Computer Science GCSE?

[MrsMot]

Having thought DD had sorted what she wants to do with options, she's now changed her mind...

Anyone have any experience of Computer Science as a GCSE?

[MrsMot]

It's the OCR syllabus.

[secretscwirrels]

DS2 would have loved the chance but was only offered ICT.
Very few schools offered it in the past but I gather they are being encouraged to do proper computer science now.
Never to be confused with "ICT" which is dull and undemanding.
I would say it's probably a good choice, depending what she is changing it for?

[MrsMot]

German - she's very able but just doesn't enjoy it. Classic Civilisation is also apparently on the agenda...

[steview]

Previously schools have run ICT courses which have focused solely on USING computers - for example becoming proficient in Microsoft Excel and other packages. Many of these courses are not GCSEs but rather OCR National or other types of courses that are equivalent to GCSEs.

In my experience able students find these courses dull - more a case of working through "units" and collecting credits for each "unit". At the end all the unit scores are added up and converted into an overall grade (some courses use a Distinction; Merit; Pass scale rather than A*-G like GCSE). They can sometimes end up with enough units to get a qualification worth 2 GCSEs.

The Government have tried to bring GCSE computing (as in programming etc.) to the fore and, to help, have put it into the E-Bacc (which are qualifications that the Government are trying to push forward through school accountability measures).

Many schools are now introducing GCSE computing for this reason. A word of warning - check how the school are delivering it. Do they genuinely have a teacher who is expert in computer programming or are they re-directing a teacher who has previously taught GCSE ICT?

Being an excellent teacher of 'packages' doesn't mean you'll understand programming etc.

Another pointer - people tell me the course is very hard and requires a high level of mathematical skill - bear that in mind when thinking about it as an option.

[secretscwirrels]

Yes computer science is much more maths related. Maths degrees often feature a module on it.
At DS2's school the ICT is delivered by the business studies teacher. It's more about using computers than how they work.
He is thinking of doing AS level computer science which is delivered by the maths department at the 6th form he wants to go to.

[cricketballs]

A lot of us who deliver GCSE ICT have the qualifications and capability to deliver GCSE Computing.....please don't confuse people steview.

Same as please don't discredit GCSE ICT as it teaches more than using this year's version of MS Office

[steview]

cricketballs - sorry if you felt my post was confusing for people. Hopefully this will clarify.

I didn't actually say that people who teach ICT are incapable of teaching GCSE Computing and I'm happy to agree that very many are.

I merely advised checking with the school as I know for a fact that some schools (perhaps just a few and not ours thankfully) are strong arming people into it who are 'learning on the fly' and are unhappy.

Re: GCSE ICT - my comments were informed by able students in my school who have done OCR Nationals ICT. They have not felt challenged by it (although have walked out with double distinction grades usually). That lack of challenge was equally true of my previous school in the IDA, DIDA, CIDA qualifications regime.

It may be that I have just been unlucky with those 2 schools? Or perhaps you lucky in yours? My advice can only be based on my experience - apologies if my advice claimed to be more precise than that.

[MrsMot]

Thanks for your comments - the maths part might put her off, it's not exactly her favourite subject...

[copanya]

My lad is one term into OCR computing, the spec of which is here: www.ocr.org.uk/Images/72936-specification.pdf

I must say, the spec makes it sound really quite good (I program myself).

The reality so far is an awful lot of "what is a computer, CPU, operating system" and what is hexadecimal and binary. My boy says he has learnt more on online video courses such as Udemy.

Also, from what I can see, a computing qualification is definitely not required for a computing degree, whereas good maths is.

My boy says good maths definitely helps with the binary stuff, which must finish soon I hope.

So, from my little experience, I'd say it is better than ICT but needs to go a lot further in terms of aspiration and practical application. However, its a useful option subject so long as you don't expect it to turn your child into a programming god.

[lljkk]

I don't know which exam board DS school will use, probably EdExcel.
We looked at course materials & text book; it's pretty geeky. The right level for a normal but keen 14-16yo (so, not Bill Gates Jr ). The first thing they do is take apart a motherboard and try to really understand it. And then move onto coding principles, database design and other basics, finally onto proper coding for different types of purposes. Python was in the textbook. it's not about how to cleverly use someone else's software which is the IcT GCSE.

Perfect for DS but deathly dull for many.

[Ferguson]

Universities often want Maths and Physics for Computer Science courses.

I'll repeat what I just sent on a previous 'thread' :

If she's not yet 'into' programming/coding, the Raspberry Pi is a £25 computer that needs the addition of keyboard and TV or monitor. Several MN families have them, and there are user groups all over the country, as well as on-line support: //www.raspberrypi.org/about

Alternatively, if you can find an old BBC Acorn computer, A4000, A5000, RiscPC at a cheap price, and in good working order, there are many on-line groups (and some 'meet-ups' in a few places) to help with programming those:

//www.apdl.co.uk/riscworld/volume2/issue6/absbegin/index.htm

[lljkk]

But there are lots of ways into computing that don't require physics, and computing courses that only require C in A-level math (yes I have been researching for DS). They may be the sort of degrees that MNers like to spit on with contempt, but they are good enough for my kids some people.