NIS 2025 · Cambridge AS & A Level 9618

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Structured knowledge base for grades 11–12. Computer Science theory and Python programming — aligned with NIS and Cambridge standards.

Python Hardware Databases Security Networks

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Hands-on simulators and tools for deeper understanding

Python Compiler

Write, run and debug Python code directly in your browser. Instant feedback on your solutions.

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Data Representation Lab

Custom 16-bit floating point (12m/4e) and Number Systems converter. Aligned with Cambridge 9618.

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Logic Gates

Build and test logic circuits with AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR gates. Generate truth tables automatically.

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LMC Emulator

Little Man Computer emulator. Write assembly-level programs and step through execution cycle by cycle.

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Full Syllabus

Complete NIS 2025 learning objectives — Grades 11 & 12

Grade 11 — Computer Science (CS)

Term 1
11.1A Computer System
Topic Learning Objectives
Software Categories
  • 11.3.1.1 justify the choice of applied software and choice criteria
  • 11.3.1.2 classify application software
Operating Systems & Types
  • 11.3.1.3 describe the purpose and main functions of OS
  • 11.3.1.4 compare single-user and multi-user OS
  • 11.3.1.5 compare one-task and multitasking OS
Von Neumann Architecture
  • 11.3.2.1 describe the interaction of CPU with peripheral devices
System Bus
  • 11.3.2.2 describe the purpose of CPU components, system bus and main memory
Main Memory (RAM/ROM)
  • 11.3.4.1 explain the differences between RAM and ROM memory
Cache & Virtual Memory
  • 11.3.4.3 explain the purpose of cache memory
  • 11.3.4.2 explain the purpose of virtual memory
Boolean Logic & Gates
  • 11.3.3.3 build truth tables AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR
Simplifying Boolean Expressions
  • 11.3.3.1 distinguish between laws of Boolean logic
  • 11.3.3.2 simplify logical expressions using laws
11.1B Programming Paradigms
Topic Learning Objectives
Classifications of PL
  • 11.5.1.1 distinguish between generations of PL
  • 11.5.1.2 classify PL into low and high-level
  • 11.5.1.5 analyze advantages/disadvantages of high-level languages
  • 11.5.1.6 analyze advantages/disadvantages of low-level languages
LMC Simulator
  • 11.5.1.3 analyze a simple program written in assembler
Trace Tables
  • 11.5.1.4 use trace tables to verify algorithms
Translators
  • 11.5.1.7 analyze advantages/disadvantages of compilers
  • 11.5.1.8 analyze advantages/disadvantages of interpreters
11.1C System Life Cycle
Topic Learning Objectives
SDLC Models
  • 11.2.1.1 explain life cycle stages
  • 11.2.1.2 analyze cyclical, waterfall, and spiral models
Data Analysis
  • 11.2.1.3 describe data collection methods
  • 11.2.1.4 compare data analysis techniques
  • 11.2.1.5 compare alternative solutions
Data Flow Diagram (DFD)
  • 11.2.1.6 use DFD to input, process, store and output data
Flowcharts
  • 11.2.1.7 use flow charts for computing systems
Term 2
11.2A Information Systems (Databases)
Topic Learning Objectives
Relational Databases
  • 11.4.1.1 describe relational databases and purpose
  • 11.4.1.2 use terms: attribute, object, index, record, tuple
  • 11.4.1.4 define data types
  • 11.4.1.3 explain primary, composite, foreign keys
Entity Relationship Diagrams
  • 11.4.1.6 define connections between tables
  • 11.4.1.7 create an ER model
Normalization
  • 11.4.1.5 define connections (1NF, 2NF, 3NF)
SQL (DDL & DML)
  • 11.4.2.1 explain purpose of data dictionary
  • 11.4.2.2 compare DDL and DML
  • 11.4.2.3 basic SQL: CREATE, ALTER, DROP
  • 11.4.2.4 basic SQL: SELECT, UPDATE, INSERT, DELETE
  • 11.4.2.5 use SELECT for multiple tables
11.2B Designing a New System
Topic Learning Objectives
Term 3
11.3A Algorithms and Data Structure
Topic Learning Objectives
1D, 2D Arrays
  • 11.5.2.1 terms: upper/lower bounds
  • 11.5.2.3 code using 1D and 2D arrays
Sorting Algorithms
  • 11.5.2.4 Bubble sort and Insertion sort
Binary Search
  • 11.5.2.5 write pseudo-code of binary search
Algorithm Efficiency
  • 11.5.2.6 understand time-efficiency
  • 11.5.2.7 understand space-efficiency
11.3B Web-programming
Topic Learning Objectives
HTML/CSS
  • 11.5.3.1 create a site using basic HTML tags
  • 11.5.3.2 create forms for data entry
  • 11.5.3.3 use CSS stylesheet
Script Language (PHP)
  • 11.5.3.8 use script language for interactivity
  • 11.5.3.6 use algorithmic structures in script
PHP & Database
  • 11.5.3.4 connect to database / User registration
11.3C Mobile Applications Development
Topic Learning Objectives
Application Interface
  • 11.2.2.3 describe the characteristics of a development framework
  • 11.5.4.1 create a mobile application interface using the components of an application designer
  • 11.5.4.2 edit properties of components in a program code
Mobile Application Development
  • 11.5.4.3 create an application for mobile devices using conditional operators
  • 11.5.4.4 create an application for mobile devices using loop structures
  • 11.5.4.5 use the technical capabilities of smartphones when developing
Publishing Applications
  • 11.5.4.6 publish the results of a project on the network (application store)
Term 4
11.4A Programming System
Topic Learning Objectives
Basic Algorithmic Structures
  • 11.4.1.1 use basic algorithmic structures (sequential, branching, loop)
Validation & Verification
  • 11.4.1.2 difference between validation and verification of data
Good Programming Style
  • 11.4.1.3 apply rules of good programming style
11.4B Information Security
Topic Learning Objectives
Data Protection
  • 11.1.2.1 security, privacy, data integrity
Backup & Mirroring
  • 11.1.2.3 data backup and disk mirroring
Encryption & Authentication
  • 11.1.2.4 encryption and access rights
Blockchain
  • 11.1.2.6 function and operation of Blockchain
Open & Closed Software
  • 11.1.3.2 open-source specifics
  • 11.1.3.3 closed-source specifics
Copyright & Access Restriction
  • 11.1.3.1 copyright law in computing
  • 11.1.3.4 methods of access restriction
Cloud Technologies
  • 11.1.3.5 evaluate risks of cloud technologies
11.4C Communication and Networks
Topic Learning Objectives
LAN & WAN
  • 11.6.1.1 compare LAN and WAN
Network Topology
  • 11.6.1.2 bus, ring, star, mesh topologies
Network Hardware
  • 11.6.1.3 purpose of network equipment
Client-Server Model
  • 11.6.2.3 features of client-server model
URL & DNS
  • 11.6.2.1 structure and purpose of URL
  • 11.6.2.2 Domain Name System
Network Protocols
  • 11.6.2.2 network protocols
IP Address
  • 11.6.2.4 format of IP address

Grade 11 — Programming (PROG)

Term 1
11.1A Introduction to Python
Topic Learning Objectives
Output & Escape Sequences
  • 11.1.1.1 organize data output
  • 11.1.1.2 use the escape sequences with data output
Data Types & Type Conversion
  • 11.1.1.3 distinguish between data types in Python
  • 11.1.1.4 convert data types of variables
Input & Arithmetic Operations
  • 11.1.1.5 organize keyboard inputs
  • 11.1.1.6 use arithmetic operations when solving problems
Boolean Logic & Branching
  • 11.1.1.7 apply logic operations to Boolean variables
  • 11.1.1.8 use logical operations AND, OR, NOT in selection structure
  • 11.1.1.9 implement the branching algorithm according to the flowchart
While Loop & Flowcharts
  • 11.1.2.1 write program code using a While loop
  • 11.1.2.2 implement a loop algorithm according to a flowchart
For Loop & Range
  • 11.1.2.4 write program code using a For loop
  • 11.1.2.5 define a range of values for a loop
Nested Loops
  • 11.1.2.7 use nested loops when solving problems
Tracing & Debugging
  • 11.1.2.3 trace program code
  • 11.1.2.6 debug a program
Term 2
11.2A Collections and Data Structures
Topic Learning Objectives
Creating Sets
  • 11.2.1.1 create sets
  • 11.2.1.2 use operations of adding, deleting, counting the number of elements
Set Operations & Comparison
  • 11.2.1.3 apply operations to sets: union, intersection, subtraction, symmetric difference
  • 11.2.1.4 compare sets
String Indexing & Slicing
  • 11.2.2.1 perform access to the elements of strings, lists, tuples
  • 11.2.2.2 use slicers to process the string
String Methods
  • 11.2.2.3 apply functions and string processing methods
Creating Lists & split/join
  • 11.2.3.1 create a list
  • 11.2.3.2 organize the output of a string using the split() and join() methods
List Methods
  • 11.2.3.3 apply functions and methods of processing lists
Tuples & Type Conversion
  • 11.2.4.1 create a tuple
  • 11.2.4.2 convert from one data structure to another
Term 3
11.3A Data structures (continuation)
Topic Learning Objectives
Dictionaries
  • 11.2.5.1 create a dictionary
  • 11.2.5.2 search for data in a dictionary for a given key
List & String Methods
  • 11.2.3.3 apply functions and methods of processing lists
  • 11.2.2.3 apply functions and methods of processing strings
11.3B Functions
Topic Learning Objectives
Functions
  • 11.3.1.1 write code in a programming language using functions
Lambda & Applied Problems
  • 11.3.2.1 write code in a programming language using lambda functions
  • 11.4.3.2 solve applied problems of various subject areas
Term 4
11.4A Object Oriented Programming (OOP)
Topic Learning Objectives
Classes & Objects
  • 11.4.1.1 create classes and instances of classes
  • 11.4.1.3 use special method __init__ to set default properties
  • 11.4.1.2 develop methods for the class
Inheritance & Polymorphism
  • 11.4.2.2 explain the concept of inheritance with examples
  • 11.4.2.1 explain the concept of polymorphism with examples
Applied OOP Problems
  • 11.4.3.1 decompose an applied task
  • 11.4.3.2 solve applied problems of various subject areas

Grade 12 — Computer Science (CS)

Term 1
12.1A Artificial Intelligence
Topic Learning Objectives
AI Applications
  • 12.4.3.1 describe spheres where artificial intelligence is applied: industry, education, medicine, gaming industry, society
  • 12.4.3.2 explain the purpose of virtual and augmented reality
12.1B Programming Paradigms
Topic Learning Objectives
Declarative vs Imperative
  • 12.5.1.1 compare declarative and imperative programming languages
Expert Systems
  • 12.5.1.2 create a simple expert system
Program Compilation Stages
  • 12.5.1.3 describe programme compilation stages: lexical and syntactic analysis, code generation, and optimization
12.1C System Testing
Topic Learning Objectives
Testing Methods
  • 12.5.3.2 perform testing using normal data
  • 12.5.3.3 perform testing using extreme data
  • 12.5.3.4 perform testing using erroneous data
  • 12.5.3.1 describe execution errors at program startup
  • 12.5.3.5 describe a syntax error in a program code
  • 12.5.3.6 describe a logic error in a program code
Term 2
12.2A Information Security
Topic Learning Objectives
Threats to Computer System
  • 12.1.3.2 analyze problems arising due to malware, physical risks
  • 12.1.3.1 analyze ethical problems arising due to computer system cracking
Data Protection Measures
  • 12.1.2.1 describe protection measures for data and computer systems such as firewalls, encryption, biometrics
Backup & Disk Mirroring
  • 12.1.2.2 use data protection measures such as data backup and disk mirroring
Protect Data from Unauthorized Access
  • 12.1.2.3 protect data from unauthorized access
Privacy Policies
  • 12.1.3.3 explain privacy policies
  • 12.1.3.4 analyze problems arising due to disseminating and using information
Cloud Computing & E-Government
  • 12.5.4.1 Describe what is meant by Cloud Technology and its benefits
  • 12.5.4.2 Differentiate between types of cloud computing (Deployment and Service models)
  • 12.5.4.3 Outline the purpose and functions of E-Government
  • 12.5.4.4 Describe the different types of services available on the E-Gov portal
12.2B Creating Documentation
Topic Learning Objectives
Formatting Project Documentation
  • 12.2.1.1 use headers and footers when documenting a project
  • 12.2.1.2 use footnotes when documenting a project
  • 12.2.1.3 use tables when documenting a project
SDLC Documentation: User Guide & Evaluation
  • 12.2.1.4 set page parameters when documenting a project
  • 12.2.1.5 set page numbers when documenting a project
  • 12.2.1.6 set indents and line spacing when documenting a project
Plagiarism Verification
  • 12.1.3.5 check documents using antiplagiarism resources
  • 12.1.3.6 list copyright protection rules
12.2C System Implementation
Topic Learning Objectives
Implementation Methods
  • 12.2.1.7 list system implementation methods
  • 12.2.1.8 compare the advantages and disadvantages of system implementation methods
Installation & Implementation Plan
  • 12.2.1.9 explain the importance of making a system implementation plan
  • 12.2.1.10 make a system implementation plan
Term 3
12.3A Computer Systems
Topic Learning Objectives
Types of Operating Systems
  • 12.3.1.1 describe a real-time operating system
  • 12.3.1.2 describe a network operating system
  • 12.3.1.3 describe a batch processing operating system
User Interfaces
  • 12.3.1.4 define the advantages and disadvantages of a graphical user interface (GUI)
  • 12.3.1.5 define the advantages and disadvantages of a command-line interface (CLI)
  • 12.3.1.6 define the advantages and disadvantages of natural-language and gesture-recognition user interfaces
Fetch-Decode-Execute Cycle
  • 12.3.2.5 explain three operations in a fetch-execute cycle (fetch / decode / execute)
System Bus
  • 12.3.2.4 explain how data is transferred between different components through the address bus, data bus, and control bus
Clock Speed, Word Size & Bus Width
  • 12.3.2.6 explain how the clock speed, word length, and bus width affect the performance
RISC vs CISC
  • 12.3.2.1 describe the RISC architecture
  • 12.3.2.2 describe the CISC architecture
  • 12.3.2.3 compare RISC and CISC
Addressable Memory
  • 12.3.4.1 explain the principle of memory addressing
  • 12.3.4.2 explain the principle of storing programs and data
Paging & Segmentation
  • 12.3.4.2 explain the principle of memory organization by segment and page
Virtual Machine
  • 12.3.4.3 explain the concept of a virtual machine
Boolean Logic
  • 12.3.3.2 build logical structures
  • 12.3.3.4 analyze logical structures
Logic Laws
  • 12.3.3.3 simplify logical expressions using the laws of logic
12.3B Data Presentation
Topic Learning Objectives
Number Systems
  • 12.1.1.1 convert a number from one number system to another
  • 12.1.1.2 explain the advantages of using hexadecimal numbers in computer systems
  • 12.1.1.3 perform the arithmetic operations: addition and multiplication of binary numbers
Two's Complement & Floating Point
  • 12.1.1.4 represents positive and negative numbers in two's complement and specifies the range of n bits
  • 12.1.1.5 perform subtraction using two's complement
  • 12.1.1.6 use binary numbers with a fixed point to represent fractional numbers with a given number of bits
  • 12.1.1.7 represent positive and negative floating-point decimal numbers in binary
Data Structures
  • 12.5.2.1 describe the operation of stack and queue data structures
  • 12.5.2.2 build a binary tree
12.3C Communication and Networks
Topic Learning Objectives
Internet & the World Wide Web
  • 12.6.2.1 distinguish features of the World Wide Web, Intranet and the Internet
OSI Model
  • 12.6.1.2 describe the functions of the OSI network model layers
Circuit Switching & Packet Switching
  • 12.6.1.1 explain the difference between packet switching and circuit switching
Packet Routing & MAC Addresses
  • 12.6.2.2 describe the role of MAC addresses in packet routing
  • 12.6.2.3 identify the MAC address of a computer
Term 4
12.4A Revision (Grade 11 Review)
Topic Learning Objectives
Data Representation (Revision)
  • 12.1.1.1 convert a number from one number system to another
  • 12.1.1.4 represents positive and negative numbers in two's complement
  • 12.1.1.5 perform subtraction using two's complement
  • 12.1.1.6 use binary numbers with a fixed point
  • 12.1.1.7 represent floating-point decimal numbers in binary
Information Security (Revision)
  • 11.1.2.1 explain the difference between security, privacy and data integrity
  • 11.1.2.3 describe data backup and disk mirroring
  • 11.1.2.4 describe encryption and access rights
  • 11.1.2.5 explain verification and validation
  • 12.1.2.1 describe computer systems protection measures
Engineering & SDLC
  • 11.2.2.3 describe the characteristics of a development framework
  • 11.2.2.5 discuss the use of prototypes based on a specific example
  • 11.2.2.6 develop a prototype for a new system
  • 11.2.2.7 define minimum requirements for hardware when implementing solutions
Databases
  • 11.4.1.1 describe relational databases and their purpose
  • 11.4.1.2 use the terms attribute, object, index, record, table and tuple
  • 11.4.1.3 explain the difference between primary, composite and foreign key
  • 11.4.1.4 define data types when creating a database
  • 11.4.1.5 define the connections between tables (1–3NF)
  • 11.4.1.6 define the connections between tables
  • 11.4.1.7 create an entity-relationship (ER) model
SQL Query Language
  • 11.4.2.3 describe the basic SQL queries: CREATE, ALTER, DROP
  • 11.4.2.4 use SQL queries: SELECT, UPDATE, INSERT, DELETE
  • 11.4.2.5 use SQL SELECT for data selection in multiple tables
  • 11.4.2.1 explain the purpose of data dictionary
Programming Paradigms
  • 11.5.1.1 distinguish between generations of programming languages
  • 11.5.1.2 classify programming languages into low and high-level
  • 11.5.1.3 analyze a simple program written in assembly language
  • 11.5.1.4 use trace tables to verify the correctness of an algorithm
  • 11.5.1.5 advantages and disadvantages of high-level languages
  • 11.5.1.6 advantages and disadvantages of low-level languages
  • 11.5.1.7 advantages and disadvantages of compilers
  • 11.5.1.8 advantages and disadvantages of interpreters
Protocols
  • 11.6.3.1 explain the role of protocols (HTTP, FTP, POP3, SMTP, HTTPS, FTPS)
  • 11.6.3.2 explain the format of an IP address and how it is associated with a device
  • 11.6.3.3 explain the difference between public and private IP addresses
Principles of Internet Operation
  • 11.6.1.1 compare features of LAN and WAN
  • 11.6.1.2 describe advantages and disadvantages of network topologies
  • 11.6.1.3 explain the purpose of network equipment
  • 11.6.2.1 describe the role of URL
  • 11.6.2.2 describe the purpose of DNS
  • 11.6.2.3 know the features of the client-server model

Grade 12 — Programming (PROG)

Term 1
12.1A Python Libraries
Topic Learning Objectives
Random Library
  • 12.6.1.1 use the functions of the library Random to get a pseudo-random number
  • 12.6.1.3 identify code snippets that use random sequence generation
RGB Colors
  • 12.6.2.1 determine standard colors by RGB code
PIL Image Basics
  • 12.6.2.2 use commands of module Image in PIL library (load, create, size, save) to manipulate images
PIL Drawing Primitives
  • 12.6.2.3 apply graphic primitives to create drawings
PIL Image Filters
  • 12.6.2.4 create filters for image processing
Wave Library
  • 12.6.3.1 use commands of the Wave library to process sound files
Term 2
12.2A PyGame
Topic Learning Objectives
PyGame Setup & Window
  • 12.5.1.1 connect the PyGame library and its modules
  • 12.5.1.2 create the game window
Game Loop
  • 12.5.1.3 code the game loop of the application
Drawing Primitives
  • 12.5.2.1 output graphic primitives to the application window
Movement & Animation
  • 12.5.3.1 code the movement of graphic objects
  • 12.5.3.8 analyse the result of the programme execution
Mouse Control
  • 12.5.3.3 control characters with the mouse
Term 3
12.3A PyGame (continuation)
Topic Learning Objectives
Keyboard Control
  • 12.5.3.4 control characters with the keyboard
Text & Scoring
  • 12.5.2.4 display graphic text on the screen
  • 12.5.3.7 implement an algorithm for calculating game results
Sprites & Characters
  • 12.5.2.2 load ready-made characters for the game
  • 12.5.3.5 define parameters (x, y, width, height) of the current state of the object
Collision & Movement
  • 12.5.3.1 code the movement of graphic objects
  • 12.5.3.6 check the relative position of objects on the screen
Full Game Implementation
  • 12.5.3.9 implement the game in accordance with the scenario
Term 4
12.4A Chatbot Development
Topic Learning Objectives
Types & Uses of Chatbots
  • 12.6.4.1 define the types of chatbots
  • 12.6.4.2 argue for the use of chatbots
APIs & Configuration
  • 12.6.4.3 explain the meaning of the API
  • 12.6.4.4 get API configuration for a chatbot
Keyword Database & Events
  • 12.6.4.5 create a database of answers by keywords
  • 12.6.4.6 process chat events

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