Curriculum review change from GCSE computer science to ICT

[UnambiguouslySensible]

I wondered if I could ask what people think about the curriculum review proposal to change from GCSE computer science to ICT?

DS is utterly devoted to his GCSE computer science studies. However, I had to remove him from school and home school him, in order to get access to good teaching. It was like that because of a severe shortage of specialist teachers in the school.

We've also noticed that the universities emphasise maths and further maths for entry to university computer science courses. They don't seem to mind whether applicants have studied computer science at GCSE or A level.

Conversely, there have been articles in the press saying that employers are having problems getting good coders. This is because the computer science graduates are great mathematicians but inexperienced at actual coding. The employers are then having to get them trained on the job.

I wondered if anyone had any thoughts on it all?

DS absolutely loves GCSE computer sciene and is unstoppable in his enthusiasm. He is only sad for those who won't get to study this course once it is switched to ICT.

Coding is just problem solving really. The syntax is the least of the problems most computer scientists and software engineers face. I don't know what the future is but I do think pupils should have the option to study how technology works rather than just using it.

I don't disagree that the syllabus could do with a bit more practical work and a bit less theory. At the moment that depends on the teacher and the exam board. Edexcel at gcse and AQA at A Level do the most coding. Ideally you learn the theory and the practice hand in hand with one supporting the other.

So I wouldn't at all be against the idea of updating and improving the syllabus. But I am skeptical about this proposal leading in the right direction.