Grade 9 - End of Year Exam Outline 2023-2024

3rd Form Topics for the EOY Exam

Database Management
Define the following terms
● Database- An organised collection of Information about an entity Examples of
common databases are Telephone books, Mailing Lists, Recipe books, Bookshelf
-In MS Access database is an organized collection of related information to a specific
purpose or topic.
● database management - a software that handles the storage, retrieval, and updating
of data in a computer system
● Table - is a collection of related records, made of a set of rows and columns. Also
called a relation

●
● Queries - a "question" that you ask the database OR
a method of searching (or filtering) a database to
● answer a question.
● Report - Reports in Microsoft Access are documents that present summarised and
organized information from a database. They are essential for analyzing and
presenting data in a structured format that is easy to understand and share.

(report wizard is found in the create tab)

● Record - is a row of data or a collection of related fields in a database

 ● Fields - a single column in a database table that stores data. Also referred to as an
attribute in a database

● Explain and justify the need for database management systems

Database management systems, or DBMS, are essential for effectively organizing and
managing data. Additionally, they offer a centralized platform for data retrieval, sorting, and
manipulation. They also help with data security since they employ encryption techniques and
access controls to keep sensitive data safe from unauthorized users. Last but not least,
these systems' numerous helpful tools—queries, reports, tools for generating insights
through data visualization, and reporting features—allow for more effective data analysis..(ai
assisted response*)
Situations in which a database can be useful(additional info)
-The police have details of all known criminals in a database, e.g. crimes they've committed.
-Schools using a database to store details about their pupils, e.g. how many days they've
been off school sick.
-A hospital stores details of all its patients in a database, e.g. a history of their health issues.
-The Government uses a database to store records of people's income tax payments.
-A database keeping track of all the drivers in Montego Bay who have not paid their driving
tickets.

● Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of database systems.

● Data management systems offer numerous advantages in today's digital landscape.
● Firstly, they enable efficient organization and storage of vast amounts of data,
ensuring quick access and retrieval, which enhances productivity and
decision-making processes.
● These systems also facilitate data integration from various sources, promoting better
data consistency and accuracy.
● Moreover, robust data management systems enhance data security through
encryption and access controls, safeguarding sensitive information from
unauthorised access and breaches.
● However, these systems come with challenges. Managing large datasets requires
significant storage and computational resources, leading to high infrastructure costs.
 ● Additionally, ensuring data quality and consistency across different platforms can be
complex, requiring ongoing maintenance and updates.
● Moreover, complying with data regulations and privacy laws adds another layer of
complexity, necessitating continuous adaptation to regulatory changes.
● Balancing these advantages and challenges is crucial for organisations aiming to
harness the full potential of their data assets while mitigating risks effectively.

Compare and contrast electronic da

tabases and manual databases

Identify and explain the two database objects
● Forms - A form in Access is a database object that you can use to create a user
interface for a database application allowing for the viewing and editing of data on
your screen. They essentially act as sGUI's using different types of controls such as
text boxes, command buttons, list boxes, and more making data management more
efficient and accessible to users with varying technical expertise.
Identify and explain the data types
● Number - TextUse for text or combinations of text and numbers. 255
characters maximum
● Date/time - Use for dates and times
● Currency - Use for currency. Holds up to
● 15 digits of whole dollars, plus
● 4 decimal places. Tip: You
● can choose which country's
● currency to use
● Yes/No - A logical field can be displayed as Yes/No, True/False, orOn/Off. In
code, use the constants True and False(equivalent to -1 and 0).Note: Null
values are not allowed in Yes/No fields
Design and populate a database table
Harass vb about it - WAT DA SIGMA
Create simple queries from single tables

List the types of relationships that exists between tables in a database

1. One to one
2. One to many
3. Many to many
Create relationships between two(2) tables
1. Navigate to database tools then relationships
2. Press show tables and select tables you want to link
3. Identify a common field between the two tables
4. Drag the common field from one table to the other
5. In the pop up menu select create relationship
Identify the type of relationship that is needed for each pair of
tables in a given situation
.
Identify the three (3) types of queries used in an database
management system -
Simple -

[Link]
Complex - (IF _ THEN)
Calculated -
A new field is created by using an expression or equation consisting of
field names enclosed in square [ ] parentheses and sometimes constants.
EXAMPLE:
(1) Using the Inventory table, produce calculations to do the following:
Find the cost of each item in stock where
1. Stock:[Cost]*[NumberInStock]
2. Desc:[ItemNumber]&” “&[Description]

Develop queries using multiple tables or tables, query combinations.

Create simple reports using multiple tables or tables, query combinations.
How to create reports in Microsoft Access – creating a report from a query, and
customising its layout and format. Important details involve changing column widths,
deleting unwanted fields, organising and filtering data, as well as ensuring that the
document is perfect before saving it for future reference. Open a customised survey
or any spreadsheet or survey of your choice that you would use like a source of data
when you are creating a report. Press the Report button under the Create tab to
make your own.

Customising the report layout involves changing column widths, eliminating

unnecessary fields, removing headers and empty cells, plus all elements should be
within dotted lines. This can be done by sorting data based on the December orders
date filter only and sort old to new in Withdrawal Date Column.

To view and save the report requires switching to report view without gridlines and
giving it an appropriate name such as “December Orders” so that one can refer to it
later..
Data Communication & Computer Networks
Define
● Network - A computer network is a set of computers sharing resources located on or
provided by network nodes. Computers use common communication protocols over
digital interconnections to communicate with each other.
● internet - a massive network of networks that connects millions of
computers worldwide. Communication is via numerous protocols such
as: HTTP, SMTP, FTP, IRC, IM, Telnet, P2P.
SMPT: Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
IRC: Internet Relay Chat
IM: instant messaging
P2P: peer-to-pee
World Wide Web - a system of interlinked hypertext documents and
programs that can be accessed via the Internet primarily by using HTTP.

List the types of networks.

LAN - Local Area Network(refers to a network of computers and other devices that are
connected together within a limited geographical area such as a home or office
building)
MAN - Metropolitan Area Network(A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a network that
covers a larger geographical area than a LAN but is still confined to a specific city,
nearby cities or metropolitan area.)
WAN - Wide Area Network(A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a type of network that spans a
large geographical area, often spanning across cities, countries, or even continents.)
PAN - Personal Area Network( the smallest and most localised type of network, typically
covering a range of a few metres to tens of [Link] are designed for connecting
devices that are used by a single person, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearable
devices)
Types of transmission mode
● simplex - simplex communication is a one-way communication system where
information is transmitted from one device to another, but the receiving device cannot
send information back to the transmitting device. The keyboard, Television, Mouse,
Radio Broadcasts, and Monitor are great examples of a Simplex transmission.
● half duplex - The communication between sender and receiver occurs in both
directions in half duplex transmission, but only one at a [Link]-Talkies are an
example of half-duplex communication device
● full duplex - Full-duplex transmission implies a bidirectional line that can move
data in both directions simultaneously.
List and explain the level of privacy on a network
● Internet - The internet is a global network of networks, accessible to anyone with an
internet connection. Privacy on the internet can be a significant concern because
information transmitted over the internet can potentially be intercepted or accessed
by unauthorised parties. Websites often use HTTPS (HTTP Secure) to ensure data
exchanged is encrypted and protected from eavesdropping.
● Intranet - An intranet is a private network that is accessible only to an organisation's
staff. It is used to share information, collaboration tools, and other computing
 services within the organisation. Privacy on an intranet is generally more
manageable and secure compared to the internet because access is restricted to
authorised personnel within the organisation.
● Extranet - An extranet is an extension of an intranet that allows controlled access to
authorised external users, such as business partners, suppliers, or customers. It
facilitates collaboration and sharing of specific resources and information between an
organisation and its external stakeholders.

Tldr : Internet: Broad accessibility but higher privacy risks; relies heavily on
encryption for secure communication.
Intranet: Limited accessibility to authorized personnel within an organization; offers
better privacy control compared to the internet.
Extranet: Controlled access for external parties; privacy controls similar to intranets
with additional measures to protect shared information.

Differentiate the types of wired and wireless transmission medium

WIRED
Twisted Pair cable - is a cheap cable used to connect computers and peripherals devices. It
is made from a pair of insulated copper wire twisted around each other. Transmission of
data is relatively slow and is only used to send voice through a network.

Coaxial Cable - This is more expensive than the twisted pair. It is a copper wire covered in a
thick layer of installation. It provides faster transmission speed than the twisted
pair. It can transmit sound, voice and video.
Fibre Optic Cable - It is the most robust and efficient cable. It is best used for large WANs
and MANs. The Data is transmitted as a light impulse along clear glass fibre Instead of
copper. Fibre Optic cable can be used over long distances at a high speed

WIRELESS
Infrared - Infrared wireless networking uses infrared beams to send data transmissions
between [Link] expected, infrared light beams cannot penetrate objects; therefore, the
signal is disrupted when something blocks the light. Transmissions travel over short
Distances.

Bluetooth - Bluetooth technology allows devices to be connected to each other

automatically once it is [Link] enables devices to transmit radio [Link] range
of the Bluetooth Connection is approximately 30 feet(10 metres)
Microwave - Microwave is a line-of-sight wireless communication technology that uses
high frequency beams of radio waves to provide high speed wireless connections that can
send and receive voice, video, and data [Link] radio transmission is
commonly used in point-to-point communication systems on the surface of the Earth, in
satellite communications, and in deep space radio communications. Other parts of
The microwave radio band is used for radars, radio navigation systems,sensor systems, and
radio astronomy.

Satellite - They are launched into space so they orbit

the earth. Their main purpose is to relay microwave signals from one point to one
point on the earth.

Problem solving
Problem - a situation in which there are barriers or difficulties between a person
and reaching their goal
Problem solving - a series of steps or actions that will overcome the
difficulties of reaching a goal
Algorithm - a set of rules or formal procedures for solving a problem by a
sequence of steps in a logical order.
Example – a cookie recipe

List the steps to solve a problem

● Definition of the problem – determine and understand what the actual problem is.
● Analyse the problem - the problem is examined to determine the things that would
be needed to help solve the problem, some
possible solutions and the desired result of the problem being solved. For example, being
hungry is a problem, your analysis would
determine that food is needed, some possible places you could get food and that the
stomach being full is the aim.
● Propose and evaluate solutions - all possible solutions are listed and analysed.
Which of them would cause another problem? Which of them work fastest? Which of
them would take the longest? Which is practical or feasible in this situation?
● Select the most appropriate or most efficient solution - the fastest, easiest and
cheapest solution to implement is selected.
● Implement the solution selected in step 4 – the action where we would carry out
or do what is required to solve the problem
● Testing - A good decision (which is the solution selected in step 4) isn't always the
right decision (which is the decision that will work). As such testing whether or not the
proposed solution is effective in solving the problem is important. If it does not solve
the problem fully or if it solves it but creates another problem accidentally, then
adjustments would have to be made and implemented (step 5) and then we test
again. Steps 4, 5 and 6 would be repeated in a cycle until it produces a solution that
works.

Explore characteristics of a good algorithm

Ensuring each instruction or step is:
● Unambiguous
● Executable
● Ordered
• The number of steps must be finite
• The steps must be precise
• The steps must be unambiguous
• The steps must have flow control from one process
to another
• The steps must terminate

Explain four different ways of representing an algorithm

Narrative -
IPO chart - A method used to analyse a problem by breaking it down into smaller pieces
.1. Input - any data that is necessary to solve the problem
2. Processing - the series of tasks that will be carried out to solve the problem
3. Output - the actual solution of the problem
 Pseudocode - Pseudocode algorithm uses words and symbols that closely
resemble computer programming language instructions]]
example
Start
Read a, b
c=a
a=b
b=c
Stop

Flowchart - A picture or diagram that shows the set of instructions in an algorithm by

using symbols.

Describe
● Sequencing - statements in a pseudocode are executed in the order
it was written, one after the other.
• Eg. Write the pseudocode algorithm to accept two values.
The sequence control structure is used when you have
instructions to be carried out in a specific or particular order.
• Example:-
Start
Read a, b
Sum = a + b
Print Sum
Stop

● Selection - The selection control structure is used in problems with instructions to

be carried out if a certain condition is met. The choice of the options will be
dependent on whether the condition is true or false. [IF-THEN and IF-THEN-ELSE]
Start
Read Score
If (score>=75) then
Print “Congrats you have passed”
Else
Print "Sorry you have failed”
Endif
Stop

●
● Iterations - statements or instructions that are repeated
There are two types of Iterations:
- Bounded – Repetition of a set of instructions for a fixed number of times.
E.g. for-endfor
-Unbounded – Repetition of a set of instructions for a number of times until a
a particular condition becomes false.
E.g. While-endwhile and repeat-until

Identify and distinguish between variables and constants

variables and constants in programming serve distinct roles: variables for mutable data
storage and manipulation, and constants for fixed, unchanging values used throughout the
program.

Identify and explain the types of data types use in problem solving
● Integers - whole numbers, positive or negative numbers
without decimal places e.g. 230, -67, 0, -78
● Floating point or Real - positive or negative numbers with
decimal places e.g. 0.75 or -767.84
● Characters - single letters of the alphabet or symbol.
E.g. a, c, k,*,#,$
DATA TYPES
● String - is a group of characters. It can consist of any number of
characters e.g. Firstname
● Boolean - a data type with two possible values: true or false

Three types of operators used in problem solving - arithmetic,

relational, logical
Careers in Computing

Web Page Design

Define terms related to website design
● Web server - a special, high-end computer that is connected to the Internet, that is,
it
● Web page - a web document that appears in a browser window and stores web
content in the form of text, images (including moving images such as animation or
interactive content), sound, and links to other web [Link] a host for a website. Cloud
services act as web servers.
● Web browser - an application software used to view web pages.
- Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer or Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Apple
Safari
● Website - a collection of web pages on the same topic.
All the web pages are hosted on the same web server and have a similar design
All the web pages have similar URLs.
● Web page address - the address of a web page is the uniform resource
locator (URL).
● Domain name - identifies where the web page is hosted and who controls or
owns the website.
 Analyse website to determine domain names

● Examine steps to be followed when creating web pages

Understand the website development process

● Design a website using HTML syntax and tags

● Analyse the design characteristics that makes a good website design
User-centred design - The website should accommodate for the wants and behaviours of
the audience of the website. This involves having an understanding of the target audience
and building the website to meet their expectations.

Accessibility - The website should be easy to use even for those who are not very
technological savvy or with a disability. This takes in considerations such as colour contrast,
text readability, and keyboard navigation.

Visual Appeal - The aesthetic of a website plays a crucial role in its design. VIsually
appealing websites can retain viewer attention for longer and enhance the user’s
engagement with the website. Things like well-chosen colours, imagery and fonts can help
with this.

Usability and navigation - Users should be able to easily and swiftly navigate the website
with clear Clear menus, logical page hierarchy, and intuitive links/buttons to allow for quick
retrieval of information.

Describe what an html tag is

● HTML uses bracketed commands called ‘HTML tags’ that are integrated
into a text document.
● the keywords on a web page that define how your web browser must format and
display your web page.
 ● HTML tags are crucial keywords on a web page that dictate how the browser should
format and display the page, typically consisting of an opening and a closing tag.

Create an html file using the major html tags –

html, head, body, title, !doctype
Eg.
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body>
<h1>My First Heading</h1>
<p>My first paragraph.</p>
</body>
</html>

Identify and explain the usage of tags to do the following

● Paragraphs - (<p> </p>)
● line breaks - (<br>)
● horizontal rules - (<hr>)
● Alignment - (align=”left, right, center or justify”)
●

● Italic - (<i> </i>)

● bold text - <b> </b>)
● Underline - (<u> </u>)
● font size adjustments - ( <font size = num>)
● font faces and styles - (<font face = “txtface”>)
(<tagname style="property:value;">)

● Colour - (<font color = “color”>)

● Background - (<tagname bg color = “color”)
● Centre - (<center> </center)
● Add graphics = (IMG SRC =”[Link]”)
● Add simple linking features to a webpage - (<a href = "website link">text its
hyperlinked to</a>