AS-Level Computer Science (AQA Comp1) Ant Sim Exam Pack 2

A complete examination resource pack for A-level Computer Science, built around the AQA-style June 2026 Preliminary Material topic of Ant Simulation. All documents are provided in both PDF and Word (.docx) format.
The pack contains one full examination paper following the standard three-section format (75 marks, 2.5 hours). Section A contains short-answer theory questions, an algorithm trace, and a programming task with test evidence. Section B tests students’ familiarity with the Skeleton Program through identifier recognition, data structure questions, and analytical questions about specific subroutines. Section C contains four extended programming tasks worth between 4 and 14 marks each, requiring students to amend and extend the Skeleton Program.
The paper covers the queen ant’s reproductive state transitions, a pheromone strength selection trace, two-dimensional array advantages, inheritance in object-oriented programming, an AuditCarryingAnts function using integer division and percentage calculations, proportional pheromone strength via a CalculatePheromoneStrength function, input validation for the advance-by-stages feature, a stage snapshot replay file using combined overwrite and append file handling, and a simulation comparison feature requiring students to independently initialise and run two simulations side by side.
The mark scheme includes worked Python and VB.NET code examples for every programming question, annotated with mark point references, level descriptors for the extended Q15 task, and a complete trace table answer for Q02.
Also included is an Electronic Answer Document — a formatted Word file ready to issue directly to candidates — containing labelled answer boxes, a pre-populated trace table with the first row completed, monospaced code entry boxes sized to each programming task, screen capture areas, and a marks summary table for examiner use.