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A Level Computer Science 9618 Paper 11, Oct/Nov 2025

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9618/11 · Oct/Nov 2025

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1
a(i)

Convert the binary number into hexadecimal. 101100111010

[1]
a(ii)

Convert the denary number into Binary Coded Decimal (BCD). 108

[1]
a(iii)

Convert the 12-bit two's complement binary integer into denary. Show your working. 111110111100 Working ............................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... Denary value ..................................................

[2]
b(i)

The following binary addition is performed using 8-bit registers. Complete the calculation using binary addition. 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 + 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

[1]
b(ii)

Name and describe the error that can occur when binary addition is performed.

[2]
2

A relational database, WORKEXPERIENCE, stores data about students and the companies where they complete work experience. Students can complete multiple work experience placements but can only complete one placement at a time. Students can complete more than one placement at the same company. Part of the database is shown: STUDENT(StudentID, FirstName, TelephoneNumber, UniversityName) PLACEMENT(PlacementID, StudentID, CompanyID, StartDate, EndDate, Complete) COMPANY(CompanyID, CompanyName, MaxStudentsPerPlacement)

a

Complete the entity-relationship (E-R) diagram for the database WORKEXPERIENCE. STUDENT PLACEMENT COMPANY

[2]
b

Explain why the database WORKEXPERIENCE is in Third Normal Form (3NF).

[2]
c(i)

Some example data from the PLACEMENT table is shown:

PlacementIDStudentIDCompanyIDStartDateEndDateComplete
PC001LDEA01MSCM01/01/202312/07/2023TRUE
PC002LDEA01MSCM01/04/202408/05/2024FALSE
PC003ALAU02NEAM09/03/202010/03/2021FALSE
PC004LOLI75GOUZ07/06/201811/09/2018TRUE

Write a Structured Query Language (SQL) script to delete all placements that have been completed.

[2]
c(ii)

Write an SQL script to return the total number of placements completed by the student with ID LDEA01 at the company with ID NEAM. The total should be given an appropriate name.

[4]
d

The database tables are repeated here: STUDENT(StudentID, FirstName, TelephoneNumber, UniversityName) PLACEMENT(PlacementID, StudentID, CompanyID, StartDate, EndDate, Complete) COMPANY(CompanyID, CompanyName, MaxStudentsPerPlacement) Explain what is meant by referential integrity, and how it applies to this database.

[3]
3
a

Draw a logic circuit for the logic expression: X = NOT ((A NAND B) XOR (NOT A OR NOT C))

[2]
b

Write the logic expression for the following truth table.

RSTQ
0000
0011
0100
0110
1000
1010
1101
1110

Q = ......................................................................................................................................

[2]
4

The table shows part of the instruction set for a processor. The processor has one register, the Accumulator (ACC).

Instruction OpcodeInstruction OperandExplanation
AND#n / Bn / &nBitwise AND operation of the contents of the ACC with the operand
AND<address>Bitwise AND operation of the contents of the ACC with the contents of <address>
XOR#n / Bn / &nBitwise XOR operation of the contents of the ACC with the operand
XOR<address>Bitwise XOR operation of the contents of the ACC with the contents of <address>
OR#n / Bn / &nBitwise OR operation of the contents of the ACC with the operand
OR<address>Bitwise OR operation of the contents of the ACC with the contents of <address>
LSL#nBits in ACC are shifted logically n places to the left. Zeros are introduced on the right-hand end.
LSR#nBits in ACC are shifted logically n places to the right. Zeros are introduced on the left-hand end.

<address> can be an absolute or symbolic address # denotes a denary number, e.g. #127 B denotes a binary number, e.g. B10010001 & denotes a hexadecimal number, e.g. &4A

a

The ACC currently contains the following positive binary integer: 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 Write a bit manipulation instruction that uses a binary shift to change the contents of the ACC to: 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 Instruction ...........................................................................................................................

[1]
b

The ACC currently contains the following positive binary integer: 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 Write the contents of the ACC after the instruction XOR &12 is carried out.

[1]
c

The ACC currently contains the following positive binary integer: 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 Write the contents of the ACC after the instruction AND #63 is carried out.

[1]
d

The ACC currently contains the following positive binary integer: 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 The current contents of memory are:

AddressData
9800100100
9900110001
10000110011
10110100011
10210101100

Write the contents of the ACC after the instruction OR 100 is carried out.

[1]
5

The Operating System (OS) is responsible for hardware and security management in a computer system.

a(i)

State two tasks that are performed by hardware management. 1 ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... 2 ........................................................................................................................................ ...........................................................................................................................................

[2]
a(ii)

State two tasks that are performed by security management. 1 ........................................................................................................................................ ........................................................................................................................................... 2 ........................................................................................................................................ ...........................................................................................................................................

[2]
b(i)

Describe one benefit of using library routines when developing software.

[2]
b(ii)

Describe one drawback of using library routines when developing software.

[2]
c

Identify two presentation features found in a typical Integrated Development Environment (IDE). 1 ................................................................................................................................................ 2 ................................................................................................................................................

[2]
6
a

The processor uses several registers, including the Accumulator (ACC) and the Current Instruction Register (CIR). Complete the table by describing the role of each register.

RegisterRole
ACC
CIR
[2]
b

Increasing the number of cores in a processor can affect the performance of a computer. Describe the drawbacks of increasing the number of cores in a processor.

[2]
c

State three differences between Dynamic RAM (DRAM) and Static RAM (SRAM). 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 3 ................................................................................................................................................ ...................................................................................................................................................

[3]
7

Web browsers use Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.

a

Complete the table by describing the following types of IP address.

Type of IP addressDescription
Static
Public
[2]
b

Consider the following IP address: 256.0.0.A Circle whether this IP address is IPv4, IPv6 or an invalid IP address. IPv4 IPv6 Invalid Justify your choice.

[2]
c

A user types a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) into the address bar of a web browser to access a web page. Explain how the web browser uses the URL to access the web page.

[4]
d(i)

A bitmap file is downloaded. The image has a maximum of 256 colours and measures 512 pixels wide by 2048 pixels high. Calculate an estimate of the file size of the bitmap in kibibytes. Show your working. Working ............................................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................... File size of bitmap ......................................................... kibibytes

[2]
d(ii)

Explain why the actual file size may be larger than the one calculated in (d)(i).

[2]
d(iii)

Explain how a bitmap image is compressed using run-length encoding (RLE).

[2]
8

One ethical consideration for a student connecting their personal computer to the school network is the risk of spreading malware on the network.

a

Viruses and pharming are examples of malware. Explain what is meant by a virus and pharming. Virus .......................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... Pharming .................................................................................................................................. ................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................

[2]
b

Give three other ethical considerations for a student using their personal computer to connect to the school network. 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... 3 ................................................................................................................................................ ...................................................................................................................................................

[3]
c

Describe two social impacts of students using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to complete their homework. 1 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... 2 ................................................................................................................................................ ................................................................................................................................................... ................................................................................................................................................... ...................................................................................................................................................

[4]
9

Describe the differences between a monitoring system and a control system.

[3]
10

An architect needs a model of a building.

a

Explain how the model will be printed using a 3D printer.

[3]
b

State why a 3D printer needs a buffer.

[1]

Mark scheme

9618/11 · Oct/Nov 2025

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1a(i) · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    B3A

1a(ii) · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    0001 0000 1000

1a(iii) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Working: Method 1: 1111 1011 1100 Flip the bits 0000 0100 0011 Add 1 0000 0000 0001 + 0000 0100 0100 Method 2: -2048 + 1024 + 512 + 256 + 128 + 32 + 16 + 8 + 4 // -128 + 32 + 16 + 8 + 4

  • 1 mark

    Denary value: -68

1b(i) · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    (1) 00101011

1b(ii) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    An overflow error occurs

  • 1 mark

    The answer cannot be represented in the number of bits available // The answer is larger than the maximum positive number that can be stored in the register // The answer is smaller than the most negative number that can be stored in the register

2a · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Correct relationship between STUDENT (1) and PLACEMENT (M)

  • 1 mark

    Correct relationship between COMPANY (1) and PLACEMENT (M)

2b · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    There are no repeating groups of attributes

  • 1 mark

    There are no many-to-many relationships

  • 1 mark

    There are no partial key dependencies // no non-key dependencies // no transitive dependencies

2c(i) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    DELETE FROM and correct table

  • 1 mark

    Correct condition

2c(ii) · 4 marks

  • 1 mark

    SELECT COUNT any appropriate field

  • 1 mark

    AS and an appropriate name

  • 1 mark

    FROM and correct table and WHERE and one correct condition

  • 1 mark

    Two AND clauses with the other two correct conditions

2d · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    Referential integrity ensures that related data is consistent

  • 1 mark

    Referential integrity ensures that every foreign key has a corresponding primary key

  • 1 mark

    Referential integrity provides for cascading update / delete

  • 1 mark

    Referential integrity ensures that if a primary key is deleted or modified all linked records in foreign table will be deleted or modified // Referential integrity stops "orphaned records"—records in a table that point to an entry in another table that no longer exists

  • 1 mark

    CompanyID is a foreign key in PLACEMENT table and is dependent on the primary key CompanyID in COMPANY table

  • 1 mark

    If a record is deleted from the STUDENT table, then all records with the same StudentID will be deleted from the PLACEMENT table

  • 1 mark

    If a CompanyID is modified in the company table, all records with that CompanyID in the placement table will also be modified

3a · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    (A NAND B) and (NOT A OR NOT C)

  • 1 mark

    XOR and NOT

3b · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    One correct term: (R AND S AND NOT T) // (NOT R AND NOT S AND T)

  • 1 mark

    Second correct term plus the OR in correct place

4a · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    LSL #2

4b · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1

4c · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1

4d · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1

5a(i) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Installs driver software for devices connected to external ports

  • 1 mark

    Manages communication between devices

  • 1 mark

    Manages hardware interrupts

5a(ii) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Prevents unauthorised access

  • 1 mark

    ... by providing authentication // by validating users and processes

  • 1 mark

    Implements access rights and permissions

  • 1 mark

    Makes provision for recovery of lost data

  • 1 mark

    Carries out Operating System security updates as available

  • 1 mark

    Carries out auditing and keeps logs of activity

5b(i) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Less code needs to be developed as code is pre-written (or other valid benefit)

  • 1 mark

    … thereby reducing the time to write a program (or matching expansion)

5b(ii) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Compatibility issues (or other valid drawback)

  • 1 mark

    … the library routine may not work with current program (or matching expansion)

5c · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Prettyprint

  • 1 mark

    Expanding and collapsing code blocks

  • 1 mark

    Automatic / smart indentation / formatting

6a · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    ACC: stores the intermediate results of arithmetic and logical operations // holds the result of a calculation

  • 1 mark

    CIR: holds the instruction currently being decoded and/or executed

6b · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Latency may be increased

  • 1 mark

    … because the cores must communicate with one another

  • 1 mark

    There is a potential for dead-lock situations

  • 1 mark

    … where one core may wait for information from other cores which in turn are waiting for the first one

  • 1 mark

    Not all software is designed to use multi-cores

  • 1 mark

    ... so some of the additional cores would be idle

  • 1 mark

    Increased heat generation

  • 1 mark

    ... which could cause damage to other components

6c · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    DRAM requires to be refreshed/charged SRAM does not request a refresh

  • 1 mark

    DRAM stores each bit as charge SRAM uses flip-flop to store each bit

  • 1 mark

    DRAM is less expensive to manufacture SRAM is more expensive to manufacture

  • 1 mark

    DRAM has slower access speeds SRAM has faster access times

  • 1 mark

    DRAM has higher storage/bit/data density SRAM has lower storage/bit/data density

  • 1 mark

    DRAM is used in main memory SRAM is used in cache

7a · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Static: IP address that does not change each time a device connects to the network

  • 1 mark

    Public: IP address assigned to a device on a network to allow the device to be visible on the internet

7b · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    It is not IPv4 because the maximum denary value should be 255, this uses 256

  • 1 mark

    It is not IPv6 because it uses a full stop to separate sections and not colon // It is not IPv6 because there are not enough groups

7c · 4 marks

  • 1 mark

    The browser checks its cache for the URL

  • 1 mark

    The browser parses the URL and splits it into its component parts

  • 1 mark

    The browser finds the IP address for the domain name by querying a DNS server

  • 1 mark

    The browser receives the matching IP address from the DNS server

  • 1 mark

    The browser creates connection with the web server with the matching IP address

  • 1 mark

    A request for the resource is sent to the web server with that IP address

  • 1 mark

    The browser renders and displays the result

  • 1 mark

    The IP address is stored in the browser cache for future use

7d(i) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Working: (512 * 2048 * 8) / (8 * 1024 ) // (512 * 2048) / 1024 // (29 * 211 * 23) / (23 * 210) // (29 * 211) / 210

  • 1 mark

    Answer: 1024 kibibytes // 210 kibibytes

7d(ii) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    The file will contain metadata

  • 1 mark

    The file will have a header

7d(iii) · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Sequences of consecutive identical colours / pixels

  • 1 mark

    ... are stored as the colour value and the number of times it occurs consecutively

8a · 2 marks

  • 1 mark

    Virus: Malicious program/software that replicates/copies itself and deletes/alters files/data stored on a computer

  • 1 mark

    Pharming: Malicious code/software installed on a computer which redirects user to a fake website to obtain personal data

8b · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    Students should consider privacy issues

  • 1 mark

    Students should not make inappropriate use of social networking // Students should not engage in cyberbullying

  • 1 mark

    Students should not copy work that is not their own

  • 1 mark

    Students should abide by the school rules/guidelines for accessing the network

  • 1 mark

    Students should only use the school network for legitimate purposes

  • 1 mark

    Students should not hack / crack other computers

8c · 4 marks

  • 1 mark

    If students use AI to shortcut learning, they may miss out on developing reasoning and problem-solving skills // Students may not be learning anything // It could lead to a decline in specific skills

  • 1 mark

    It could have negative impacts on student communication // heavy reliance on AI may limit opportunities for collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face communication

  • 1 mark

    Emphasises the digital divide// some students may not have access to the technology

  • 1 mark

    The AI answer might not be correct leading to mis-information

  • 1 mark

    Increased screen time and isolation could contribute to anxiety or loneliness

  • 1 mark

    Students given additional support may do better

  • 1 mark

    Pupils who struggle in traditional settings may gain self-esteem through AI-assisted learning at their own pace

  • 1 mark

    Protection of intellectual property // ethical issues and considerations

  • 1 mark

    Schools may need to redesign curricula and/or assessment to integrate AI

9 · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    Monitoring systems do not take any action whereas control systems act autonomously to change the environment if the values are out of a prescribed range

  • 1 mark

    Control systems use actuators monitoring systems do not have any actuators

  • 1 mark

    Control systems make use of feedback monitoring systems do not make use of feedback

  • 1 mark

    The output from a monitoring system does not affect the subsequent input whereas output from a control system affects the next input.

10a · 3 marks

  • 1 mark

    Additive manufacturing

  • 1 mark

    Uses a digital file created from 3D modelling software or Computer Aided Design (CAD) software

  • 1 mark

    The printer builds up the model one layer at a time

  • 1 mark

    The process is repeated for each layer

  • 1 mark

    Some materials may need time to cool and set or UV curing using LEDs for photopolymer resins

  • 1 mark

    Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) // Material is heated and pushed through nozzle / extruder

  • 1 mark

    Stereolithography (SLA) // Photosensitive liquid resin is exposed to a UV-laser beam

  • 1 mark

    Digital Light Processing (DLP) // Photosensitive liquid resin is exposed to a UV projected image of the layer to cure the resin

  • 1 mark

    Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) // Uses a laser to form objects from powdered material, the material can be plastics or metals

10b · 1 mark

  • 1 mark

    To free up the processor to carry out other tasks as the rate data is received by the printer is different from the rate at which it can be processed

  • 1 mark

    To manage the mismatch in speed between the processor and the peripheral / 3D printer

Questions

  1. 1
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  2. 2
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  3. 3
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  4. 4
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  5. 5
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  6. 6
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  7. 7
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  8. 8
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  9. 9
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  10. 10
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