Concern around computer skills decline in schools
A decline in students under the age 16 obtaining computing qualifications has caused concerns, according to a new report from the University of Roehampton.
The report highlighted a drop from 140,000 students achieving a GCSE in computer science or information technology to 130,000 in 2018. It also noted that schools had cut back hours spent teaching the subject to students.
The ICT qualification has been phased out and replaced by computer science, but there are concerns that the slow progress of the subject may mean that students leave school with no computer qualification at all. The report states that the number of hours teaching computing has dropped 31% between 2012 and 2017.
The Department for Education has underlined the government’s belief in the importance of computing by making it compulsory in the national curriculum. They also stated, “We are investing £84m over the next four years to up-skill up to 8,000 computer science teachers and drive up participation in computer science.” You can learn more about the government’s approach on the Department for Education’s website.
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.