999tigger Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Did he tell you that he wasn't taught the curriculum? Doesn't sound like the sort of thing a school would say about one of their members of staff. In fact, I find it entirely impossible to believe and it sounds very much like a cop-out. Sorry for being critical here but having worked in a school and encountering parents who put the blame for failure with teachers on a near daily basis, despite realising that their darlings simply didn't do the work, were pains in the backside in class and getting high/drunk outside the school on weekdays does that to you. It does happen from time to time, so not impossible at all. She does need to satisfy herslef whether this is in fact the case rather than an excuse by the student. If it is the case then that school has a duty to provide assistance in helping resolve it and to ensure the student is not prejudiced. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cgksheff Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 (edited) 60% of the marks for this specification are for two coursework/controlled assessment units, leaving only 40% dependant on the written exam in June. Have his coursework units been finalised and what grades are they equivalent to? They can seriously affect the target to be aimed for in the written exam. Edited January 15, 2016 by cgksheff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hesther Posted January 15, 2016 Author Share Posted January 15, 2016 Did he tell you that he wasn't taught the curriculum? Doesn't sound like the sort of thing a school would say about one of their members of staff. In fact, I find it entirely impossible to believe and it sounds very much like a cop-out. Sorry for being critical here but having worked in a school and encountering parents who put the blame for failure with teachers on a near daily basis, despite realising that their darlings simply didn't do the work, were pains in the backside in class and getting high/drunk outside the school on weekdays does that to you. Tzijlstra, to clarify, those are my words in the OP, and not the words of anyone employed by the school. I have reached my conclusion based on thorough questioning. The only reason for me providing this information is to give any perspective tutors some background. If you have read my posts thoroughly, you will understand I am not looking to blame here, just for a tutor who can help. I am not going to provide personal details about my child or anyone or institution that may be identifiable here or elsewhere, but I can assure you that you could not be further from the truth in your last paragraph in this case and I thoroughly appreciate how hard it is for staff working in schools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tzijlstra Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Tzijlstra, to clarify, those are my words in the OP, and not the words of anyone employed by the school. I have reached my conclusion based on thorough questioning. The only reason for me providing this information is to give any perspective tutors some background. If you have read my posts thoroughly, you will understand I am not looking to blame here, just for a tutor who can help. I am not going to provide personal details about my child or anyone or institution that may be identifiable here or elsewhere, but I can assure you that you could not be further from the truth in your last paragraph in this case and I thoroughly appreciate how hard it is for staff working in schools. Thanks for clarifying, in that case I would follow Tigger's advice and take it up with the school (head of?) as they have a responsibility in rectifying the problem. I can understand you would want to use a tutor as well so hopefully you find someone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vwkittie Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Can't help on the teaching front I'm afraid but how on earth did that happen? Are you saying the school taught your son the wrong curriculum? If so then you need to be taking this up with the board of governors if you haven't already done so. Can you give some more background to what happened? It's not a new thing sadly, when I did my Computing A Level about 12 years ago, the entire class failed one of the module exams. I subsequently discovered we hadn't even covered half of the syllabus (perhaps I should have checked this in advance but you tend to assume your tutor is doing you right!). Luckily I was able to teach myself in time to resit the exam. It was a complete joke really. OP I haven't any advice I'm afraid but I hope you manage to sort it out. There's still time, good luck to your kid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hesther Posted January 15, 2016 Author Share Posted January 15, 2016 (edited) Thank you tzijlstra. I have been assured that the school are taking steps in an attempt to help remedy the situation also. ---------- Post added 15-01-2016 at 00:15 ---------- OP I haven't any advice I'm afraid but I hope you manage to sort it out. There's still time, good luck to your kid. Many thanks. ---------- Post added 15-01-2016 at 00:15 ---------- 60% of the marks for this specification are for two coursework/controlled assessment units, leaving only 40% dependant on the written exam in June. Have his coursework units been finalised and what grades are they equivalent to? They can seriously affect the target to be aimed for in the written exam. No they have not been finalised yet, which gives me hope. Thank you for this. ---------- Post added 15-01-2016 at 00:20 ---------- Agree with sgtkate and GCSE Computing is a new course (since 2012) and is very different and much, much harder* than the previous IT courses at GCSE or BTEC. It is ranked as a science subject equivalent to physics, biology or chemistry. Also there is a Specialist teacher shortage as most IT teachers came from a Business Studies background and not from a engineering, maths or science background and are struggling with the programming, modelling and application. Also a "career in computing" can mean many things and specializing at 16-18 would be far too early for most unless going on to do HE degrees or apprenticeship in engineering. Most teenagers have little idea of what "computing" means and usually think of game, special effects , web or graphic design - for which this course is not suitable. Be careful which and where you choose for A level and do not be afraid to ask about the number, qualification and experience of the teachers as many schools have had to draft or coerce staff from other subjects or use short contract or retired teachers. *harder in that they do not realise how much maths and science is involved compared to the previous IT courses. You are spot on with everything here, Annie. Thankfully, the school were very good in explaining these differences in Year 9 so my child was able to make an informed choice. In fact the school did not offer the course to those who did not meet an expected grade in maths. The situation nationally, perhaps even globally, is a real shame and sells our children short. Schools simply cannot attract good physicists and computer teachers as the salaries offered are totally unrealistic. It should be a national cause for alarm really, as we are going to have whole generations to come effectively missing these vital skills. You have to feel sorry for schools really. ---------- Post added 15-01-2016 at 00:28 ---------- What sort of things is it he's learning, or rather, missing? I am not sure of what is missing at the moment but am trying to get to grips with it. Python and pseudo-coding has been mentioned (?) - to be honest, I'm out of my depth! Edited January 15, 2016 by Hesther Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bargepole23 Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Thank you tzijlstra. I have been assured that the school are taking steps in an attempt to help remedy the situation also. ---------- Post added 15-01-2016 at 00:15 ---------- Many thanks. ---------- Post added 15-01-2016 at 00:15 ---------- No they have not been finalised yet, which gives me hope. Thank you for this. ---------- Post added 15-01-2016 at 00:20 ---------- You are spot on with everything here, Annie. Thankfully, the school were very good in explaining these differences in Year 9 so my child was able to make an informed choice. In fact the school did not offer the course to those who did not meet an expected grade in maths. The situation nationally, perhaps even globally, is a real shame and sells our children short. Schools simply cannot attract good physicists and computer teachers as the salaries offered are totally unrealistic. It should be a national cause for alarm really, as we are going to have whole generations to come effectively missing these vital skills. You have to feel sorry for schools really. ---------- Post added 15-01-2016 at 00:28 ---------- I am not sure of what is missing at the moment but am trying to get to grips with it. Python and pseudo-coding has been mentioned (?) - to be honest, I'm out of my depth! Are you sure? Pretty sure they have at High Storrs, but probably different for different schools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluecanary Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 I would agree with what other people have said about not needing to specialise too early for a career in computing. If your son/daughter is thinking of eventually studying for a degree in a computing related subject, the best thing they can do is select Maths at A level, as this keeps their options open for Computing, but also switching to many other subjects. Of course, take Computing too if they are interested, but Maths is definitely important. It sounds like the GCSE issue could be related to the introduction of the new curriculum - I hope the issue gets resolved and they do better in the "real" exams in summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BHRemovals Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 the education or local authority should pay for this, after all they are at fault Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hyper Posted January 15, 2016 Share Posted January 15, 2016 Are we able to able to ask which school it is, or would you rather not say? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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