Grit, defined as long-term focus and perseverance, has been proposed as a distinct personality trait that can help to predict success and achievement in challenging endeavours. In this work, we explore the concept of grit in computer science (CS) contexts and whether it has potential value to contribute to predictions of success. To validate the use of the scale in a CS context, we issued Duckworth's 12-item grit scale to 597 CS1 students. We confirm, using a factor analysis, that the items in the scale largely load as expected to two factors. We also evaluate the use of grit as a predictor and find little correlation between overall grit score and final course mark. However, we see a weak correlation between one component of grit -- perseverance of effort -- and final mark. These results suggest that grit, as a construct, may not have the same predictive power in CS1 as in other contexts but that perseverance in the face of difficulty contributes to success in CS1 and is a target of interest for further study.