A level Computer Science project

[fromwesttoeast]

DS is in A2 year. Unfortunately the teaching of computer science in his college is weak. There is very little teaching going on, and this is not just my view as a parent, it is known amongst staff generally that the teacher concerned has been called to meetings to discuss poor results.
Does anyone know of any resources DS can access to support himself in putting together his project and covering the spec generally? He wants to do the subject at university and needs a good grade. He can self study, but computer science still seems to be a niche subject and a trawl of Google hasn't yielded much at that level. He really would like to know more about the exam board's criteria for the project (OCR) At the moment he feels like he is working blind.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

has he looked at the specification?

On the secondary board there is a thread for year 13 support. You might find some knowledgeable people on there.

[OddBoots]

My DS is doing that A Level, most of the information can be found at www.ocr.org.uk/Images/170854-unit-h446-3-programming-project-sample-assessment-materials.pdf but I will ask him if he has anything else he can share/recommend.

[Carolinemaths]

We used a fab tutor last year for my daughter's AS Computer Science. My daughter was a complete beginner and had 4 different Comp Sci teachers over the first 4 months due to teachers leaving her school. She ended up getting a B - a few marks off an A. The tutor's name is Denise and she's been Chair of Examiners for A-Level Computer Science exam boards. You could have a few sessions with her to get the project going. We got her from this tutor website www.firsttutors.com/uk/tutor/denise.computer-studies-it.maths.business-related/ (I always search for "examiner" in the search field when I search for tutors!). They charge a fee to get the tutor details so PM me if you want her direct email

[fromwesttoeast]

Thanks so much for your replies.
He has looked at the spec, I will make sure he looks through the other link if he hasn't already.
Last year the teacher awarded marks for the projects which differed significantly from what the projects were finally graded at by the board. This kind of situation just creates a lack of confidence. The teacher doesn't set homework or mark work either. It's unnecessary stress really. A tutor who is familiar with the spec would be great. Have sent you a PM Caroline.