ICT

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) curriculum consists of compulsory and elective parts. The compulsory part covers information processing, fundamentals of computer systems, internet and its applications, computational thinking and programming, as well as ICT’s impact on society. It accounts for 55% of the public exam score, lasting about 2 hours. The elective part accounts for 25%, where students select two out of three modules: databases, web application development, and algorithms and programming, with an exam duration of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The School-Based Assessment (SBA) accounts for 20%, comprising two guided coursework assignments focusing on system design, implementation, testing, and evaluation.

Paper 1 covers the compulsory section with multiple-choice and structured questions. Paper 2 covers the elective section with short and structured questions from the two chosen modules, requiring students to demonstrate in-depth understanding integrating compulsory and elective knowledge. The SBA evaluates practical skills and project management via coursework.

For revision, students are advised to solidify their foundation in the compulsory material by mastering various software applications, programming languages, and internet technologies. For elective modules, deep understanding and practical exercises in database operations, web development, and programming are essential. Practicing past papers and mock exams helps improve analytical and problem-solving skills, especially for structured and application questions. For SBA, students should consistently complete guided coursework, actively communicate with teachers and peers, and ensure their work is complete and meets standards. Combining theory with practical exercises is key to success.