Task 4: Software Development Theory Test

Outline Reference

• Assessment type: Theory test
• Task weighting: 10%
• Unit: Unit 4
• Timing: Term 3, Week 3
• Dates (2026): Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August
• Total marks: 50
• Conditions: supervised, closed-book, individual written test

Purpose

Assess knowledge, understanding and application of the Unit 4 Developing software content.

Assessed Content

This task assesses:

• purpose and function of software to operate a computer system
• operating systems
• utility software, including file compression, defragmenter, anti-virus and anti-malware
• application software
• requirements for software licensing, including freeware, open source and shareware
• stages of the Software Development Cycle (SDC):
  • state the problem
  • plan and design
  • develop the solution
  • test the solution
  • evaluate the solution
• factors affecting the development of software:
  • user needs
  • user interface
• applying software development requirements to scenario-based questions

Student Preparation Hub

Website location:

/computer-science/task-4-software-theory-prep

The hub is organised so students learn from the Unit 4 theory pages before moving into test practice. It includes:

• links to the Unit 4 theory pages
• study notes
• flashcards
• topic quizzes
• SDC order practice
• software and licensing matching
• written scenario practice
• timed mock theory test

Evidence and Submission

• Completed test paper under supervised conditions.
• Mark entered into the course marks book.
• Marked script retained for moderation evidence.

Conditions

• Closed book.
• No internet, notes, AI assistance or communication with other students.
• Time and conditions set by school assessment policy.

School Policy (Assessment and Reporting)

• Missed assessments: absent without a valid reason may incur a penalty decided by the HOLA; unavoidable absence is completed on return.
• Absences: parent notification required; sickness/misadventure form for formal assessments; medical certificate may be required.
• Extensions: request to the HOLA before the due date; acceptable reasons include illness/injury/personal circumstances; adjusted date is generally within two days of return.
• Late submissions: late without acceptable reason receives a percentage penalty set by the teacher in consultation with the HOLA.
• Academic integrity: no cheating, collusion, plagiarism, or AI-generated work; correct acknowledgment required.
• Authentication: drafts/checkpoints may be required; in-class validation may be used.

Glossary Verbs (Use Consistently)

• Describe: provide characteristics and features.
• Explain: relate cause and effect; provide why/how.
• Apply: use in a particular situation.
• Justify: support an answer with reasons.