I learned Computer Science at A level (high school) on a new course specifically aimed to produce technically literate students to compete with the US and Japan

I learned Computer Science at A level (high school) on a new course specifically aimed to produce technically literate students to compete with the US and Japan. I enjoyed the course and I still use the skills I gained, but it really wasn't recognised at the time- many of my friends did the much easier IT A-Level which (more or less) involved knowing how to use MS Office products. They received the same recognition by universities and employers for much less effort.