ICT for Key Stage 3.pdf - VJGrogan

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Computing for Key Stage 3 Introduction For at least three years, Chingford Foundation School has not been offering ICT or Computing as a subject for Years 7 and 8. The decision to remove Computing as a compulsory subject in a time where computers and technology dominate our lives more than ever, seems to make little sense. The purpose of this document is to provide some information relating to the importance of Computing in secondary schools, as well as raise this as an issue. There is often some confusion around terms used to describe computer-based education. Originally, there was Computer Science and ICT, where ICT focused on core computer skills and Computer Science was more technical and programming based. These terms still stand, however under the National Curriculum, Computing is used as an umbrella term to describe both areas. For the purposes of this document and to remain as accurate as possible, I will refer to Computing in the context of ICT. Why do we need Computing education in secondary schools? The pupils of today have not known a time before the internet and frequently take technology for granted. Often this produces the illusion that young people have an innate ability to pick up computing skills without the requirement for education. Computing covers such a wide range of technologies and although a student may have a very good grasp of the use of a smartphone or a specific social media platform, these skills do not necessarily transfer to techniques required for school studies or the working world. Educating young people in Computing could be considered just as important as core subjects such as English and Mathematics. Being proficient with a computer is a life skill and an essential part of modern education. There are almost no jobs today which do not require basic computing proficiency. The problem at Chingford Foundation School Since the school removed Computing as a compulsory lesson for Years 7 and 8, unless a pupil specifically chooses to take ICT or Computer Science for their GCSE’s or A-Levels, they will pass through the whole of their secondary education without receiving a single Computing lesson. The school’s official response to this decision was to implement computing skills into other lessons. Unfortunately, this integration was not given any direction with a curriculum and was up to the individual subject teachers to add it to their lessons. Teachers often struggle to get through their subject’s content without trying to teach Computing on the side. 1 Based on research between 2005 and 2008, Ofsted published a document on ‘The Importance of ICT’ 1. This was written over 10 years ago and may seem irrelevant. However, the age of the publication highlights the problem even more. Even back in 2008, guidance was given to schools on the importance of teaching Computing at all key stages of education. Now, nearly a decade later, it seems as if the school has taken a step backward especially considering Computing is more relevant than ever before. How have pupils been impacted by this? Pupils who have never had Computing lessons will struggle when they need to use the school’s IT facilities for their other subjects. I experienced a current Year 9 student who didn’t know how to use a USB Flash Drive to save thier Graphics Design work. Within their three years at the school they had only used the computers a handful of times and had never been taught some of the basics. Other students will get through school and into a job without knowing what Microsoft Excel is, let alone how to use it. How can this be solved? A common misconception is that every student must learn Computer Science. This is untrue. Computer Science focuses on skills and knowledge surrounding programming and advanced mathematics which are not essential skills. However, learning the basic techniques required to effectively operate modern computing systems are. Even if students were given an ICT lesson once a week in Year 7, this would be an improvement over nothing at all. I would recommend a balanced Computing syllabus focusing on core skills with suitable progression for higher ability students. Summary In summary, it is of upmost importance that young people are educated in ICT and continuing with the current system could prove damaging to their future careers. I do appreciate the financial strain on the education system currently, however I believe this should not be at the direct expense of education. 1 ‘The Importance of ICT’, Ofsted, 2005 - 2008 2