Leading the Way in the Pilot for GCSE Computing

by Susan Robson, Head of Academic IT.

Computing has an immense impact on modern life.  The job prospects are excellent and the field is rigorous, intellectually vibrant, and multi-faceted.  Yet, up until this year, GCSE students could only study ICT, a skills-based course that focuses on the use of applications such as word processing and spreadsheets.  That changed this September when Bedales dropped GCSE ICT in favour of Oxford Cambridge and RSA examination's (OCR) pilot Computing course.  We are one of select number of schools offering the brand new GCSE and I am fortunate to be closely involved with OCR on this new venture.

Bedales’ Involvement with GCSE Computing
Two years ago OCR started planning a new GCSE in Computing. I was keen for us to get involved as the new specifications for GCSE ICT were looking less than inspiring.  For the last year I have been part of the team shaping this new qualification putting Bedales in a unique position in terms of delivering the GCSE.

This year’s Block 4 students studying GCSE Computing are part of the first cohort in the UK to study Computing at this level and will have a significant head start on the A Level if they choose to carry on with the subject.  The GCSE is still in “pilot” status, which means the work we’re doing will help define the final qualification.

What’s the difference between ICT and Computing?
Consider a car.  You can learn to drive it and it will make life easier.  You can get from A to B quicker and get on with the other things you want to do.  ICT is just that, it develops a skill set so you can “drive” your computer.  You don’t care how it works as long as it helps you write a report or do the accounts.  However, some people want to know how it works.  They want to get under the bonnet and understand the basic principles.  They might design better cars and invent new technologies for greener engines etc.  This is the equivalent to studying Computing.

Computing is the study of how computers and computer systems work and how they are constructed and programmed.  Its primary aspects of theory, systems and applications are drawn from the disciplines of Technology, Design, Engineering, Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Social Sciences.  Programming is a large part of the new GCSE because it is a practical and exciting vehicle to teach the logic and problem solving skills they need.

Computing students learn logical reasoning, algorithmic thinking, design and structured problem solving, all concepts and skills that are valuable well beyond the computing classroom.  These skills are applicable in many contexts, from science and engineering to the humanities and business, and have already led to deeper understanding in many areas.  Progress in science has always been linked with progress in technology and vice versa.

More information:
Computing at Schools website

OCR GCSE Computing