PMT

…day June 20XX – Morning/Afternoon

GCSE (9–1) Computer Science

J276/01 Computer Systems

en
SAMPLE MARK SCHEME

im
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

ec
MAXIMUM MARK 80
Sp

This document consists of 16 pages

R10048/19
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

MARKING INSTRUCTIONS
PREPARATION FOR MARKING

SCORIS

1. Make sure that you have accessed and completed the relevant training packages for on–screen marking: scoris assessor Online Training;
OCR Essential Guide to Marking.

2. Make sure that you have read and understood the mark scheme and the question paper for this unit. These are posted on the RM
Cambridge Assessment Support Portal http://www.rm.com/support/ca

en
3. Log–in to scoris and mark the required number of practice responses (“scripts”) and the required number of standardisation responses.

YOU MUST MARK 10 PRACTICE AND 10 STANDARDISATION RESPONSES BEFORE YOU CAN BE APPROVED TO MARK LIVE
SCRIPTS.

im
LEVELS OF RESPONSE QUESTIONS:

ec
For answers marked by levels of response:

• to determine the level – start at the highest level and work down until you reach the level that matches the answer
• to determine the mark within the level, consider the following
Sp
The indicative content indicates the expected parameters for candidates’ answers, but be prepared to recognise and credit unexpected approaches
where they show relevance.

Using ‘best-fit’, decide first which set of BAND DESCRIPTORS best describes the overall quality of the answer. Once the band is located, adjust
the mark concentrating on features of the answer which make it stronger or weaker following the guidelines for refinement*.

Highest mark: If clear evidence of all the qualities in the band descriptors is shown, the HIGHEST Mark should be awarded.

Lowest mark: If the answer shows the candidate to be borderline (i.e. they have achieved all the qualities of the bands below and show limited
evidence of meeting the criteria of the band in question) the LOWEST mark should be awarded.

2
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Middle mark: This mark should be used for candidates who are secure in the band. They are not ‘borderline’ but they have only achieved some of
the qualities in the band descriptors.

Be prepared to use the full range of marks. Do not reserve (e.g.) high Band 3 marks ‘in case’ something turns up of a quality you have not yet seen.
If an answer gives clear evidence of the qualities described in the band descriptors, reward appropriately.

*When only two marks are available (low mark band) only use Highest and Lowest mark guidance for ‘best-fit’.

en
AO2.1a AO2.1b
High (thorough) Precision in the use of terminology. Knowledge shown is Understanding of concepts is consistently applied to context
(6 – 8 marks) consistent and well-developed. Clear appreciation of the enabling a logical and sustained argument to
question from a range of different perspectives making develop. Examples used enhance rather than detract from

im
extensive use of acquired knowledge and principles of response.
computer science.

Middle (reasonable) Awareness of the meaning of the terms in the Understanding of concepts is shown and is applied to

ec
(3 – 5 marks) question. Knowledge is sound and effectively context. There is clear evidence that an argument builds and
demonstrated. Demands of question understood although develops through the response but there are times when
at times opportunities to make use of acquired knowledge opportunities are missed to use an example or relate an aspect
and concepts are not always taken. of understanding to the context provided.
Low (basic) Confusion and inability to deconstruct terminology as used Inability to apply understanding of key concepts in any sustained
Sp
(1 – 2 marks) in the question. Knowledge partial and superficial. Focus way to context resulting in tenuous and unsupported statements
on question narrow and often one-dimensional. being made. Examples if used are for the most part irrelevant
and unsubstantiated.
0 marks No response or no response worthy of credit. No response or no response worthy of credit.

3
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Assessment Objective
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key concepts and principles of computer science.
AO1 1a Demonstrate knowledge of the key concepts and principles of computer science.
AO1 1b Demonstrate understanding of the key concepts and principles of computer science.
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of key concepts and principles of computer science.
AO2 1a Apply knowledge of key concepts and principles of computer science.
AO2 1b Apply understanding of key concepts and principles of computer science.
AO3 Analyse problems in computational terms:
 to make reasoned judgements
 to design, program, evaluate and refine solutions.
AO3 1 To make reasoned judgements (this strand is a single element).

en
AO3 2a Design solutions.
AO3 2b Program solutions.
AO3 2c Evaluate and refine solutions.

im
ec
Sp

4
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Question Answer Marks Guidance

1 a It has more cores. 1 Although Computer 1 has a lower clock
(AO2 1a) speed than the CPU in Computer 2 it
has more cores, which means that it
can be faster than Computer 2.

Any answer relating to splitting a

program into processes that be carried
out consecutively will be accepted.
1 b RAM 2 Marks can be awarded for other

en
SSD (AO2 1a) appropriate responses:
HDD
Graphics card (GPU) E.g.
Motherboard
Sound card

im
1 c • data is transferred faster (1)… 2 1 mark to be awarded for each correct
• …which makes a CPU more efficient (1) (AO2 1a) identification and 1 mark to be awarded
• It is faster to transfer to and from cache (1)… for the associated explanation to a
• …than transferring to and from RAM (1). maximum of 2 marks.

1 d •
•
ec
An instruction is fetched from memory
The instruction is then decoded
4
(AO1 1a)
1 mark is to be awarded for each
correct answer to a maximum of 4
Sp
• The decoded instruction is then executed so that the CPU performs marks.
continuously
• The process is repeated
• The program counter is incremented
• The instruction is transferred to the MDR
• The address of the instruction to be fetched is placed in the MAR
2 a • Long term/non-volatile storage of data/files 1 1 mark only to be awarded for a correct
• External/auxiliary storage of data (AO1 1a) definition.
2 b • Optical 3 1 mark only to be awarded for each
• Magnetic (AO1 1a) correct definition.
• Solid state

5
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Question Answer Marks Guidance

2 c Four characteristics from: 4 1 mark is to be awarded for each
• Capacity/size (AO1 1b) correct characteristic to a maximum of
• Speed 4 marks.
• Portability
• Durability
• Reliability
• Cost
3 a 3
RAM ROM (AO2 1a) Award 1 mark for each correct tick.
Stores the boot up

en
sequence of the No marks should be awarded if ticks
Sat Nav. are in both boxes in a given row.
The contents are
lost when the Sat

im
Nav is turned off.
Holds copies of
open maps and
routes.

3 b •
ec
A computer system that is built into another device 1
Sp
(AO1 1a)
3 c Three devices from: 3 1 mark to be awarded for each correct
• Dishwasher (AO1 1a) example identified to a maximum of 3
• MP3 player marks.
• Washing machine
• Mobile phone There are many other examples of
• Manufacturing equipment devices with embedded systems which
may be acceptable.

6
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Question Answer Marks Guidance

4 Sending; 6
(AO3 2b) Answers must be a recognisable
• Bill’s computer splits data into equal sizes packets (1) algorithm. Candidates can use a flow
• Each packet is given the address of Ben’s computer (1) chart or any form of pseudocode.
• Each packet is given a number (1)
• Each packet is given error checking data (1) Candidates can only be awarded a
• The packets are sent across the network (1)
maximum of 4 marks for sending or
Receiving; receiving.

en
• Ben’s computer checks if all packets have been received? (1)
• If No…
• …Check again (1)
• …Increment timer (1)
• …If timer > max wait (1)

im
• …Send timeout to Bill’s computer (1)

• If Yes…
• …Reorder packets based on their number (1)

ec
• …Display the document (1)
• …Send receipt confirmation (1)
• …Each packet is checked for errors (1)…
• … if corrupt a message is sent back to sender (1)
5 a • A network protocol defines rules for data transmission 1 1 mark only to be awarded for a correct
Sp
• A network protocol defines standards for data transmission (AO1 1a) definition.
5 b i • A division of network functionality 1 Candidate’s responses may differ from
(AO1 1a) the given answer but must represent
conceptually the same thing.

e.g. “a layer is where jobs/processes

are split up” would receive the mark.
5 b ii • It is self-contained (1)… 2 1 mark to be awarded for the correct
• …it allows different developers to concentrate on one aspect of the network (AO1 1a) identification and 1 for a valid
(1) description up to a maximum of 2
• A layer can be taken out and edited without affecting other layers (1)… marks.

7
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Question Answer Marks Guidance

• …it promotes interoperability between vendors and systems (1)

5 c • It is easy to add a new node or device 4 1 mark is to be awarded for each

• Management of the network can be done centrally (AO2 1b) correct reason to a maximum of 4
• Fewer data collisions can occur marks.
• If a node or device fails it does not affect the rest of the network
• A signal does not need to be transmitted to all computers in the network Any valid comparisons to other
topologies can be awarded marks.
6 a • Firewall (1 – AO2 1a) prevents unauthorised access (1 – AO2 1b) 1 mark to be awarded for each correct
• Anti-malware (1– AO2 1a) removes viruses/spyware from infecting the 6 type to a maximum of 3 marks. (AO2

en
system (1– AO2 1b) AO2 1a (3) 1a)
• Encryption (1– AO2 1a) any intercepted data is rendered useless (1– AO2 AO2 1b (3)
1b) 1 mark to be awarded for each correct
• User access levels (1– AO2 1a) users have restricted access (1– AO2 1b) explanation to a maximum of 3 marks.

im
• Network policies (1– AO2 1a) rules that define acceptable use (1– AO2 1b) (AO2 1b)

6 b • Brings in files via any medium (1- AO2 1a)… 1 mark to be awarded for each correct

ec
• …not allowing/stopping external devices being used on the network (1- 6 identification to a maximum of 3 marks.
AO2 1b) AO2 1a (3) (AO2 1b)
• Downloading infected files from the internet (1 - AO2 1a)… AO2 1b (3)
• …blocking/restricting access to insecure websites (1 - AO2 1b) 1 mark to be awarded for each correct
Sp
• Allowing physical access to the surgery’s network (1 - AO2 1a)… outlining of a procedure to a maximum
• …locking of doors/key cards/any physical security procedure (1 - AO2 1b) of 3 marks. (AO2 1b)
• Sending/sharing sensitive data with third parties (1- AO2 1a)…
• … blocking/restricting access to USB ports/email/internet/printing (1 - AO2 Allow any reasonable combination of
1b) error and reasonable procedure to
mitigate the risk.

8
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Question Answer Marks Guidance

7 a • Orders have been saved onto the system as they order food and then 4 Up to a maximum of 4 marks.
deleted once processed (1) (AO2 1b) A maximum of three marks if there is
• Once other orders have been made, new files are created (1) which may no contextualisation Allow a mark if
be bigger than the spaces left by the deleted files (1) candidate’s state that fragmentation
• The order files are split up (1) increases access time (1)

7 b • Files on the hard disc drive are moved (1) 3 Up to a maximum of 3 marks.
• Empty spaces collected together (1) (AO1 1b)

en
• Files are moved to be stored together (1)
• Fewer disc accesses are needed (1)
8 a • The computers are geographically remote/ distanced/ more than a mile 1 1 mark only to be awarded for a correct
apart (AO1 1a) definition.
• Communication medium is not owned by the law firm

im
Accept responses such as the
company doesn’t own the infrastructure

Do not accept ‘Network over a wide

ec
area’ or similar arrangement of wording
8 b Two advantages from: 4 1 mark is to be awarded for each
(AO2 1b) correct advantage, with a mark for a
• It would offer additional storage (1) so the firm can take on more cases (1) discussion of the advantage related to
• It is a very efficient method of backing up data (1) and so saves the firm the law firm. To a maximum of 2
Sp
time and money (1) advantages.
• It would allow their employees to work from anywhere (1) so they can take
cases from other countries (1) The total number of marks to be
• It is environmentally friendly (1) awarded for this task is 4 marks.
• Easy to increase availability of storage (1)
• You don’t need specialist network skills (1) so the firm don’t need to
employ more staff (1) Responses which are not
• The third party provides security (1) so the firm saves money on staff and contextualised will gain a maximum of 1
software/hardware (1) mark per advantage (to a maximum of
• The third party provides backup (1) so the firm saves money on staff and 2 advantages)
software/hardware (1)

9
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Question Answer Marks Guidance

• Cheaper as don’t need own infrastructure (1)

Each advantage needs to be contextualised to gain 2 marks.

8 c Two disadvantages from: 4

(AO2 1b) 1 mark is to be awarded for each
• You need a constant internet connection (1) which lawyers who travel a lot correct disadvantage with a mark for a
may not always have (1) discussion of the disadvantage related
• Reliant on third party to carry out security procedures (1) but the firm are to the law firm. To a maximum of 2
still legally responsible if things go wrong (1) disadvantages.

en
• Reliant on third party for back up connection (1)
• Data stored in the cloud will be vulnerable to hacking and other threats (1) The total number of marks to be
which the firm have no control over (1) awarded for this task is 4 marks.
• Issues regarding data ownership (1)
• Implications of Data Protection Act (1) Responses which are not

im
contextualised will gain a maximum of 1
Each disadvantage need to be contextualised to gain 2 marks mark per disadvantage (to a maximum
of 2 disadvantages)
8 d Action Data Computer Copyright 6 1 mark for each tick in the correct box.

ec
Protection Act Misuse Act Designs and (AO1 1b)
1998 1990 Patents Act 1988 0 marks for a row with more than one
Using a picture for the tick.
law firm’s new logo

Sp
without the original
creator’s permission
A secretary accessing
a lawyer’s personal
email account without 
permission
Making a copy of the
latest Hollywood
blockbuster movie and 
sharing it with a client
Storing customer data
insecurely 

10
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Question Answer Marks Guidance

A lawyer installing a
key logger on the 
secretary’s computer
Selling client’s
personal data to a
marketing company 
without their
permission

9* Mark Band 3–High Level 8 The following is indicative of possible

en
(6-8 marks) factors/evidence that candidates may
The candidate demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of a wide AO2 1a (4) refer to but is not prescriptive or
range of considerations in relation to the question; the material is generally exhaustive:
accurate and detailed. AO2 1b (4)
The candidate is able to apply their knowledge and understanding directly and Indicative Content:

im
consistently to the context provided. Evidence/examples will be explicitly
relevant to the explanation. Stakeholders
The candidate is able to weigh up both sides of the discussion and includes • Can adversely affect people in this
reference to the impact on all areas showing thorough recognition of influencing country and abroad:

ec
factors. o health issues
o financially
There is a well-developed line of reasoning which is clear and logically o socially
structured. The information presented is relevant and substantiated. o culturally
• The phone manufacturers
Sp
Mark Band 2-Mid Level • The phone shops/networks
(3-5 marks)
The candidate demonstrates reasonable knowledge and understanding of a Technology
range of considerations in relation to the question; the material is generally • The type of devices that are
accurate but at times underdeveloped. disposed of
The candidate is able to apply their knowledge and understanding directly to the • Modern phones poorly designed for
context provided although one or two opportunities are missed. durability
Evidence/examples are for the most part implicitly relevant to the explanation. • Phones hardware not
The candidate makes a reasonable attempt to discuss the impact on most upgradeable/replaceable
areas, showing reasonable recognition of influencing factors. • Proprietary technology used by
some manufacturers

11
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Question Answer Marks Guidance

There is a line of reasoning presented with some structure. The information Environmental
presented is in the most part relevant and supported by some evidence. • Reference to e-waste (people
dispose of their devices in landfill
even if they are in good working
Mark Band 1-Low Level order)
(1-2 marks) • Some equipment is also sent
The candidate demonstrates a basic knowledge of considerations with limited abroad to be disposed of
understanding shown; the material is basic and contains some inaccuracies. • Leads to excessive landfill (in this
The candidate makes a limited attempt to apply acquired knowledge and country and/or abroad, e.g. Africa
understanding to the context provided. and Asia)

en
The candidate provides nothing more than an unsupported assertion. • Toxic waste released into land,
ground water, air (in this country
The information is basic and communicated in an unstructured way. The and/or abroad, e.g. Africa and Asia)
information is supported by limited evidence and the relationship to the evidence • Waste of resources
Precious metals in phones

im
may not be clear.

0 marks Ethical Issues

No attempt to answer the question or response is not worthy of credit. • Contributes to ill health
• Contributes to the digital divide

ec
• Contributes to social divide
• Problem of confidential data stored
on the devices
• Puts social pressure on parents to
pay for their children to upgrade
Sp
• Puts social pressure on the public
to upgrade
• Can lead to bullying of those who
cannot afford the latest technology
• Phone manufacturers intentionally
designing fragile phones so they
need to be replaced more often
• High cost of new devices.

12
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

Assessment Objective (AO) Grid

AO1 AO1 AO2 AO2 AO3 AO3 AO3 AO3

Question Total
1a 1b 1a 1b 1 2a 2b 2c
1 (a) 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1
1 (b) 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2
1 (c) 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 2
1 (d) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
2 (a) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2 (b) 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

en
2 (c) 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
3 (a) 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3
3 (b) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
3 (c) 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3

im
4 (a) 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 6
5 (a) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
5 (bi) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

ec
5 (bii) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
5 (c) 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4
6 (a) 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 6
6 (b) 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 6
Sp
7 (a) 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4
7 (b) 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
8 (a) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
8 (b) 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4
8 (c) 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4
8 (d) 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 6
9* 0 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 8
Total 17 13 18 26 0 0 6 0 80

* = assessment of extended response

13
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

BLANK PAGE

en
im
ec
Sp

14
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

BLANK PAGE

en
im
ec
Sp

15
 PMT

J276/01 Mark Scheme June 20XX

BLANK PAGE

en
im
ec
Sp

16