Starters are to provide pupils with a:

• framework in which to develop practical skills in using ICT
• formal recognition of ICT skills and knowledge

Benefits

For pupils, the benefits are:

• international recognition of competence
• planned progression to higher awards
• improved job opportunities and other work advantages for school leavers
• a shorter learning curve with ICT in higher education; pupils are ready with the knowledge and skills they require for any course that they pursue with an ICT element, so they do not have to learn from scratch.

For Schools, the planned use of ICT in class can:

• enhance subject learning
• develop independent learning and research skills
• promote critical and creative thinking skills
• encourage individual development
• develop confidence and competence

Overview of the Awards

The Scheme concentrates on the development of practical skills in using ICT. It allows pupils to develop the ICT knowledge and skills they require which may then support learning in a range of subject areas.

At each stage of the Scheme of assessment, pupils will use ICT to:

• communicate
• handle information
• model
• measure and control

This Scheme operates at three levels of the CIE Framework for Qualifications:

• Initial Steps
• Next Steps
• On Track

Each level of the scheme contains 2 stages, with an equal number of modules. Modules can be taught in any order, although all modules must be achieved at Stage 1 for a Starter Stage 1 certificate and all modules must be achieved at both stages for a full certificate. However, from Year 2004 onwards, modular certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of any module in any stage at any particular level.

Pupils who successfully complete either the Next Steps or On Track level are encouraged to progress to an appropriate level of the adult award Scheme, which has been devised by CIE to prepare people to use ICT at work or in higher education. The levels are Foundation, Standard and Advanced of the Cambridge International Diploma in ICT.

Initial Steps - Programme of Study

At Initial Steps, Students should learn to use ICT equipment and software confidently and purposefully to communicate and handle information, and to support their problem solving, recording and expressive work. They should be taught to reflect, discuss and consider the implications of using ICT equipment.

Initial Steps

Stage 1

Starting Text

Starting Images

Starting Graphs

Stage 1 Certificate

Stage 2

Starting Control

Starting Searches

Starting Email

Full Certificate

Note: Modular certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of any module at any stage at Initial Steps level

Next Steps - Programme of Study

At Next Steps, Students should learn to extend the range of ICT tools they use for communication, investigation and control; they should use ICT to select information, sources and media that are suitable for their purpose and assess the value of ICT in their work.

Next Steps

Stage 1

Exploring Documents

Exploring Images

Exploring Spreadsheets

Exploring Databases

Stage 1 Certificate

Stage 2

Exploring Control

Exploring The Internet

Exploring Email

Exploring Databases

Exploring Multimedia

Full Certificate

Note: Modular certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of any module at any stage at Next Steps level.

On Track - Programme of Study

At On Track, Students should learn to become critical and largely autonomous users of ICT, aware of the waysin which ICT tools and information sources can help them in their work, understand the limitations of such tools and of the results they produce, and use the concepts associated with ICT systems and software and the associated technical terms.

On Track

Stage 1

Documents for a purpose

Multimedia for a purpose

Spreadsheets for a purpose

Databases for a purpose

Stage 1 Certificate

Stage 2

Control for a purpose

Website design for a purpose

Networks for a purpose

Video or Animation for a purpose

Full Certificate

Note: Modular certificate will be awarded upon successful completion of any module at any stage at On Track level.