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Original poster

Computer Science GCSE cancelled at school

30 replies

ThisAintLegit · 30/08/2020 22:02

My child's school has decided not to teach Computer Science any longer. No formal reason was given but it was clear that the teacher was very poor (my kids have had this teacher and agree) and results were an issue.
We were very disappointed but were told that DC could still study it at A-level elsewhere with strong maths which they have. We've since learned that this is impossible as all the 6th form colleges reasonably expect a 7+ at GCSE.
I don't know what to think now. DC is entering year 10 and can't move schools, but is talented at computer science. Someone suggested we get a tutor and enter as an external candidate. But how would the project work get marked as an external candidate?
Is there any option we may be overlooking?
Thanks everyone for getting this far.

OP posts:
Original poster
ThisAintLegit · 30/08/2020 22:42

Thanks everyone!

@superram That is in line with what we heard too and a local tutor says that he has never managed to get a centre to enter external candidate for computer science. [Sad]
@Somethingkindaoooo and @FoolsAssassin - my DC's school has a 6th form so isn't a feeder to any 6th form college. However there is a local 6th form with a wide intake that does the course at A level. You've given me the idea to call and explain the situation to see what we can do.

The UK is crying out for kids to do computer science and yet they can't even get started. It all seems wrong.

OP posts:
FoolsAssassin · 30/08/2020 22:14

We had this, I was very cross about it at the time for same reason you are.
When I started emailing 6th forms they were actually very accommodating and most said he could do it without the GCSE as long as the Maths is good.
He is starting the A Level next week.

Somethingkindaoooo · 30/08/2020 22:13

Huh?
Usually colleges understand that not all students have the opportunity to take computer science. If a local feeder school has stopped teaching it, the sixth form may have to be a bit more flexible

Original poster
ThisAintLegit · 30/08/2020 22:11

That was a bit of a ramble.
Is there any exam board that doesn't have assessments in computer science so that entering as an external candidate is more possible?

OP posts:
superram · 30/08/2020 22:10

The centre where you sit as an external candidate (or private candidate if their normal school) has to sign to say it is your child’s work. Lots of private candidates didn’t get cags this year. It’s fine if the centre will mark it but many won’t agree to this as it’s a lot of work for the teachers-compared to just rocking up and sitting an exam in the hall. It may prove difficult.

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