Background Context:
Computing underpins almost all aspects of the modern world and many new developments in science and engineering could not have been realised without it. For this reason, employers are increasingly seeking students who understand computing and are able to apply these skills.
In its 2012 report ‘Shut down or restart’, The Royal Society concluded that computing education in the UK was generally difficult to deliver for reasons such as non-specialist teachers, a broadly interpreted curriculum, lack of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and inadequate infrastructure. Following this, a new computing curriculum for 5-16 year olds was introduced in English schools in 2014, replacing Information Communication Technology (ICT).
The situation is slightly different between the UK nations. In Scotland, the Curriculum for Excellence (introduced in 2010) includes coverage of computing science contexts for developing technological skills and knowledge. In Wales and Northern Ireland the curricula are primarily focused on ICT.
Website links:
Royal Society: https://royalsociety.org/
Royal Society (Computing Education): https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/computing-education/
Royal Society (Education and Skills): https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/education-skills/
Reports:
Royal Society (2012) Shutdown or Restart? The Way Forward for Computing In Schools
Links to curriculum content:
England: National Curriculum – Computing Programmes of Study
Scotland: Curriculum for Excellence – Technologies
Wales: Information and communication technology in the National Curriculum for Wales
Northern Ireland: Website of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment
