Seconded. I am 17 and I know a variety of programming languages - I started when I was about 15.
As far as the UK education system goes, at GCSE level (ages 11-16, school years 7-11) you are given only one option: Information Technology. This is, as you said, getting to grips with word processors and spreadsheet software, and really bored the hell out of me. However, at A-Level (ages 16-18, school years 12 and 13) you have the chance to take Computing; this is more focused on the programming of a computer, rather than its operation.
(PS. I am currently studying Computing at the moment!)
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...Sure, I'm on Firefox, but it works on that. I just came for the kittens.
Seconded. I am 17 and I know a variety of programming languages - I started when I was about 15. As far as the UK education system goes, at GCSE level (ages 11-16, school years 7-11) you are given only one option: Information Technology. This is, as you said, getting to grips with word processors and spreadsheet software, and really bored the hell out of me. However, at A-Level (ages 16-18, school years 12 and 13) you have the chance to take Computing; this is more focused on the programming of a computer, rather than its operation. (PS. I am currently studying Computing at the moment!)