International education in Information and Communication Technology at Zlatarski School

In May 2015 students from Zlatarski School will sit the IGCSE ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) exams. The curriculum of the IGCSE ICT course is covered in grades 9 and 10 with some preparation starting in grade 8. The curriculum includes some theоretical concepts (computer systems and computer networks as well as many practical skills in using different programme technologies (databases, electronic tables, text formatting, media of communication). All students at Zlatarski School have the opportunity to develop solid knowledge in IT as well as kills for effective use of computer technologies for personal or professional use, regardless of the sphere of interests.

Students who choose to sit the international GCSE ICT exam at the end of grade 10, are examined in practical skills (60%) and theoretical concepts (40%). Exam materials are assessed in the UK and exams are administered by Cambridge International Examinations. The curriculum covers the following components: 1. Types and Components of Computer Systems; 2. Input and Output Devices; 3. Storage Devices and Media; 4. Computer Networks; 5. Data Type and Organisation; 6. The Effects of Using IT; 7. ICT Use in Everyday Life, ICT Use in the Workplace; 8. Systems Analysis and Design

Sample questions from past papers in Information and Communication technologies:
Q1: (2012) Many banks offer internet banking where customers have to log on to the system.
(a) Explain why authentication techniques are necessary.
(b) Customer data is encrypted. Explain what encryption is and why it is used.
(c) Give four advantages to bank customers of using ATMs rather than going to the bank to withdraw cash.

Q2: (2012) Mario owns a company which has a small network of computers.
(a) Give two advantages of having computers networked.
(b) Name the device he would need to be able to connect the computers to the internet.
(c) Give two benefits and two drawbacks of connecting to the internet.

IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an international academic qualification for secondary education, which prepares students from grades 8 to 10 for their education in the International Baccalaureate programme in grades 11 and 12. Zlatarski School is an authorised center for the sitting of IGCSE exams in Bulgaria.

During the June 2014 session 50 students from Zlatarski School had the opportunity to test their knowledge in IGCSE English, IGCSE Mathematics, IGCSE History, IGCSE Biology, IGCSE Physics, IGCSE Information and Communication Technologies.

In 2013 41 students from Zlatarski International School sat the IGCSE exams. They sat exams in English, Mathematics, History, Biology and Physics. The IGCSE (International General Certificate for Secondary Education) is an academic programme for secondary education for students in grades 8 – 10 (14-16 year olds), adopted in many schools in the UK and internationally. Integrated in the English language curriculum, the IGCSE programme at Zlatarski School prepares students for their successful transition into the International Baccalaureate programme in grades 11 and 12.

We congratulate all students, who achieved A – C in the IGCSE exams, as such results are regarded positively by universities around the world as a sign of sufficient preparation for university education.

We are pleased with the excellent performance of our students in IGCSE English, where 75% achieved marks of A-C. The school record this year was set by Denitsa Zafirova and Mario Mitov, who achieved A* (a result achieved by only 7% of students worldwide), followed by Mihaela Milenkova, David Wiske, Kiril Dechev, Katrin Toneva, Peter Locker and Nikoleta Rashkova. In IGCSE Mathematics excellent marks achieved Martin Nikov, Mihaela Milenkova and Simona Stankulova. In IGCSE Biology the highest result belongs to Kiril Dechev, and in IGCSE History and IGCSE Physics – to David Wiske.  The successful performance in the IGCSE exams proves that students are ready to enter the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme and to aim at high results. After integrating the IGCSE programme in the national curriculum in 2009, Zlatarski School has the highest results, achieved by Bulgarian students in the international exams.