Computer science
  • Exam boards
    • OCR past papers >
      • Paper1 (Sample)
    • Edexcel past papers >
      • 2020 Current spec (coming soon) >
        • Programming Language Subset (PLS)
      • Old 2016 SPEC >
        • Paper 1 (specimen1)
        • Paper 1 (specimen2)
        • Paper 1 (2018)
        • Paper 1 (2019)
        • Paper 2 (specimen1)
        • Paper 2 (2018)
        • Paper 2 (2019)
      • OLD 2013 SPEC >
        • Sample assessment 1 (old spec)
        • Sample assessment 2 (old spec)
        • June 2017 (old spec)
        • June 2016 (old spec)
        • June 2015 (old spec)
    • Paper 1 (by topic) >
      • Algorithms
      • Application software
      • Ascii
      • Binary
      • Cache
      • Client Server
      • Cloud
      • Compression
      • Computational thinking
      • CPU
      • Cyber security
      • Database
      • Fetch decode execute cycle
      • Embedded system
      • Encryption
      • File size
      • Flow chart
      • Hexadecimal
      • High Level language
      • ISP/Internet
      • Logic
      • Magnetic HDD
      • Networking
      • Open source
      • Operating system
      • Peer to peer
      • Images (Data representation)
      • Protocols
      • RAM
      • ROM
      • Run length encoding
      • Simulation software
      • Solid state HDD
      • Sound
      • Stored program concept
      • Utility software
    • Curriculum >
      • Binary
      • Hex
      • Data Representation
      • Compression
      • Encryption
      • What is a computer
      • How does a computer work
      • Hardware
      • Operating system
      • The CPU
      • Input devices
      • Data storage
      • Networks
      • Microcontrollers
      • Computational models
      • Emerging trends
      • Virtual machine
      • Models and simulators
      • Algorithms
    • Python >
      • Finding python
      • GCSE Python questions
      • Python coding >
        • Comments
        • Data types
        • Variables
        • If Else
        • If Elif Else
        • Functions
        • For loop
        • While loop >
          • While loop challenges
        • Data structures >
          • Looping thru 2D array
        • String slicing/indexing
        • Subprograms
        • Local/global variable
        • Validation and try
        • methods
        • File I/O
        • Pseudocode
        • Modules >
          • Turtle
        • Classes
        • NEA/Projects
  • KS3/Other
    • KS3 >
      • Online Safety >
        • Screen time
        • Online Safety questions
      • IT
      • Hardware >
        • All Hardware
        • Magnetic hard disk drive
        • Optical disk drive
        • Solid state drive
      • Software
      • Binary/Hex/Algorithms >
        • Binary
        • Binary explained
        • Hexadecimal - 1 digit
        • Hexadecimal - 2 digits
        • Algorithms
        • ASCII
        • Tests
      • Networks
      • Protocols/Cyber attacks
      • Logic >
        • CPU
        • AND gate
        • OR gate
        • NOT gate
        • Logical statements
      • Coding >
        • HTML
        • Scratch >
          • Scratch questions
        • Python >
          • Getting started
          • Functions
          • Variables
          • VariablesToo
          • inputs
          • Selection
          • Flowcharts
          • Data types
          • Pseudocode1
          • Pseudocode2
          • Subprogram1
          • Subprogram2
          • Coding challenges
    • BTEC CS
    • OCR GCSE CS >
      • Past paper JUNE 2015
      • Past paper June 2014
      • Past paper MAY 2012
      • Past paper JAN 2011
      • Past paper JUN 2011
    • AQA AS-Level CS >
      • AS Curriculum >
        • Multiple choice questions
    • Business studies >
      • Keywords
      • BS Revision - Multiple choice
      • Paper 1 (9-1)
      • Paper 2 (9-1)
  • Contact/More
    • Code editor
    • Contact us
    • Microbit ideas
    • More
  • Self test
    • 01 Random topics
    • 02 Programming
    • 03 Data
    • 04 Computers
    • 05 Networks
    • 06 Legal/Ethics/Enviro'
    • Coding/Programming

edexcel gcse computing

2016 spec - Paper 1
Picture

EDEXCEL GCSE Computing sample assessment material exam paper can be downloaded here

EDEXCEL GCSE Computing sample assessment material mark scheme can be downloaded here

A youtube walk-through can be found here

Picture
Picture
Picture
1A Answer
 Main memory/RAM/Random Access Memory (1)​

More help here - Ram explained
Picture
1B answer
B - Cache

More help here - Cache memory explained
Picture
1C answer
Derivation of the required ASCII code:
Derive the fact that 74 denary is the ASCII value for the letter ‘J’ (1)
Example:
D, E, F, G, H, I, J == 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74
J – D = 6; 68 + 6 = 74

More help here - Ascii explained
Picture
1di answer
Calculation:
• 1 kilobyte = 1024 bytes (1)
• 3 x 1024 or 3072 (1)​

More help here - Converting between byte sizes

Picture
1dii answer
Calculation:
1 Megabit = 1,000,000 bits(1)
3 x 1,000,000 or 3,000,000 (1)
​
More help here - 
Picture
1e answer
D - IMAP

More help here - IMAP is good
Picture
1f answer
A description that makes reference to the following points:
• A client uses the address of the server to make a connection (1)
• then the client sends a request to the server/client request services from the server (1)
• The server obtains the address of the client once that client makes a connection to the server (1)
• then the server sends the requested data/services (to the client) (1)

More help here - Client server model
Picture
1g answer
C - Hexadecimal is easier for humans to read

More help here - Hex explained
Picture
2A answer
An explanation that makes reference to the following points:
• lossless compression ensures that no data is lost (1)
• so that the desktop published file can be restored so that it is exactly the same as the original (1)

More help here - Compression explained
Picture
2B answer
 Any two from:
• Data is removed during the compression process (1)
• The removed data is not normally noticed by a human (sight, sound) (1)
• The original contents of the file cannot be restored exactly (1)

More help here - Lossy compression
Picture
2c answer
• Letters in correct order (1)
• Correct number (1)
Either: 3b 1r 4g 2r
Or
b3 r1 g4 r2​

More help here - RLE explained
Picture
3a answer
An explanation that makes reference to two of the following points:
• Defragmentation software moves file blocks closer together (1)
• Compression software reduces file sizes using less space (1)
• Use backup software to move files to a secure place and deleting files on the hard disc frees up space (1)
and
• this speeds up disc access times to the files (which will improve the speed of the disc) (1)

More help here - Utility software
Picture
3b answer
Any two reasons from:
• Instructions are close to English/easier for humans to read/write than a low-level language/makes fewer errors (1)
• It’s quicker to develop code/easier to maintain code (than if it were written in a low-level language) (1)
• They are usually available across many platforms/chipsets/operating systems (1)

More help here - High level languages

Picture
3c answer
An explanation that makes reference to the following point:
• Intellectual property can be protected by copyright/patent laws (1) 
Plus one from:
• so that by registering the patent the patent holder has exclusive rights to make/use/sell the software (1)
• so that by registering the copyright the source/(object) code is protected (1)

More help here - IP
Picture
3d answer
Indicative content:
• are written only once/no repeated/copied blocks of code (1)
• only needs to be debugged once (1)
• can be reused/called from anywhere in the program (1)
• make main program more readable/shorter (1)
• can reduce the need for global variables (1)
• can be put into libraries/reused in other programs/shared with others (1)
• can be used to hide complex code/functionality (1)
• can be written in low-level languages for special purpose/interact with hardware/optimise performance (1)

More help here - subprograms
Picture
4a answer
A description that makes reference to the following points:
• the protocol allows the devices on a network to communicate with each other (1)
• by the use of a common set of rules (1)​

More help here - Protocols
Picture
4b answer
An explanation that makes reference to the following points:
• A patch will fix any known security issues (1)
• so the machine running the application is less vulnerable to successful cyberattacks (1)


More help here - Patch
Picture
4c answer
A description that makes reference to the following points:
• device B puts the address of device C into a packet/message to send (1)
• then device A reads that address and sends the packet to device C (1)​

Picture
4d answer
Indicative content:
• The school/technical team will be responsible for backing up/disaster recovery if the data is stored on hard discs (connected to the school's servers)
• The storage provider is responsible for backup/disaster recovery if the school stores its data in the 'cloud'
• The school's files are available without an internet connection if data is stored on hard discs (connected to the school's servers)
• An internet connection is required to access the school's files if they are stored in the 'cloud'
• Staff at the school can access their files anywhere by using mobile devices if the school's files are stored in the 'cloud'
• The staff can access their files at school only if the data is stored on hard discs (connected to the school's servers)
• The school will be responsible for maintaining the servers, replacing them when they age/technology becomes outdated
• The storage provider is responsible for updating the storage system in the cloud and providing new technology as it evolves
• The school will be responsible for increasing the storage capacity of their servers as demands evolve
• The storage provider is able to provide additional storage space on demand.


More help here - Cloud vs Servers
Picture
5a answer
An explanation that makes reference to the following points:
• monitors weight of load (1)
• so that it can adjust water levels for small/large loads (1)
OR
• monitors water temperature (1)
• so it can maintain the required value by turning heating element on/off (1)
OR
• monitors soaking button setting (1)
• so that it can add additional time at the right place in the programme cycle (1)
OR
• monitors maximum spin switch setting (1)
• so that it can set required motor revolutions (1)​

More help here - Embedded systems
Picture
5b answer
Picture
A truth table for the function of the operator AND:
• four different input combinations and four different correct output combinations
False AND False = False
False AND True = False
True AND False = False
True AND True = True​

More help here - Logic gates
Picture
5c answer
A logic statement that includes:
• Correct use of ‘OR’ (1)
• Correct use of ‘AND’ (1)
• Correct use of brackets or order of precedence if brackets not used (1)
Examples:
• (O OR M) AND P
• P AND (M OR O)
• (O AND P) OR (P AND M)
• O AND P OR P AND M​

More help here - Logical statements
Picture
5d answer
B - 1010 1000

More help here - Logical shift
Picture
6a answer
A statement that includes:
• an algorithm is a sequence of steps/step-by-step instructions (1)
• which (if followed exactly) will perform a specific task (1)​

More help here​ - Algorithm
Picture
6b answer
Two reasons:
• Encrypted data is encoded/scrambled so that it cannot be understood (1)
• The unauthorised person would not have the key to decrypt the data (1)​

More help here - Encryption
Picture
6c answer
• Applying a double shift to ‘pink’ to obtain unsp (1)
• Identifying +5 as the equivalent single shift to obtain unsp (1)
• Recognise that both shifts give the same result, so the double shift is no more secure than the single shift (1)​

More help here - Caesar cipher explained

Picture
Picture
6di answer
A statement that includes:
• a pixel is the smallest identifiable unit in a graphic image (1)​

More help here - Pixel explained
Picture
6dii answer
• Mathematical expression (1)
• 15000 bytes (1)
Example:
​
300 ×100 ×4
_______________    = 15000
          8

More help here - Image size
Picture
6e answer
Picture


More help here - Merge sort
Picture
6f answer
An explanation that makes reference to the following points:
• The set-top box must process data quickly (1)
• so a compiler is used because compiled code runs faster than interpreted code (1)

More help here - Compiler vs Interpreter
Picture
6g answer
A statement that includes:
• (Abstracting means) removing unnecessary detail/simplifying (1)
• so that we can focus on the essence/real part/important part of the problem (1)​

More help here - Abstraction
Picture
6hi answer
A statement that includes:
• The purpose of ‘roll’ is to generate a single number, chosen randomly, between 1 and 12, inclusive (1)
OR
• Two numbers between 1 and 6

More help here - Algorithm
Picture
6hii answer
One of the following reasons:
• ‘Roll’ is an abstraction because it allows the programmer to focus on the result of a roll, rather than on how to implement the roll algorithm (1)
OR
• ‘Roll’ is an abstraction because it is a model/simulation/representation of a real/physical activity/action (1)

More help here - Abstraction
Picture
Picture
7ai answer
Picture


More help here - Two's compliment
Picture
7aii answer
The comparison should include reference to both two’s complement and signed magnitude numbers for any two of the following:
• Addition of two’s complement will always work (1)
• Addition of sign-magnitude numbers does not always work (1)
• There is only one way to represent the number 0 in two’s complement (1)
• There are two ways to represent the number 0 in sign-magnitude numbers (1)

More help here - Comparison
Picture
7aiii answer
D [None of the above are accurate] (1)​

More help here - Binary addition
Picture
7Bi answer
Correct identification of the labelled items:
A. Analogue signal/sound wave (1)
B. Sample interval (1)
C. Amplitude (1)​

More help here - Digital sound
Picture
7Bii answer
An explanation that makes reference to the following points:
• (Higher sampling frequencies) generate more sampling data (1)
• which increases memory/storage requirements (1)
• and gives a more accurate digital representation (of the original signal) (1)​

More help here - Sampling
Home
Contact
Upload
Log in
  • Exam boards
    • OCR past papers >
      • Paper1 (Sample)
    • Edexcel past papers >
      • 2020 Current spec (coming soon) >
        • Programming Language Subset (PLS)
      • Old 2016 SPEC >
        • Paper 1 (specimen1)
        • Paper 1 (specimen2)
        • Paper 1 (2018)
        • Paper 1 (2019)
        • Paper 2 (specimen1)
        • Paper 2 (2018)
        • Paper 2 (2019)
      • OLD 2013 SPEC >
        • Sample assessment 1 (old spec)
        • Sample assessment 2 (old spec)
        • June 2017 (old spec)
        • June 2016 (old spec)
        • June 2015 (old spec)
    • Paper 1 (by topic) >
      • Algorithms
      • Application software
      • Ascii
      • Binary
      • Cache
      • Client Server
      • Cloud
      • Compression
      • Computational thinking
      • CPU
      • Cyber security
      • Database
      • Fetch decode execute cycle
      • Embedded system
      • Encryption
      • File size
      • Flow chart
      • Hexadecimal
      • High Level language
      • ISP/Internet
      • Logic
      • Magnetic HDD
      • Networking
      • Open source
      • Operating system
      • Peer to peer
      • Images (Data representation)
      • Protocols
      • RAM
      • ROM
      • Run length encoding
      • Simulation software
      • Solid state HDD
      • Sound
      • Stored program concept
      • Utility software
    • Curriculum >
      • Binary
      • Hex
      • Data Representation
      • Compression
      • Encryption
      • What is a computer
      • How does a computer work
      • Hardware
      • Operating system
      • The CPU
      • Input devices
      • Data storage
      • Networks
      • Microcontrollers
      • Computational models
      • Emerging trends
      • Virtual machine
      • Models and simulators
      • Algorithms
    • Python >
      • Finding python
      • GCSE Python questions
      • Python coding >
        • Comments
        • Data types
        • Variables
        • If Else
        • If Elif Else
        • Functions
        • For loop
        • While loop >
          • While loop challenges
        • Data structures >
          • Looping thru 2D array
        • String slicing/indexing
        • Subprograms
        • Local/global variable
        • Validation and try
        • methods
        • File I/O
        • Pseudocode
        • Modules >
          • Turtle
        • Classes
        • NEA/Projects
  • KS3/Other
    • KS3 >
      • Online Safety >
        • Screen time
        • Online Safety questions
      • IT
      • Hardware >
        • All Hardware
        • Magnetic hard disk drive
        • Optical disk drive
        • Solid state drive
      • Software
      • Binary/Hex/Algorithms >
        • Binary
        • Binary explained
        • Hexadecimal - 1 digit
        • Hexadecimal - 2 digits
        • Algorithms
        • ASCII
        • Tests
      • Networks
      • Protocols/Cyber attacks
      • Logic >
        • CPU
        • AND gate
        • OR gate
        • NOT gate
        • Logical statements
      • Coding >
        • HTML
        • Scratch >
          • Scratch questions
        • Python >
          • Getting started
          • Functions
          • Variables
          • VariablesToo
          • inputs
          • Selection
          • Flowcharts
          • Data types
          • Pseudocode1
          • Pseudocode2
          • Subprogram1
          • Subprogram2
          • Coding challenges
    • BTEC CS
    • OCR GCSE CS >
      • Past paper JUNE 2015
      • Past paper June 2014
      • Past paper MAY 2012
      • Past paper JAN 2011
      • Past paper JUN 2011
    • AQA AS-Level CS >
      • AS Curriculum >
        • Multiple choice questions
    • Business studies >
      • Keywords
      • BS Revision - Multiple choice
      • Paper 1 (9-1)
      • Paper 2 (9-1)
  • Contact/More
    • Code editor
    • Contact us
    • Microbit ideas
    • More
  • Self test
    • 01 Random topics
    • 02 Programming
    • 03 Data
    • 04 Computers
    • 05 Networks
    • 06 Legal/Ethics/Enviro'
    • Coding/Programming