The UK Government has received suggestions from the Royal Society regarding the proposed reform of information and communications technology (ICT) classes in schools.
The Royal Society, which is currently the governing body of UK sciences, has recommended splitting the complex subject into distinct areas e.g. computer science and digital literacy.
It has also stated that the Government should focus on recruiting more specialist IT teachers.
From Government statistics, it is understood that only 35% of ICT teachers are specialists, in contrast to 80% for core subjects such as Mathematics and English.
The body has suggested that computer science should be held as a “rigorous subject”, like Mathematics and Physics, whilst digital literacy should be level with the teaching of reading and writing.
It remains to be seen whether the Government will follow the body’s guidelines when it comes to the reform.
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