Computing In The Curriculum: Then And Now

From September, computing will be a compulsory part of the national curriculum for schools in England, meaning children as young as five will be taught how to code, write their own computer programs and design apps. We take a look at how the new computing curriculum will equip pupils with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

1. Learning how a computer works, rather than just how to work a computer

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ICT lessons used to focus on how to use a computer - teaching pupils how to word process or work a spreadsheet.

The new curriculum will teach children computer science and information technology alongside digital literacy: teaching them how to code, and how to create their own programs.

2. Ensuring children are no longer just passive users of technology

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Children will no longer just be passive users, but active creators and controllers of technology.

From the age of five, children will start learning how computers work, including what algorithms are and the basics of coding. This means they will be able to create rather than just play computer games and understand how the gadgets they are growing up with actually work.

3. Equipping young people with the skills which are in demand from industry experts

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The new curriculum has been drawn up by teachers and experts including the BCS (the Chartered Institute for IT) and the Royal Academy of Engineering, with input from Microsoft, Google and leaders in the computer games industry. This means young people will be equipped with exactly the skills which the jobs and apprenticeships of the future will demand.

4. Defining a new modern language

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Just as we’re making sure that all pupils learn to speak a foreign language, the language of computing is becoming increasingly important in the modern world. That's why secondary school pupils will learn to use at least 2 different programming languages.

5. Earlier exposure to lessons previously reserved for university level computer science students

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By 16, pupils will benefit from an understanding of formal logic previously covered only in university courses. This will ensure that young people are equipped with the skills to enable Britain to lead the global race in innovation.

6. Expanding the use of digital technology outside the computer classroom

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Futuristic 3D printers are now increasingly being used in schools. Education Secretary Michael Gove has commissioned 42 teaching schools to look at how 3D printers can enhance learning in science, technology, engineering and maths. The teaching resources they create will be made available to schools across the country.

7. Allowing teachers to be creative with computers

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Crucially, the new computing curriculum is much slimmer than the current ICT curriculum. The curriculum defines the knowledge we want students to acquire by certain ages. But we want to give teachers much more freedom about how to teach so that they can do this in innovative ways.

8. Giving children the knowledge and the confidence to stay safe online

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We want children to be confident and careful users of technology, which is why online safety will be taught as part of computing from the outset. Children will be taught how to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly and where they can go for help and guidance.

9. Establishing computer science as a core academic subject

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Computer science has now been added alongside physics, chemistry and biology to the list of single science options in the English Baccalaureate – which represents the most highly valued and valuable academic qualifications. The change recognises the importance of computer science for both education and the economy.