Just got the examiner's report for June 2000 ....
OCR Computing AS and A Level Discussion Board: AS and A2 Computing - General Issues : Just got the examiner's report for June 2000 ....
It makes interesting reading - a complete cock-up it wasn't, but a 75% cock-up it was. Clearly, OCR have completely over-estimated how many topics a human can teach/learn in the given time, especially at the A2 level but also the second paper at AS. I wish they would hold their hands up, recognise publically (instead of just in support meetings) that the many problems shown in the exams are a symptom of their syllabus design and not the fault of the teachers who are trying so hard to square OCR's circle. It will, of course, never happen. So once more into the breach dear friends, once more into the breach.
The heading of the previous message should be for June 2002!!!
hello,
I have done my Computing A level and have recieved a U for my coursework! I have no idea why! i am trying to chase up on it now, but its hard. Can i have a copy of the Examiners report? or can i get it online?
Email me on saf_the_blondie@yahoo.co.uk
thanks!
I've just spoken to OCR publications who tell me the Examiners' Reports for June 2002 won't be published until the end of October.
So how did D get hold of a copy so quickly?!
I asked for a copy from MM at OCR and he emailed me one! I needed the comments it contained to help me plan my teaching material and to try and work out what I and my pupils did well last year and where we went wrong.
I did have a very interesting conversation with OCR yesterday about the Computing course. Do you know that I am the only one (along with the Chief Examiner and one or two other lesser examiners) who think there may just be some areas of the course which are a problem!! Imagine my surprise - all the teachers teaching Computing are happy! Everyone is happy with the number of topics in both years. Everyone is happy with the training available. Functional languages - no problems reported. BNF, floating point maths, no problemo.
We discussed at length specific examples where I thought there was a problem. Take Functional Languages. Highly unlikely ever to be tested!!! Them were the words. Now when I think of the hours spent trying to find courses for myself, trying to teach myself from books and subjecting my pupils to my best efforts, wasting valuable teaching time, I was not a happy bunny. We also discussed why schools are turning to ICT and away from Computing, and the difficulty in recruiting teachers for Computing. I would not want this course dumbed down, just made teachable.
It was suggested I send in to OCR my comments (again). I suggested, however, that a better way would be for OCR to be more proactive. They should announce a review of the course, given that we have all taught a full cycle of the new syllabus. They should announce a review date and then write to every center who submitted candidates and ask for constructive comments. This wasn't warmly received, although I personally think it is the most obvious thing to do with anything new - have a review after a period of time.
I'm tired. I'm going to take up Yoga and buy some herbs for a relaxing bath. I hereby promise not to complain (too much) any more. I've shot my horse so no getting up high on it now. I will be kind to animals (except horses) and concentrate on becoming good at Java for the benefit of my pupils.
It is up to other teachers NOW to take up the case - you teach OCR Computing, you know what is possible and what isn't in the time available, you know where there are problems getting training, the problems of clarity in the syllabus, with 2508 maybe - and you know who to contact at OCR - the email is somewhere in this site I think. Start making yourself heard. Suggest a review. State the problem areas and state what you think should be done about it. Or do nothing.
Dave Cooper
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