How many doing computer science in uni did GCSE CS and A level CS?

[justanotherdaduser]

If your DC is did computer science in Uni (or studying now), did they also do GCSE computer science and/or computer science at A level?

Asking because I found the GCSE papers (OCR) dull and impractical (I work in the sector) and almost designed to kill the joys of the subject.

Is it possible to study computer science in university without doing CS in GCSE or A level (assuming school offers it)? Or will universities take that as a sign of lack of interest?

DS is currently applying - he’s done GCSE Comp Sci and is studying it at A level too (AQA).

Most (if not all) unis don’t require A level but I think you’d be quite brave to go into a 3 or 4 year degree without having studied the subject at some level previously?

Lots of people on my degree back in the day hadn’t previously studied the subject at all, which may or may not have contributed to the 50% drop out / failure rate.

@WarningToTheCurious , thanks.

>but I think you’d be quite brave to go into a 3 or 4 year degree without having studied the subject at some level previously?

Yes, fair enough, didn't think of that! I did a related degree without doing CS GCSE or A level, but that's because it wasn't an option those days. Now it would probably be a strange thing to do.

Mine did A level but not GCSE

The new spec A level is (generally) a good thing to have. But it won't be taken as lack of interest if you don't.

The key subjects you need are maths and where possible further maths
(but as you're in the sector, you'd know that)

Thank you. I hadn't looked at the A level spec. Good to know that's better, and it is possible to skip GCSE CS and still do CS at A level.

Mine did both, now doing maths and compsci. It definitely gave him a head start for the first term or 2, as the content covered was mostly very familiar as it was targeted at those who didn't have A Level compsci.

DH did O level Comp Sci in 1981, and the A level was around in 1981 too (although I think it was pretty new at that point) so it’s been around a while.

thanks, @Yarnosaura , didn't realise the overlap. Definitely useful in that case.

I went to school and university in a different country in mid 90s. Computer science wasn't available in school those days. (it's popular now though)

Ds did GCSE, A level and is now at a top rated university for CS doing CS.

He had maths and further maths A levels along with a science and obviously CS. Although the uni he is at say they want maths and realistically FM it is a disadvantage not to have done CS at A level. Firstly, you know what you are getting into subject wise, the good bits, the boring bits and just a general understanding of the underlying principles. It makes your life easier because you are learning a lot of new stuff and having some familiar content is beneficial.

The second year group CS project he was assigned proved difficult for those who had only done maths as they don't appreciate the wider implications of things they wish to code or implement.

The sixth form he was at allowed them to do A level CS without the GCSE as not all schools offer it.

One of my daughter's friends studied computer science at university (Bristol) having not done it at all at school.

I think her A levels were maths, further maths chemistry and physics.

They completely changed the specs in about 2018. The new spec has a much better reputation.

My ds is applying for CS at the moment and is studying A level CS and did gcse CS. His 6th form do offer it at A level but another local 6th form dont so I would imagine not all students will have studied it.
I read somewhere that CS has the highest drop out rate of any degree, not sure why that is.