About the syllabus
In a world where Information Technology (IT) is constantly changing, individuals increasingly need technological and information literacy skills that include the ability to gather, process and manipulate data. The impact of IT on society is enormous and as the percentage of businesses and households connected to communication networks such as the internet grows, so does the need for individuals who understand these new technologies. This syllabus encourages learners to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them to develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. Learners study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organizations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, learners gain an understanding of IT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general. At A Level, learners also study simple programming for the web relevant to their own use of IT.
Key concepts
The key concepts on which this syllabus is built are set out below. These key concepts, carefully introduced and developed, will help to underpin the course you will teach. You may identify additional key concepts which will also enrich teaching and learning. As a teacher, you will refer to these concepts again and again to help unify the subject and make sense of it. If mastered, learners can use the concepts to solve problems or to understand unfamiliar subject-related material.
• Impact of Information Technology
Information Technology (IT) is the application of technology to process information. The impact of IT on all aspects of everyday life is immense. The enormity of the impact can be seen in industry and commerce, transport, leisure, medicine and the home. The impact on the work force is a very important factor to consider and communications using new technologies have made the world seem smaller.
• Hardware and software
Many hardware components and software applications are used in IT systems. It is important to understand how this work, and how they interact with each other and within our environment.
• Network
Computer systems can be connected together to form networks allowing them to share resources.
• The internet
The internet is a global communications network that allows computers worldwide to connect and share information in many different forms. Examples include email, web pages, and audio and video files. The impact of the internet on our lives is profound. While it provides huge benefits to society, security of data is an issue, both in the workplace and for personal data.
System life cycle
Information systems are developed within a planned continuous cycle that covers the initial development of the system through to its scheduled updating or redevelopment. Each phase of development is organized into separate stages.
• New technologies
As the information industry changes so rapidly, it is important to keep track of new and emerging technologies and consider how they might affect everyday life.

Guided learning hours
Guided learning hours give an indication of the amount of contact time teachers need to have with learners to deliver a particular course. Our syllabuses are designed around 180 guided learning hours for Cambridge International AS Level, and around 360 guided learning hours for Cambridge International A Level. These figures are for guidance only. The number of hours needed to gain the qualification may vary depending on local practice and the learners’ previous experience of the subject.

We recommend that candidates who are beginning this course should have previously completed a Cambridge IGCSE™ course, or the equivalent, in Information and Communication Technology or in Computer Science.

Cambridge International A Level Information Technology provides a suitable foundation for the study of IT or related courses in higher education. Equally it is suitable for candidates intending to pursue careers or further study in IT, or as part of a course of general education. Cambridge International AS Level Information Technology is the first half of Cambridge International A Level Information Technology. Depending on local university entrance requirements, the qualification may permit or assist progression directly to university courses in information technology or some other subjects. For more information about the relationship between the Cambridge International AS Level and Cambridge International A Level, see the ‘Assessment’ section of the syllabus overview. We recommend learners check the Cambridge recognitions database and the university websites to find the most up-to-date entry requirements for courses they wish to study.

• Take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification)
• Follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for Cambridge International AS Level qualification) in one series, then Papers 3 and 4 (for Cambridge International A Level qualification) in a later series
• Take Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International A Level.

Paper 1
Theory 1 hour 45 minutes.
Paper 2
Practical 2 hours 30 minutes.
Paper 3
Advanced Theory 1 hour 45 minutes.
Paper 4
Advanced Practical 2 hours 30 minutes.

Paper 1 Theory 1 hour 45 minutes
This written paper tests sections 1–10 of the syllabus content. Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper. All questions are compulsory. 90 marks.
Paper 2 Practical 2 hours 30 minutes
This paper tests sections 8–10 of the syllabus content. Candidates will also need to use their previous knowledge from sections 1–7. All tasks are compulsory. Candidates must use the most appropriate software and the most appropriate methods. 110 marks
Paper 3 Advanced Theory 1 hour 45 minutes
This written paper tests sections 11–19 of the syllabus content. The content of sections 1–10 is assumed knowledge. Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper. All questions are compulsory. 90 marks.
Paper 4 Advanced Practical 2 hours 30 minutes
This paper tests sections 16–19 of the syllabus content, and sections 8–9 of the syllabus content within a problem-solving context. Candidates will also need to use their previous knowledge from all sections of the syllabus. All tasks are compulsory. Candidates must use the most appropriate software and the most appropriate methods. 110 marks.

Candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination series with any other Cambridge International syllabus, except:
• Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9608).
• Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science (9618).
• Syllabuses with the same title at the same level.