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.

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Full Syllabus

Complete NIS 2025 learning objectives — Grades 11 & 12

Grade 11 — Computer Science (CS)

Term 1
11.1A Computer systems
Topic Learning Objectives
Software classification
  • 11.3.1.1 classify software
  • 11.3.1.2 describe the purpose of the OS, utilities, libraries, translators
Operating systems
  • 11.3.1.5 describe the main functions of operating systems
  • 11.3.1.6 compare single-user and multi-user operating systems
User interfaces
  • 11.3.1.11 identify the advantages and disadvantages of graphical user interface (GUI)
  • 11.3.1.12 identify the advantages and disadvantages of command line interface (CLI)
Programming languages classification
  • TBD [Update learning objectives for Programming Languages Classification]
11.1B Web design
Topic Learning Objectives
Web page design
  • 11.5.3.1 identify common elements of a web page structure
  • 11.5.3.2 create an interface using HTML and CSS
Cascading style sheets
  • 11.5.3.5 compare CSS implementation types
  • 11.5.3.6 use CSS when designing a website
11.1C Project development
Topic Learning Objectives
SDLC models
  • 11.2.1.1 define the main stages of the system development life cycle
  • 11.2.1.2 evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of system development models
Data analysis
  • 11.2.1.3 describe data collection methods
  • 11.2.1.4 compare qualitative and quantitative methods of data analysis
Term 2
11.2A Information systems
Topic Learning Objectives
Basic concepts of a database
  • 11.4.1.1 describe relational databases and their purpose
  • 11.4.1.2 use the terms "table", "attribute", "record", and "index" to describe databases
Data dictionary
  • 11.4.1.5 explain the purpose of a data dictionary
  • 11.4.1.6 create a data dictionary for database tables
The entity-relationship diagram
  • 11.2.2.2 create entity-relationship diagrams (ERD)
Normalization
  • 11.4.1.9 list the normalisation rules for the first, second and third normal forms
  • 11.4.1.10 normalise a database to the third normal form
SQL
  • 11.4.2.2 create a database structure using DDL commands: CREATE, ALTER and DROP
  • 11.4.2.3 use SQL SELECT, UPDATE, INSERT and DELETE queries
11.2B Project development
Topic Learning Objectives
Designing a new system
  • TBD [Update learning objectives for Designing a new system]
Database design
  • TBD [Update learning objectives for Database design]
Process design
  • TBD [Update learning objectives for Process design]
Prototyping
  • 11.2.2.4 describe the advantages and disadvantages of using prototypes in system development
  • 11.2.2.5 develop a prototype of a system interface, including input and output forms
Technical specification
  • TBD [Update learning objectives for Technical specification]
Term 3
11.3A Data presentation
Topic Learning Objectives
Number representation
  • 11.1.1.1 explain the differences between the binary, decimal and hexadecimal number systems
  • 11.1.1.2 convert numbers between the binary, decimal and hexadecimal number systems
Image representation
  • 11.1.1.5 explain how bitmap images are represented in terms of number of pixels, resolution, and color depth
Text representation
  • 11.1.1.7 compare Unicode and ASCII
  • 11.1.1.8 calculate the number of bytes required to store a text fragment
Sound representation
  • 11.1.1.9 describe the digital representation of sound in terms of sampling rate and resolution
11.3B Web programming
Topic Learning Objectives
Scripting language
  • 11.5.4.1 use algorithmic selection structures in a script language
  • 11.5.4.4 apply an iterative algorithmic structure in a script language
HTML form processing
  • 11.5.4.6 use a procedural scripting language to process HTML form data
Adding and selecting data from a database
  • 11.5.4.7 write program code to add data to a database
  • 11.5.4.8 write program code to extract data from a database
11.3C Network technologies
Topic Learning Objectives
Computer networks
  • 11.6.1.1 compare the capabilities of local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN)
  • 11.6.1.4 compare the advantages and disadvantages of wireless and wired connections
Network devices
  • 11.6.1.6 explain the purpose of network devices: repeater, hub, switch, router, and gateway
Domain name system
  • 11.6.2.4 describe the purpose and organization of the Domain Name System (DNS)
Packet routing
  • 11.6.2.2 describe the role of the MAC address in packet routing
Term 4
11.4A Project development
Topic Learning Objectives
Database development
  • TBD [Update learning objectives for Database development]
Web application development
  • TBD [Update learning objectives for Web application development]
SQL implementation
  • TBD [Update learning objectives for SQL implementation]
Data testing
  • 11.5.4.10 perform testing using normal data
  • 11.5.4.11 perform testing using boundary data
  • 11.5.4.12 perform testing using erroneous data
Types of programming errors
  • 11.5.4.13 describe a syntax error in program code
  • 11.5.4.14 describe a logical error in program code
Implementation methods
  • 11.2.2.6 list the methods of system implementation
Repetition: project defense
  • TBD [Update learning objectives for Project defense]
11.4B Information Security
Topic Learning Objectives
Information protection measures
  • 11.1.2.1 explain the difference between data availability, data privacy and data integrity
Physical risks
  • 11.1.2.2 describe physical risks of data loss
Malware
  • 11.1.2.4 analyse the problems caused by malware
  • 11.1.2.5 describe data protection measures against malware

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