Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

GCSE computer science - how do DCs feel about the syllabus?

32 replies

justanotherdaduser · 27/02/2023 11:00

I had a look at some past GCSE papers after DD started studying computer science in school, and found the papers really dull and uninspiring.

I am in this industry, have a degree in a related field, and even after more than 20 years really enjoy the subject. The papers and the syllabus are almost designed to suck the joy out of studying computer science. DW (also in the same field) feels I am overreacting and DCs should suck it up if they want to study CS later in life.

So was curious about what other DCs who are really keen on programming and computer science feel about the GCSE syllabus and papers. Did they enjoy studying it at GCSE level? Were they inspired?

OP posts:
Floralnomad · 27/02/2023 14:24

I think it very much depends on how it’s taught and who is doing the teaching much like any other subject .

Crankyevening · 27/02/2023 14:22

DC has found GCSE dull. Has obtained high marks but has been completely out off a level because GCSE is so boring.

Original poster
justanotherdaduser · 27/02/2023 14:13

Thanks for your post, @redskydelight
CS is such a practical, hands-on subject, I share your DS's frustration that coding project isn't part of the actual mark.

Well done to him for the degree apprenticeship; I believe they are quite hard to get, and of course fantastic value.

OP posts:
TeenDivided · 27/02/2023 14:13

You don't need to do CS GCSE to do CS A level (unless this has changed?)

Similarly you don't need to do CS A level to do a CS degree (I think)

Please check the above before acting on it.

Original poster
justanotherdaduser · 27/02/2023 14:08

thank you @123rd
yes, I fear the same will happen with DD if she does GCSE CS given how dull the syllabus is. She enjoys programming as a hobby, but the grind for exam is quite another matter.

OP posts:
redskydelight · 27/02/2023 11:03

DS found it frustrating that the coding project didn't form part of the actual mark.

However he's now on a Software Engineer degree apprenticeship so it didn't put him off (and that's despite his school not offering A Level CS - which I would suspect is more of a barrier).

123rd · 27/02/2023 11:02

DC is taking CS at gcse. Totally turned them off coding etc.
used to enjoy the type of work but really hates the subject and wishes they had chosen a different option.
It's also put them off pursuing it as a career