[ubuntu-uk] Is the new UK Computing GCSE any better for FOSS?

[Barry Titterton]

Hi All,

Do any members of this list have contact with the UK education system? 
My own sons are well past GCSE education but I am still interested what 
the schools are teaching today as I am actively trying to evangelise 
FOSS in my local area. I am specifically interested in the newly 
introduced Computing GCSE. Is it any better at covering FOSS issues?

I am under the impression that the UK education system has, for the last 
generation, taught the mantra:-

Microsoft = Computers and visa versa

The new GCSE is, in my understanding, supposed to teach a more rounded 
approach to computer science. However a quick look at the BBC Bitesize 
revision aid has the following page:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/guides/z6r86sg/revision/4

...with the graphic at the bottom describing open source software as 
having "No guarantees of high quality". Most of us (sarcasm alert) are 
well aware about the high quality experience that one gets from some 
proprietary software so I found this comment to be rather unfair. 
Therefore, returning to my original question, does anyone know if the 
new GCSE course content give FOSS a fair review?

Barry T

PS. The first page of that BBC Bitesize section has a "Tell us what you 
think" button if anyone else would like to register their feedback as well.