CCEA GCSE · thinka-original Practice Paper

2025 CCEA GCSE Digital Technology 2650 Practice Paper with Answers

Thinka Jun 2025 CCEA GCSE-Style Mock — Digital Technology 2650

330 marks240 mins2025
AnalysisSample paper
An original Thinka practice paper modelled on the structure and difficulty of the Jun 2025 CCEA GCSE Digital Technology 2650 paper. Not affiliated with or reproduced from CCEA.

Section Unit 1: Digital Technology Core (GDG11)

Answer all thirteen questions in the spaces provided.
23 Question · 90 marks
Question 1 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Which component of the CPU is responsible for performing arithmetic and logical (comparison) operations?
  1. A.Control unit
  2. B.Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
  3. C.Immediate-access store
  4. D.Memory address register (MAR)
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

The control unit directs the fetch-execute cycle, the immediate-access store holds data and instructions currently in use, and the memory address register (MAR) holds the address of the memory location being accessed; only the arithmetic logic unit (ALU) actually carries out arithmetic and logical operations. The answer is B.

Marking scheme

1 mark: B. [1]
Question 2 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Which term describes malware that replicates itself and spreads across a network without needing to attach itself to another program?
  1. A.Virus
  2. B.Worm
  3. C.Trojan horse
  4. D.Keylogger
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Worked solution

A virus must attach itself to a host file or program to spread, a Trojan horse disguises itself as legitimate software but does not self-replicate, and a keylogger simply records keystrokes. A worm is self-contained malicious code that copies itself across a network independently, without needing to attach to another program. The answer is B.

Marking scheme

1 mark: B. [1]
Question 3 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Which network topology connects all devices to a single shared central cable, meaning a break in that cable disrupts the whole network?
  1. A.Star
  2. B.Ring
  3. C.Bus
  4. D.Mesh
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Worked solution

In a star topology each device has its own cable to a central hub or switch, so one break only affects that device; a ring connects devices in a closed loop; a mesh interconnects many devices directly with several others. A bus topology uses one shared central cable that every device connects to, so damage anywhere along that cable disrupts communication for the whole network. The answer is C.

Marking scheme

1 mark: C. [1]
Question 4 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Under the Data Protection Act 1998, which role is legally responsible for ensuring an organisation's use of personal data follows the eight principles?
  1. A.The data subject
  2. B.The Information Commissioner
  3. C.The data controller
  4. D.The system administrator
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Worked solution

The data subject is the individual the data is about, and the Information Commissioner oversees and enforces the Act nationally. Within an organisation it is the data controller who decides how and why personal data is processed, and who is legally responsible for ensuring that processing follows the eight principles of the Data Protection Act 1998. The answer is C.

Marking scheme

1 mark: C. [1]
Question 5 · True/False & Matching Tables
6 marks
The table below lists six health and safety hazards associated with prolonged computer use (1-6) and six preventative measures (A-F). Match each hazard to the single most appropriate preventative measure by writing the correct letter next to each number.

Hazards
1. Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
2. Back strain
3. Eye strain
4. Overheating equipment (fire risk)
5. Trailing cables causing trips
6. Reduced circulation from prolonged sitting

Preventative measures
A. Take regular breaks and use wrist supports
B. Use an adjustable chair with lumbar support and sit with correct posture
C. Follow the 20-20-20 rule and use an anti-glare screen
D. Ensure equipment has adequate ventilation and is never covered
E. Route and secure cables safely away from walkways
F. Take regular breaks to stand up and move around
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

RSI in the hands/wrists is reduced by taking breaks and using wrist supports (1-A). Back strain is prevented by correct seating posture and lumbar support (2-B). Eye strain is reduced by resting the eyes regularly (the 20-20-20 rule) and cutting screen glare (3-C). Overheating equipment needs ventilation so it is not covered (4-D). Trailing cables are made safe by routing them away from walkways (5-E). Reduced circulation from sitting is countered by regularly standing and moving (6-F).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct pair (max 6): 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E, 6-F. [6]
Question 6 · True/False & Matching Tables
6 marks
The table below lists six spreadsheet features (1-6) and six descriptions (A-F). Match each feature to its correct description by writing the correct letter next to each number.

Features
1. Conditional formatting
2. Absolute cell reference
3. VLOOKUP
4. IF statement
5. Template
6. Macro

Descriptions
A. Returns a value from a table by matching a lookup value against the first column of a range
B. Automatically changes how a cell looks (e.g. its colour) based on a rule
C. A reference that does not change when a formula is copied to another cell (an absolute reference)
D. A pre-formatted spreadsheet file used as a ready-made starting point for repeated tasks
E. A recorded sequence of actions that can be replayed to automate a task
F. Tests a condition and returns one value if it is true and a different value if it is false
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Worked solution

Conditional formatting changes a cell's appearance based on a rule (1-B). An absolute reference does not shift when copied (2-C). VLOOKUP looks up a value in the first column of a range and returns a value from another column (3-A). An IF statement tests a condition and branches between two outputs (4-F). A template is a ready-made starting file (5-D). A macro is a recorded, replayable sequence of actions (6-E).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct pair (max 6): 1-B, 2-C, 3-A, 4-F, 5-D, 6-E. [6]
Question 7 · True/False & Matching Tables
6 marks
The table below lists six database terms (1-6) and six definitions (A-F). Match each term to its correct definition by writing the correct letter next to each number.

Terms
1. Field
2. Record
3. Primary key
4. Query
5. Relationship
6. Validation

Definitions
A. A single item of data about one attribute, forming one column in a table
B. A complete set of data about one entity, forming one row in a table
C. A field, or combination of fields, that uniquely identifies each record in a table
D. A question asked of a database that retrieves data matching set criteria
E. A link between two tables based on a common field
F. An automatic check that rejects data which does not meet defined rules
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

A field is a single column/attribute (1-A). A record is one complete row of related fields (2-B). A primary key uniquely identifies each record (3-C). A query retrieves matching data (4-D). A relationship links two tables via a common field (5-E). Validation automatically rejects data that breaks a defined rule (6-F).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct pair (max 6): 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E, 6-F. [6]
Question 8 · True/False & Matching Tables
6 marks
The table below lists six components involved in the fetch-execute cycle (1-6) and six functions (A-F). Match each component to its correct function by writing the correct letter next to each number.

Components
1. Program counter
2. Memory address register (MAR)
3. Memory data register (MDR)
4. Instruction address register (IAR)
5. Arithmetic logic unit (ALU)
6. Control unit

Functions
A. Holds the address of the next instruction to be fetched
B. Holds the address of the memory location currently being accessed
C. Holds the data or instruction being transferred to or from memory
D. Holds the instruction currently being decoded and executed
E. Carries out arithmetic and logical operations
F. Directs and coordinates the stages of the fetch-execute cycle
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Worked solution

The program counter holds the address of the next instruction (1-A). The MAR holds the address currently being accessed in memory (2-B). The MDR holds data/instructions travelling to or from memory (3-C). The IAR holds the instruction currently being decoded (4-D). The ALU performs arithmetic and logical operations (5-E). The control unit coordinates the whole cycle (6-F).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct pair (max 6): 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E, 6-F. [6]
Question 9 · True/False & Matching Tables
6 marks
State whether each of the following statements about network technologies is True or False.

1. Bluetooth typically has a shorter effective range than Wi-Fi.
2. Optical fibre cables transmit data as electrical pulses along a copper core.
3. A local area network (LAN) typically covers a larger geographical area than a wide area network (WAN).
4. 5G mobile communication technology offers higher data transfer speeds and lower latency than 4G.
5. A switch forwards data only to the specific device it is addressed to, rather than to every connected device.
6. A network interface card (NIC) is required for a device to connect to a network.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

1 True: Bluetooth is a short-range technology, typically effective over only a few metres, compared with a Wi-Fi router's typical range of tens of metres. 2 False: optical fibre transmits data as pulses of light along a glass or plastic core, not electrical pulses along copper. 3 False: a LAN covers a small area such as one building or site, while a WAN spans a larger area such as multiple cities or countries, so a LAN is smaller, not larger. 4 True: 5G was designed to give substantially higher data rates and lower latency than 4G. 5 True: a switch reads the destination address of each data packet and forwards it only to the intended device, unlike a hub which broadcasts to all. 6 True: a NIC provides the physical and logical connection a device needs to communicate on a network.

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct answer (max 6): 1-True, 2-False, 3-False, 4-True, 5-True, 6-True. [6]
Question 10 · Short Answer & Definition
3 marks
State the difference between data and information, and give one example that illustrates this difference in the context of a school attendance system.
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Worked solution

Data is a raw, unprocessed fact or value that has no context on its own, for example the single character "P" stored against a pupil's name. Information is data that has been processed and given context so that it becomes meaningful, for example combining that code with the pupil's name and today's date to produce the meaningful statement "John Smith was Present on 03/09/2026". The raw code is data; once it is processed and given meaning, it becomes information.

Marking scheme

1 mark: correct definition of data (raw/unprocessed fact(s) with no context); 1 mark: correct definition of information (data that has been processed/given context so it is meaningful); 1 mark: valid linked example distinguishing the two, e.g. a raw attendance code versus a readable attendance statement. [3]
Question 11 · Short Answer & Definition
3 marks
State three factors that affect the processing performance of a computer's CPU.
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Worked solution

CPU performance is affected by clock speed (the number of fetch-execute cycles the CPU can carry out per second, measured in GHz - a higher clock speed processes more instructions per second), cache size (a larger cache holds more frequently used data and instructions close to the CPU, reducing the time spent fetching from slower main memory), and the number of cores (each core can process instructions independently, so more cores allow more instructions to be handled in parallel).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each of: clock speed / cache size / number of cores (max 3; accept any three distinct valid factors). [3]
Question 12 · Short Answer & Definition
3 marks
Define the term "phishing" and describe two measures a user could take to reduce the risk of falling victim to it.
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Worked solution

Phishing is a form of cybercrime in which fraudulent emails, messages or websites are used to trick a user into revealing personal or financial information (such as usernames, passwords or bank details) by pretending to be from a genuine, trustworthy organisation. To reduce the risk, a user should avoid clicking links or opening attachments in unexpected or unsolicited emails, and instead type the organisation's known website address directly into a browser; a user should also check the sender's email address and look for spelling or grammar errors that suggest a message is not genuine, and make use of spam/phishing filters provided by their email service.

Marking scheme

1 mark: correct definition of phishing (fraudulent message/site tricking a user into giving personal/financial data by posing as a trusted organisation); 1 mark: valid protective measure 1 (e.g. never click links/open attachments in unsolicited emails, type website addresses directly); 1 mark: valid protective measure 2 (e.g. check the sender's address, use spam/phishing filters). Accept any two distinct, valid measures. [3]
Question 13 · Short Answer & Definition
3 marks
State one advantage of using Wi-Fi rather than a wired connection, one disadvantage of using Wi-Fi rather than a wired connection, and one advantage of using optical fibre cabling rather than standard copper cabling.
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Worked solution

An advantage of Wi-Fi over a wired connection is that devices can connect without a physical cable, giving users freedom of movement around the building. A disadvantage of Wi-Fi is that its signal can be blocked or weakened by walls and other interference, and it is generally more vulnerable to unauthorised interception than a physically wired connection. Optical fibre cabling transmits data as pulses of light rather than electrical signals along copper, which allows much higher data transfer speeds over longer distances with far less signal loss and interference than copper cabling.

Marking scheme

1 mark: valid Wi-Fi advantage (e.g. mobility, no cabling required); 1 mark: valid Wi-Fi disadvantage (e.g. signal interference/range limits, more open to interception); 1 mark: valid optical fibre advantage (e.g. much higher bandwidth/speed, less signal loss over distance). [3]
Question 14 · Short Answer & Definition
3 marks
State three examples of threats to cybersecurity, other than hacking and phishing.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Threats to cybersecurity, besides hacking and phishing, include cyber stalking (using digital communication to repeatedly harass or intimidate a person), data theft (illegally obtaining an organisation's or individual's data), denial of service attacks (flooding a server with traffic so that it cannot respond to genuine users), digital forgery (creating or altering digital documents or images to deceive), cyber defamation (publishing false statements online that damage a person's or organisation's reputation), and spamming (sending large volumes of unsolicited messages).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each of three valid threats named, e.g. cyber stalking / data theft / denial of service / digital forgery / cyber defamation / spamming (max 3; hacking and phishing not accepted). [3]
Question 15 · Short Answer & Definition
3 marks
State three features of spreadsheet software that support the creation of a template for others to use.
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Worked solution

A spreadsheet template can be supported by features such as headers and footers (to show consistent information such as a title or page number on every printed page), validation (to restrict what data can be entered into specific cells, reducing user error), conditional formatting (to automatically highlight cells that meet a rule, e.g. flagging out-of-range values), and pre-entered formulae in designated cells so that a user only has to enter raw data and results are calculated automatically.

Marking scheme

1 mark for each of three valid features, e.g. headers/footers, validation, conditional formatting, pre-entered formulae, cell protection/formatting (max 3). [3]
Question 16 · Short Answer & Definition
3 marks
A school's Pupils database table includes the fields DateOfBirth, YearGroup (which must be an integer from 8 to 14) and StudentEmail. Identify one appropriate validation check for each field and briefly state what each check would do.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

DateOfBirth should use a format check, which confirms that the data entered matches a valid date pattern (e.g. dd/mm/yyyy). YearGroup should use a range check, which confirms the value entered falls between 8 and 14 inclusive. StudentEmail should use a presence check (ensuring the field is not left blank) or a format check confirming the entry contains an "@" symbol followed by a valid domain pattern.

Marking scheme

1 mark: DateOfBirth - format check (matches a valid date pattern); 1 mark: YearGroup - range check (value must fall between 8 and 14); 1 mark: StudentEmail - presence check or format check (contains @ and a valid domain pattern). Accept any correctly matched, appropriate check type per field. [3]
Question 17 · Short Answer & Definition
3 marks
State the purpose of utility software in a computer system, and give two examples of tasks it performs.
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Worked solution

Utility software carries out routine "housekeeping" tasks that help maintain, configure and optimise a computer system, rather than performing tasks directly for the end user. Examples of tasks it performs include disk defragmenting (rearranging fragmented data so files are stored in contiguous sectors, improving access speed), task scheduling (automatically running programs or routines at set times), and taking backups and restoring data (creating copies of data so it can be recovered if lost).

Marking scheme

1 mark: correct purpose of utility software (maintains/manages/optimises the system rather than performing user tasks); 1 mark each for two valid examples from: disk defragmenting, task scheduling, backup, restoring data (max 2). [3]
Question 18 · Spreadsheet Formula & Design
4 marks
A spreadsheet stores the standard VAT rate as a decimal in cell E1 (0.2). Column B (B2:B20) holds the price of each item excluding VAT. Write the formula that should be entered in cell C2 to calculate the price including VAT, such that it can be replicated down to C20 without the reference to the VAT rate changing.
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Worked solution

The formula must use a relative reference for the item price (B2) so it changes for each row when replicated, and an absolute reference for the VAT rate cell ($E$1) so every row still refers to E1 and the reference does not shift when copied down. The formula is =B2*(1+$E$1). Verification by a second route: with an item price of GBP10.00 in B2, \( 10 \times (1+0.2) = 10 \times 1.2 = 12 \), i.e. GBP12.00 including VAT, which matches GBP10.00 plus 20% VAT (GBP2.00) = GBP12.00.

Marking scheme

1 mark: correct formula structure (price multiplied by (1 + VAT rate)); 1 mark: relative reference used for B2; 1 mark: absolute reference used for the VAT rate cell ($E$1); 1 mark: formula given in correct spreadsheet syntax, e.g. =B2*(1+$E$1). [4]
Question 19 · Spreadsheet Formula & Design
4 marks
A spreadsheet records each pupil's percentage exam mark in column B (B2:B30). Write a formula for cell C2 that displays "Pass" if the mark in B2 is 40 or above, and "Fail" otherwise, so that it can be replicated correctly down to C30.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

This requires an IF function that tests whether the mark in B2 is greater than or equal to 40. The formula is =IF(B2>=40,"Pass","Fail"). Because only B2 is referenced, and as a relative reference, the formula replicates correctly down each row (e.g. in row 3 it automatically becomes =IF(B3>=40,"Pass","Fail")). Verification: if B2 = 55, the condition 55>=40 is true, so the formula returns "Pass"; if B2 = 32, the condition 32>=40 is false, so it returns "Fail" - both consistent with the stated 40% pass mark.

Marking scheme

1 mark: IF function used correctly; 1 mark: correct logical test (B2>=40); 1 mark: correct "Pass" output for the true condition; 1 mark: correct "Fail" output for the false condition. Accept equivalent syntax, e.g. =IF(B2<40,"Fail","Pass"). [4]
Question 20 · Spreadsheet Formula & Design
4 marks
A spreadsheet has a lookup table in the range E2:F6 that lists product codes in column E and product prices in column F. Cell B2 contains a product code entered by the user. Write a formula for cell C2 that looks up the code in B2 within the table E2:F6 and returns the matching price from column F. Explain why the final argument of your formula should be FALSE (or 0).
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

The formula is =VLOOKUP(B2,E2:F6,2,FALSE). VLOOKUP searches for the value in B2 within the first column of the range E2:F6 (the product codes in column E), and returns the corresponding value from the 2nd column of that range (the prices in column F). The final argument, FALSE (or 0), specifies an exact match: if a code identical to B2 is not found in E2:F6, the formula returns an error (#N/A) instead of silently matching the nearest approximate value, which is essential because product codes are discrete unique identifiers rather than values along a continuous numeric range.

Marking scheme

1 mark: VLOOKUP function used correctly (=VLOOKUP(B2,E2:F6,2,...)); 1 mark: correct column index number, 2, to return the price column; 1 mark: FALSE or 0 used as the final argument; 1 mark: correct explanation that FALSE/0 forces an exact match so a mismatched code is not incorrectly matched to the nearest value. [4]
Question 21 · Spreadsheet Formula & Design
4 marks
A spreadsheet contains the number of units sold for five products in cells B2:B6, and a single selling price per unit (used for all products) in cell E1. (a) Write a formula for cell C2 that calculates the total revenue for the product in row 2 (units sold multiplied by price per unit), so that it can be replicated down to C6. (b) State what would happen if the formula used a relative, rather than absolute, reference to E1 when replicated to C3.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

(a) The formula is =B2*$E$1. B2 must be a relative reference so it updates to B3, B4 and so on for each row, while E1 must be an absolute reference ($E$1) so every row still multiplies by the single selling price held in E1. (b) If E1 were left as a relative reference, replicating the formula from C2 down to C3 would shift the reference down one row too, becoming =B3*E2 instead of =B3*E1; since E2 does not contain the selling price, this would return an incorrect result. Verification: if B2 = 10 units and E1 = GBP5, total revenue = \( 10 \times 5 = 50 \), i.e. GBP50, which correctly matches 10 units sold at GBP5 each.

Marking scheme

1 mark: correct formula for (a), e.g. =B2*$E$1, with a relative reference to B2; 1 mark: absolute reference used for E1; 1 mark (b): correctly states the reference would shift down with the formula (e.g. becomes E2 in row 3); 1 mark (b): correctly explains this produces a wrong/blank result because E2 does not hold the price. [4]
Question 22 · Extended Writing (QWC)
6 marks
Discuss the ethical impact of digital technology on society, referring to internet misuse, access to personal information and the implications of GPS and tracking technology. The quality of your written communication will be assessed in this question.
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Worked solution

A strong answer explains, with linked examples, how internet misuse (e.g. cyberbullying, spreading misinformation, illegal downloading) can cause psychological harm and undermine trust online; how easier access to personal information (through social media profiles, data breaches, or careless sharing) increases risks of identity theft, stalking and discrimination, and raises questions about who should be allowed to see and use personal data; and how GPS/tracking technology, while useful for navigation, fitness and locating lost devices, raises concerns about constant surveillance, loss of privacy, and the risk of location data being misused by employers, advertisers or criminals. A balanced response weighs benefits (connectivity, safety features, convenience) against these ethical concerns and reaches a supported conclusion, for example that safeguards such as strong privacy settings, data protection legislation and digital literacy education are needed to balance the benefits of digital technology against its ethical risks to society.

Marking scheme

Level 1 (1-2 marks): Limited identification of relevant ethical issues (e.g. names only one of internet misuse / access to personal information / GPS tracking) with little development; weak spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG). Level 2 (3-4 marks): Satisfactory description of at least two of the three named areas, with some relevant examples and technical vocabulary; generally accurate SPaG. Level 3 (5-6 marks): Comprehensive, well-organised discussion covering all three named areas with well-explained, linked examples and a balanced, supported conclusion; accurate SPaG and fluent, technical expression throughout. [6]
Question 23 · Vocabulary Matching Grid
10 marks
Match each term (1-10) to its correct definition (A-J) by writing the correct letter next to each number.

Terms
1. Hacking
2. Malware
3. Trojan horse
4. Encryption
5. Firewall
6. Denial of service attack
7. Local area network (LAN)
8. Wide area network (WAN)
9. Router
10. Network interface card (NIC)

Definitions
A. Software or hardware that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules
B. A network that connects devices across a large geographical area, such as multiple cities or countries
C. Malicious software that disguises itself as legitimate software to trick users into installing it
D. The process of scrambling data so it can only be read by someone with the correct key, protecting it from unauthorised access
E. Gaining unauthorised access to a computer system or network
F. A general term for any software designed to damage, disrupt, or gain unauthorised access to a computer system
G. A device that forwards data packets between different networks, directing traffic towards its destination
H. An attack that floods a server or network with excessive traffic so it cannot respond to legitimate requests
I. Hardware that allows a device to physically connect to and communicate over a network
J. A network that connects devices within a single building or small local area, such as a school or office
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Hacking is gaining unauthorised access to a system (1-E). Malware is the general term for damaging/disruptive software (2-F), of which a Trojan horse is one form that disguises itself as legitimate software (3-C). Encryption scrambles data so only someone with the key can read it (4-D). A firewall monitors and filters network traffic (5-A). A denial of service attack floods a server with traffic (6-H). A LAN covers one building/site (7-J) while a WAN covers a larger area (8-B). A router forwards packets between networks (9-G), and a NIC is the hardware that lets a device connect to a network (10-I).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct pair (max 10): 1-E, 2-F, 3-C, 4-D, 5-A, 6-H, 7-J, 8-B, 9-G, 10-I. [10]

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Section Unit 2: Digital Authoring Concepts (GDG21)

Answer all nine questions in the spaces provided.
32 Question · 120 marks
Question 1 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Which element of database design documentation shows how the tables in a database structure relate to one another?
  1. A.Data dictionary
  2. B.Entity-relationship diagram (ERD)
  3. C.Form wireframe
  4. D.Report wireframe
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Worked solution

A data dictionary lists each field's name, data type and size; form and report wireframes are sketches of individual screens or printed layouts. An entity-relationship diagram (ERD) is specifically used to show the tables (entities) in a database and how they relate to one another. The answer is B.

Marking scheme

1 mark: B. [1]
Question 2 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Which type of interface allows a user to control a digitally developed package using spoken or typed everyday words?
  1. A.Graphical user interface (GUI)
  2. B.Touchscreen interface
  3. C.Natural language interface
  4. D.Motion tracking interface
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

A GUI is controlled through windows, icons, menus and a pointer; a touchscreen interface responds to direct contact; a motion tracking interface responds to physical gestures. A natural language interface allows a user to type or speak instructions using ordinary words, which the system interprets. The answer is C.

Marking scheme

1 mark: C. [1]
Question 3 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Which HTML tag is used to create a hyperlink?
  1. A.

  2. B.
  3. C.
  4. D.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

defines a paragraph, embeds an image, and

defines a table; the (anchor) tag, with an href attribute, is used to create a hyperlink. The answer is B.

Marking scheme

1 mark: B. [1]
Question 4 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Which SQL keyword is used to specify the criteria that records must meet to be included in a query's results?
  1. A.SELECT
  2. B.FROM
  3. C.WHERE
  4. D.ORDER BY
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

SELECT names the fields to be returned and FROM names the table being queried; WHERE is the keyword used to filter records, specifying the criteria a record must meet to be included in the results. The answer is C.

Marking scheme

1 mark: C. [1]
Question 5 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
In a relational database, which type of relationship allows a single customer to place many orders, while each order belongs to only one customer?
  1. A.One-to-one
  2. B.One-to-many
  3. C.Many-to-many
  4. D.Many-to-one
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

A one-to-one relationship would link each customer to at most one order, and many-to-many would allow orders to be shared between several customers, which does not fit here. Since one customer can be linked to many orders, but each individual order belongs to exactly one customer, this is a one-to-many relationship (from Customer to Order). The answer is B.

Marking scheme

1 mark: B. [1]
Question 6 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Which type of testing checks that individual modules of a program work correctly in isolation, before they are combined with other modules?
  1. A.System testing
  2. B.Integration testing
  3. C.Unit testing
  4. D.Beta testing
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

System testing checks the whole system together, integration testing checks that combined modules work correctly together, and beta testing is carried out by real users after release. Unit testing specifically checks each individual module in isolation before it is combined with others. The answer is C.

Marking scheme

1 mark: C. [1]
Question 7 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
When evaluating a digitally developed solution, which of the following best describes an "efficient" solution?
  1. A.One that uses excessive system resources but still works correctly
  2. B.One that meets the design specification using an appropriate amount of time and system resources
  3. C.One that has never been tested
  4. D.One that only works on one specific platform
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Using excessive resources, never being tested, or only working on one platform are all weaknesses, not signs of efficiency. An efficient solution is one that meets its design specification while making appropriate, economical use of time and system resources rather than wasting them. The answer is B.

Marking scheme

1 mark: B. [1]
Question 8 · Multiple Choice (1 Mark)
1 marks
Which element of multimedia design documentation shows the order in which scenes, video clips or animations will appear over time?
  1. A.Storyboard
  2. B.Movie timeline
  3. C.Navigation structure design
  4. D.Data dictionary
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

A storyboard is a rough visual plan of individual scenes, navigation structure design shows the links between pages, and a data dictionary describes database fields. A movie timeline specifically shows the sequence and timing of scenes, clips and animations as they play out over time. The answer is B.

Marking scheme

1 mark: B. [1]
Question 9 · Design & UI Matching
6 marks
The table below lists six pieces of design documentation (1-6) and six purposes (A-F). Match each item to its correct purpose by writing the correct letter next to each number.

Documentation
1. Data dictionary
2. Entity-relationship diagram (ERD)
3. Storyboard
4. Movie timeline
5. Form wireframe
6. Navigation structure diagram

Purposes
A. Shows a sketch of the layout of a screen used to enter or edit data
B. Lists each field's name, data type and size used in a database
C. Shows a rough visual plan of each scene or screen in a multimedia product, with notes on its content
D. Shows the tables in a database and how they relate to one another
E. Shows the pages or screens in a solution and the links between them
F. Shows the sequence and timing of scenes, clips and animations in a multimedia product
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

A data dictionary lists field details (1-B). An ERD shows tables and their relationships (2-D). A storyboard is a rough scene-by-scene plan (3-C). A movie timeline shows sequencing/timing (4-F). A form wireframe sketches a data-entry screen (5-A). A navigation structure diagram shows links between pages (6-E).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct pair (max 6): 1-B, 2-D, 3-C, 4-F, 5-A, 6-E. [6]
Question 10 · Design & UI Matching
6 marks
The table below lists six interface and compatibility features (1-6) and six descriptions (A-F). Match each feature to its correct description by writing the correct letter next to each number.

Features
1. Graphical user interface (GUI)
2. Natural language interface
3. Touchscreen interface
4. Motion tracking interface
5. Plugin
6. Portable Document Format (PDF)

Descriptions
A. Detects and interprets a user's physical movements or gestures as input
B. Allows a user to interact directly with visual elements (windows, icons, menus, pointer) using a pointing device
C. Allows a user to control a system using everyday spoken or typed language
D. Detects the location and pressure of direct contact on the screen, e.g. from a finger or stylus
E. A small additional piece of software that adds extra functionality to a browser or application to improve compatibility with certain file or media types
F. A fixed-layout file format that preserves formatting and appearance across different devices and operating systems, improving cross-platform compatibility
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

A GUI is controlled with windows/icons/menus/a pointer (1-B). A natural language interface uses everyday words (2-C). A touchscreen interface detects direct contact (3-D). A motion tracking interface detects gestures (4-A). A plugin adds compatibility for extra file/media types (5-E). PDF preserves layout across platforms (6-F).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct pair (max 6): 1-B, 2-C, 3-D, 4-A, 5-E, 6-F. [6]
Question 11 · Design & UI Matching
6 marks
The table below lists six accessible-design considerations (1-6) and six descriptions (A-F). Match each consideration to its correct description by writing the correct letter next to each number.

Considerations
1. Colour contrast
2. Alt text for images
3. Adjustable font size
4. Screen reader compatibility
5. File format compatibility
6. Screen resolution differences

Descriptions
A. Ensures on-screen text and interface elements can be accurately read aloud by assistive technology for visually impaired users
B. Requires a design to adapt or scale correctly so it displays and functions correctly on devices with different screen sizes
C. Provides sufficient difference between text and background colours so content remains readable, including for users with colour blindness
D. Provides a text description of an image so its content can be understood by users who cannot see it
E. Ensures a solution's files can be opened correctly by the different software and hardware combinations used by its target audience
F. Allows users with limited vision to enlarge text to a size they can comfortably read
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Colour contrast keeps text readable, including for colour-blind users (1-C). Alt text describes images for users who cannot see them (2-D). Adjustable font size helps users with limited vision (3-F). Screen reader compatibility lets assistive technology read content aloud accurately (4-A). File format compatibility ensures files open correctly across the target audience's software/hardware (5-E). Adapting to different screen resolutions ensures correct display across device sizes (6-B).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct pair (max 6): 1-C, 2-D, 3-F, 4-A, 5-E, 6-B. [6]
Question 12 · Design & UI Matching
6 marks
The table below lists six terms relating to prototyping and cross-platform design (1-6) and six descriptions (A-F). Match each term to its correct description by writing the correct letter next to each number.

Terms
1. Target audience and user requirements
2. End user (in prototyping)
3. Feedback/review cycle
4. Optimised file format
5. Cross-platform testing
6. Accessible design

Descriptions
A. The people a finished digital solution is intended for, and what they need it to do
B. A person who tries out a prototype and gives comments used to refine the design before the final solution is built
C. The repeated process of end users reviewing a prototype and developers making changes in response
D. A file that has been compressed or adjusted to balance quality against file size, improving performance and compatibility across platforms
E. Checking a solution behaves correctly across the different devices, operating systems and browsers used by its target audience
F. Designing a solution so it can be used effectively by people with a range of abilities, e.g. by providing alt text and adjustable font sizes
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Target audience/user requirements describe who a solution is for and what they need (1-A). The end user tries out and comments on a prototype (2-B). The feedback/review cycle is the repeated review-and-refine process (3-C). An optimised file format balances quality against size (4-D). Cross-platform testing checks behaviour on different devices/browsers (5-E). Accessible design supports users with a range of abilities (6-F).

Marking scheme

1 mark for each correct pair (max 6): 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, 4-D, 5-E, 6-F. [6]
Question 13 · Relational Database Design & SQL
6 marks
A database table called Books has the fields BookID, Title, Author, Genre, Price and Stock. Write an SQL statement that selects the Title and Price of every book where the Genre is 'Fiction' AND the Price is less than 10.00.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

The SELECT clause names the fields to be returned (Title, Price); the FROM clause names the table being queried (Books); the WHERE clause specifies that a record must meet both criteria to be included, using AND to combine Genre = 'Fiction' and Price < 10.00 - a record is only returned if both conditions are true at once. Statement: SELECT Title, Price FROM Books WHERE Genre = 'Fiction' AND Price < 10.00;

Marking scheme

1 mark: SELECT clause names Title and Price; 1 mark: FROM Books; 1 mark: WHERE clause tests Genre = 'Fiction'; 1 mark: WHERE clause tests Price < 10.00; 1 mark: AND used correctly to combine both criteria; 1 mark: statement syntactically correct overall (correct quoting of text criteria, correct comparison operators). [6]
Question 14 · Relational Database Design & SQL
6 marks
A database table called Employees has the fields EmployeeID, Name, Department and Salary, containing the following records:

EmployeeID | Name | Department | Salary
101 | A Kelly | Sales | 24000
102 | B Doyle | IT | 31000
103 | C Murphy | Sales | 27500
104 | D Boyd | Admin | 22000
105 | E Quinn | IT | 29000

State the Name of each employee that would be returned by the following SQL statement, and state how many records are returned in total.

SELECT Name FROM Employees WHERE Department = 'IT' OR Salary > 26000;
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

OR returns a record if it satisfies at least one of the two conditions. A Kelly (Sales, 24000): not IT and not > 26000, so excluded. B Doyle (IT, 31000): Department is IT, included. C Murphy (Sales, 27500): Salary 27500 > 26000, included. D Boyd (Admin, 22000): neither condition true, excluded. E Quinn (IT, 29000): Department is IT, included. So the statement returns B Doyle, C Murphy and E Quinn - 3 records in total. Verification by a second route: 2 records have Department = 'IT' (B Doyle, E Quinn), and exactly 1 further record not already counted has Salary > 26000 (C Murphy); \( 2 + 1 = 3 \), matching the row-by-row check.

Marking scheme

1 mark each for correctly identifying B Doyle, C Murphy and E Quinn as returned (max 3); 1 mark for correctly excluding A Kelly; 1 mark for correctly excluding D Boyd; 1 mark for correctly stating the total is 3 records. [6]
Question 15 · Relational Database Design & SQL
6 marks
A school currently stores all its data in a single flat-file table called Bookings, which repeats the teacher's name and department in every row for every resource they book. (a) Identify the most appropriate type of relationship to use if this data were split into a Teachers table and a Bookings table, where each teacher can make many bookings but each booking is made by only one teacher. (b) Explain, with reference to this scenario, how using two related tables instead of one flat-file table reduces data redundancy and increases data integrity.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

(a) Since one teacher can make many bookings but each booking belongs to only one teacher, this is a one-to-many relationship between Teachers and Bookings. (b) In the single flat-file table, the teacher's name and department are repeated in every row for every booking that teacher makes, wasting storage and making the data redundant. Splitting the data into a Teachers table (storing each teacher's details once, identified by a TeacherID) and a Bookings table (storing only the TeacherID as a foreign key alongside booking details) removes this repetition, reducing redundancy. It also increases data integrity: if a teacher's department changes, it only needs to be updated once in the Teachers table, and every linked booking automatically reflects the correct, consistent department, whereas in the flat-file table every repeated row would need to be updated individually, risking inconsistent data if some rows are missed.

Marking scheme

1 mark: correctly identifies a one-to-many relationship; 1 mark: explains that teacher details are currently repeated for every booking (redundancy identified); 1 mark: explains that splitting stores teacher details once, linked by a key, reducing redundancy; 1 mark: explains the update-anomaly risk in the flat-file version (inconsistent data if not all repeated rows are updated); 1 mark: explains that with related tables an update need only be made once and integrity is maintained; 1 mark: correct use of database terminology throughout (e.g. foreign key, one-to-many). [6]
Question 16 · Relational Database Design & SQL
6 marks
A sports club's database stores Members (MemberID, Name, Team) and Fees (MemberID, AmountPaid, DateReceived). Describe how a complex report could be created to show the total fees received, grouped by Team, with a subtotal printed for each team and a grand total printed at the end of the report.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

The report should be based on a query that joins the Members and Fees tables (via the common MemberID field) so that each fee record is associated with the correct team. The records would then be grouped by Team, so that all members of the same team are listed together under a group header showing the team name. A calculation (a SUM function) would be added within each group's footer to total the AmountPaid values for that team, producing a subtotal per team. A further calculation placed in the overall report footer would sum AmountPaid across all records to produce a single grand total for the whole club. Sorting members within each team group (e.g. alphabetically by Name) would also make the report easier to read.

Marking scheme

1 mark: report based on data joined/linked from both tables via MemberID; 1 mark: records grouped by Team; 1 mark: a group header showing the team name; 1 mark: a SUM calculation in the group footer producing a subtotal per team; 1 mark: a SUM calculation in the report footer producing an overall grand total; 1 mark: valid additional feature, e.g. sorting within groups or column headers. [6]
Question 17 · Relational Database Design & SQL
6 marks
A dance school wants to send a personalised letter to every parent on its database, reminding them of their child's upcoming exam date. Explain what is meant by mail merging in this context, and describe the process the school would follow to select and sequence the recipients.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

Mail merging combines a single template document (the reminder letter) with data held in a database, automatically inserting personalised details - such as each parent's name, their child's name and their specific exam date - into a separate copy of the letter for every selected recipient. To select and sequence the recipients, the school would first connect the letter document to the database (or an exported data source) as the source of merge data; it would then apply a query or filter to select only the parents whose child has an upcoming exam (e.g. filtering by ExamDate), insert merge fields into the letter where personalised data should appear, and sort the selected records into the desired order (for example alphabetically by parent surname) before running the merge to produce a separate, personalised letter for each recipient in that sequence.

Marking scheme

1 mark: correct explanation of mail merging (combining a template document with database data to personalise multiple copies); 1 mark: connecting/attaching the letter to the database as its data source; 1 mark: filtering/selecting only the relevant recipient records (e.g. those with an upcoming exam); 1 mark: inserting merge fields for personalised data; 1 mark: sorting/sequencing the selected recipients into an appropriate order; 1 mark: running the merge to produce individual personalised letters. [6]
Question 18 · Relational Database Design & SQL
6 marks
A librarian regularly has to open the Books table, run a query to find overdue books, and then print the results as a report. Describe how a macro could be used to automate this task, and state one advantage of doing so.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

A macro is a set of automated actions that can be recorded, or built from a list of pre-defined actions, and then run with a single click or keyboard shortcut. For this task, the librarian could create a macro containing the steps: open/run the overdue-books query, then open the associated report showing the query's results, and then print that report. Once built, running this single macro performs all three actions automatically in the correct order, instead of the librarian carrying out each step manually every time. An advantage of this is that it saves time on a task that is repeated regularly, and it reduces the risk of user error (e.g. forgetting a step or running the wrong query), since the same fixed sequence of actions is carried out consistently every time.

Marking scheme

1 mark: correct definition of a macro (a recorded/automated sequence of actions that can be replayed); 1 mark: macro includes running the overdue-books query; 1 mark: macro includes opening/generating the report; 1 mark: macro includes printing the report; 1 mark: macro can be run with a single action, replacing several manual steps; 1 mark: valid advantage stated, e.g. saves time or reduces user error/increases consistency. [6]
Question 19 · Relational Database Design & SQL
6 marks
A database table called Products has the fields ProductCode, ProductName, Price and Stock. Write an SQL statement that selects the ProductName and a calculated field showing the price after a 10% discount (Price multiplied by 0.9) for every product where Stock is greater than 50.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

The SELECT clause names ProductName and includes a calculated field, Price * 0.9, which multiplies the Price field by 0.9 to apply a 10% discount (removing 10% leaves 90% of the price, i.e. multiplying by 0.9). The FROM clause names the Products table, and the WHERE clause restricts the results to records where Stock is greater than 50. Statement: SELECT ProductName, Price * 0.9 FROM Products WHERE Stock > 50; Verification by a second route: for a product priced at GBP20.00, a 10% discount is \( 20 \times 0.10 = 2 \), so the discounted price is \( 20 - 2 = 18 \), which matches \( 20 \times 0.9 = 18 \) calculated directly using the formula in the query.

Marking scheme

1 mark: SELECT clause includes ProductName; 1 mark: SELECT clause includes the calculated field Price * 0.9; 1 mark: FROM Products; 1 mark: WHERE clause tests Stock > 50; 1 mark: correct comparison operator (>) used; 1 mark: statement syntactically correct overall. [6]
Question 20 · Extended Writing (QWC)
6 marks
Discuss the importance of multimedia authoring features - hypertext, video, animation, sound and scripting - in creating an engaging and effective website. The quality of your written communication will be assessed in this question.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

A strong answer explains how hypertext (links) allows users to navigate quickly between related pages or sections, improving usability; how video and animation can demonstrate processes or hold attention more effectively than static text and images alone, increasing engagement; how sound can add atmosphere, provide instructions, or improve accessibility for users who struggle to read on-screen text; and how scripting brings a website to life by controlling sequencing (the order in which elements appear or run), selection (choosing what happens based on a condition, e.g. showing a menu only after a button is clicked) and repetition (e.g. an image carousel that loops automatically), as well as responding to events such as a mouse click or page load. A balanced response also weighs this against the risk that non-optimised media (large, uncompressed video, image or sound files) can slow page loading and harm performance, concluding that multimedia features are most effective when used purposefully and kept appropriately optimised for the website's target audience and platform.

Marking scheme

Level 1 (1-2 marks): Names one or two multimedia authoring features with little development; weak spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG). Level 2 (3-4 marks): Describes several features with relevant examples and some technical vocabulary, e.g. explains at least one function of scripting; generally accurate SPaG. Level 3 (5-6 marks): Comprehensive, well-organised discussion of most or all named features, explains scripting's role in sequencing, selection, repetition and event handling, and reaches a balanced, supported conclusion (e.g. noting the optimisation trade-off); accurate, fluent SPaG throughout. [6]
Question 21 · HTML/Web Authoring Tasks
3 marks
Write the HTML needed to create a hyperlink with the text "Home" that links to the page index.html.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

A hyperlink uses the anchor tag , with an href attribute giving the destination page, and the visible link text placed between the opening and closing tags: Home.

Marking scheme

1 mark: opening tag with an href attribute; 1 mark: href value correctly set to index.html; 1 mark: link text "Home" placed between correctly matched opening and closing tags. [3]
Question 22 · HTML/Web Authoring Tasks
3 marks
Write the HTML needed to display an image called logo.png with the alternative text "School logo".
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

An image is embedded using the tag. The src attribute gives the file to display and the alt attribute gives alternative text describing the image, for use if the image cannot be displayed or by screen readers: .

Marking scheme

1 mark: tag used with a src attribute; 1 mark: src value correctly set to logo.png; 1 mark: alt attribute present with the correct text "School logo". [3]
Question 23 · HTML/Web Authoring Tasks
3 marks
The following HTML code contains one error. Identify the error and explain why it is incorrect.

This is our new website

Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

HTML tags must be closed in the reverse order to which they were opened, so that tags are properly nested inside one another. Here, is opened inside the

element, but

closes the paragraph before closes the bold formatting, so the tags overlap instead of nesting correctly. The corrected code should read:

This is our new website

.

Marking scheme

1 mark: correctly identifies that the and tags are not properly nested within

; 1 mark: states the general rule that tags must be closed in reverse order/properly nested; 1 mark: gives the corrected code,

This is our new website

. [3]
Question 24 · HTML/Web Authoring Tasks
3 marks
State the HTML tag pair used to create a numbered (ordered) list, and the tag pair used to create each item within it.
Show answer & marking scheme

Worked solution

An ordered (numbered) list is created using the
    and
tags. Each item within the list is created using the
  • and
    • tags, which must be nested inside the
      element, one pair per list item.

    Marking scheme

    1 mark:
      given as the list tag pair; 1 mark:
    1. given as the item tag pair; 1 mark: correctly states the
    2. items must be nested inside the
        element. [3]
      3. Question 25 · HTML/Web Authoring Tasks
      3 marks
      Write the HTML needed to create a table with one row containing two cells, showing the text "Name" and "Score".
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      A table is created with the tag; each row is created with a (table row) tag nested inside it; and each cell within a row is created with a (table data) tag nested inside the . The full code is: NameScore.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: and tags used correctly; 1 mark: two cells containing "Name" and "Score"; 1 mark: all tags correctly nested and closed in the right order. [3]
      Question 26 · HTML/Web Authoring Tasks
      3 marks
      Explain the purpose of the section of an HTML document, and state one example of content that would be placed inside it.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      The section contains information about the HTML document itself, rather than the visible content shown in the browser window. This is distinct from the section, which contains the content that is actually displayed on the page. An example of content placed inside is the element, which sets the text shown in the browser's tab or title bar; other examples include links to external stylesheets and meta tags describing the page.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correct purpose (holds document/meta information rather than displayed page content); 1 mark: valid example, e.g. the tag; 1 mark: correctly distinguishes <head> from <body>, which holds the visible page content. [3]
      Question 27 · HTML/Web Authoring Tasks
      3 marks
      State two ways in which organising assets (images, sound and video files) into folders can assist in managing a multimedia solution, and give one example of a sensible folder structure.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Organising assets into folders (e.g. separate "images", "sounds" and "videos" folders) keeps related files grouped together, making them quicker to find and easier to maintain as a project grows. It also helps avoid filename clashes, since files with the same name can exist in different folders, and keeps the relative file paths used in HTML short and consistent across every page of the site.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: files are grouped/organised so they are easier to find and maintain; 1 mark: avoids filename clashes and/or keeps file paths short and consistent; 1 mark: valid example of a sensible folder structure, e.g. separate images/sounds/videos folders. [3]
      Question 28 · HTML/Web Authoring Tasks
      3 marks
      State what the following HTML code would display in a browser, including how the text would be formatted.

      Opening Hours

      Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm


      Closed on public holidays

      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      The tag displays "Opening Hours" as a level-2 heading. The first

      tag displays a paragraph reading "Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm", with the portion inside the tags, "9am to 5pm", shown in bold. The second

      tag displays a separate paragraph reading "Closed on public holidays", with the whole phrase inside tags shown in italics.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correctly states the heading "Opening Hours" is displayed; 1 mark: correctly states the first paragraph's text with "9am to 5pm" shown in bold; 1 mark: correctly states the second paragraph's text, "Closed on public holidays", shown in italics. [3]
      Question 29 · Testing Methodology
      4 marks
      Explain the difference between white box testing and black box testing.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      White box testing is carried out by a tester who has knowledge of, and access to, the internal code and logic of a program; test cases are designed to check that every path or branch of the code executes correctly, for example checking each IF/ELSE branch is tested. Black box testing is carried out without any knowledge of the internal code; the tester only considers the program's inputs and checks whether its outputs match the expected results, based purely on its specification. The key difference is that white box testing checks how the program works internally, while black box testing checks only what the program produces for given inputs, without regard to its internal structure.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correct definition of white box testing (tests internal code/logic, requires knowledge of the code); 1 mark: correct definition of black box testing (tests inputs against expected outputs, no knowledge of the code required); 1 mark: explicit contrast between the two (internal-knowledge vs input/output-only); 1 mark: valid supporting detail/example, e.g. branch coverage for white box testing. [4]
      Question 30 · Testing Methodology
      4 marks
      State the difference between alpha testing and beta testing, and explain who would typically carry out each.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Alpha testing is carried out first, in-house, typically by the developers or staff within the organisation, before the software is released to anyone outside it; it aims to find and fix major faults in a controlled environment. Beta testing takes place after alpha testing, once the software is considered largely complete; it is carried out by a sample of real external users, who use the software in a genuine, real-world environment and report back any problems they encounter. Beta testing is valuable because it exposes the software to a wider range of hardware, usage patterns and user behaviour than developers alone are likely to test, helping uncover issues that would not otherwise be found before full release.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correct definition of alpha testing, carried out in-house by developers/staff; 1 mark: correct definition of beta testing, carried out by real external users; 1 mark: correctly states alpha testing happens before beta testing; 1 mark: valid benefit of beta testing, e.g. exposes the software to real-world use/wider range of users before full release. [4]
      Question 31 · Testing Methodology
      4 marks
      A payroll program calculates an employee's weekly pay from the number of hours worked, which must be a whole number between 0 and 60 inclusive. State one valid, one invalid and one extreme test value the developer should use to test the hours-worked input, and explain why testing with all three types of value is necessary.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      A valid test value, such as 35, lies within the accepted range and checks that the program correctly processes normal, everyday data. An invalid test value, such as -5 or 65, lies outside the accepted range and checks that the program correctly rejects or handles data it should not accept. An extreme test value, such as 0 or 60, lies exactly on the boundary of the accepted range and checks that the program correctly includes these limiting values rather than incorrectly rejecting them (or accepting values just beyond them). Testing with all three types is necessary because relying on valid data alone would not reveal whether the program properly rejects bad input, and ignoring boundary values could leave off-by-one errors undetected, so together they give confidence the program behaves correctly across the whole range of possible input, not just in the middle of it.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: valid test value correctly identified within range (e.g. 35); 1 mark: invalid test value correctly identified outside range (e.g. -5 or 65); 1 mark: extreme test value correctly identified on a boundary (0 or 60); 1 mark: correct explanation of why all three types are needed (to confirm normal, incorrect and boundary data are all handled correctly). [4]
      Question 32 · Testing Methodology
      4 marks
      Explain why testing should be carried out as an iterative process throughout the development of a digital solution, rather than only once at the end.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Testing throughout development, rather than only once at the end, means errors are found and fixed early, while they are still cheap and easy to correct, rather than after much more work has been built on top of a faulty component. Testing each part or stage before building on it also means that if an error is found, it can usually be traced back to the most recently added part of the solution, rather than having to search through the entire finished system. This reduces the risk of small errors combining or being hidden by later code, which would make them harder to trace and more expensive to fix if only discovered at the very end. Overall, an iterative approach to testing increases the likelihood that the finished solution meets its requirements, while reducing the overall time and cost of development.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: errors are found and fixed earlier, when they are cheaper/easier to correct; 1 mark: each stage/component is checked before further work is built on top of it; 1 mark: reduces the risk of compounding/interacting errors that are harder to trace later; 1 mark: overall solution is more likely to meet requirements, reducing the time/cost of a late-stage overhaul. [4]

      Section Unit 4: Digital Development Concepts (GDG41)

      Answer all ten questions in the spaces provided.
      22 Question · 120 marks
      Question 1 · Multiple Choice & Logic Tables
      1 marks
      Which of the following programming constructs would be most appropriate for repeating a set of instructions a fixed, known number of times, such as printing "Hello" exactly 10 times?
      1. A.IF...THEN...ELSE
      2. B.FOR...NEXT loop
      3. C.WHILE...ENDWHILE loop
      4. D.Function call
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      IF...THEN...ELSE performs selection, not repetition; a WHILE loop repeats while a condition remains true and is typically used when the number of repetitions is not known in advance; a function call executes a named block of code once. A FOR...NEXT loop is designed specifically to repeat a fixed, known number of times by counting from a start value to an end value. The answer is B.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: B. [1]
      Question 2 · Multiple Choice & Logic Tables
      1 marks
      How many distinct characters can be represented using 8-bit ASCII?
      1. A.128
      2. B.200
      3. C.256
      4. D.512
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      The number of distinct values representable by n bits is \( 2^n \). For 8-bit ASCII, \( 2^8 = 256 \), so 256 distinct characters can be represented. The answer is C.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: C. [1]
      Question 3 · Multiple Choice & Logic Tables
      1 marks
      Which option correctly completes the results column for the Boolean expression A AND (NOT B), for the rows in the order (A=True, B=True), (A=True, B=False), (A=False, B=True), (A=False, B=False)?
      1. A.True, False, True, True
      2. B.False, True, False, False
      3. C.False, False, True, True
      4. D.True, True, False, False
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      A AND (NOT B) is only True when A is True and B is False, since NOT B is only True when B is False. Row (T,T): NOT B is False, so True AND False = False. Row (T,F): NOT B is True, so True AND True = True. Row (F,T): NOT B is False, so False AND False = False. Row (F,F): NOT B is True, so False AND True = False, since A is False the result is always False regardless of the other operand. This gives False, True, False, False, matching option B. Verification by a second route: A AND (NOT B) is true for exactly one input combination (A True, B False) - only the second value in the sequence is True, confirming the result. The answer is B.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: B. [1]
      Question 4 · Multiple Choice & Logic Tables
      1 marks
      A one-dimensional array called Scores contains 20 elements that are NOT sorted into order. Which search algorithm must be used to search this array?
      1. A.Binary search
      2. B.Linear search
      3. C.Bubble sort
      4. D.Insertion sort
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Bubble sort and insertion sort are sorting algorithms, not search algorithms, and a binary search requires the array to already be sorted, since it repeatedly halves the search range around a midpoint, which only works correctly on ordered data. A linear search checks each element in turn from the start of the array and works correctly regardless of whether the data is sorted, so it must be used here. The answer is B.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: B. [1]
      Question 5 · Multiple Choice & Logic Tables
      1 marks
      Which of the following best describes object-oriented programming?
      1. A.Code is organised as a sequence of instructions executed one after another with no reusable structures
      2. B.Code is organised into procedures/functions that are called to perform specific tasks, without using objects
      3. C.Code is organised into objects that combine data (attributes) and the actions that work on that data (methods)
      4. D.Code is translated directly into machine code by an assembler, one instruction at a time
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Option A describes basic sequential programming, option B is closer to procedural programming, and option D describes low-level assembly translation, not a programming paradigm. Object-oriented programming specifically organises code into objects, which bundle together data (attributes/properties) and the actions or behaviours that operate on that data (methods). The answer is C.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: C. [1]
      Question 6 · Binary Arithmetic & Conversions
      6 marks
      Convert the denary number 173 into (a) an 8-bit binary number and (b) hexadecimal. Show your working.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      To convert 173 to binary, repeatedly subtract the largest possible power of two: 173 - 128 = 45; 45 - 32 = 13; 13 - 8 = 5; 5 - 4 = 1; 1 - 1 = 0. This uses the bit values 128, 32, 8, 4 and 1, giving the 8-bit binary number 10101101 (since \( 128+32+8+4+1 = 173 \)). Splitting this binary number into two 4-bit nibbles, 1010 and 1101, and converting each to hexadecimal gives 1010 = A (10) and 1101 = D (13), so 173 in hexadecimal is AD. Verification by a second route: converting AD directly, \( A \times 16 + D = 10 \times 16 + 13 = 160 + 13 = 173 \), which matches the original denary value.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correct working shown for the binary conversion (e.g. subtracting powers of two); 1 mark: correct 8-bit binary answer, 10101101; 1 mark: binary number correctly split into two nibbles; 1 mark: correct hex digit found for each nibble; 1 mark: correct final hexadecimal answer, AD; 1 mark: working clearly and correctly laid out throughout. [6]
      Question 7 · Binary Arithmetic & Conversions
      6 marks
      Add the following two 8-bit binary numbers, showing your working, and give your answer as an 8-bit binary number: 10110110 + 01101101. State what is meant by overflow, and explain whether overflow occurs in this addition.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Adding bit by bit from the right, with carries: 0+1=1; 1+0=1; 1+1=10 (write 0, carry 1); 0+1+1=10 (write 0, carry 1); 1+0+1=10 (write 0, carry 1); 1+1+1=11 (write 1, carry 1); 0+1+1=10 (write 0, carry 1); 1+0+1=10 (write 0, carry 1 out). This gives the 8-bit result 00100011, with a final carry of 1 left over beyond the 8th bit. Overflow occurs when the result of a calculation is too large to be stored in the number of bits available, so part of the result (the final carry) is lost. Verification by a second route: converting to denary first, 10110110 = 182 and 01101101 = 109, so \( 182 + 109 = 291 \); since an unsigned 8-bit number can only store values from 0 to 255, and \( 291 - 256 = 35 \), which converts to 00100011 - matching the direct binary addition. Since the true sum (291) exceeds the 8-bit maximum (255), overflow has occurred.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correct working shown for the binary addition; 1 mark: correct 8-bit result, 00100011; 1 mark: correctly identifies a carry is generated beyond the 8th (leftmost) bit; 1 mark: correct definition of overflow (result too large to be stored in the available number of bits); 1 mark: correctly states overflow has occurred in this case; 1 mark: correct supporting reasoning/verification (e.g. denary check showing the true sum 291 exceeds 255). [6]
      Question 8 · Binary Arithmetic & Conversions
      6 marks
      A photograph is stored as a bitmap image with a resolution of 1200 x 800 pixels. Each pixel uses 24 bits (3 bytes) of colour data. Calculate the file size of the uncompressed image in megabytes (MB), showing your working. (Use 1 KB = 1024 bytes, 1 MB = 1024 KB.)
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Total number of pixels = \( 1200 \times 800 = 960{,}000 \). Each pixel uses 3 bytes, so total file size in bytes = \( 960{,}000 \times 3 = 2{,}880{,}000 \) bytes. Converting to kilobytes: \( 2{,}880{,}000 \div 1024 = 2812.5 \) KB. Converting to megabytes: \( 2812.5 \div 1024 \approx 2.75 \) MB. Verification by a second route: converting directly using \( 1\ \text{MB} = 1024 \times 1024 = 1{,}048{,}576 \) bytes, \( 2{,}880{,}000 \div 1{,}048{,}576 \approx 2.75 \) MB, matching the two-step conversion.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correctly calculates total pixels, 960,000; 1 mark: correctly calculates total bytes, 2,880,000; 1 mark: correct method to convert bytes to KB (divide by 1024); 1 mark: correct KB value, 2812.5 KB; 1 mark: correct method to convert KB to MB (divide by 1024); 1 mark: correct final answer, approximately 2.75 MB. [6]
      Question 9 · Binary Arithmetic & Conversions
      6 marks
      A text message is stored using 8-bit ASCII, with each character occupying exactly one byte. (a) State how many bytes are needed to store the message "CCEA GCSE" (including the space). (b) Explain why Unicode may be required instead of ASCII to correctly store a message that includes characters such as the Chinese character 中 or the Icelandic letter ð.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      (a) "CCEA GCSE" contains 9 characters (C, C, E, A, space, G, C, S, E); since each character occupies exactly one byte under 8-bit ASCII, the message requires 9 bytes. (b) 8-bit ASCII can represent at most \( 2^8 = 256 \) distinct values, which is enough for the standard Latin alphabet, digits, punctuation and control codes, but not for characters used in other writing systems, such as the Chinese character 中 or the Icelandic letter ð. Unicode was developed to solve this problem by using a much larger number of possible code points, allowing it to represent characters from virtually every writing system in the world, so it is needed whenever a message may contain characters beyond the standard ASCII set.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correct count of characters in the message (9, including the space); 1 mark: correctly states this equals 9 bytes under 8-bit ASCII; 1 mark: explains ASCII has a limited/fixed number of representable characters (256 for 8-bit); 1 mark: correctly identifies this excludes non-Latin/international characters such as 中 or ð; 1 mark: explains Unicode uses a much larger number of possible code points/values; 1 mark: correctly concludes Unicode allows international characters beyond ASCII's range to be represented. [6]
      Question 10 · Binary Arithmetic & Conversions
      6 marks
      (a) Convert the hexadecimal value 3F into an 8-bit binary number and its denary equivalent, showing your working. (b) Place the following four units of data in order from smallest to largest: megabyte, byte, gigabyte, kilobyte.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      (a) Splitting the hex value 3F into its two hex digits: 3 converts to the 4-bit binary pattern 0011, and F (15) converts to 1111. Combined, this gives the 8-bit binary number 00111111. Converting to denary: \( 0011\,1111_2 = 32+16+8+4+2+1 = 63 \). Verification by a second route: converting the hex digits directly, \( 3 \times 16 + 15 = 48 + 15 = 63 \), matching the binary conversion. (b) From smallest to largest, the standard units of data are: byte, kilobyte (1024 bytes), megabyte (1024 kilobytes) and gigabyte (1024 megabytes), so the correct order is byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correctly converts hex digit 3 to 0011; 1 mark: correctly converts hex digit F to 1111; 1 mark: correct combined 8-bit binary answer, 00111111; 1 mark: correct denary answer, 63, with working shown; 1 mark (b): units correctly ordered from smallest to largest; 1 mark (b): correctly identifies each unit is 1024 times the size of the previous one. [6]
      Question 11 · Dry Run Trace Tables
      6 marks
      A program uses the following pseudocode to process five numbers entered by the user, adding up only those greater than 10:

      total = 0
      count = 0
      FOR i = 1 TO 5
      INPUT n
      IF n > 10 THEN
      total = total + n
      count = count + 1
      ENDIF
      NEXT i
      OUTPUT total
      OUTPUT count

      Complete a trace table for this algorithm if the five values entered, in order, are: 12, 5, 20, 8, 15. Your table should show the value of i, n, total and count after each pass of the loop, and state the two values finally output.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Working through the loop for i = 1 to 5: i=1: n=12; since 12>10, total=0+12=12, count=0+1=1. i=2: n=5; since 5 is not >10, total and count are unchanged: total=12, count=1. i=3: n=20; since 20>10, total=12+20=32, count=1+1=2. i=4: n=8; since 8 is not >10, total and count are unchanged: total=32, count=2. i=5: n=15; since 15>10, total=32+15=47, count=2+1=3. After the loop ends, the program outputs total=47 and count=3. Verification by a second route: the values greater than 10 are 12, 20 and 15, so \( 12+20+15=47 \), and there are exactly 3 such values, matching the trace table.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correct trace row for i=1 (total=12, count=1); 1 mark: correct trace row for i=2 (total=12, count=1, unchanged); 1 mark: correct trace row for i=3 (total=32, count=2); 1 mark: correct trace row for i=4 (total=32, count=2, unchanged); 1 mark: correct trace row for i=5 (total=47, count=3); 1 mark: correct final output values stated, total=47 and count=3. [6]
      Question 12 · Dry Run Trace Tables
      6 marks
      A program uses the following pseudocode, where word[i] returns the character at position i of the string word (position 1 is the first character), and LEN(word) returns the number of characters in word:

      word = "CODE"
      reversed = ""
      FOR i = LEN(word) TO 1 STEP -1
      reversed = reversed + word[i]
      NEXT i
      OUTPUT reversed

      Complete a trace table showing the value of i and reversed after each pass of the loop, and state the value finally output.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      LEN(word) = 4, since "CODE" has four characters, so the loop counts i from 4 down to 1. word[4]="E", word[3]="D", word[2]="O", word[1]="C". i=4: reversed = "" + "E" = "E". i=3: reversed = "E" + "D" = "ED". i=2: reversed = "ED" + "O" = "EDO". i=1: reversed = "EDO" + "C" = "EDOC". After the loop ends, the program outputs "EDOC". Verification by a second route: reversing the letters of "CODE" (C, O, D, E) directly gives E, D, O, C, i.e. "EDOC", matching the trace table.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correct trace row for i=4 (reversed=E); 1 mark: correct trace row for i=3 (reversed=ED); 1 mark: correct trace row for i=2 (reversed=EDO); 1 mark: correct trace row for i=1 (reversed=EDOC); 1 mark: correctly identifies the loop counts down from 4 to 1 (LEN(word)=4); 1 mark: correct final output stated, EDOC. [6]
      Question 13 · Dry Run Trace Tables
      7 marks
      A program uses the following pseudocode to perform ONE pass of a bubble sort on the array Nums, which initially contains [8, 3, 6, 1, 9]:

      FOR i = 1 TO 4
      IF Nums[i] > Nums[i+1] THEN
      temp = Nums[i]
      Nums[i] = Nums[i+1]
      Nums[i+1] = temp
      ENDIF
      NEXT i
      OUTPUT Nums

      Complete a trace table showing the contents of the Nums array after each value of i (1 to 4) is processed, stating whether a swap took place each time, and give the array finally output.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Starting array: [8,3,6,1,9]. i=1: compares Nums[1]=8 and Nums[2]=3; since 8>3, a swap occurs, giving [3,8,6,1,9]. i=2: compares Nums[2]=8 and Nums[3]=6; since 8>6, a swap occurs, giving [3,6,8,1,9]. i=3: compares Nums[3]=8 and Nums[4]=1; since 8>1, a swap occurs, giving [3,6,1,8,9]. i=4: compares Nums[4]=8 and Nums[5]=9; since 8 is not greater than 9, no swap occurs, and the array remains [3,6,1,8,9]. The array output after this one pass is [3,6,1,8,9]. Verification by a second route: after one bubble sort pass, the largest value encountered while comparing should end up at the rightmost position reached (index 5 here); the overall maximum of the original array, 9, was already at index 5 and correctly remains there, consistent with the traced result.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: correct array after i=1, [3,8,6,1,9], with swap identified; 1 mark: correct array after i=2, [3,6,8,1,9], with swap identified; 1 mark: correct array after i=3, [3,6,1,8,9], with swap identified; 1 mark: correctly identifies no swap occurs at i=4; 1 mark: correct array after i=4 remains [3,6,1,8,9]; 1 mark: correct final output array stated, [3,6,1,8,9]; 1 mark: trace table clearly and correctly laid out for all four iterations. [7]
      Question 14 · Algorithm Design & Completion
      9 marks
      A one-dimensional array called Names, containing 10 elements, stores the names of the pupils in a class. Design an algorithm, using pseudocode, that:
      - inputs a name to search for;
      - performs a linear search of the Names array for that name;
      - outputs the message "Found" and the position of the name in the array if it is found;
      - outputs the message "Not found" if the name does not appear in the array.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      The algorithm first inputs the name being searched for, then uses a FOR loop to examine every element of the 10-element array in turn (a linear search). A Boolean flag, found, starts as FALSE; whenever the current array element matches searchName, found is set to TRUE and the matching position is recorded. Once the loop has checked all 10 elements, an IF statement checks the found flag: if TRUE, it outputs "Found" and the recorded position; if FALSE (no match was ever found), it outputs "Not found". Tracing this logic with a sample array confirms it is correct: if searchName matches the element at index 6, found becomes TRUE and position becomes 6 when i=6, and remains TRUE for the rest of the loop, so "Found" and 6 are correctly output; if searchName matches nothing, found stays FALSE throughout, and "Not found" is correctly output.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: INPUT statement for the name to search for; 1 mark: correct loop structure iterating through all 10 elements (FOR i = 1 TO 10); 1 mark: correct comparison of each element against searchName; 1 mark: a found flag (or equivalent) correctly initialised and used; 1 mark: correctly records the position when a match is found; 1 mark: correct IF/ELSE structure used after the loop to decide the output; 1 mark: correct "Found" message plus the position output when found; 1 mark: correct "Not found" message output when not found; 1 mark: algorithm overall logically correct, complete and syntactically consistent. [9]
      Question 15 · Algorithm Design & Completion
      9 marks
      Design an algorithm, using pseudocode, that repeatedly asks the user to input their age, and only accepts and outputs the value once a whole number between 0 and 120 (inclusive) has been entered. The algorithm should display the message "Invalid age, please try again" each time an out-of-range value is entered.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      A REPEAT...UNTIL loop is well-suited here because the age must be input and checked at least once. Inside the loop, age is input and then tested: if it is less than 0 or greater than 120, it is out of range, so the error message is displayed. The loop condition, UNTIL age >= 0 AND age <= 120, is only true once a value within the inclusive range 0 to 120 has been entered, so the loop keeps repeating (re-prompting and re-validating) until that happens. Once a valid age is entered the loop ends and the valid age is output. Tracing this with sample inputs confirms it works: an input of -5 fails the IF test (since -5 < 0), so the error message is shown and the UNTIL condition is false, so the loop repeats; an input of 45 passes the IF test (no message shown) and satisfies the UNTIL condition (45 >= 0 AND 45 <= 120 is true), so the loop ends and 45 is correctly output.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: loop structure that repeats until a valid value is entered (REPEAT...UNTIL or an equivalent correctly structured WHILE loop); 1 mark: correct INPUT placed inside the loop; 1 mark: correct condition testing the lower bound (e.g. age < 0); 1 mark: correct condition testing the upper bound (e.g. age > 120); 1 mark: both bounds correctly combined so 0 and 120 themselves are accepted (inclusive range); 1 mark: correct error message output when the value is invalid; 1 mark: loop correctly continues to re-prompt until a valid value is entered; 1 mark: correct final OUTPUT of the valid age after the loop ends; 1 mark: algorithm overall logically correct, complete and syntactically consistent. [9]
      Question 16 · Algorithm Design & Completion
      9 marks
      The following pseudocode is intended to perform a full bubble sort on a one-dimensional array called Nums, containing 6 elements, sorting the values into ascending order. Three lines have been replaced with blanks, labelled (i), (ii) and (iii). Complete the pseudocode by writing the correct instruction for each blank.

      FOR pass = 1 TO 5
      FOR i = 1 TO ______(i)______
      IF Nums[i] > ______(ii)______ THEN
      temp = Nums[i]
      Nums[i] = Nums[i+1]
      ______(iii)______
      ENDIF
      NEXT i
      NEXT pass
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      The array has 6 elements, and each comparison checks Nums[i] against its neighbour Nums[i+1]; so i must range from 1 up to 5, not 6, otherwise Nums[i+1] would try to access a 7th, non-existent element when i = 6 - so blank (i) is 5. The IF condition must compare the current element against its neighbour to decide whether they are out of order, so blank (ii) is Nums[i+1]. The swap begins by storing Nums[i] in temp, then overwrites Nums[i] with Nums[i+1]; to complete the swap, the original value of Nums[i] saved in temp must now be placed into Nums[i+1], so blank (iii) is Nums[i+1] = temp. Together, the completed algorithm performs 5 outer passes for the 6-element array (n-1 passes for n elements), each making the 5 needed adjacent comparisons and swapping any out-of-order pair, which is sufficient to fully sort any 6-element array into ascending order.

      Marking scheme

      3 marks: blank (i) correctly completed as 5 (accept 6-1 or n-1; award partial credit of 1-2 marks for a near-miss such as 6 that shows some understanding of the loop range); 3 marks: blank (ii) correctly completed as Nums[i+1]; 3 marks: blank (iii) correctly completed as Nums[i+1] = temp. [9]
      Question 17 · Algorithm Design & Completion
      9 marks
      Design an algorithm, using pseudocode, that inputs a word (assume it will only contain lower-case letters) from the user and outputs the number of vowels (a, e, i, o, u) it contains.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      The algorithm inputs the word, then initialises a counter, vowelCount, to 0. A FOR loop then examines every character position from 1 to LEN(word) (the length of the word). At each position, an IF statement with a chain of OR conditions tests whether the character at that position is one of the five vowels; if so, vowelCount is incremented by 1. After the loop has checked every character, vowelCount is output. Tracing this with the sample word "pseudocode" confirms it works: the vowels present are e, u, o, o, e (at the relevant positions), so vowelCount would correctly reach 5 by the end of the loop, matching a manual count of the vowels in "pseudocode".

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: INPUT statement for the word; 1 mark: vowelCount correctly initialised to 0; 1 mark: correct loop structure iterating from 1 to LEN(word); 1 mark: correct indexing of each character in turn (word[i]); 1 mark: condition correctly tests for at least some of the vowels; 1 mark: condition correctly and completely tests for all five vowels combined with OR; 1 mark: vowelCount correctly incremented inside the IF statement; 1 mark: correct OUTPUT of vowelCount after the loop; 1 mark: algorithm overall logically correct, complete and syntactically consistent. [9]
      Question 18 · Algorithm Design & Completion
      9 marks
      A one-dimensional array called Marks contains the exam marks of 10 pupils. Design an algorithm, using pseudocode, that finds and outputs the highest mark, the lowest mark, and the average (mean) mark of the 10 pupils.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      The algorithm initialises highest and lowest to the first mark in the array, Marks[1], so that both start with a genuinely valid mark rather than an arbitrary value such as 0 (which could be wrong if marks could be negative, or would incorrectly affect the lowest calculation). A running total is initialised to 0. The FOR loop then processes each of the 10 marks in turn: it adds the current mark to total; if the current mark is greater than the current highest, highest is updated; if the current mark is less than the current lowest, lowest is updated. After the loop, the average is calculated as total divided by 10, and all three values are output. Tracing this with a sample array such as [55, 80, 42, 91, 63, 77, 58, 84, 49, 70] confirms it is correct: the running total after all 10 marks is \( 55+80+42+91+63+77+58+84+49+70 = 669 \), giving an average of \( 669 \div 10 = 66.9 \); the highest value seen and correctly retained is 91, and the lowest is 42 - matching the actual maximum and minimum of the listed marks found by inspection.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: highest and lowest correctly initialised to Marks[1] (not to 0); 1 mark: total correctly initialised to 0; 1 mark: correct loop structure iterating through all 10 elements (FOR i = 1 TO 10); 1 mark: running total correctly accumulated (total = total + Marks[i]); 1 mark: correct IF structure updating highest when a larger mark is found; 1 mark: correct IF structure updating lowest when a smaller mark is found; 1 mark: correct average calculation after the loop (total / 10); 1 mark: correct OUTPUT of all three required values (highest, lowest, average); 1 mark: algorithm overall logically correct, complete and syntactically consistent. [9]
      Question 19 · Extended Writing (QWC)
      6 marks
      Evaluate how a developer would check that a digitally developed solution meets the original design specification, is a full and complete solution, is efficient, and is robust. The quality of your written communication will be assessed in this question.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      A strong answer explains that meeting the original design specification can be checked by comparing the finished solution's features and behaviour directly against the original list of requirements agreed with the end user, confirming each has been implemented as intended. Being a full and complete solution can be checked by confirming every required feature has actually been implemented and works correctly, including for edge cases, rather than only the core functionality. Efficiency can be evaluated by considering whether the solution completes tasks using an appropriate amount of processing time, memory and other system resources, rather than working correctly but unacceptably slowly or wastefully. Robustness can be evaluated by deliberately testing the solution with invalid, unexpected or extreme input (for example using error trapping and validation) to check it continues to function sensibly, or fails safely, rather than crashing. A balanced response concludes that evaluating against all four criteria together, rather than any single one in isolation, gives a much more complete and trustworthy picture of whether a solution is genuinely fit for purpose.

      Marking scheme

      Level 1 (1-2 marks): Limited identification of relevant evaluation criteria (e.g. names only one of specification / completeness / efficiency / robustness) with little development; weak spelling, punctuation and grammar (SPaG). Level 2 (3-4 marks): Satisfactory description of at least two of the four named criteria, with some relevant detail and technical vocabulary; generally accurate SPaG. Level 3 (5-6 marks): Comprehensive, well-organised evaluation covering all four named criteria with well-explained methods for checking each, and a balanced, supported conclusion; accurate SPaG and fluent, technical expression throughout. [6]
      Question 20 · Testing Specification & Cloze
      5 marks
      Complete the following passage about test data by writing the correct word or phrase in each of the five numbered gaps.

      When testing a solution, three different types of test data should be used. (1)______ data lies within the accepted range and checks that the program processes normal data correctly. (2)______ data lies outside the accepted range and checks that the program correctly rejects data it should not accept. (3)______ data lies exactly on the boundary of the accepted range. Using all three types together, rather than valid data (4)______, helps to fully test how a solution handles both correct and incorrect (5)______.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Valid data (1) is data within the accepted range, used to check normal processing. Invalid data (2) is data outside the accepted range, used to check that bad data is correctly rejected. Extreme data (3) sits exactly on a boundary of the accepted range, and is used to check boundary values are handled correctly. Testing with valid data alone (4) would not reveal whether a program rejects bad or boundary data correctly, so using all three types together helps fully test how a solution handles both correct and incorrect input (5).

      Marking scheme

      1 mark for each correctly completed gap (max 5): (1) Valid; (2) Invalid; (3) Extreme (accept Boundary); (4) alone/on its own; (5) input (accept data). [5]
      Question 21 · Testing Specification & Cloze
      5 marks
      A form requires users to enter a password that must be between 8 and 16 characters long (inclusive). Complete a short test specification by stating one valid, one invalid and one extreme test value for the password length, the expected outcome for each, and one further feature (other than length) that should also be tested for a password field.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      A valid test value, such as a 12-character password, lies within the accepted 8-16 character range, so the expected outcome is that it is accepted. An invalid test value, such as a 5-character or 20-character password, lies outside the accepted range, so the expected outcome is that it is rejected, typically with an error message. An extreme test value is exactly 8 or exactly 16 characters; since the range is stated as inclusive, the expected outcome is that this value is accepted, not rejected - a common error is to wrongly expect boundary values to be rejected. A further feature worth testing, besides length, is whether the password meets any stated complexity requirements, such as containing a mix of letters, numbers and symbols, or whether it correctly matches a password-confirmation field.

      Marking scheme

      1 mark: valid test value (e.g. 12 characters) with correct expected outcome (accepted); 1 mark: invalid test value (e.g. 5 or 20 characters) with correct expected outcome (rejected); 1 mark: extreme test value (8 or 16 characters) correctly stated; 1 mark: correctly states the extreme value should be accepted, since the boundary values are included in the inclusive valid range; 1 mark: valid further feature identified for testing, e.g. character/complexity requirements or matching a confirmation field. [5]
      Question 22 · Testing Specification & Cloze
      5 marks
      Complete the following passage about the significance of testing in the development process by writing the correct word or phrase in each of the five numbered gaps.

      Testing should take place throughout development, not only once the whole solution is finished; this is known as an (1)______ approach. (2)______ testing checks the internal logic and code structure of a program, while (3)______ testing checks a program's outputs against its expected results without reference to its internal code. Testing individual modules on their own is called (4)______ testing, while testing that combined modules work correctly together is called (5)______ testing.
      Show answer & marking scheme

      Worked solution

      Testing throughout the development process, rather than only at the end, is described as an iterative approach (1). White box testing (2) checks a program's internal logic/code structure, requiring knowledge of the code. Black box testing (3) checks only inputs against expected outputs, without reference to the internal code. Testing individual modules on their own is unit testing (4), and testing that combined modules work correctly together is integration testing (5).

      Marking scheme

      1 mark for each correctly completed gap (max 5): (1) iterative; (2) White box; (3) Black box; (4) unit; (5) integration. [5]

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