GCSE

Computing

Unit A451: Computer systems and programming

General Certificate of Secondary Education

Mark Scheme for June 2017

Oxford Cambridge and RSA Examinations

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This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and students, to indicate the requirements
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Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the published question papers and the report
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© OCR 2017
A451 Mark Scheme June 2017
Annotations

Annotation Meaning
Blank Page – this annotation must be used on all blank pages within an answer booklet (structured or
unstructured) and on each page of an additional object where there is no candidate response.

Omission mark

Benefit of doubt

Subordinate clause/Consequential error

Cross

Expansion of a point

Follow through

Not answered question

Benefit of doubt not given

Point being made

Repeat

Slash

Tick

Too vague

Zero (big)

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

MARK SCHEME

Question Answer / Indicative Content Mark Guidance

1 a 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2 All of input, process and output required for third bullet.
 Hardware
 Software Do not accept examples of hardware/software.
 Allows for input, process and output

1 b i Input: to allow instructions/data/commands/destination to be 1 Do not accept “information”.

input/entered/given/example (e.g. entering a post code)

1 b ii 1 mark for input device, 1 for sensible use of device 2 Allow any reasonable input device, do not accept software
e.g. e.g. voice recognition. Do not accept “sensor” without
 Microphone… detailing what type of sensor.
 …to let the user say their destination/voice recognition
Accept “braille keyboard” but do not accept “braille” on its
 Touch screen… own. Accept buttons.
 …let the user press options/enter data
Second mark is awarded for a sensible use of the device –
 Keyboard / braille keyboard… for example, what is inputted (eg the destination) or how it is
 …to let the user enter their destination inputted (eg inputted using your voice).

 Camera… If input device is incorrect, do not award follow on mark for

use.
 …to let the user enter/select options by moving their
eye/use an eye typer

 Puff/suck switch…
 …to allow the users to select options

1 c i 1 mark for why, 1 for application 2 Second bullet point must be related to the sat nav, not just
 Long term/permanent/non-volatile/persistent storage generic “programs” or “data”.
 Store maps//user preferences//journey history//operating
system//sat nav software

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

1 c ii 1 mark for identifying the reason why solid state was chosen, 2 Do not accept portability / reliability.
1 for explanation
e.g. Do not accept “faster” without clarification of what is faster.
 Is durable/robust//no moving parts
 Less likely to be damaged//by example (eg dropped)

 Faster read/write speed

 Faster to boot//faster to load maps//more responsive

 Small in size/light in weight

 Reduces size of the sat nav// fit inside the sat nav

 Lower power requirements

 More suitable for running off batteries

1 d i 1 mark per bullet to max 1 1 Must include fetch / decode / execute as verb for first three
 Fetch data/instructions bullet points. Must include reference to either data or
 Decode data/instructions instructions.
 Execute instructions
 Performs fetch-(decode)-execute cycle Allow reference to tasks carried out by the Control Unit.
 Performs calculations/arithmetic/logical operations

1 d ii 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2 Second point dependent on first bullet point being awarded.
 Computers are made of logic gates/transistors/switches…
 …which can only be two states / on or off / 1 or 0 /high or
low

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

2 a i 1 mark 1 Accept any valid item that could be in a HTML file e.g. a link
e.g. to a CSS file
 Tags
 Hyperlinks Accept other languages/scripting that could embedded into a
 Location/dimensions/name of images/videos/sound HTML document, eg CSS/Javascript/etc.
 Structure / e.g. table
 Layout instructions Do not accept: image, video etc. The HTML file holds a link
 Formatting e.g font/colour/style to the files, not the actual image or video itself.
 Metadata
Mark first answer only.
2 a ii 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2
 All webpages are made using HTML
 All browsers read/understand HTML
 Allows for compatibility
 Allows devices to understand the same code/display the
webpage correctly

2 b i 1 mark for getting 1 correct 2

2 marks for getting both correct
Red Green Blue

Decimal 111 58 156

Hexadecimal
6F 3A 9C

2 b ii 1 mark per bullet to max 1 1 Do not accept “easier to understand”

 Easier to remember/to enter/to read
 Faster to enter/read “Less prone to error” requires further detail as shown.
 Fewer digits to remember/to enter/to read
 Less prone to error when
entering/reading/communicating
 Quick to convert into binary

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017
2 c 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2
 Compression makes the file size smaller//takes up less
space (on Shannon’s computer)
 File(s) upload more quickly / lower bandwidth required
 File(s) take up less storage space on the web server
 File(s) can be downloaded/streamed more quickly by the
end user//website will load more quickly

2 d 1 mark per bullet, to max 3 3 Do not accept “each URL has an associated IP address” on
 URL/domain name is sent to the DNS its own.
 DNS has a list/database/table of URLs and matching IP
addresses.
 DNS looks up/translates/resolves/searches/finds the IP
address
 DNS sends back IP address (to web browser)
 If not found, refers to higher/other DNS/returns error
 DNS updates from other DNS
 Browser uses IP address to retrieve webpage / connect
to web server.

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

3 a 1 mark for each pseudocode statement 2 Ignore capitalisation.

Total = Total + NumberArray(Count) Accept any correct symbol or structured English meaning
division for mean calculation.
Mean = Total/Quantity
or Accept mean calculations that refer to 11 numbers:
e.g.
Mean = Total/Count
 Total/11
or  Total/(Count+1)
Mean = Total/10  Total/(Quantity+1)

3 b 1 mark per bullet, max 2 for definition, 1 for example 3 0 marks for "stays the same" / “does not change”. Must have
Definition: the idea that it cannot / is impossible to change.
 A location in memory
 A value/data that cannot be changed (whilst the Correct answer only (“Quantity”) for the example. Do not
program is running) accept other surrounding code (eg “Const Quantity = 10” is
Example: incorrect). Do not accept incorrect spellings. Ignore
 Quantity capitalisation.

Do not accept “a constant is a variable that…”

3 c 1 mark for data type, 1 for justification 2 If candidate uses “decimal” as data type, do not accept “can
Data type: Real/Float/Single/Double/Decimal be decimal” for the justification.
Justification: can be decimal/fractional/not a whole number Do not award justification if data type is incorrect.

3 d i 1 mark per bullet, to max 2 2 Do not accept only an example (eg “for loop”).
 A construct
 Code is executed/run repeatedly//is looped
 Until a condition is met/while a condition is true/a set
number of times
3 d ii  While/do while 2 Do not accept “do loop”.
 Repeat/ Repeat until/do until/ Until

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

3 e 1 mark for sensible borderline data, 1 mark for sensible 2

invalid data.
 Borderline – 0, 100
 Invalid – number less than 0 (eg -1, -12) / number more
than 100 (eg 101, 206) / non-numeric data (eg “test”,
“#!*%”)

4 a 1 mark per bullet to max 2 2 Accept rows / columns as alternative to records / fields for
 The data is stored permanently / is unchanging / second bullet point.
remains when the DBMS or application is closed / non-
volatile / on secondary storage
 The data has a structure / stored in tables / fields /
records

4 b i 1 mark for data type, 1 for justification 2 Accept Alphanumeric/Varchar/Char as alternatives for Data
Data type: Text/String type.
Reason: leading 0s/will not be treated as a number Do not award reason if data type is incorrect.

4 b ii 4 1 Correct answer only.

4 b iii 1 mark for Field name, 1 for reason 2 Do not award reason if field is incorrect.
Field: RequestID
Reason: it will be unique/each request will have a unique Do not penalise incorrect spelling or capitalisation.
number/it will not be repeated/other fields can be repeated

4 c i Max 1 mark per validation rule. 2 Accept any reasonable validation rule for a field
Both rules must be different, e.g. cannot both be presence Accept name of a rule, or example

TeacherID Mark first answer only if candidates have provided multiple

e.g. validation techniques for each.
 Presence check//must be entered
 Format check//must be letters then numbers
 Existence check//must already exist in the database
 Lookup//must be selected from a list of valid teachers
 Type/character check//must be string
 Length check//must be (minimum of) 3 characters long

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

Date
e.g.
 Range check//must be within certain dates
 Presence check//must be entered
 Format/character check//must be DD/MM/YYYY
 Type check//must be a valid date
 Length check//must be 8/10 characters
 Lookup/existence check//must be a valid date (eg from
calendar)

4 c ii 3 marks for each feature, 1 for identifying, 1 for description, 1 6 The feature identified must be a feature of a DBMS and not
for example use a database.
e.g
 Query Allow any sensible example that relates to this database.
 Use to select specific information // find records that
match a criteria // search for records // extract data If feature is incorrect, do not award marks for description or
 e.g. Find all requests made on a specific date example.

 Form If feature is poorly identified (eg search instead of query),

 User friendly way to enter data // uses drop down give credit for matching description / example but not for
boxes etc. identification.
 e.g. form to enter a new request
Mark feature/description/example together.
 Report
Allow table creation / editor / modules / integrity checks /
 User friendly/formatted copy of results // can be used
access control / concurrent access / creating links between
as a hard copy // method of outputting data
tables.
 e.g. report of all requests made by one teacher for
printing
Do not accept validation (in the question)
 Security Do not accept tables / fields/ key fields (all features of a
 Stop unauthorised access or modification database, not a DBMS).
 e.g. usernames and passwords

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

5* Points may include: 6 High Level Response (5-6):

Ethical issues: A detailed discussion of at least one ethical and one legal
 Safer driving as no room for human error issue, with clear explanations that are linked to the scenario.
 Can machines make snap judgements, taking into There will be few if any errors in spelling, grammar and
account all factors – can impact safety punctuation. Technical terms will be used appropriately and
 Cars can react to the facts, i.e. avoid accidents correctly.
 Can record where people go and when they go –
how is this data going to be stored, or used? Medium Level Response (3-4):
 Impact on pollution (negative and positives) A description of an ethical and/or a legal issue with some
 Impact on employment (taxis / delivery drivers) explanation/justification that may be weak at times. Material
may not be explicitly linked to the context. There may be
Legal issues: occasional errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation.
 Cars will not break traffic laws, e.g. run red lights Technical terms will be mainly correct.
 Issues with who is legally the driver
Low Level Response (1-2):
 Is a drivers’ licence needed?
There is an attempt to describe either a legal issue or ethical
 Who is legally liable/responsible in an accident? issue. The points are poorly expressed or are not related to
 Insurance requirements the context. There is limited, if any, use of technical terms.
 Data Protection issues with data generated Errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling may be
 Possibility of “hacking” into cars intrusive.
 May need to change or adapt existing laws
0 marks, response not worthy of credit
Many points can be considered from both an ethical and
legal point of view.

Candidates may refer to other valid scenarios of

automated technology, not just driverless cars.

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

6 a Max 2 per explanation, 1 for example 6 Accept any other reasonable benefit for using a network in
e.g. this scenario, except for monitoring.
 Share files between computers/employees // by
example Mark question as a whole.
 Centralised data storage // by example
 Allows for collaborative working // by example 3rd mark is awarded for example linked to the scenario, so
 More efficient working practices // by example max 2 per benefit if no example given.
 e.g. OCR Accounts use a shared drive to share work

 Share devices / printers / routers // by example

 Fewer peripherals / printers required// by example
 Save money in purchasing equipment// by example
 e.g. OCR Accounts only needs 1 printer, rather than 1
per employee

 Improved communication // by example

 Can use e-mail/other appropriate means // by example
 e.g. OCR Accounts can e-mail documents/work

 Central management of security // by example

 Anti-virus/firewall/security is configured for all
computers // by example
 e.g. each computer at OCR Accounts does not need
its own security

 Centralised backups // by example

 Can backup all computers automatically // by example
 e.g. OCR Accounts can backup data for all staff

 Centralised updates // by example
 Can update all computers at the same time // by
example
 e.g. OCR Accounts can update software without
having to visit everyworkstation.

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017
6 b i Modem/Router 1

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

6 b ii max 2 marks per hardware device 4 Accept any hardware device that can be used to create/set
e.g. up/produce a network.
 NIC…
 …to connect Ethernet cable to computer Device must be different than answer given in 6bi

 Router… Accept repeater / range extender / powerline adaptor etc.

 …to receive and transmit data within the network/to
send data around a network/to join networks
together/to connect to the Internet

 Bridge…
 …connect networks together

 Switch…
 …to connect multiple devices together / directs traffic
to its destination.

 Hub…
 …to connect multiple devices together.

 Server…
 …to store the data/manage the network/store backups

 Wireless Access Point/WAP…

 …to allow for wireless transmission of data

 Cables…
 …to connect devices together

 Modem…
 …to connect computers via telephone lines // to covert
digital data to analogue / to convert analogue data to
digital.

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

6 c* Points may include: 6 High Level Response (5-6):

 Acceptable use A detailed discussion of network policies, covering points
o Define what employees can/cannot do on a from at least two different policies, with clear explanations of
network purpose that are linked to the scenario.
o Restrict employees to only performing work There will be few if any errors in spelling, grammar and
tasks punctuation. Technical terms will be used appropriately and
o Stop illegal activities such as accessing correctly.
inappropriate material, downloading software
 Disaster recovery Medium Level Response (3-4):
o A plan in case something happens to the A description of some network policies, covering points from
computers/network/data at least two policies, with some explanation/justification that
o A plan to allow recovery to avoid may be weak at times. Material may not be explicitly linked
downtime/restore the network/data to the context. There may be occasional errors in spelling,
 Failover grammar and punctuation. Technical terms will be mainly
o Backup devices ready to automatically take correct.
over if a device fails
o Allows the company to continue working Low Level Response (1-2):
o Avoids downtime There is an attempt to describe at least one network policy.
 Backup The points are poorly expressed or are not related to the
o A plan for when data is backed up context. There is limited, if any, use of technical terms.
o How it is backed up Errors in grammar, punctuation and spelling may be
o Who is responsible for it intrusive.
o Where it is backed up etc.
 Archiving 0 marks, response not worthy of credit
o Removing old data that is no longer needed but
kept in case needed
o Free up memory space in a computer
o Plan of when data will be archived, what will be
archived etc.
 Security
o Levels of access
o Usernames / passwords / authentication
o Encryption

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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017

7 1 mark per bullet: 6 Allow pseudocode, flowchart, or structured English as long

 Storing a number for the user to guess as it is not just repeating the instructions and where it meets
 Loops 10 times correctly the bullet points.
 Inputs the user's guess
 If correct, outputs congratulations and stops the loop / If candidate uses FOR loop, accept 0 to 9 / 0 to 10 / 1 to 10 /
ends the game (any appropriate method of breaking 1 to 11 (or equivalent) as valid for 2nd bullet point.
out of loop)
 If the guess is greater than stored number, outputs
lower (or similar)
 If the guess is lower than stored number, outputs
higher (or similar)

e.g. using while loop

num = 50 //(could be a random number)
x = 0
while x < 10
input guess
if guess == num then
output "Congratulations"
x = 10
elseif guess > num then
output "lower"
else
output "higher"
endif
x = x + 1
end while

e.g. example using for loop

num = 50 //(could be a random number)
for x = 1 to 10
input guess
if guess == num then
output "Congratulations"
end //(could be break / exit, or x = 10)
elseif guess > num then
output "lower"
else
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A451 Mark Scheme June 2017
output "higher"
endif
next

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