Cambridge A Level · 9618 · Paper 1 · Theory fundamentals

Computer Science 9618/12 May/June 2023 past paper

Cambridge A Level Computer Science (9618) Paper 1 (Theory fundamentals), variant 2, May/June 2023: the question paper and its official mark scheme, 7 questions worth 75 marks, with the grade thresholds. Free to open, no account needed.

Questions: 7
Marks: 75
Grade A from: 42

Open the question paper Mark scheme

File names: 9618_s23_qp_12 · 9618_s23_ms_12

Grade thresholds for 9618/12 May/June 2023

The minimum raw marks Cambridge set for each grade on this component (out of 75). Thresholds change every session and variant, so always compare your score with the paper you actually sat.

A	B	C	D	E
42	36	30	24	18

Topics in this paper

Which syllabus chapters 9618/12 May/June 2023 tested, by marks. Each chapter links to every past-paper question on it.

Chapter	Questions	Marks
Processor Fundamentals	2	21
Databases	1	17
System Software	1	16
Communication	1	11
Information representation	1	6
Hardware	1	4

Questions in 9618/12 May/June 2023

Question 1Communication · 11 marks
A company has a LAN (local area network). (a) Give two benefits of connecting computers to a LAN. …
Question 2Databases · 17 marks
A horse riding school uses a database, Lessons, to store data about lesson bookings. This database is created and managed using a Database Management System (DBMS). (a) The table contains names and descriptions of DBMS features and tools. Complete the …
Question 3Processor Fundamentals · 6 marks
A program is written in assembly language. (a) The program is converted into machine code by a two‑pass assembler. Draw one or more lines to identify the pass or passes in which each action takes place. first second Pass reads …
Question 4Information representation · 6 marks
Data in a computer is stored in binary form. (a) State the number of unique binary values that can be represented in 16 bits. (b) Give the 8‑bit one’s complement representation of the denary number −120. Show your working. Working …
Question 5Processor Fundamentals · 15 marks
A student has purchased a new laptop. (a) The laptop is designed using the Von Neumann model for a computer system. Identify two types of signal that a control bus can transfer. …
Question 6Hardware · 4 marks
(a) Draw the logic circuit for this logic expression: …
Question 7System Software · 16 marks
A software developer is working in a team writing a program for a client. (a) The developer is writing a new program library to be used by the other team members. (i) Define the term program library. (ii) Explain two …

Other Computer Science papers from May/June 2023

Questions students ask

Where can I get the 9618/12 May/June 2023 mark scheme?

Open the mark scheme above - it is the official Cambridge scheme for this exact paper (9618_s23_ms_12), and on a wide screen it sits beside the question you are reading.

What was the grade threshold for an A in 9618/12 May/June 2023?

42 marks out of 75, a C needed 30.

Which topics came up in 9618/12 May/June 2023?

Mostly Processor Fundamentals, Databases, System Software. The full list is in the table above.

Do I need an account to open 9618/12 May/June 2023?

No. Every paper opens for free without signing in. A free account also saves your pen marks and records your score against the grade thresholds.