A Level Computer Science preparation

[OnTh3Up]

DS is hoping to start A Level Computer Science in September.
He has not done GCSE Computer Science.
He has taught himself some coding.
The A Level teacher has strongly suggested that he learns Python over the summer.

Please can someone recommend a suitable Python course that he could complete over the summer to prepare for A Level Computer Science?

I can't recommend a specific course but there is so much material out there on Python.

Personally I like to look for the longer YouTube videos (a few hours long) where it's a full course or you watch someone live code a full project.

From there try and apply the knowledge to his own project.

@DoormatBob
Thank you

We were recommended to work through the CGP computer science GCSE revision book. You need to check which exam board the school uses.

@Herecomesthemoon
Thank you

@OnTh3Up both my sons have done CS GCSE and A level, Ds1 is doing it for a degree and Ds2 is year 12.

Their exam board is OCR I believe, I think the reason the teacher has recommended Python is they need to learn one high level language. For my sons that was C# because for their NEA element they need to solve a problem with a solution created in C# and Unity with Unity being the platform to develop a game on.

My advice would be, find out which exam board they use for the A level, look up the course content online with the exam board and online with the sixth form so your son can see what they will be learning about. Then go onto YouTube to Craig n Dave who cover all CS exam boards and watch the GCSE CS for the same exam board.

I know this seems madness to suggest this now but look ahead post 18, does he have an idea of what he wants to do after A levels? Look at uni courses to see what they are asking ie if there are specific A levels like maths that they want. Sometimes kids realise half way through year 12 that they need a different subject, always good to look ahead. Any other questions about CS just ping me.

@DesmondsLettuce
Thank you. That's really helpful advice. I've checked and the exam board is also OCR. I had a quick look at the spec and it did that they support a range of programming languages. The tutor at the college DS is going to must teach using Python.
Going over the OCR GCSE course is a good idea.
I might be back with more questions! Thank you.

He could try the Sololearn app for a starter on Python.