Computer Science/Options in general.

[bumblefeline]

We have just returned from Options Evening and my DD seemed to be quite interested in taking Computer Science.

She is very capable at IT and her IT teacher seemed to think she is bright enough to take it, however her Maths is not as strong as her other subjects.

At the moment she wants to take French, Photography, Art & Design but can't decide between ICT or Computer Science.

I think she might be better off taking maybe Geography than an ICT based subject, but not sure!

It's usually better for teens to do the subjects they want to do, unless their choices are going to be horribly limiting. So assuming these are options on top of a typical academic core I don't see there's anything wrong with choosing computer science as she really wants it and the teacher has okayed it.

I wouldn't recommend ICT (moribund subject?)

If she goes off the idea of computer science, then yes a trad humanity is always going to be a good choice.

Have a good look at the syllabus, at degree level commuter science is all about the maths. ICT is a completely different subject and probably goes better with her other subjects - not that necessarily matters.

French will be her only facilitating subject if that's relevant INFO HERE

Thanks for the replies. She thinks she may have decided on Geog, Art & Design, Photography and French.

She really enjoys French and Geography and I think she would struggle with Computer Science. She is only predicted a C in Maths.

I think maybe swapping French with ICT might be a good plan - it just seems wrong having no ICT based subject at all, but it is her decision and I support what she decides.

Lots of children do not do ICT or Computer science GCSE. It does not mean they are not ICT literate. Maths will be important if she wants to study anything to do with computers later and it really is not necessary to have an IT subject at GCSE. Geography and French are better choices.

There is a very strong correlation between Computer Science and Maths ability. We were in a similar situation and dd now Y11 opted for ICT. It was her decision. She is now choosing A levels and you cannot take computer science at A level without a grade A in Maths GCSE.
Although it isn't highly regarded on MN, ICT is a good subject if your dd wants to take it. The course dd has been doing involves a lot of web design which overlaps well with Art or photography. ICT is also less demanding in terms of coursework time than taking both photography and Art. (dds school only allows pupils to take either Art or Photography not both).

I'm slightly concerned about her choice of subjects if she wants to go to further education with computer science. Like catslife says, computer science is highly correlated to mathematics. I work as a software developer and many developers (especially older ones) have degrees in maths, physics or engineering. (There used to be less studying comp sci at university and many STEM graduates move into the field).

Have a look at
russellgroup.ac.uk/for-students/school-and-college-in-the-uk/subject-choices-at-school-and-college/

I'm fairly sure the recommended path for computer science would be all the physical science subjects.

If she's aware of this and decide not to take comp sci further, then her choices is fine. Otherwise, it's a bit of a dead end.

So yes, I agree geography could be a better choice, and will keep her options more open. If you follow the guide from the RG universities.

it just seems wrong having no ICT based subject at all
Why?

Agree also that it is not needed to do ICT. Surely your DD is already computer literate?

I'm another developer who is a STEM graduate in an unrelated field (life sciences). I agree you don't have to study ICT to be computer literate - I didn't do any computing subjects at school. Geography would keep her options more open as pp said.

Thanks you are correct about ICT not being necessary as she is perfectly competent with a computer.

However, she changed her mind this morning and has decided she would like to do ICT so she has swapped it for Geography. She has taken the form in so that's it now.

She may not be able do photography if there is not enough interest so then she will choose Geography.